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01933 653 511

contact@lavendersupportservices.com

The Old Chapel Business Centre
Suites 1 & 2
43b High Street
Irthlingborough
Northamptonshire
NN9 5PU

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News Archive

Welcoming Our Lavender Care Bear

05/08/2024

I have the greatest of pleasure in introducing & welcoming our unique company mascot, ‘Lavender’s Care Bear’, who was ‘born’ on the 23rd July 2024. We have put forward a list of 50 names for our staff to guess the bears name.

Our staff are contributing a £1 a guess and the proceeds will be going to Cransley Hospice.

We will announce the ‘Care Bears’ name and the winner, at 2pm on our ‘open office’ day on Tuesday 13th August 2024, 10am to 2pm.  This event is also to celebrate 14 years of the Lavender company and employees, ‘Devotion to Caring’, since 10.08.2024.

Please do come and say hello, to our office team and to Lavender’s Care Bear, have a picture taken. With your permission to share this on Instagram and Facebook.

‘Bear with’ and watch this space for an update of the bears name and the links to all our social accounts …

‍Completed by, Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director.                                  

On behalf of Lavender Support Services Ltd

5th August 2024

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Raffle for Cransley Hospice - June 2024

04/06/2024

We are proud to share in some good news from a few small raffles that we have undertaken last Christmas and this past Easter and raised £333.00 for them, with a contribution from Lavender.

Thank you to the office and on-call team for all their donations in enabling us to raise some funds for this amazing cause. ‘Cransley Hospice Trust’ is presently our chosen charity, as they and their associated care teams have supported many of our service users we have care for and personally for people we have known, especially when managing challenges of treatment and care at home and at the ending of their life.

They do marvellous work and we are very proud to help them in some small way.  Please do have a look at what they are achieving and if you too could help with any fundraising https://www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/

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Introducing our Dementia Champion

07/05/2024

I have the pleasure in introducing Lavenders new Dementia Champion,

Clare Jolley. 

Clare has worked for Lavender for over 4 years and we wish her well in joining our team of Champions.

Clare has successfully undertaken further training and will be sharing this through regular sessions with carers and in addition offering support and advice.

The aim is to offer our carers further knowledge thus ensuring our service users recieve a positive outcome from our carers visits. 

Please do click on the following links for further information and support for you and a loved one.

They all also included information on financial help.  

https://www.dementiauk.org/  0800 888 6678

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/  0333 150 3456

https://www.dementiaguidance.co.uk/

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Happy Birthday to us!!

10/08/2023

The Lavender Family are very proud to announce and Congratulate our Employees and Service Users for 13 years, of devotion to caring in our local communities.

We are very grateful we have a team of long service employees as well as welcoming new staff into a very important career of caring for others.  

‍13 years ago my fellow directors and I, who all came from previous care companies, with over 100 years of customer care, social care and health sector experience, came together with the aim of offering ‘GOOD’, professional and friendly carers to people who chose to stay in their own home and as independent as possible.

We chose the name Lavender as this flower represented our moto of being ‘Devoted to Caring’. We all love giving people a much-valued job and giving our service users a choice of what care they wanted as well as needed.

Our first day of offering a care service was 10th August 2010 and some of our present staff and service users will remember the day well and our aim is to continue offering a ‘GOOD’ care service alongside many challenges in this sector, for another 13 years and beyond to celebrate 25 years.

A BIG thank you to all our carers for their service and a BIG thank you to all our service users for choosing to be cared for by Lavender Support Services Ltd.

‍Completed by, Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director.                                  

On behalf of Lavender Support Services Ltd

10th August 2023

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Festive Raffle undertaken in aid of Cransley Hospice Trust

13/02/2023

We are pleased to announce that Lavender staff have raised £205 in a raffle over the Festive period.

We felt honoured to donate the money to the Cransley Hospice Trust who are our company’s chosen charity.

We gratefully thank Michelle, (on the right of the picture) who is our Business Manager & QA Advisor for organising the charity event, who then went to Cransley to present the cheque with Verity (on the left) our Compliance Care Coordinator who is also our Facebook prodigy.   

The office team donated all the prizes, some of which were a selection of chocolates, drinks and skin care products.

In the presence of staff and a service user, I, the Registered Manager chose a prize and then Neville our eldest serving carer picked out a ticket. 

Our aim is to undertake a themed raffle several times a year and then proudly give our proceeds to Cransley.

Please do go on the Cransley link below and see what wonderful work and vital support they have been offering for the past 25 years and will continue on doing so with all the support they need. We thank them for their service.

https://www.cransleyhospice.org.uk/ 

Author. Jane Austin, Registered Manager.

