Massive congratulations to the four employees for being voted by your colleagues and the people who we support. Here are some of the quotes from the nominations.

Manny Sithole – “Manny always supports his team, he has a positive attitude always”

Busonma Edo – “With overseeing a new case, he has demonstrated building an amazing relationship already and looking into all aspects of care holistically to improve his quality of life. I’d like to nominate Buso, who has performed exceptionally well in his role as an RTL. He has truly been a driving force for positive change and consistently delivers high-quality support across his cases. His professionalism and passion for his work really make him stand out, and it’s clear he is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact.”

Amanda Haley – “I’d love to nominate Amanda for always going above and beyond for everyone around her. She constantly puts others before herself and is always there to support the team, no matter what. Her hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed—we all see and appreciate everything she does. Both the Support Worker team and the Ops team are so grateful for her effort, and we honestly don’t know what we’d do without her!”

Kathrin Treacy – “She has really helped me with my writing techniques and making my essays coherent. I’ve noticed my grades seem to have gone up since she started tutoring me. She is also so sweet and caring, I get quite worked up when I have a lot of work coming up and she has really helped me stay less stressed and make me feel like I’m not alone. Not sure I would be getting on with my final year of uni so successfully without her!”

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Did you know KEYFORT provide remote support in Higher & Further Education?

Shout out to Shauna & Salima who work in our Education Team & provide this support to students nationally.

#KEYFORT #EducationSupport #HigherEducation #FurtherEducation #Mentoring #Notetaking #StudySkills

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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:

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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 👟🏃‍➡️

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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.

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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.

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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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Abbie celebrates 10 years with KEYFORT

Abbie started as a support worker 10 year ago, and now is case manager within Whitehaven. Everyone needs an Abbie she is not only dedicated to the people we support but also her team.

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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.

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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 🤩

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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

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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

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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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We are thrilled to announce Afeez as our Employee of the Month at KEYFORT. Despite being new to our team, Afeez has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our core values from day one. His dedication and exceptional work ethic have not gone unnoticed, as we have received glowing feedback about his approach and attitude from our students and management team.

Afeez’s passion and engagement in his role are truly commendable. His outstanding communication skills and efficiency in performing his duties have made a significant impact. Moreover, he has already extended his support to our Community Division, showcasing his versatility and dedication to enriching the lives of the people we support. Afeez is swiftly becoming an invaluable member of the KEYFORT team, and we look forward to seeing his continued contributions in the days ahead.

Congratulations, Afeez!

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Congratulations to Neave Bellingham, Septembers Employee of the month.

Neave is relatively new to our NW Division and we we are beyond proud that she has been recognised by her peers and the people we support so soon into her role.

She has exceeded our expectations as a new staff member and really hit the ground running, working across multiple cases and locations.

Neave, you exemplify our core values and we know you always put the people we support at the heart of everything you do, we feel incredibly lucky to have you on our NW support team.

Keep being AMAZING 🤩👏🥰

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Meet Joe Whiting, our exceptional physio placement student at KEYFORT. Since joining us in March, Joe’s dedication and impact have been nothing short of extraordinary. Joe has embraced his role with fervour, working closely with one of our rehabilitative clients. His commitment to this client’s progress has been truly inspiring. Through his dedication, Joe has played a pivotal role in helping the client achieve remarkable rehabilitative milestones.

Joe exemplifies our core values, setting an incredible example for his colleagues. Joe’s commitment isn’t just about doing the job; he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure excellence in everything he undertakes. His passion for his field shines through as he applies various physio-theoretical frameworks to his clinical practice. Already, he’s displaying the traits of a future great physiotherapist. His dedication to continuous improvement and learning is evident in his approach.

KEYFORT feels fortunate to have someone like Joe on our team. He not only delivers top-notch work but also fearlessly offers valuable suggestions that contribute to our collective success. Let’s celebrate Joe Whiting for his exceptional contributions, embodying our values, and the positive impact he’s bringing to our clients’ lives. Thank you, Joe, for your dedication and unwavering commitment. You’re making a difference that truly matters.

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We are delighted to announce that Karen Mordey has been awarded Employee of the Month for her outstanding contribution to the people she supports. Karen’s positivity at work has created a fun and happy environment for a young boy she supports, N to be his happy self and get everything out of his sessions.  Her dedication and flexibility with her shifts have ensured N’s safety while, also providing much-needed respite for his parents.

Further to her work with N, Karens seamless integration into L’s team has been remarkable, and L truly enjoys haven Karen as part of her support team.

Congratulations, on this well-deserved recognition! Your exceptional efforts and positive attitude make a significant difference in the lives of the people we support.

Keep up the fantastic work Karen! 🤩

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Karen has worked with KEYFORT Group now for just over 3 years. She meets all of our core values in every sense, and deserves this recognition and praise. Karen is a highly regarded team member, she’s always positive, and puts the people we support at the heart of everything she does, especially during times when additional session cover is needed. Her ability to be such a positive force on her team is admirable, and we are lucky to have such a caring and valued team member working for us. Your team, the lady you support and KEYFORT Group management team THANK YOU for being such a stand out positive person, your efforts do not go unnoticed Karen 🥰👏

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It is lovely to see the people we support achieving their goals and living life to the full.

