The Roadshow in the North in early December was a great event and brought people we support across the North of England and Wales together, with their staff teams, to have fun. I saw people being supported in the most creative ways to decorate cakes, be part of a music session, have a go at painting a watercolour and join in with Play Your Cards Right. The stands were all manned by different people from across MacIntyre, many travelling a long way to join the event. This meant that many people met for the first time at the Roadshow. For those of you who haven’t been to a Roadshow, it’s all about sharing good ideas and finding great ways to do this.
It was a real pleasure to see the way people were supported as they made their way around the Roadshow going from stand to stand. Everyone manning stands took time to welcome people and to engage people in the activity at their stand in whatever way they could. There was warmth that went around the room. I saw MacIntyre staff being so creative in their explanations about the purpose of each stand and then using pictures, objects and signing to help people understand and join in. I saw people changing their positioning and gently guiding people to make sure every person could participate and achieve something from visiting each stand. There was so much listening happening as people met each other for the first time and took a moment to ask people who they were and where they were from. As people crowded behind Cherriton’s gnome board to pose for a photo, I saw arms around shoulders as people shared an experience, like a family do on holiday.
Most of all, I saw people having fun in a way that included everyone. I saw Great Interactions all day long and I believe that’s because it’s in our MacIntyre DNA. So many people came together that day from so many different ‘parts’ of MacIntyre but everyone acted and interacted in the same way, with great respect and great interactions. That’s something we can all be really proud of.
Thanks to everyone who has been a part of the recent Roadshows, I’ve heard they will be even better in 2015!
Anna O’Mahony Head of Operations (North)
Adult Services