Newsletter – July 2025

🌟 July Newsletter – Celebrating Summer Adventures & Team Dedication 🌞

As the summer sun continued to shine, we’re thrilled to share the wonderful moments, adventures, and achievements happening across our homes and teams. From winning Team of the Year at the prestigious Love South Tyneside Awards and music festivals to trips to Blackpool and Flamingo Land, everyone has been making the most of the sunny days, creating new memories, and growing in confidence. A big thank you to all staff who continue to go above and beyond to support the people in our care.

Let’s take a look at what’s been happening lately…

South Tyneside Parade

We’re incredibly proud to share that a group of our amazing staff took part in this year’s South Tyneside Parade, bringing energy, creativity, and community spirit to the heart of the celebration. Decked out in vibrant costumes and joined by music and dancing, our team marched with pride, representing our organization with smiles and enthusiasm.

The event, which draws crowds from across the region, was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local community and showcase the dedication and personality of our staff outside of Ashdown Care. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, or cheered us on – you made us stand out!
A big shoutout to Paul, who bravely attended. Despite finding these types of events challenging due to anxiety, Paul joined in wearing his mask and t-shirt—and he had a great time!

9 Tynevale
Adam enjoyed a peaceful and scenic walk recently, setting off from Seaburn and following the beautiful cliffs of Whitburn and Marsden. A great way to connect with nature and take in the sea air!

South Hill

The South Hill crew had a lovely day out recently to the Discovery Museum, followed by some DVD shopping—perfect for relaxing evenings ahead.

Deborah and Paul, alongside staff Jade and Joseph, had a fantastic weekend trip away to Blackpool! Highlights included visiting the Sea Life Centre, striking a pose with celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds, and laughing non-stop at the circus. A memorable weekend for all involved!

Cheshire
Murray has had a brilliant few weeks, making fantastic progress with both daily routines and creative projects!

With the support of staff, Murray has been consistently completing his daily board, showing greater independence and ownership of his day-to-day tasks. It’s been wonderful to see his confidence grow as he takes on more for himself.

He’s also taken on a fun and creative gardening project, painting a tyre in his garden with real focus and enthusiasm. Murray was fully engaged from start to finish—and couldn’t have been prouder of the end result!

Well done, Murray—your hard work and creativity are inspiring!

Hedgeley

Recently, Louise enjoyed a fantastic day out with a familiar face—spending time with Michelle as part of a well-deserved trip to High Force and a scenic drive into Scotland.

To make the day even more comfortable for Louise, shift cover was arranged so she could be supported by someone she knows and trusts—helping her feel relaxed and confident throughout the trip. It’s small, thoughtful choices like this that show how deeply we care about providing person-centred support that respects each individual’s needs.

From taking in the breath taking views of the High Force waterfall to enjoying the peaceful journey across the border, the day was filled with laughter, fresh air, and great company. Louise had a brilliant time, and it was a perfect example of how meaningful relationships and shared experiences can create lasting memories.

David also had a brilliant day out at Saltwell Park, soaking up the fresh air and nature. Days like this are a great reminder of how important it is to slow down, connect with the outdoors, and simply enjoy the moment. David returned home happy and refreshed—proof that sometimes the simplest outings can be the most meaningful.

Thurston

Paige and her staff recently enjoyed a fun-filled caravan holiday at Blue Dolphin Caravan Site in Filey—and it was a trip full of laughter, relaxation, and great company!

From seaside strolls to cosy evenings in the caravan, the group made the most of every moment, soaking up the holiday atmosphere and making lovely memories along the way.

A big thank you to the staff who supported Paige on her break—these special getaways mean so much and bring a real sense of joy and freedom.

Isabelle and Erin had a fantastic time at the South Tyneside Music Festival, enjoying a weekend full of music, dancing, and joyful moments with their support staff.

The festival atmosphere was electric, with live performances, sunny weather, and plenty of opportunities to sing, dance, and soak up the community spirit. Isabelle and Erin made the most of every moment—smiling, laughing, and dancing to their favourite tunes.

