Hello Readers

Apologies for such a long break in my messages to you, but I have been really busy with all sorts of things.  Having finally established Maggie [my owner] in a steady job at the NHS, I decided that the time had come for me to retire.  It was obviously a bit upsetting for Maggie, but, come on, I have worked so hard guiding her here there and everywhere that I deserve a bit of a rest too - although I do still go out to show her where to do a bit of fundraising now and again.

Much more important are the sad things that have been happening at Vision Homes Association.  Everyone is still in shock as we have lost three service users over the past couple of months.  One lady had been ill for a long time, but two others died quite unexpectedly.  Our hearts go out to their families and friends and to the staff who supported them daily and now miss them terribly.

I knew the two ladies who lived in Ludlow quite well. I am glad that they had such a good service in Ludlow whilst at VHA and were able to live life to the full.  They both enjoyed going to VHA’s Loudwater Art Studio in Ludlow where one of them was really into working with clay whilst the other loved to create mosaic works. This is when they were not out at the Bingo or going to the disco! [Not my cup of tea as it is far too loud for my old sensitive ears] It is so sad not to be able to say hello to them now when I visit and it does seem rather quiet in the bungalow although the staff are working hard to support the other three people who live there [and each other] through it all.

I did not know the gentleman from Bradford well as I have not been able to visit as often, but I do know that he was always out and about and busy. He was an avid sports fan who particularly loved cricket and I think he may have become a professional player if he had not had the accident that meant he would need care and support for the rest of his life. He certainly kept all his support staff on their toes attending various sporting events and having people keep him up to date with the score! His sudden and sad loss again means a period of readjustment for all at the service – it is just like losing a member of your family.

I’ve tried to help VHA out in advertising its services to potential new service users by attending an event recently at Oakengates in Telford.  Telford and Wrekin are overhauling respite provision and the event was designed as an opportunity for care providers to meet with people who use [or may use] respite care and to provide any information they may need.  It was quite tiring, but we did chat with a lot of people who we hope may follow up the initial contact with further enquiries.

Luckily VHA can be very flexible about the way it provides respite care to respond to individual needs as people may need a break for a week or so, or may just want support for a specific activity on a regular or ad hoc basis. For example, I have just found out that they support a nice man in Hereford to volunteer every week to take rescue dogs for a walk. From my point of view what could be better – a win win situation for VHA, the very nice man that volunteers and of course our four legged friends that get to go walkies! Lovely!!