The team would like to wish Andy all the best in his new role. You will be missed!

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Last week was “Share for Better Care” week. Your feedback is important to us and helps health and social care services to improve. We’re here to listen and review what you tell us, no matter if it’s good or bad, big or small. We have a page on our website for any and all feedback:

Have Your Say

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Planning our Website glow up for 2025 🤩
#KEYFORT #Specialistsupport #WorkPlacements #Recruitment #Community #Education #Employment #ChildrenServices #AdultServices

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Thank you to everyone who attended our CPD workshop on Traumatic Brain Injury on Friday.

A massive thank you to Dr Lloyd Oates for delivering this training.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lloyd-o-1a809865

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Thanks to Neil from N-LIGHTEN for coming in to Head Office to plan some person-centred PBS and PMVA training for our teams #training #realpeoplerealsupport #KEYFORT

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KEYFORT will be walking the 3k Race for Life at Herrington Park, Sunderland on Sunday 1st June 2025 at 11am. We will be doing this alongside one of the people we support. Everyone welcome. If you would like to join us you can sign up and receive 50% off before 31st January for just £7.50.

Please let us know if you would like to join us 👟🏃‍➡️

https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

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Massive thank you to Magpie Training for delivering our Basic Life Support training this morning. #RealPeopleRealSupport #SavingLives #BethSavesLives #KEYFORTcareandsupport

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We would like to introduce you to Charlotte, our new Communication Champion. We are keen this year to continue to improve on our communication within the company. As part of our Business Plan for the year we have introduced communication meetings to discuss any hot topics. Feel free to contact Charlotte with anything you wish to be discussed.

Charlotte Steel

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We would like to introduce you to our Equality & Diversity Champion and Regional Team Lead, Olive Okesie.

Olive’s role is to ensure equality and diversity within the workplace. Olive will speak up on behalf of staff for equality and diversity at all times and will be involved in policy making decisions.

If you would like to discuss any equality or diversity concerns please link directly in with Olive or our HR team.

Olive Okezie

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What a lovely day it was at our Christmas Party in our new North West Office. Thank you to everyone who could make it, we are looking forward to the North East Party this week

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A massive congratulations to all of our teams nominated for the Great British Care Awards. What an amazing night to see so many KEYFORT staff shortlisted for the awards.

We would like to say congratulations to Andy Crago for winning the Home Care Coordinator Award.

Also, a massive congratulations to Bethan Blacklock (Registered Nurse Award), Sara Cox (Registered Manager Award) and Lisa Potts (Recruitment, Retention and Recognition Award), who were all Highly Commended.

We are SOOO proud of you all. 👏🫶

Congratulations to all of those shortlisted who also attended on the night:

• Emily & Kelly Dunn – Care Employer Award
• Sara Cox – Registered Manager Award
• Lauren Wright – WorkForce Development Award
• Lisa Potts – 3 R’s Award – Recruitment, Retention & Recognition
• Bethan Blacklock – Social Care Nurse Award
• Andy Crago – Homecare Coordinator Award
• Beth Sullivan – Homecare Coordinator Award
• Karen Milburn – Putting People First Award
• Becca Feddon – Frontline Leader Award
• Bibi Okosun – Homecare Worker Award
• Eva Taylor-Seriatou – Homecare Worker Award
• Noelia Marquez Jiminez – Homecare Worker Award
• Ruth Chukwu – Care Newcomer Award
• Becki Smith/Saskia Parry/Dawn Williams/Sophie Holden/Eva Taylor-Seriatou/Karen Milburn – Care Team Award

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We are running a carving competition – all entries welcome. Please check our Socials for info and photos nearer to Halloween. Happy carving

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We are absolutely over the moon that 16 of our AMAZING staff team have been short listed for the Great British Care Awards – WOW WOW WOW 🤩
Thanks for voting everyone!
#Greatbritishcareawards #Specialistsupport #Care #KEYFORT #Shortlisted #Regionalfinalist #Woohoo

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An amazing day full of Ziplines, Archery and Kielder Reservoir Hikes to fundraise for a wheelchair part for a Gentleman we support. Support Staff, Office Staff and People we Support came together to help raise these vital funds and what a day it was! Thank you to all those who donated towards this much needed adaptation.
#KEYFORT #Team #Fundraising #FunDay

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July’s Team of the Month is D’s Team from our NE Division

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

D’s team have always been incredible, consistently going above and beyond to be there for him. Their genuine care and strong bond is evident, not just with D but with his family too. Their bond has meant that D is more — whether it’s making coffee, preparing pot noodles, or using public transport. They keep him safe when he’s out in the community. Every member of the team enjoys working with him, and it really shows! Thank you for all your hard work guys, keep being amazing! 👏

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Date for the Diary – Wednesday 10th July 2024. As a team, our staff and the people we support are going to walk 100 miles around Kielder reservoir and take on the Calvert Zip Coaster to raise money for a wheelchair adaptation.