289 Eastbourne

It’s been a fun and musical time at 289, with Stuart, Gillian, and Michael having an absolute blast at the Sound Room! Supported by staff, they enjoyed playing the drums, dancing, and getting into the rhythm in a lively, creative environment.

The smiles said it all—everyone fully embraced the chance to express themselves through music, move to the beat, and simply enjoy being in the moment. These sessions are not only fun but also fantastic for confidence, coordination, and connection.

Ian and Chris recently enjoyed a calm and refreshing day out at Saltwell Park, making the most of the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. With support from Esther and Michael, the group took a relaxing stroll through the park, soaking up the greenery and quiet atmosphere.

Ian, feeling great, especially enjoyed the walk—followed by a well-earned break at the café, where they all took time to unwind and chat over a warm drink.

Ravenscroft

Ravenscroft recently enjoyed a fantastic adventure with a day out to Flamingo Land—and what a brilliant time it was! From thrilling rides to animal encounters, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The day was filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of smiles as everyone embraced the fun, made memories, and enjoyed the sunshine together. Outings like this are a wonderful way to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and experience something new as a group.

A huge thank you to the staff who helped make the day so special—Ravenscroft is already looking forward to the next adventure!

Denmark

Ralph chose to celebrate his birthday with a weeks-long holiday in sunny Blackpool alongside his friends from Denmark Street – and what a fantastic time they all had. One of the highlights was a magical day at the Sealife Centre, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. They also visited Winter Wonderland, where they were captivated by a mesmerising display of Blackpool’s rich heritage. Another memorable outing was a wonderful trip to the zoo, where the group was ecstatic to see the monkeys, giraffes, and gorillas up close – an experience that left everyone smiling. A day-long excursion then took them to Liverpool to visit the legendary Cavern Club and celebrate the Beatles experience, with the quirky Upside Down House attracting particular interest.
Throughout the holiday, the group developed warm friendships with other tourists and proudly took photos to remember the special moments. Evenings were spent dancing the night away at the hotel entertainment, made even better by complimentary drink vouchers – though Ron did take a well-earned nap as the music continued into the night. The group also showed their thoughtfulness by bringing back special treats for Margaret and Craig, a gesture that reflected their kindness and connection. They even picked out a bright pink “Kiss Me Quick” hat for Emma, believing she’d love it as a fun and heartfelt thank-you for her role in planning the trip.
Staff member Ellen did an amazing job of arranging all the activities, taking time to consider each person’s interests and preferences. Her effort made the experience truly special for everyone involved, and her support was appreciated by all.

York Close

Joanne recently enjoyed a fabulous three-day break in Blackpool—and it was packed with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Joined by staff Anne and Bev, she made the most of every moment, from watching a thrilling circus performance and indulging in some well-deserved shopping, to dancing the night away to all her favourite tunes.

A highlight of the trip was a lively game of bingo, which Joanne absolutely loved—her excitement and energy were contagious! The break was full of smiles, connection, and confidence-building experiences, and it was clear how much Joanne enjoyed every second.

A big thank you to Anne and Bev for their support and company.

Brandon

It was all fun and games at the bowling alley as Brandon and his team enjoyed a fantastic outing filled with strikes, spares, and plenty of laughs!

Everyone got into the spirit of the game, cheering each other on and celebrating every roll—whether it was a perfect strike or a near miss. The atmosphere was full of energy, and Brandon had a brilliant time sharing smiles and memories with his team.

👏 Team & Staff Recognition

Ashdown Care Wins Team of the Year at the Love South Tyneside Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Ashdown Care has been named Team of the Year at the 2025 Love South Tyneside Awards! 🎉

The annual awards, held at The Customs House on Thursday 23 July, celebrated civic pride and community spirit across the Borough, with over 440 people nominated across 10 categories. To come away with this award in such strong company is an incredible achievement and a testament to the passion, care, and commitment of our entire team.

From co-creating stunning, sustainable costumes for the South Tyneside Parade, to organising a Christmas Charity Disco that raised £667.65 for Hebburn Helps, our team continually steps up to make a real difference. Our inclusive Eid and Diwali celebrations, community litter picks, and environmental projects show how deeply we care about building meaningful experiences for our service users and strengthening our ties to the wider community.

