Physical inactivity negatively affects both physical and mental health. Research has found that people who are inactive have three times the rate of moderate to severe depression of active people. There is also strong evidence to support the role of physical activity in the reduction of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%.
Enabling the people we support to stay active and connected to their community is a big focus for us, because we know the impact it has on quality of life.
Therefore, at Vincentian Care Plus, we're committed to empowering those we support to lead active lives and stay connected to their communities. We recognise the profound impact of physical activity on overall well-being and are dedicated to providing tailored care that extends beyond basic needs to encompass factors like staying active and maintaining social connections. Join us in our mission to promote positive ageing by prioritising physical activity and social engagement!
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It’s National Gardening Week, and a good chance to talk about the importance we place on enabling the people we support to enjoy nature and feel connected to the outdoors and their community. It’s something our care teams take time to do, further enhanced by our befriending service, because we know and understand the benefits it can bring. Time spent in nature, whether it’s in our own gardens at home or out and about in our local area, can have a significant impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
Nourishing the lives of the people we support is at the heart of the exceptional care we provide, care that is tailored for every individual to enrich lives at every stage. Yet again too many older people found themselves in hospital during the cold dark winter months. Working in homecare we all know the familiar stories. People coping alone or grieving for a loved one, doing little, seeing few people, struggling for a reason to go on. Their mental well being declines, they stop eating, drinking, forget their medication, don’t exercise, leave the house or speak to anyone. They become rundown, catch a cold which develops into a chest infection. They become confused and develop a urinary tract infection. Inactivity results in muscle loss and they fall getting out of bed or rising from a chair. Anxiety raises blood pressure and they have a stroke. We also know in our hearts that all of these scenarios are preventable.
By next winter let’s be in a position where we can make a real difference, because we want people to not only live longer, but also live better!
We are incredibly proud to announce our High Commendation at the 2024 Home Care Awards!
We make a difference by investing in our team and our shared commitment to excellence and positive outcomes. And the joy & pride of everyone at Vincentian Care Plus shone through at the Home Care Awards, as our CEO & Registered Manager Cathy Naigow says: “We pour our hearts and souls into our work, and being nominated for Specialist Care Expertise was a testament to the dedication of our entire team. “The moment our names were called out for a High Commendation, the room erupted with joy. “As we stood before the audience, receiving our award and posing for professional photos, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. This was more than just recognition; it was validation of our commitment to providing exceptional care to those in need.” Travelling to the awards ceremony at the National Conference Centre alongside Cathy, were three remarkable carers, Tesfit Weldemicheal, Sabina Adjei-Lecointe and Ermias Mebrahtu (affectionately known as Jay), Field Care Supervisor Mohamed Kamara, Recruitment & HR Manager Nimisha George, Nashande Seraphin-McDonald, our Compliance & Quality Manager, Lynette Brophy, Contract Manager at Edward Alsop Court/Look Ahead Care & Support, and Glen Von Malachowski, the Chair of our Board of Trustees.
“It was not just a journey to Birmingham, but a journey of camaraderie and shared passion,” Cathy added. “We mingled with fellow nominees, each with their own stories of dedication and compassion. It was humbling to be among such esteemed company, sharing our experiences and learning from one another. “Our journey to the Home Care Awards had been one of anticipation, excitement, and ultimately, triumph. And as we made our way back home, hearts full and spirits soaring, I knew that this was just the beginning of many more victories to come.” Vincentian Care Plus has been chosen as a finalist in the Home Care Awards 2024! The recognition - in the Specialist Care Expertise category – centres around VCP’s work supporting people affected by homelessness, at Edward Alsop Court in the London Borough of Westminster. Knowing that for some, homelessness is more than just a housing issue; it is a complex challenge deeply intertwined with chaotic life experiences, VCP is part of an integrated approach at Edward Alsop Court, working alongside Westminster Social Services and Look Ahead to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“People with complex needs are at serious risk of falling through the cracks in service provision, and this project aims to bridge those gaps,” Glen Von Malachowski, VCP’s Chairman, said. “Vincentian Care Plus at Edward Alsop Court is not just a care provider; it's a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable and complex individuals. Its integrated approach, dedicated team, and outcome-focused strategies have transformed lives and paved the way for a brighter future.”
The winners will be announced at the Home Care Awards 2024 Awards Ceremony, happening in the West Midlands on 1st March! In the heart of London, Vincentian Care Plus embraced the spirit of community and giving during the festive season just passed, delivering 110 Christmas meals. And just as important as the food parcels themselves – which all included a festive meal, desert and (non-alcoholic) bubbly – was the mission to bring warmth and happiness to the doorsteps of service-users. Nashande, our Compliance & Quality Manager (and chief Christmas meal mastermind), shares the story behind the smiles... The Planning:
“The journey began with meticulous planning to ensure that every detail was taken into consideration, most importantly those who were spending the festive period alone. The VCP community is a melting pot of different cultures - and we strive to ensure everyone feels seen. From traditional Christmas delights to special dietary requirements, every aspect was carefully considered to make this initiative truly inclusive.” Negotiating limited grocery delivery slots and incredibly busy supermarkets, the VCP team were aiming to more than double the number of meals given out – from 40 in 2022 to 110 in 2023. And through a huge team effort, the hard work all paid off. VCP’s carers and office staff rallied together and five delivery teams set off in cars and on foot to deliver Christmas meals and Christmas spirit. Delivering Joy: “The VCP team transformed into elves of kindness, donning festive attire and loading up vehicles, bags for life and boxes with carefully packed Christmas meals. “The joyous convoy embarked on a mission to spread happiness and warmth to the doorsteps of our service users. From logistics to communication and food preparation, every aspect of the operation was a collaborative effort. It was inspiring to witness the team's dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.” Personal Connections: “One of the most heartening aspects of this initiative was the opportunity for the team to personally connect with our service users. Beyond delivering meals, the team spent time engaging in conversations, sharing stories, and exchanging festive greetings. These interactions went beyond the professional realm, forging a sense of community and solidarity. “The impact of this small gesture was profound, reaching beyond the nourishment of the body to the nourishment of the soul. Service users expressed gratitude not only for the delicious meals but also for the companionship and the genuine care extended by the VCP team. For many, this act of kindness became a beacon of hope during a time that can be challenging for some. “Witnessing the dedication and compassion of both the office and care team has been an immensely rewarding experience. This initiative not only reflects the values of our organisation but also exemplifies the power of collective goodwill and resourcefulness. The VCP family looks forward to continuing such endeavours - spreading joy and making a positive impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve, and by God's grace, we do it all again in 2024!” |
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January 2025
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Vincentian Care Plus
Second Floor, 12-16 (Door 14), Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QP Call: 020 3870 1880 Registered Company no. 05321333 & Charity no. 1112473
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