“I have just returned from my holiday where me and 3 of my staff team went to Crete. It was such an amazing time, and I was able to achieve once in a lifetime experiences and things I haven’t done in so many years. It gave me such a feeling of independence and I really enjoyed myself and has given me the confidence to know I am able to do this again. Thank you for all my staff team for supporting me to make this happen”

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Training for CPDuk for Students with Autism in Higher Education.

At KEYFORT we are dedicated to supporting students in higher education. A student at university with a diagnosis of Autism may be eligible for funded support through the Disabled Students Allowance, either a specialist mentor or a specialist study skills tutor. These roles focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by autistic students in higher education.

To gain necessary qualifications to become an ASC Mentor or Study Skills Tutor you need to have a degree.

To become a study skills you must have a teaching qualification.

You must also complete 6 NMH modules via NAS and complete a CPDuk accredited training course on supporting students with Autism in Higher Education.

KEYFORT have developed our very own in-house training programme that has been approved by the Department of Education and accredited by CPDuk for Students with Autism in Higher Education. The course has been developed by a variety of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in autism and supporting students in higher education. Within the course we address the barriers and concerns that autistic students may face and provide practical strategies to support their academic learning, social integration and emotional well-being. By completing our training, you will gain a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills to effectively support autism students.

When completing this course via KEYFORT, we will offer a guaranteed interview for the opportunity to gain paid employment through ourselves. We offer competitive rates, with specialist academic coordinators in the office to full induct you into the role and offer you support throughout your employment.

We also offer this in-house training out on an institutional and organisational level to raise awareness and promote effective support for autistic students in higher education.

If you are interested and would like some more information regarding the course or costings, please get in touch via enquires@keyfortgroup.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you soon and joining us in creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all .

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We are dedicated to providing employment support services that meet your individual needs and empower you to maintain independence and overcome barriers in the workplace. Whether you are starting a new job or aiming to progress in your current role, KEYFORT Group offers tailored support to help you reach your full potential at work. We collaborate with employers to enhance their understanding of specific conditions or impairments, fostering a supportive work environment. Our employment support extends to various job roles, including, practical support assistance job coaching and mentoring, where specially trained support workers help identify necessary skills and encourage independence. Additionally, we offer assistance such as note-taking, personal reading, sighted guiding, travel support, anxiety management, and personal care, ensuring you have the necessary support to thrive in your work environment.

Our employment support workers understand the importance of providing discreet support to individuals. They respect the individual’s privacy and ensure that their support is offered in a professional manner. This allows you to feel comfortable and empowered in your work environment while receiving the necessary assistance to overcome any barriers you may face.

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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.

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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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Please see this wonderful testimonial from one of fabulous team members, Jane Yale who works as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor in Liverpool.

‘’I have currently been employed with Keyfort for two and a half years and as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor and I am based in Liverpool, working within the various Universities. I feel privileged to be in a position where the continuing presence of hope, is always possible in order for the students to peruse their goals. 💕

In particular, my role essentially involves working with a student centred approach; by means of taking a holistic view of the students journey, as we work in collaboration to systematically overcome any barriers to learning and to re-set old patterns. I have a strong rapport with the students, as I can relate to any issues that they may experience and can offer realistic strategies to overcome them – humour also helps.

A memorable moment for me was when a student sent me a thankyou card stating that she had achieved a 2.1 in her degree, after experiencing one or two setbacks. We worked through them together and her confidence and communication skills had grown so much that she has decided to go on to study teaching. 💕

A typical day would usually involve myself and the student arranging a meeting at their University in a private room for around one hour, to review the work plans that we have set together and have a general chat about anything they wish to bring up. However, due to the pandemic the meeting are now arranged on zoom and has worked out favourably, as the zoom meetings allow for more flexibility. The meetings are completely confidential and are timed for usually around an hour, however the student is free to leave when ever they choose.

The managers are always supportive and the role of a Band 4 Mentor, has enriched my clinical skills and experience, in order to comfortably move towards becoming a Psychotherapist.

KEYFORT has many opportunities for development and growth!’’

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We understand the importance of making sure we deliver safe care. Training is the key!!!

Here’s a snapshot of what we have been up to;

• Our award-winning Training Team has been inducting new staff across our regions using Zoom and Face-to-Face methods, getting them ready at the very start of their journey with us at KEYFORT.
• Our Clinical Lead has been delivering NAPPI-UK training to make sure our teams have the skills to support people who may present with behavioural concerns.
• Our Clinical Nurse Educator and the Nursing team have been busy bees making sure our staff are competent in nursing care tasks, visiting people at home, and providing support.

Developing our staff teams is key on the journey to making that real difference in the work that we do.

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