The event was buzzing with up to 200 people including people we support, their families, friends, staff, and local council officers.
The excitement and warmth could be felt as one entered the social club; lots of chatter, smiles, laughter and dancing. The air was charged, electric.
The event showcased Great Interactions at its best. If I were carrying out an audit I would have had no problems in ticking those boxes. The majority of the staff were on duty, however some had volunteered to attend because as I was told “No way would I miss John receiving his certificate, he worked so hard this year”!
All of the staff and families I spoke with and observed, genuinely wanted to be there to share in the fun and to recognise and applaud the successes of people they have supported.
Everyone was fully engaged in the activities, everyone mixing in. It was so obvious that staff knew the people they were supporting in great depth, a variety of communication being used, people being supported to quiet parts of the room when they appeared uneasy with the noise level, a hand held, a hug, a dance or a smile as appropriate.
When I thanked staff for their dedication and support they remarked “it’s why we are here, it’s what we do”. They do it well!
I returned to managing services last year after having been a non operational manager for a year. Being part of this event confirmed my pleasure at returning to an operational post. I am witnessing and sharing real positive differences to people’s lives, so many more natural, positive and beneficial interactions between staff and people we support and also within staff teams.
I felt very proud that I had the honour of being able to name these services as part of my patch.
Diane Smith
Area Manager