Valerie Manor staff were lucky enough to be selected by Chichester University to take part in a pilot study looking at Creative Therapies within the home to assist all residents with enjoying their daily life at the Manor. The recent training involved lots of tasks to encourage staff to feel comfortable in expressing their ideas and creative sides. The staff seemed to enjoy themselves with the many varied activities over the 2 days of training. The benefits to the residents over the coming months will be seen via an increase in creative activities with all staff members.

Some of you may be aware through recent press there is a raised awareness in dementia in the community and in care homes. I have taken a lead on this and am undertaking a course in dementia for managers via Chichester University that will be accredited towards a degree and Alayna has already commenced a distance learning course and will be a ‘champion’ for dementia care at Valerie Manor.

Pictured Right: Lucy, with Alayna (right) and their flower pot creation – one of the many creative activities in the training.