Anyone and everyone are welcome to join us – teams, families, people we support. The more we can raise the better. If anyone wishes to donate, the link is below:

https://gofund.me/4c541938

#realpeople #KEYFORT

Pictures to follow after the event

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#Doyouseeme #inclusion #personcentred #specialistsupport #KEYFORT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JMkvfrL5vs

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May’s Employee of the Month is Kim Biggins – Band 4 Specialist Mentor

Kim has worked at the KEYFORT Group for 4 years now, she has been nominated for this month’s Employee of Month, as she has gone above and beyond in her role.  Most recently she has volunteered to  support a new colleague in becoming settled into her role, by offering peer mentorship, guidance and support.  Kim is an exemplary member of the Band 4 team, always putting students first and is amazing at keeping them engaged and returning for support.  Thank you Kim for your outstanding work ethic, you are a credit to our ACE Division and KEYFORT. 👏👏👏

#ACE #Mentor #EducationSupport #TeamSpirit

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This week in conjunction with Florence Nightingales Birthday, we celebrate our amazing Nurses. National Nurses Week is celebrated May 6th-12th and we’d like to say a massive thank you to our Nurses.

#NursesWeek#KEYFORTDreamTeam#specialistsupport #communitysupport #thankyou @theRCN

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Meet ‘A’s team. They have been recognised as the Team of the Month by their peers and colleagues. Every day, they demonstrate exceptional teamwork and solidarity. ‘A’ has a great relationship with her team and enjoys spending time with them, as do they with ‘A’. A special THANK YOU to Karen as Team Lead for her quick thinking and outstanding leadership for always being there for both ‘A’ and her team. What an amazing, caring and supportive team!

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Our team speaking to the future talent in Health and Social Care at Newcastle College
#realpeoplerealsupportrealdifference #healthandsocialcare #newcastlecollege  #careergoals #carematters #careisacareer #keyfortgroup

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A special THANK YOU goes to ‘E’s exceptional team! Each of you bring your strengths and qualities to the team, going the extra mile for ‘E’.

We appreciate the dedication and commitment demonstrated by you amazing lot. Your collective efforts ensure that ‘E’ lives life to the max – including supporting her to go on holiday 😎☀️

Not only are you all there for ‘E’ but also each other, which truly is TEAM SPIRIT at it’s finest.

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Our fabulous Recruitment & Resource Manager Lisa aka Pottsy deserves a big SHOUT OUT. Lisa has worked at KEYFORT for 5 years now and is the life and soul of the party. She picks everyone up when they’re having a bad day, and is the first point of contact for all new recruits. She is one in a million – every office needs a Pottsy. She has in the past recognised and congratulated our Employees of the Month, so it’s about time we gave her a shout out too. Thank you for all that you do.

Lisa Potts

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Andy is one of our newest Case Managers to our North East team and is doing a fantastic job. He is going over and above in getting to know his team, the people we support and their families. He’s already very much part of the furniture and a great addition 🤩

Andy Crago

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Meet Hannah – she’s one of our North West Case Managers who is about to go on maternity leave. Good luck Hannah and we can’t wait to meet the little one 💙🍼

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Introducing Angela Kyle who has now worked at KEYFORT for 16 years – we couldn’t do it without you! Double celebrations for Angela as not only is she celebrating 16 years at KEYFORT, she is also celebrating the birth of her beautiful grand daughter. Huge congratulations! #meettheteam  #KEYFORT  #specialistsupport  #finance  #anniversary

Angela Kyle

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Introducing Abi, KEYFORT’s Academic, Community and Employment (ACE) Service Manager. She has been with us now for over two years. She really is ACE 🫶
#academicsupport  #communitysupport  #employmentsupport #furthereducationsuppport  #highereducationsupport  #mentoring  #dsa  #nonmedicalhelper  #mentalhealth  #autism  #universitylife  #unlockingpotential  #disabilitysupport  #accesstowork  #educationsupport

Abi Parker

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January’s Employee of the Month ⭐ Franklin ⭐

Over the past few months Franklin has been working on a community case with an individual we support in the North East.  He has settled into the team extremely well and has taken the time to really get to know and understand what ‘R’ likes in his support sessions.  ‘R’ is a very social individual and enjoys going to watch live bands in his local area, as our picture shows.

