Care provider invests in strengthening activities programmes

Northwest care provider, CLS Care Homes, has enrolled its activity coordinators on a creative development programme to refresh its residents’ activities programmes.

The move is part of CLS’s wider commitment to providing residents with meaningful, engaging activities and a fulfilling quality of life, as well as offering its employees ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

The programme is run by Ladder to the Moon, a UK-based social enterprise charity that works with residential care and housing providers, and commissioners of all sizes. Its programmes are designed to build the confidence and leadership skills of those with key responsibility for activities.

Lynn Porter, activity coordinator at CLS’s The Elms care home in Crewe, and Ladder to the Moon attendee commented: “I got a huge amount from the sessions and came away teeming with fresh ideas to add to the already busy activities programme we have here at The Elms. I’ve already got started on a few, which have all gone down a treat with the residents!”

Activity coordinators from CLS’s 26 homes attended workshops focused on creative problem solving, imaginative thinking and person-centred care. Activities explored included interactive theatre, music, dance and film, as well as those involving the local community.

Robert Black, CLS managing director, said: “At CLS we pride ourselves on providing residents with the highest standards of personalised care, and in supporting each individual to continue to lead a rich and fulfilling life. Developing activities that are truly varied and stimulating is a key part of this and we are always on the look out for new ideas and ways to improve.

“The Ladder to the Moon philosophy sits perfectly with this vision and we are proud advocates for their drive for better standards of care throughout the sector.”

Ladder to the Moon is a founding member of the National Skills Academy and has been supported by the Department of Health’s Social Enterprise Investment Fund.