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HILT NEWS

DECEMBER 2006

YULETIDE BIRTHDAY BOOGIE

Linda's partyTo paraphrase Shameless's Frank Gallagher - 'One thing about Hilt Service Users is they know how to throw a party'. Evidence can be provided at one of Hilt's Registered Care Homes where Friday nights have become 'party night'.

Food is in abundance, music to suit everyone's tastes and plenty of opportunities to socialise abound. Recently Service Users and staff organised a bit of an old knees-up for Linda's birthday. Everyone had a great time and many of the guests rolled home well fed and merry.

Themed party nights are lined up over the coming weeks which include an Indian night with traditional music and food. Invites will be sent out by post and email, but more info can be obtained by emailing Jennifer Johnson.

PARTY SEASON

Xmas at a Care Home and pictures from a volunteer xmas party

Speaking of parties, the Xmas season saw many Hilt Service Users, workers and volunteers engaging in a spot of mince-pie munching and sherry quaffing. Sadly, nothing of a compromising or salacious nature has been reported so far although it's not too late to deliver details in a sealed envelope.

Service Users from one Registered Care Home attended several festive events. A week before Christmas they tucked in to mouth-watering meal at Rochester Castle; a few days later they enjoyed a Wild Bunch disco until 11.30pm. On Christmas Day everyone rushed to the front room to open their presents around the tree and later ate a hearty Xmas lunch of roast turkey with all the trimmings.

Volunteers were joined at their party by Jackie Gammage from Outward Housing , Central Office staff went out for a great meal in Hoxton and the Outreach Team went for a few drinks.

Check out the photos for some examples from the Service Users, Volunteers and Central Office Xmas parties.

Parties held by Care Home residents, volunteers and Hilt staff

MARKING TIME

Dean shows his calendarAs one year ends and a new one begins many of us find time to pause and reflect. Calendars enable us to reflect on time's passing as well as providing useful reminders when planning and anticipating future events.

Calendars are often given as gifts to friends and family at this time of year and this is what prompted Service Users attending a photography and multimedia workshop decided to make their own.

Service Users used images from their own lives, photos they had taken and worked digitally manipulated on the calendars. This process helped with learning about photography and design.

Hilt's resident photographer (and actor), Tony Phillips has taken a lead in running the workshop along with George Bray who has employed his the design skills he has developed as professional mosaic-artist to a different medium.

Yasmin, Dean and other Service Users who have attended the class have all loved it been able to develop their own skills and creative ideas.

HILT'S GOING GREEN

A Green version of Hilt's logoStaff in Hilt have begun to look at ways we can help the environment. Head Office staff met in December to explore ways of increasing office recycling, producing less waste and using less energy. A poster has been put up to promote our new commitment. Hilt’s newly appointed Office Administrator Shahbana volunteered to be the office’s ‘Green Champion’. She will help us to monitor how well office staff are sticking to our green aims and objectives.

Later on in the year Hilt will be developing an environmental strategy which will state how Hilt staff and service users will work together to have a positive impact on the environment.

If you have a story about a piece of work you been involved in to help protect the environment or have any energy saving or recycling ideas you would like to share then please get in contact with Shahbana.

Sade Kur

A LITTLE HELP TO STAY AT HOME

Staff Team at Hilt Registered Care HomeThe staff at one of Hilt's Registered Care Homes have just completed the successful trial of a special turning sheet and mattress. Staff working at the project have found that the equipment enables people with limited mobility and minimal upper body strength to be supported with their personal care easily and comfortably in bed.

The turning sheet is used with a mobile hoist and helps to turn a person lying down in bed. It needs just one member of staff to use it. Staff have fed back that the equipment is straightforward to use. Staff are also pleased that the Service Users who makes most use of the equipment can continue to live in her own home.

To learn more about the mattress and turning sheet or to view a demonstration, please contact the Project Manager Jennifer Johnson.

Sade Kur

NEW FACE IN TOWN

Shahbana RehmanVisitors to Hilt's Central Office will have spotted a new face at reception in recent weeks.

Shahbana Rehman joined Hilt as the new Office Administrator in December.

Shahbana has a Masters Degree in Journalism. She has previously worked for The Midi Music Company. Shahbana's career history also involves working with refugees and asylum seekers and time spent working at Hackney Council.