Franklin’s fellow staff members, family and even ‘R’ himself have all given him fantastic feedback. ‘R’ is particularly enjoying having a male addition to his support team!

Let’s celebrate Franklin for embodying our values, and the positive impact he’s bringing to the person we support.  

Thank you, you’re making a difference that truly matters👏👏👏

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‘A’ is a young man who commenced his educational journey with KEYFORT in September 2023. Having disengaged from traditional education settings for nearly a year, ‘A’ required a personalised educational approach tailored to his unique needs and learning style.

KEYFORT worked closely with next of kin and the local authority to set up a bespoke package that would mean ‘A’ could start to access his education again in a way that would motivate and engage him.

We recognised the need for a specialised approach, and ‘A’ now has a dedicated and skilled support team who are instrumental in supporting with implementation of a tailored educational package for ‘A’.

Since joining KEYFORT,  ‘A’ has exceeded all expectations and showcased remarkable progress in his education journey. ‘A’ has been enjoying practising his writing skills and has enjoyed learning about the human body. ‘A’ has also enjoyed learning about measurements and numbers whilst baking. The team provide a range of more traditional classroom activities as well as sensory activities.  In addition to his academic progress, the team has been prioritising the development of essential life skills for ‘A’. Special attention is being given to daily living skills and practical knowledge, such as money management.

‘A’ currently has goals to put his new skills and knowledge into practice by accessing the local community and further afield

KEYFORT RECOGNISES THAT THERE ARE STUDENTS OUT THERE WHO MAY NOT SUIT A TRADITIONAL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, AND SO CAN PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO MAKE SURE THAT PERSON CAN STILL GAIN ALL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS WHILST BEING IN A NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION SETTING. TAYLORING SUPPORT SPECIFICALLY TO THE INDIVIDUAL.

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What is Time to Talk Day?

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for people to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

Talking about mental health isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives. Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and KEYFORT want to support this.

It’s easier to tell people we’re “fine” that it is to say how we really feel. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health. So lets start talking together today.

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Huge Congratulations to KEYFORT’s Sara Cox on becoming Registered CQC Manager for the North East and North West Regions

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Easter is nearly here, and one of our favourite people, J, made the most of the sunny weather on Tuesday visiting the Angel of the North. J loves getting out and about, and his Support Worker James makes sure he has a fun experience every time. Definitely beats the view out of the office window!

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Sarah turned 30 last week

Her support team organised for staff and an engine from Carlisle Fire Station to visit her on the eve of her Birthday! Sarah’s sheer delight in these photos show how much this meant to her.

We would like to say a HUGE thank you Hannah, her Case Lead, Sarah’s support team and, to the staff from Carlisle Fire Service for going the extra mile to make this lady’s day so special.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH

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KEYFORT are so so proud to announce that our amazing Selina Beardmore recently won the ‘Frontline Leader Award’ at the North East Great British Care Awards

Well done Selina you are truly AMAZING

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On 22nd June, some of the Team took on the challenge of walking 25 miles around Lake Ullswater in memory of Jordan. Jordan was 25 when he passed away and would have loved the idea of us taking on a challenge in his honour.

All money raised was for Jigsaw, a charity close to Jordan’s heart – and a charity that he wanted to give something back to. https://gofund.me/08aefc71#KEYFORTsupportandcare

Included in the walking team was two of Jordan’s long serving members of his support team, and we were honoured they could complete it.

A lot of sore feet, blisters and sunburn, but worth it for the cause (and the views)

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Our Resource Administrators Carli & Abi attended a Careers & Progression fair at Askham Bryan College in York to promote our Employment, Education and Community support services. They had a great day chatting to students in the local area about their future plans and how KEYFORT may be able to support them to achieve their goals and aspirations. #KEYFORTunlockingpotential #careergoals

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Danielle Haldane, one of our Directors, celebrates 10 years with KEYFORT

Every office needs a Danielle

We have never known someone drop her phone so much so don’t distract her when she’s holding it Happy 10 years Danielle

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Over the past couple of weeks, our teams have been bringing unwanted/unused items to the office to be able to help out where we can. A massive THANK YOU for all donations received that have now been sent to the Newcastle Polish Centre for the people of Ukraine. What a fantastic effort. And a special thanks to our very own wonderful Lisa Potts for collecting and dropping off. Amazing

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Kelly and Emily and the KEYFORT TEAM are supporting this amazing charity and would be hugely grateful for any support