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THANK YOU for your service

17/06/2022

In June we said THANK YOU to the Queen for her 70 years of service to the UK.

We said THANK YOU for her dedication to all and the services that she provides. 

There are so many celebrations going on everyday, every week and every month, too many to mention, both public and private events are held that also give thanks to those who give there time and service to others. 

We can never say THANK YOU enough to those who serve others.

Lavender Support Services is extremely proud to have a dedicated and caring team of carers working for them and you if needed

Their commitment to caring for others has been outstanding in challenging times.

So please join me in saying a MASSIVE THANK YOU to them for their service. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Marvellous May

05/05/2022

Some Marvelous Facts About May

May is known as a month of transition, a time for change and hope, despite still ongoing challenges, whether personal or global. 

The weather is improving and of fresh cold winds and the rains of early spring.

Spring flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and the sun we hope helps life to be a little more joyful day by day!

So here are some facts to help you along the way ...

The name May is the modern-day English adaption of the Latin word Maius, which has origins going back to the time of the ancient Greeks. They named the month of May (or Maius) after the Greek goddess of growth.

May used to have a very different name in Old English. Back then, the month was referred to as the “month of three milking's.” Meaning you could milk your cows up to three times per day!

May is the month that the Eurovision song contest is held every year since 1956.  Some of the contest winners over the years have gone on to be incredibly successful groups, with the most notable being ABBA!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FsVeMz1F5c  

May is a special time for Star Wars fans worldwide and always a good reason to re-watch the movies. May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars day, due to the way the date sounds similar to “May the Force.” We won’t start the debate over whether the old movies are better than the new ones, because we all know the answer to that!

In the UK, May is the month of maypole’s and were present since at least 1350 AD. 

May is a pretty good month for US Presidents. Every other month of the year, at least one US president has died, but never in May!

No other month in one single year starts or finishes on the same weekday as May. Basically, if the first of May is on a Friday, and the 31st of May is on a Sunday, no other months in the year will start or end on a Friday or a Sunday!

The birthstone for May is the emerald. Emeralds are a type of stone called beryl and typically range from a deep-sea green to a lighter colour. Emeralds are symbols of fertility and rebirth. (May I add, it is my favourite colour and gem)

May actually has two birth flowers – the Lily-of-the-Valley and the Hawthorn. The Hawthorn flower is a symbol of hope, while the Lily-of-the-Valley represents the return of happiness and sweetness.

May also has two Zodiac signs, Taurus and Gemini. People born under the sign of Taurus are said to be ambitious and smart, yet trustworthy. Those born under the sign of Gemini are said to be passionate, adaptable, and smart.

May has some month-long observances, National Pet Month and National Smile Month. 

As well as many awareness days https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/countries/united-kingdom

Many famous people were born in May, such as Mark Zuckerberg, Karl Marx, Clint Eastwood, Wes Anderson, John F. Kennedy, Queen Victoria, and Catherine the Great!

I hope all get to experience some marvel in May and I hope that life for you and your loved ones can be a little better some days than others. 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week  

Regards from Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director 

 

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Come Join Us for A Career in Care

09/12/2021

 ‘Come join our caring Hive and feel the Buzz’ 

As the Registered Manager for Lavender Support Services, Jane Austin interviews carer, Clare Jolly, who has been with the company since March 2020.

After previously working in various roles within the education sector, Clare wanted a change and hours that better suited her current homelife.  Clare now works covering a 16.00 to 22.00 shift, 3 evenings a week and alternate weekends.  She visits a consistent group of service users for periods ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours and who all live within the Irthlingborough and Finedon areas. Clare is part of a larger team of carers, we call buddies, who also visit the same service users at different times and days throughout the week.

Clare’s service users vary in age from 18 years and above and have a variety of health conditions and care needs, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Cancer.  She also visits those who are elderly and frail and who may need help with personal care, nutrition, medication or require emotional support and help around the home.

When asked why she is a carer, Clare’s passionate response was;

“I just love it, I achieve so much and gain such satisfaction by giving the care that is so much needed.  I feel like I have done my best and have built up friendly and caring relationships with all those I care for.  I leave them feeling good, comfortable, and safe. It is an honour and privilege to be part of another person’s life and family”.

She went on to add; “I get such a BUZZ out of caring for others”

Clare expressed to Jane that, it’s not just about giving personal care to the elderly, it’s about supporting people with different challenges within their day and also helping their families too.

Clare has often proved she goes that extra mile, by taking care of those little, extra special shopping requests and being creative with additional equipment ideas (always in consultation with an OT) to make a person feel as independent as possible.

Jane asked Claire what skills she felt a person needed to care for others.  Claire explained she had drawn on her own life’s experiences of caring for others and that her innate and empathic responses often helped to make a positive difference to someone’s already difficult day.  

