Sep 3, 2012 ... Laura Scott – Manager. Eileen Taylor – Administrator. Jo Burns – Training/
Volunteer Co-ordinator. Fiona Higgins – Finance Co-ordinator ...
THE INCLUSION GROUP ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report 2012 2012
The Inclusion Group, 41 North Lindsay Street Dundee DD1 1PW Telephone – 01382 322677/322777 Email –
[email protected] Web – www.inclusiongroup.org.uk
Contacts: Laura Scott – Manager Eileen Taylor – Administrator Jo Burns – Training/Volunteer Co-ordinator Fiona Higgins – Finance Co-ordinator
A Company Limited by Guarantee Charity Number SC 026317
The Inclusion Group is registered with SCSWIS 2
C
ontents Chair ’s Report and Organisational Chart
4
Manager
5
Supporting People
6 - 9
Volunteering
10
Training
11
Groups and Activi ties
12 - 15
Fundraising
16 - 19
News and pictures
20 - 21
B lackpool trip
22-23
Audi tor ’s Report
24
Statement of Financial Activi ties
25
3
OVERVIEW
A
s will be evident to anyone reading this report, The Inclusion Group has had another busy and successful year. We love our new premises and our service users are enjoying the central location and improved facilities. More people pop in just to check what’s on – and aside from the organised groups, staff are always looking for ways to help people meet friends and enjoy a proper social life. For example, some of our young people enjoy The X Factor. Instead of watching at home alone, they gather at The Inclusion Group, organise pizza and nibbles and have a lively social evening watching it together. Transport is no problem, because, of course, we have our lovely new car. The Inclusion Group is about enabling people to live their lives to the full. It’s a service tailored to individual needs and aspirations. We are proud when our work has helped someone gain the confidence to strike out on their own and live independently. Many of our service users are already doing that, or are working towards it. Others, because of the complexity of their needs, will always require a higher level of support and in those cases, in close consultation with the person concerned and those who know them best, we establish what they would like to do and we try to make it happen. I believe the stories and images in these pages illustrate how that well works. This year, our team leaders and trainer were asked to write short personal profiles for this report. It’s evident that, although some have had quite different careers in the past, they love what they do now and that single fact shines through each personal story. Of course, the energy and ethos of an organisation comes from good leadership and we have Laura Scott to thank for the unceasing enthusiasm, imagination and empathy she brings as our Manager. Thanks to our Laura and her staff team, The Inclusion Group remains a forward looking organisation, providing a happy workplace and a top quality service. I must also thank all my fellow trustees for their splendid work. Fundraising has featured highly on the agenda, and we found that being a trustee is not just about attending meetings, it’s about baking, finding sponsors or
dressing up in silly outfits and walking through town. In short, it’s fun. We were sorry to lose Moire our Treasurer (see page 19). Moire volunteered so much of her time and expertise over the year helping with fundraising and administration. Happily for us, she keeps in touch, and we are always happy to see her pop in to the office for a coffee and a “catch up”. Huge thanks too to all the other volunteers who help at the groups, manage the website and generously give us the benefit of their experience and time. Jo says it all in her article on Page 10.
Please read on and, in these pages, you will learn what The Inclusion Group is all about. We are very proud of it. Ruth Findlay, Chair.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FINANCIAL CO-ORDINATOR
MANAGER ADMINISTRATOR
TRAINING/VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR
TEAM LEADERS
VOLUNTEERS
SUPPORT WORKERS
4
MANAGER’S REPORT by Laura Scott
Onward and Upward What an exhilarating year! We now have: – • new, central, fully accessible premises with our own car park • a new accessible vehicle to alleviate some of our clients’ transport problems • a larger staff team, more volunteers, and, of course, an abundance of enthusiasm.
Crisis Budget There are times when the importance of our mission to enable those we support to live their lives to the full is brought sharply into focus. The medical conditions of some of our clients mean that, from time to time, they and their families face enormous challenges. Indeed, in the past year, two young people were at different points, given a matter of hours to live. Happily, both survived and I am proud to say that we were able to provide a level of support that both families have told us was invaluable at such a traumatic time. I would like to say a massive personal thank you to our teams for showing the flexibility, commitment and professionalism that made this possible. These challenges were exceptional, but throughout every year there are occasions when a swift response is necessary to ensure that we can we can adapt our support to meet specific needs. Crises don’t flare up with two weeks notice to arrange meetings and authorise funding. We have responded by putting in place a Crisis Budget that can be used, with discretion, to provide support at the time of need. Many have already benefited from this welcome addition to our service provision.