This award recognises not just our teamwork, but our shared belief that everyone deserves to feel included, empowered, and proud of where they live. We are grateful for the support of the South Tyneside community and thankful for each and every team member who goes above and beyond to help others thrive.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, nominated, or supported us along the way. Let’s keep building on this momentum and continue being a team that shines.

Congratulations, Team Ashdown—you truly deserve it. 💙

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, nominated, or supported us along the way. Let’s keep building on this momentum and continue being a team that shines.

A heartfelt message from the new manager at 289

“Since stepping into my role as manager at 289, I have been truly impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the team. They have consistently delivered a high standard of person-centred care, always seeking ways to improve outcomes for the individuals we support.”

“I would especially like to acknowledge the support of Sarah (Deputy Manager) and Esther (Senior), who have both played a vital role in helping me settle into the service. Their leadership, experience, and commitment have made a significant difference in ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining continuity of care.”

Thank you, 289 team—you truly are an inspiration!

Supporting IJ with Compassion and Care

In particular, the team’s commitment to IJ has been exceptional. As he navigates the early stages of dementia, they have shown compassion, adaptability, and initiative. Staff attended dementia training and have applied their learning directly into daily practice, ensuring IJ continues to enjoy his routines – including his valued daily walks when he feels up to it.

The team also supported IJ in redecorating his bedroom to reflect his passion for the army, creating a personalised and calming space that he takes great pride in. Their collective effort reflects a strong culture of empathy, respect, and continuous improvement. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group.

York Street – Leading With Values

Over the past three months, staff at York Street have been trialling Active Support Plans, focusing on embedding Ashdown’s core values into daily practice. One individual, PG, now has two personalised plans—one for making hot drinks and another for cooking.

The team have shown fantastic collaboration, consistently following and improving these plans. They’ve shared observations in handovers and meetings, building a supportive environment rooted in “Always Work as a Team.”
In line with “Committed to Quality Care,” they didn’t just follow the plan—they enhanced it. One creative touch was buying PG a chef’s outfit to wear during cooking, which increased his enjoyment, pride, and confidence.

Respecting PG’s preferences, pace, and communication style has remained central—reflecting our value of “Respect & Dignity.” Staff have allowed PG to lead wherever possible, helping build his independence and choice.

And true to “Education & Reflection,” each session ends with staff discussing what went well, what can be improved, and how PG responded. Small, thoughtful tweaks—like adjusting support times or communication methods—have made a big difference. The result? Meaningful progress in both PG’s skills and engagement. A brilliant example of values in action.

Nevinson Avenue – Initiative in Action

A special shout out to staff member Gareth Rees for his thoughtful initiative in supporting Mano. After noticing that MA enjoys pretending to drive the Metro while sitting in the garden, Gareth reached out to Nexus. Thanks to this connection, MA received a Metro-themed care package—keyrings, stationery, a bag, sunglasses, and sweets—which brought him so much joy. A wonderful, person-centred gesture that made a big impact.

Waverley Road – Positive Outcomes Through Consistent Support

During a recent Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meeting regarding SM, the allocated social worker highlighted the remarkable improvements in SM’s behaviour over the past academic year—both in college and at home. The social worker attributed these positive changes to the consistent care, stability, and dedication provided by the Waverley Road staff team. This recognition speaks volumes about the difference that committed support can make in someone’s life.

CQC Quality Statement Focus – Environmental Sustainability

🧩 CQC Quality Statement: How Staff, Teams and Services Work Together
Thanks again for everyone’s engagement in the CQC quality statement initiative. This month we were looking at the following:
“We work effectively across teams and services to support people. We make sure they only need to tell their story once by sharing their assessments of need when they move between different services.”
Here’s how our managers are embedding this across Ashdown, ensuring we meet the ‘Effective’ key question in the CQC Single Assessment Framework 👇:

👩‍⚕️ Melanie – Consistency, Collaboration & Communication
Melanie’s stable team provides continuity for people with learning disabilities and autism. Weekly MDTs 🧠, daily reflective practices 🔁, and strong external partnerships mean information flows smoothly, reducing the need for people to repeat their stories. The team shares learning from incidents, adapts strategies together, and co-produces tools like “About Me” profiles to support personalised, joined-up care 📂.