Claire also felt that her chatty and friendly personality, along with her ability to be resilient in situations and having a good sense of humour were her key to success.  Claire’s passion for caring shone and she was BUZZing to telling Jane all about it.

When asked Claire if there were any ‘dreads’ to her role, to which she instantly replied ‘None’.  

Claire comes across as having a realistic outlook.  She knows that at times the role will not be easy as you are working with a variety of personalities, but if you feel prepared and are well trained, you can build up solid relationships to feel welcomed and much needed by those you care for.

Jane concluded by asking Claire if both the initial and on-going trainings she receives is sufficient for her role?  Claire replied that it was, and the training is very good.  She was glad that she had initially shadowed alongside a like-minded person who was experienced and knowledgeable within her role as a carer.

So, if you want to feel the BUZZ and the high that Claire and many other carers feel, please contact us at Lavender Support Services.

Written By Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director. 

 

Please click on the link below and read an interesting article on how important bees are to us – just like carers!!

https://www.planetbee.org/why-we-need-bees   

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Movember - 2021 - Mens Health Awareness Month

25/10/2021

Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about.

Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent. International charities are tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round.    They are addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. 

Moustaches In Movember
For 30 days your moustache turns you into a walking, talking billboard for men’s health.
MOVE In Movember. TAKE THE MOVE CHALLENGE. https://uk.movember.com/get-involved/move
MOVE is a 30-day physical fitness challenge. Champion men’s health this Movember, starting with your own.

Charities focus on key areas to have an everlasting impact on men’s health.
They work all year-round with global men’s health partners and academic and clinical institutions to ensure our programmes accelerate improvements to some of the biggest health issues faced by men. In particular, we focus on:

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.

Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 25-49.

Poor Mental Health
On average, 13 men each day take their life by suicide in the UK.

Thanks to the support of one of these charties. Mo Bros, Mo Sistas and donors they have funded more than 1,000 projects to improve men’s health. These initiatives are as diverse as they are vital, spanning everything from local health programmes to groundbreaking international collaborative research. From 30 moustaches to 5 million, they couldn’t have done it without you.
From humble beginnings back in 2003 the Movember movement has grown to be a truly global one, inspiring support from over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. https://uk.movember.com/about/history  

The Movember Foundation wouldn’t be where it is without the enthusiasm of all of those men and women around the globe. They are committed to keeping things fresh, keeping the community informed, and always being transparent and accountable in our practices.

Article Adapted by Jane Austin, Registered Manager & Director on behalf of Lavender Support Services, Website News. 25.10.2021. 

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World Alzheimer’s Month - September

08/09/2021

World Alzheimer’s Month is an annual international event, always held in September and run by Alzheimer’s Disease International, (ADI).

The aim of the month is to raise awareness and challenge stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia. The event has been running since 2012, and September 21st is World Alzheimer’s Day.

Globally there is thought to be poor understanding and a great deal of stigma surrounding dementia, so the work of World Alzheimer’s Month is vital and is growing and targeting the stigma and lack of understanding and knowledge surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia as well as supporting those suffering with the disease.

The month is an opportunity for individuals, businesses and charities to hold events and raise awareness in their communities of the effects of dementia. Participants can get campaign materials for their event from ADI, and anyone unable to arrange their own event but keen to take part, can find events run by their National Alzheimer’s Charity and participate in those.

World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity for sufferers, carers, professionals, press and media and communities to work together against dementia as well as raising awareness of the realities of it, while combating stigma and misinformation and lobbying the government for better help and care.

Dementia is a degenerative brain condition that affects over 50 million people internationally and which robs a person of their memory,competency, comprehension and behavioural awareness, usually slowly, over years, it is a sad condition to live with or to witness in a loved one, there are over 100 forms of dementia, the most common being Alzheimer’s Disease at 50-60% of all dementia cases.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/  

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August - Looking forward to a month of hope.

28/07/2021

There is no 'freedom date' planned for the health and care sectors - there is no change to our safe ways of working for us.

We will continue to work vigalent to keep the people we care for and the staff we employ to do this, as safe as possible.  

August is a month of hope. World War W11 ended this month and we never thought we would see a different type of war in our lifetime.

Thank you to all our heros of this silent war and we hope that one day we will have a commemorative month to celebrate the end.  

Some other hopeful events that happened in August.

1774, Oxygen was discovered by Joseph Pristely from England. 1941,The National Fire Service was established in 1941. 1963, Martin Luther King made his 'I have a dream' speech. 1966, Francis Chicester was the first succesful person to single handed sail around the world.