Fundraising Our Fundraising Committee has excelled itself. We had lots of fun, laughter and hard work and the results have been well worth it. We raised enough to get an accessible vehicle, kit out a sensory room and expand our activity resources. All the fundraising occasions were well planned and every event exceeded expectations. We are very grateful to all those who organised, contributed prizes and attended our events.
Quality Assurance As an organisation, we are constantly striving to find ways of ensuring that our staff members feel valued and appreciated for the contributions they make. To help ensure our service provision remains at a high standard, this year we converted to a new quality assurance system. Many employees are working hard to improve their current qualifications and we are committed to supporting even more to follow their example. We are proud to report that our reputation for outstanding services means more people are requesting The Inclusion Group by name. None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff, willing volunteers and the support of our board of directors. A very big “Thank You!” to them all. 5
SUPPORTING PEOPLE
How it works in three different stories
Derek
by Scott Robertson, Team Leader
A
t the time our service was introduced, Derek was reluctant even to leave the house and this was very worrying for him and his family. He has had support from the Inclusion Group for just over a year now. The early stages of the service were to encourage him to come out with us and make new friends of his own age with shared interests. We were asked to give him the opportunity to learn new life skills to promote independent living.
What we did We discovered Derek had many shared interests with some of our current clients and, after some discussion, he was prepared to attend some of our activities.
Energy Group
With his love of fitness and his all round sporting ability, Derek became involved in, and developed a real passion for the Energy Group. He now helps out at the group, and is always willing to encourage other young people to become involved. Derek, as we all know, is very competitive, but at the same time he can be equally good at encouraging others!
Cookery skills
Derek has learned many new skills in the last year and enjoys taking his turn at our cooking group on a Friday evening. He is always set a task, usually with another young person, and he never fails to complete his task in a very positive manner.
Drama
His newfound independence has given him the confidence to enrol in a Drama Group at Dundee Rep Theatre where he has taken part in three separate productions. He’s been on a short break to Glasgow with his friends where he planned his own itinerary; and this was such a success that they already have plans to visit Blackpool soon.
Adult Learner’s Award
Probably Derek’s greatest achievements have been in improving his literacy and numeracy skills. He attends The Mitchell Street Centre for two hours per month and we have topped this up with specific literacy and numeracy support for two hours per week at The Inclusion Group. Derek has really applied himself and all this additional support, together with his own hard work and commitment, has resulted in him receiving an Adult Learner’s Award presented by the Lord Provost on 3rd September this year. 6
Jamie
by Scott Robertson, Team Leader
J
amie left college in May this year and we were asked to provide him with a full time timetable. We spent some time getting to know Jamie and his family before sitting down with him and planning his personalised timetable. A flexible service, including weekends and evenings, over seven days was requested.
Volunteering
With his own clear goals in mind, Jamie asked us to find him some volunteer work placements. He told us he enjoys working outside, working with animals and working with other people. We put our heads together and after a lot of suggestions from Jamie, including bell ringing, working in a chip shop and joining the Army, we managed to find work placements that we thought he would enjoy. Jamie likes making a difference in the community. He takes his work placements very seriously, and realises the difference his efforts can make. He enjoys the added responsibility and the sense of achievement it brings him.
Social Life
Health and Safety Volunteer
Jamie also requested some social time with young people his age with similar interests. He attends our group activities including the Energy Group and Kaleidoscope where he has made new friends and become a popular member of the groups. He also enjoys attending the Smile Disco once a month and going out on a Saturday to listen to live music.
Learning
Jamie has also been working on his literacy and numeracy skills and we have seen a real improvement. He is managing his own money and budgeting for his day.
Jamie has a full and extensive service which meets his current needs
Monday: Cats Protection League / Bell Ringing Tuesday: Energy Group / Literacy & Numeracy Wednesday: Charity Shop / Swimming Thursday: Conservation / Health and Safety Friday: Dinner Group / Kaleidoscope Saturday: Cook Dinner / Social Time (live music) Sunday: Swimming / Work at Ninewells Hospital 7
Joe
by his Mum
I
t had been three years since we’d had an overnight break from Joe, and we hadn’t been on holiday for five years. It’s difficult to get a babysitter within our family who can cope with Joe overnight.
