We have just completed our 9th year and as in previous years the Company has continued to grow. In the current harsh financial climate several of our Service Users have had their support packages reduced however quality of provision remains our priority, and we feel that Step by Step is in the forefront locally for Supported Living.
Five new gentlemen service users joined us in July, the move went well and they have all settled in to their new homes enjoying independence that comes with sensitive support. These young gentlemen are all being supported by our peripheral team.
The Service Users that are supported by the peripheral team, are receiving less support than our main team Service Users, ranging from 9.5 to 70 hours per week. They are all young people that are working towards a greater level of independence. The Service Users that are supported by the main team generally have 24 hour support, and while they are encouraged to be as independent as possible, they will always require a high level of support. Many of our Service Users share interests and have an excellent community spirit.
Gary and Katie have improved and updated the website www.stepbystepdomcare.com
They have improved the marketing literature by creating a new brochure promoting Step by Step.
We continue to support Service Users to access voluntary and paid employment with local businesses.
To compensate for package reductions we have initiated a new role for a member of staff. This person now works in The Cabin for the majority of his week, providing a base for the more able Service Users to access advice and company during the day. This member of staff organises daily activities and group sessions. This includes computing and cookery as well as more adventurous activities such as quad biking and race karting.
The Government incentive for Care Ambassadors has been another victim of the cut in funding, although Kirsty and Charlotte remain key members of the staff team and are now Team Leaders.
N.V.Q training continues for all employees as per the requirements of Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Katie and Victoria, who both hold 7303 City and Guilds training certificate continue to provide in house training, this includes;
Our staff team also have training from outside agencies, this includes, Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, Infection Control, Total Communication. This ensures that they have the appropriate skills to manage our service user group effectively.
Our Staff Team now consists of
The above is the total of staff employed by the company. We have strengthened the management team this year with the creation of the two Team Leader posts.
In addition to these employees we have several people who regularly work bank shifts to cover staff sickness and holidays and any special events that may occur.
As previously stated we have employed specifically for the Cabin, and this building remains a popular visiting point for all Service Users. The I.T room has been increased with an additional computer and its own phone line and internet connection.
The Service Users Christmas party unfortunately became a victim of the snow., although they more than made up for it with the annual Christmas Lunch at the Langtsone Cliff Hotel which the majority of Service Users attended.
This year we have again organised a very successful Fete, raising £570 for the local cancer charity Exeter Leukemia Fund.
Several holidays have been taken with various destinations both home and abroad, these were enjoyed by all.
The format remained the same as last year and the comments included
Some of the many comments made were Katie and Gary have noted all the feedback and have responded accordingly.
We are pleased with the positive responses we have received and will continue to develop.
Directors
Janet Buckingham
Debbie Watkins