Please click on the link to see some more facts of events in August, http://projectbritain.com/year/august.htm  

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Congratulations & Welcome to the Office Team - Meggan Potter

02/07/2021

Congratulations to Meggan Potter on her succesful application and internal promotion to becoming our Recruitment Care Coordiator.

Meggan will be working alongside our Branch Manager, Linda Ellson on selection and recruitment of new carers and present staffs compliance and training to continuing offering a good service of care.  

Meggan has a wealth of knowledge in the social care sector and also recuritment and the business world.

Welcome to the office team Meggan.

Meggan will continue to help in the on-call team till we have replaced her. 

We are looking to now recruit a new member to the on-call team.

If you know anyone who wishes to progress in a career of caring please visit our website for more details.

https://www.lavendersupportservices.co.uk/careers  

 

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Well-being - June 2021 - Loneliness

25/06/2021

Most of us will feel lonely at some point in our lives. For a lot of us, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define our lives and have a significant impact on our wellbeing. Ageuk.org.uk can help you feel less alone. 

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/loneliness/

 

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Men's Health Week June 14th-June 20th 2021

18/06/2021

Men’s Health Week is celebrated each year as the week leading up to and including Father’s Day

Goal of Men’s Health Week:

The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

For more information pleas click on the link : http://www.menshealthmonth.org/imhw/imhw.html

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Carers week 7th June-13th June

02/06/2021

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.

For more information please see the link below:

https://www.carersweek.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIuZsfL48AIVFbvVCh1BKwVHEAAYASAAEgJMXfD_BwE

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Stroke awareness month may 2021

19/05/2021

To mark Stroke Awareness Month 2021, we’re launching our 'Save research. Rebuild lives.' campaign. 

Throughout May the campaign will raise awareness of the damaging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on stroke research.

A severe drop in charitable income means that our research budget for this year has been cut in half – putting new, innovative research at risk. Additionally, due to disruption caused by the pandemic, 1 in 5 researchers say they’ll need more funding. 

This is why we’re calling on people to donate, fundraise and raise awareness of our stroke research. Help us continue to make breakthroughs in our understanding of stroke and rehabilitation.

https://www.stroke.org.uk/fundraising/stroke-awareness-month

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Deaf Awareness Week 3rd – 9th May 2021 – ‘Coming Through it Together’

04/05/2021

Deaf Awareness Week is a unique campaign in that so many different organisations participate, each able to promote their own work within the broad spectrum of deafness.It is a fine example of so many organisations collaborating and working together in a joint campaign.DAW 2021 will focus on ‘coming through it together’, working with our members to continue to raise awareness more so now than ever and to ensure that we continue to campaign together whilst focusing on positivity going forward. 

https://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week/

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One Year on !

15/04/2021

We have come on along way since then and we are now pleased to inform you that 96% of our carers have now had there first Covid Vaccine and are due to start having there second one next week.  

Our target is 100% for all employees to have both vaccinations by end of June and we have now made it mandatory for all employees to have this (except for employee medical exceptions) 

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Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2021 April 1 - April 30

07/04/2021

April’s Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is a fantastic annual event set aside to increase awareness of bowel cancer and raise funds towards treating this condition. It is driven by various charitable organisations including the Beating Bowel Cancer and Bowel Cancer UK, who have merged with the main aim of ensuring that there would be no victim of Bowel Cancer by 2050.

For more information please see link below 

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/

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Endometriosis Month March 2021

24/03/2021

Every March Endometriosis Month takes place across the world, with the aim of increasing awareness and highlighting the symptoms of this debilitating condition that affects an estimated 176 million women worldwide.

Endometriosis can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of sufferers of this condition due to the painful symptoms that the disease carries and the fact that it is the biggest cause of infertility in women. Although this is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women, the average diagnosis can take up to 7 and a half years, and with this unacceptably long diagnosis time, the main focus of the event is to raise awareness of the symptoms of Endometriosis with the goal being more women receiving diagnosis and treatment earlier.

To read more information on the above please see this link https://www.endometriosi.it/en/endometriosis/?gclid=CjwKCAjwxuuCBhATEiwAIIIz0eHfwb2ZxYs3e_by91O_3IRFdBPl6xwInZtdtfT4hPHzuDur_GYC5BoCC9kQAvD_BwE

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1st-31st March Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal

10/03/2021

Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal has been raising awareness and funds since 1986.
Every March, millions of people across the UK show their support for our work, simply by giving a donation to wear a daffodil pin.

Without this generosity, thousands of families across the UK wouldn’t be able to make the most of the precious time they have left together.

See link below for information 

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

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1st-7th March Eating Disorder Week

03/03/2021

Eating Disorders Awareness week is an international awareness event, fighting the myths and misunderstandings that surround eating disorders. Awareness is raised to spotlight the impact eating disorders can have on an individual and highlight what individuals, colleagues and employers can do to support someone’s recovery.