👩‍🍳 Laura – Building Trust Through Relationships
Laura’s approach prioritises warm relationships and accessible care information. Team bonding events 🎲 and collaborative shadowing build trust and reduce anxiety during changes. Structured handovers and MDT involvement mean staff stay well-informed and consistent, fulfilling the CQC expectation for seamless transitions and shared understanding across services 💬.

🎨 Yvonne – Joined-Up Support Across Services
Yvonne ensures communication between Ashdown teams and day services like Ocean Choices is proactive and consistent 🤝. Shared care plans and ongoing contact reduce duplication and keep people at the centre of planning. Social events promote connection, and transitions are handled with dignity and preparation 🎭—fully in line with CQC’s focus on coordinated working.

📘 Julia – Digital Access & Multi-Agency Involvement
Julia’s team uses Care Realm effectively to share updated support plans and track understanding 📱. Transitions like PG’s are carefully managed with family involvement and professional input. Monthly MDTs, visual communication tools, and clear audit trails demonstrate the team’s commitment to person-centred, integrated support – meeting the quality statement expectations ✅.

🏡 Karen – Responsive MDTs & Safeguarding Through Teamwork
Karen’s services ensure care remains effective and joined up by regularly attending MDTs and collaborating with professionals 🧑‍⚕️. Staff respond swiftly to changes, like JC’s mental health needs, by updating risk assessments and increasing support hours. Families are kept informed and involved, ensuring people receive consistent care across settings 🛡️.

🧑‍💼 Michelle – Coordinating Complex Care Across Services
Michelle’s team acts as a central hub 🧭—sharing care plans in advance, adapting support quickly (e.g. after a difficult visit for DT), and initiating multi-agency planning. Actions such as introducing communication passports and “team around the person” meetings directly align with the CQC’s focus on reducing fragmented care and empowering people 👥.

🧠 Dave – Behavioural Support Through Professional Partnership
Dave’s team works hand-in-hand with the LD team and PBS lead to improve Scott’s quality of life by reducing behaviours that challenge 📉. Through behaviour tracking, joint reviews, and careful medication planning, the team ensures everyone is working from the same understanding. Person-centred outcomes, such as a successful mini break 🏖️, show how coordinated support leads to better lives.

📎 Carolyn – Empowering People & Families Through Communication
Carolyn ensures that people stay in control of their story by keeping records updated and involving families in reviews 💬. Tools like memory books, “This Is Me” profiles, and pictorial aids help people communicate and ease transitions. Upcoming plans for joint reflection sessions and information-sharing agreements show strong alignment with CQC expectations 📃.

📝 Sharon – Embedding Daily Collaboration
Sharon’s service uses communication books, daily handovers, and monthly keyworker meetings to maintain consistency 📒. Staff receive joint training and work with families and advocates to co-develop care plans. MDTs and best interest meetings ensure multi-agency input, and planned improvements include visual tools and clearer feedback loops to support inclusion and shared accountability 🧾.

Garys Section

“Kindness doesn’t cost a thing—but it’s worth everything.”

The other day, I was struggling to lift a heavy TV unit from my car when a man from Lithuania, who was posting leaflets nearby, stopped and offered to help. I gratefully accepted, and when I offered him £5 to say thank you, he smiled and said, “No – people in my country like to help each other.”

That really stuck with me. A small, thoughtful act—expecting nothing in return—reminded me of the kind of culture we strive for here at Ashdown. A culture where we look out for one another, lend a hand when it’s needed, and offer help not for reward, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Feedback Forms

Suggestions Link: https://forms.office.com/e/AZiGxgXsM7

A new suggestions link is now available for staff and service users.

• By clicking on the link, you can submit suggestions on how to improve our company.
• If your suggestions are adopted, you can win prizes.
• This link will be included in all future newsletters and is also accessible through your manager

Concerns form: https://forms.office.com/e/6CVAYSt9av

• If you want to raise a concern and do not feel comfortable doing this through your line manager, please complete the form above.

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Kind regards,
Ashdown Care