Share this post to raise awareness

Come along and do 39mins walking or 3.9 miles with Kelly & Emily

Make a donation

Make us a cuppa or feed us sweets ……..

because let’s face it we are going to need all the support we can get(!) Wed 9th February Queensway and Kingsway on The Team Valley, Kelly and Emily owners of KEYFORT are walking 2 mile loops til we hit 39miles#challenge39

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-emily?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=kelly-emily&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=1700fd4b325341c18a7f76705ad8bf56&fbclid=IwAR1kxpBeqx_ofjuOvEFha1HKrx75blkxGZG4eCfkmm4CLU2wzsQnCzc1jts

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KEYFORT are committed to helping the people we support get back into employment, and achieve their goals. Jordan is a fantastic example of this, and his team have supported him in being able to do voluntary work in a setting he loves. His passion and enthusiasm is inspiring, and this is the start of an exciting new chapter in his life. Everyone who knows Jordan will agree that he can put a smile on anyone’s face. Below is the article from the website of where he is doing his voluntary work – www.refusedurham.org.uk

Supported Volunteering: Jordan’s Story

In July 2021 Refuse received a grant from Karbon Homes, from their Community Grants Fund*, to “Make Volunteering Accessible”  so we started the Access to Volunteering Scheme. This allowed us to fund 2 mentors to work for 8 hours each supporting volunteers 1 on 1 in the cafe. This has been incredibly useful for people like Jordan, who couldn’t access volunteering without a mentor’s support. Read Jordan’s interview below…

How did you first hear about the cafe?

J – My occupational therapist told me about it. I asked him to find me some voluntary work to help me get stronger and he found it for me. 

Now that you’ve been volunteering for a while can you describe REfUSE in one sentence?

J – Amazing… It’s basically a charity cafe restaurant that takes wasted food from the big corporations like Tesco and ASDA and makes meals with it.

When you come to volunteer, what does a normal shift look like for you?

J – I clean the tables, barista, make and serve the coffees, basic customer service. I’m starting to use the till, I’m getting much better at that. Just be my own charming self really.

What are some things that might make accessing volunteering challenging for you?

J – I can’t really think of any challenges off the top of my head. The only one I would say is if it’s busier moving around the tables. 

Would you feel up to telling us a bit about your disability?

J – I’ve got complete left-sided weakness, my whole left side’s knackered basically my left heel doesn’t plant on the floor so I walk with a bit of a wobble. I’ve lost complete use of my left arm, and I’ve got a thing in my vision called left-side neglect so I don’t see things on the left.

How do you find having a mentor work alongside you 1-1 has helped you access volunteering?

J – It’s helped me massively because Fran, my mentor, has really helped me settle in. She’s the best, I look forward to coming into the cafe just to see Fran. 

For example, when you serve a customer what does Fran do?

JL – Fran’s there to kind of supervise and help me with the till if I can’t find things.

Were you nervous to start volunteering? 

J – I was a bit cautious because of my disability with being on my feet for so long. It’s been such a long time since I’ve worked.

Do you feel like this has helped with your confidence?

J – Yeah, loads. 

Do you have any goals or things you would like to achieve in the rest of your volunteering?

J – I’d like to be completely independent on the till.

Is there any advice you would give to a new volunteer?

J – Give it a few shifts and you will absolutely love it. Don’t be nervous, everyone is lovely. Thank you so much for being so accepting and taking me onto the team.

https://refusedurham.org.uk/2022/01/19/supported-volunteering-jordans-story/

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On 25th September, some of our team travelled to Birmingham to represent KEYFORT for the National Care Awards. We had two finalists on the night. Sadly no winners, but they are absolutely winners in our eyes and we are honoured and humbled to have them on the team.

• Dignity in Care Award – John Pope
• Home Care Worker – James Reid

John returned to KEYFORT after 10 years and has made a huge impact on the team and the people we support. He, without question, treats everyone with dignity and respect – and genuinely wants to make a difference to the individual’s life.

James has been part of the team for 10 years now (!!) working predominantly with 2 individuals, creating stability and continuity in their care. James is valued so highly by the people he supports and their families. He actually declined attending the Awards in person as he didn’t want to let down the people he supports. Incredible.

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN AND JAMES 👏👏👏👏👏👏

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We are #teamgracehouse for the Great North Run 2021! Six of us are undertaking the challenge of the new route around Newcastle. Some of us have trained hard, some have not. But we will do KEYFORT and Grace House proud Sponsor us to help Grace House North East and give us the motivation to get our trainers on! https://ghne.enthuse.com/pf/keyfort-gnr

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