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Ovarian Cancer Month 1 to 31 March 2021

24/02/2021

Ovarian cancer is a disease that can disrupt the normal function of the ovaries. If it’s left unchecked, it can affect other parts of the body too. To find out more information visit Target Ovarian Cancer. You may also want to take a look at our additional guidance for employers on supporting employees with long-term health conditions returning to and continuing in work.

Please see link below for more information 

https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/get-involved/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

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Raynaud's Awareness February 2021

10/02/2021

Raynaud’s and Scleroderma affect millions of us in the UK, yet so many people remain undiagnosed or deal with the impact alone.

We need you to help increase awareness and understanding of Raynaud's.

Raynaud's disease causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas (vasospasm).

For more information on how to spread awareness follow the link below :

https://www.sruk.co.uk/get-involved/raynauds-awareness-month/

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Covid-19 Vaccination Programme

03/02/2021

Lavender Support Services Ltd are pleased to announce its staff are now all enrolled and undertaking the covid -19 vaccine programme.Even once staff have recieved the Vaccine they will all still be carrying out strict infection control procedures,and can still weekly test for covid-19 too.

 

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Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2021

20/01/2021

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2021

Do you know how cervical cancer can be prevented? During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want as many people as possible to know how they can reduce their risk of the disease and to educate others. 

The pandemic means there are additional challenges to attending screening and accessing the HPV vaccine, many people are unsure about whether they should access the NHS.

Help us ensure everyone has the support, information and tips they need at this difficult time.

please see the link below for further information

https://www.jostrust.org.uk/get-involved/campaign/cervical-cancer-prevention-week

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Happy New Year !

08/01/2021

Happy New Year to all our followers,we hope it is a safe and different one to last year for all.Positive news each days with the vaccines.We have had service user that have had already had their vaccines which is great.

Moderna vaccine becomes third COVID-19 vaccine approved by UK regulator

The vaccine has been approved after meeting the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/moderna-vaccine-becomes-third-covid-19-vaccine-approved-by-uk-regulator

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Merry Christmas & Happy New year

23/12/2020

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas ,here's to a happier new year !

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Covid-19 Update

08/12/2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against coronavirus.

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.

At this time, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals to:

some people aged 80 and over who already have a hospital appointment in the next few weeks

people who work in care homes

health care workers at high risk

The vaccine will be offered more widely, and at other locations, as soon as possible.

The order in which people will be offered the vaccine is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Read the latest JCVI advice on priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccination on GOV.UK

There are three simple actions we must all keep doing to protect each other .

Wash hands

keep washing your hands regularly

Cover face

wear a face covering in enclosed spaces

Make space

stay at least 2 metres apart - or 1 metre with a face covering or other precautions

Stay Safe .

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16 DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – THE CAMPAIGN

25/11/2020

16 DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – THE CAMPAIGN

16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is aimed at businesses to support them to take action against domestic abuse and violence.  Employers have a legal obligation to assess dynamic risk and support the health and safety and wellness of their employees. Companies can do more to aid their employees who endure domestic violence, to train those who witness it, and to protect staff as a whole, with the goal of securing safety and mitigating financial loss. Spanning across 16 days from 25th November to 10th December, a theme will be identified each day to explore the various forms of domestic violence. In doing so, the workplace will be better equipped to acknowledge the signs that indicate it may be going on.please see link below for more information.

https://16daysofaction.co.uk/the-campaign/

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World Diabetes Day 14th November 2020

11/11/2020

World Diabetes Day is observed on 14 November each year.

Education and prevention is about knowing the warning signs and risks associated with diabetes, knowing who can help to manage and control diabetes and what to do if you are a sufferer. Moreover, you’ll need to know about the different types of diabetes. Type one, type two and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Type one is insulin-dependent, meaning that sufferers have to inject the insulin hormone into their bodies in order to produce what the body can’t. A body without insulin mean blood glucose levels are heightened, and this leads to serious organ damage.

Type two is not insulin dependent, but does mean that you are likely to have high blood pressure and a decreased amount of insulin produced in the body.

Gestational diabetes sometimes occurs in pregnant women when the body is unable to produce enough insulin needed to get them through their pregnancy.

Education is particularly important as diabetes can affect all aspects of life. The disease is life-long and requires many lifestyle adjustments to be made; diet, exercise and medication all needs to be monitored and altered.

In order to make the right decisions about behaviour when managing and living with diabetes, sufferers need to be correctly informed about the implications.

Poor diabetes education results in more chance of complications and less chance of leading a healthy life.

