Lockdown may have stopped a lot of things in its tracks, but here at Newstead life is pottering along and we have welcomed some new faces and made some new additions.
Our new Lifestyle and Wellbeing coordinator Caroline
It takes a very special person to start a new role in the middle of a pandemic and we are delighted that Caroline has joined our team. She is working with Vanda to support our residents in the lives they want to lead. Providing activities and ensuring they can do everything they enjoy to do at home, at their Newstead home.
Caroline recently completed a Masters degree in Drama Therapy at the University of Derby. She has worked with young adolescents and in children’s care homes as a support worker and a drama facilitator. Her focus is on therapy and supporting individuals well-being. She is passionate about her work and her enthusiasm is infectious. Her passion for singing, art and drama is rubbing off on our residents, who are embracing all her new ideas.
And Mollie
Caroline has a miniature poodle called Mollie, who is a rescue dog and Caroline is in the process of training her to be a PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog. She has a gentle, loving nature and likes nothing better than coming to work with Caroline. Our new four-legged resident is a thoroughly spoilt, pampered pooch. She likes nothing better than cuddles with residents and she is a firm favourite at Newstead.
A makeover for our kitchen
Work still has to go on and during lockdown we were able to isolate our kitchen to have a new floor put down.
Our wonderful team of chefs and assistants; Sarah, Miha, Wendy, Gaynor and Michelle set up a temporary kitchen in our dining room. We also had lots of BBQs and alfresco dining whilst the work was being done.
Thank you to Credenhill Fish Bar for supporting us through the work. For the whole week they provided all main meals to our residents and opened specially on Sunday to ensure our residents had a hearty meal. It is community support like this that means so much to us.