Being aware of risk factors such as obesity, glucose intolerance, lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet is important in the fight against further incidences of diabetes. Those with these risk factors also need to look out for warning signs including tiredness, weight loss, increased thirst, blurred vision and lack of concentration. Education is key to prevention.

World Diabetes Day also aims to change education worldwide so that it provides the information people need in order to live with the condition and treat it carefully.

For more information please see link below:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/...

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International Infection Prevention Control Week

21/10/2020

In 2020, the world’s healthcare professionals are working tirelessly to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. During this year’s International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), APIC wants to celebrate the hardworking infection preventionists (IPs) who are keeping our communities safe. Help us raise awareness on the important role IPs play in protecting public health! click below to see how you can get involved:

http://professionals.site.apic.org/iipw/promotional-toolkit/

http://professionals.site.apic.org/.../break-the-chain.../

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2020

13/10/2020

Breast cancer it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. Fact is though, every ten minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. So, don’t be ignorant, during breast cancer awareness month 2020 go for a medical checkup, it might save your life.

Please see the link below for more information on the awareness month .

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

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*5th-9th October 2020 BackCare Awareness Week*

06/10/2020

*5th-9th October 2020 BackCare Awareness Week*

This can affect so many of our hardworking care staff and the people that we care for. The aim of the week-long event, organised by BackCare, is to raise awareness of the problems back pain can cause, as well as prevention and treatments. See their dedicated web page for more information on musculoskeletal disorders,prevention and treatment.

https://backcare.org.uk/event/backcare-awareness-week/

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Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do - 22nd September 2020

24/09/2020

This is national guidance that applies to England only – people in ScotlandWales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK. If you live in an area that is experiencing a local COVID-19 outbreak and where local restrictions have been imposed, different guidance and legislation will apply. Please consult the local restrictions page to see if any restrictions are in place in your area.

Please click the link for more Information :https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlvauubmB7AIVh-h3Ch1BeQpYEAAYASAAEgIPzvD_BwE

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Hands,Face,Space Campaign

15/09/2020

Washing your hands

While coronavirus is not likely to survive for long periods of time on outdoor surfaces in sunlight, it can live for more than 24 hours in indoor environments . Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing on the virus 

Covering your face

Coronavirus is carried in the air by tiny respiratory droplets that carry the virus. Larger droplets can land on other people or on surfaces they touch while smaller droplets, called aerosols, can stay in the air indoors for at least 5 minutes, and often much longer if there is no ventilation . Face coverings reduce the dispersion of these droplets, meaning if you’re carrying the virus you’re less likely to spread it when you exhale 

Making space

Transmission of the virus is most likely to happen within 2 metres, with risk increasing exponentially at shorter distances . While keeping this exact distance isn’t always possible, remaining mindful of surroundings and continuing to make space has a powerful impact when it comes to containing the spread.

While coronavirus deaths have significantly reduced, the virus is still circulating in communities and impacting people of all ages across the UK. ‘Hands. Face. Space’ are simple but vital behaviours that have the power to protect the public from both the short and potential long-term impact of coronavirus.

 

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~ LAVENDER 10 YEARS OF CARING ~

19/08/2020

On the 10th August 2010 – Lavender Support Services Ltd started trading, our aim was to offer a caring, friendly and proffesional care service. We chose the name Lavender as the meaing of the Lavender flower was devotion and we want to be and will continue to be ‘Devoted to Caring’. 10 years on we still have 10 orginal employess working for us, and we are also still caring for two service users from our start-up days. We had a bit of a celebration outside the office (above) on Monday – it was a hot and windy day, we said hello to our community and gave out cakes and thankyou’s to our carers, that day and through the week. We moved to The Old Chapel Business Centre’ in November 2014. It was orginally a methodist church built in 1865 and then a school. It has been ‘home from home’ to many businessess. We plan to stay for another 10 years.  

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Psoriasis Awareness Month August 2020

04/08/2020

August is Proriasis Awareness month and is used as an opportunity to educate and inform sufferers on a range of topics varying from treatment, causes, triggers and management of the inflammatory and often irritating disease.

The cause of psoriasis is still unknown but specialists do know that it is largely affected by the immune system and genetics.

For more information visit the following link https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/psoriasis-awareness-month-2020/

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Corona Virus Awareness

17/06/2020

What is Corona Virus ?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.For some helpful information and tips on the subject please click on the link below :

https://www.awarenessdays.com/coronavirus-covid-19-awareness/

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

18/05/2020

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme is kindness.

Kindness and Mental Health  

Kindness is defined by doing something towards yourself and others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference.  We know from the research that kindness and our mental health are deeply connected. The research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem.  Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimi

Click on the link to get involved

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/get-involved

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Latest Coronavirus Update May 2020

13/05/2020

Stay alert

We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:

  • Stay at home as much as possible
  • Work from home if you can
  • Limit contact with other people
  • Keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
  • Wash your hands regularly

Follow this link for moe information and guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-plan-to-rebuild-the-uk-governments-covid-19-recovery-strategy

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Lavender Support Services Main Office Closure

05/04/2020

Lavender Support Services Main Office will be closed from 23/03/2020 for the safety of our staff during Covid-19 Pandemic

Emergency contacts during office closure 01933 653511 or 07813972140 any emails contact@lavendersupportservices.com

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Covid-19 Update

31/03/2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new rules people have to follow to help tackle the coronavirus emergency.

Stay at home – no unnecessary journeys or social contact

Only leave home for essential shopping, medical needs and one form of exercise per day

You can travel to and from work if absolutely necessary

Police can fine you if you don’t follow the rules

For Daily updates from the Pm please see link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/coronavirus

Please see link for up to date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) what you need to do;

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus   

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Lavender Support Services Coronavirus Update

17/03/2020

Update on Lavender Support Services as a result of coronavirus

As we support vulnerable older people in the community, we are taking all reasonable and proportionate steps to reduce the risk of spreading infection. We are following government guidelines to aim to provide a full service. This includes encouraging those at higher risk of infection to avoid crowds or group settings.

Home Care services continue as planned

Our care team will be providing personal care visits as usual to all our service users.  If anyone's service is affected, we will contact them directly and keep them fully informed.

Information about the new coronavirus is frequently changing.  We have included a useful link below as it is regularly updated.

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-residential-care-supported-living-and-home-care-guidance

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Raynaud's Awareness Month !

18/02/2020

Raynaud’s and Scleroderma affect millions of us in the UK, yet so many people remain undiagnosed or deal with the impact alone.

We need you to help increase awareness and understanding of Raynaud's.

Raynaud's disease causes some areas of your body — such as your fingers and toes — to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas (vasospasm).

For more information on how to spread awareness follow the link below :

https://www.sruk.co.uk/get-involved/raynauds-awareness-month/

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Happy New Year 2020 !!

02/01/2020

Lavender Support Services would like to wish all of its service users and employees a very happy 2020 !

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Support Cransley Hospice Trust this December !

04/12/2019
This December we have chosen to donate to Cransley Hospice Trust as they have been a great support to many of our service users and staff .
Instead of giving Christmas cards we are donating a small amount to our Cransley Hospice Trust charity money box located in our Irthlingborough Office,we have spread the word to all care staff also to make them aware what we are doing ,and if they wish they can also participate.
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'Movember' for men's health awareness 2019

31/10/2019

Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 6 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons. Unchecked, prostate cancer rates will double over the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides.


Please click on the link below to do your part in this crisis by spreading the facts to the men in your life !!!

https://uk.movember.com/about/cause

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2019

01/10/2019

This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.

It mainly affects women, but in rare cases men can get breast cancer too.One in seven women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

Breast cancer can cause symptoms such as a lump. However, a lump is not the only symptom of breast cancer.

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. This means it’s important for women to check their breasts regularly and report any unusual changes to their G.P for more information on how to check for signs and symptoms please click on the following link.gclid=Cj0KCQjw8svsBRDqARIsAHKVyqHfwaP3oZA5BJDtNXSVhDo1LCBrAjIxOx_um8JXsqzmOz3dKf89c5kaAlLEEALw_wcB

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The Winter Flu Vaccination 2019/2020

03/09/2019

Every year the NHS reccomend that everyone should have the flu vacination ,you may be at increased risk of the flu if you have a long term medical condition or you are pregnant , click the link below for further information on how you go about getting the vaccination and if you would be suitable for the vaccination .https://lavendersupport.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/LavenderSupportServices/EbtLxpQFrTNGk_k_iMIIW8cBVig1YG9utTRhNbtkBgqLFg?e=FBsNnE

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Yellow Bracelet Scheme

07/08/2019

Lavender Support Services are pleased to announce we are part of the Yellow Bracelet Scheme .

The Yellow Bracelet is a project aimed at people who have a domiciliary package of care

The Yellow Bracelet allows medical professionals to view a person’s domiciliary care package details in real time regardless of care setting.

Each person with a domiciliary care package will have a Yellow Bracelet with a unique QR code containing their care package information.  The aim of the project is to:

-Reduce avoidable admission
-Reduce delays to discharge for patients in hospital who have a care package in place
-Reduced bed days spent in hospital
-Reduce avoidable conveyance
-Provide better outcomes for people
-Allow  domiciliary care providers to maintain active control over their care packages

 

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Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather

30/06/2019

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn't harm you or anyone you know.

For some useful Heatwave tips visit the Nhs link below :

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

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Happy National Safety Month !

05/06/2019

The month of June is National Safety Month, led by the National Safety Council (NSC), and focuses on bringing attention to and reducing the leading causes of injury and death on the road, at work, in homes, and in communities including Hazard Recognition, Slips, Trips and Falls, Fatigue and Impairment. . Every year, the month has a theme that serves as the focus of the NSC’s educational goals. This year, the theme is “What do you live for?” a simple question that encourages us to all think about what is important in our lives and to shape our safety goals in that direction.

Visit the National Safety Month website for great tips on looking after yourself and others in your environment 

Remember: part of being healthy is being safe!

https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/get-involved/national-safety-month

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May 2019 National Walking Month

01/05/2019

You may not realise it, but May is National Walking Month and now the evenings are lighter for longer, this makes it the perfect time to get outside, and get walking. Walking has a whole host of different health benefits that you can use to motivate you to introduce walking into yours and family members daily lives.

Walking is good for your heart

Your heart is responsible for pumping the oxygen and blood around your body and keeping all the other organs working. So we think you’ll agree that it’s important to keep it in tip top condition! Walking not only strengthens your heart but reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes. In fact a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day is said to reduce your risk of a stroke by 27%. If this wasn’t enough, it also reduces bad levels of cholesterol and increases the levels of good cholesterol too!

Walking helps you to lose weight

If you are new to exercise, or maybe trying to lose weight gradually in order to keep it off, then walking is a great form of exercise for you. If you walk at around 2mph for 30 minutes then you will burn around 75 calories, and if you increase this to 4mph this will rise to around 150 calories. 20 minutes of walking a day will burn an incredible 7lbs of body fat a year.

You can lower your risk of dementia

An older person who walks six or more miles a week is less likely to have problems such as dementia. This is because walking has been proven to prevent your brain from shrinking.

Walking gives you energy

There are times when you feel more lethargic than others, and if you find yourself in this zone then a walk could do you good. It boosts your circulation and increases the oxygen supply is around your body, which in turn will keep you feeling alert and awake.

Increase your Vitamin D intake

Here in the UK there are lots of people who are deficient in Vitamin D, the best way to increase your levels of Vitamin D is to get outside in the sunshine. Vitamin D is good for your bone health, as well as your immune system, which is why it is important to try and increase the levels in your body.

Walking makes you happy

In the same way walking can help you feel energised, it is also great for making you feel happy. A brisk walk can be just as beneficial as taking an antidepressant, and can be a great helping hand if you are suffering from depression, anxiety or feeling stressed.

These are just some of the reasons why you should try to work in more walking to your daily routine. Whether you walk at lunchtime, or start your day with a walk, why not try it and feel the benefits for yourself.

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April 2019 Annual Stress Awarness Month

02/04/2019

April marks the start of National Stress Awareness Month! What are your plans? 

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. According to the Mental health Foundation 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
What can you do for Stress Awareness Month? for more information click on the link below :

http://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month-2019/

Also to complete a free individual stress test click on the link below :

http://www.stress.org.uk/individual-stress-test/

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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 1-31st March

20/03/2019

Did You Know The risk of developing ovarian cancer gets higher with age. Ovarian cancer is rare in women younger than 40. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older

It's time to TAKE OVAR. Raise awareness, fund research and save lives this March.For More Information click on the link below :

https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

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Don't Forget your Flu Jab This Winter !!

22/10/2018

Don't forget to get your flu jab this winter or remind a loved one of its importance. 

For more information, visit the link below

 

http://https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

 

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Lavender Christmas Raffle 21/12/2017

09/03/2018

Kind Donations from the lavender support services office team helped to create a 'Pamper Hamper' full of goodies, which we then raffled off as the main prize to all of lavender support care workers .

 

 The lucky winner of the hamper was our home care worker Carmen Hoppe .

 

The total amount raised was a fantastic amount of £250 which we choose to donate to Cransley Hospice Trust as they have been great support to many of our service users and staff . 

 

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Unacceptably short 15-minute home care visits

07/07/2016

15-minute home care visits to elderly and disabled people are still plaguing the care system in England, a report suggests.

 

Councils are not meant to schedule 15-minute visits for personal care, like help with washing, dressing or eating.

 

 

Follow the link for the full BBC Story

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-35411702

 

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Breakthrough on Alzheimer’s disease

01/07/2016

A MAJOR scientific breakthrough has caused researchers to hypothesise that Alzheimer’s disease starts when the brain believes it is under threat from bacteria and viruses.

 

Follow the link to the Daily Express article  -  

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/673714/breakthrough-researchers-have-found-what-causes-Alzheimer-s-disease

 

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