The Solution
I spoke to the Inclusion group to see if it would be possible for them to do a forty eight hour shift, so me and my husband could go away for a short break and I was overjoyed that it was possible.
Everybody Wins
Our break was a relaxing, recharging time for us and Joe had a fantastic time with his carers. He went for a meal, to the beach, helped cook his meals and went to the cinema. He had a great time!
Future Plans
Now I know that if we need a break in the future, I can call the Inclusion group and we can organise something. We’re even planning for Joe to go on a break with his carers, and we will stay at home and do something special for our other son, as everything seems to be centred round Joe. So it’s great for us all. If it wasn’t for the guys we wouldn’t have any time to ourselves to recharge. We owe a great debt to Joe’s carers and he loves them all.
Joe – “Master Chef”
8
NEW BEGINNINGS by Claire Goetz Residential Homes
W
e were working closely with a number of residents who, until recently, lived in a local residential home. We had been asked to provide support for some of the residents, and our team worked on a one to one basis using Intensive Interaction to promote communication skills. This project was highly successful for all those who participated. Unfortunately there was an enforced closure of the home, which meant that the planned transition from residential living to community living had to be rushed. All the clients we worked with are now living in supported accommodation in the community and everyone is receiving the individual support they require. The move has been positive for everyone with a marked improvement in quality of life. This contract has now come to an end for The Inclusion Group, but we wish them all success and happiness in their new adventure.
Independant Living
One service user has moved out from his family home into a supported flat. He is now living an independent life with a small amount of support from staff. We do continue to work on a one to one basis with him to reinforce confidence building, independent travel and independent living. The young man has acquired important life skills such as cooking, laundry tasks and money management. He is thriving with all his new responsibilities and enjoying his independence.
Round the clock support While one client was in hospital, his family moved to a special adapted property to suit his needs. When he was well enough, he went home and straight into his new “pad”. He now receives a 24/7 package of support from The Inclusion Group and this works well for him and his family. He continues to go from strength to strength and has worked hard with his team to rebuild skills. His quality of life has improved and its all down to the dedicated staff team, his supportive family and most of all, his own strength and determination. He has a giant personality and a smile to match. (See Michael in full evening dress on the cover of this report.)
Claire Goetz Team Leader I’m in my mid twenties and have been working in the care sector since I left school, in many different roles and different organisations. I have been in a senior position for four years. I have worked as a Team Leader with the Inclusion Group for almost two years. Every day is different and I enjoy my job.
I recently got married and am expecting my second child in April next year.
9
VOLUNTEERS by Jo Burns
S
o what does volunteering mean to the Inclusion Group? It means EVERYTHING!
From business direction to music, art, tombolas, teas and coffees and friendly faces with good advice, our volunteers are an invaluable asset. This year our volunteers spent an incredible 2142 hours of their own time contributing to the work of The Inclusion Group. We simply couldn’t work without them: which is why we value them so much; which is why we have training for volunteers to make the most of all their skills and talents as well as deBeverley at Kaleidoscope velop new ones. And it’s why, when we lost three volunteers this year, it was because they had gone on to use their skills and experience in employment. Volunteering benefits all of us and other groups benefit too. Jamie - Ninewells Hospital Grant - Cats Protection League Shop Beverley - British Heart Foundation Dan - Braes Daniel - Discovery Food Programme Overseeing the running of our organisation, supporting everyone involved and making the decisions that really matter? Our Board of Directors .... VOLUNTEERS Making our groups run smoothly and ensuring that everyone knows they belong? ...VOLUNTEERS Publicising our groups, discos, events and achievements through Flyers, Posters, Facebook and Webpage? .VOLUNTEERS Raising money in inventive and fun ways, as well as looking for the best ways to spend it? Our Finance Committee .... VOLUNTEERS Helping our administrator who knows she has an extra pair of hands when needed? ....VOLUNTEERS
Linda and Gail at Open Day
Mike and Christianne at Race Night
10
Donated Prizes
TRAINING by Jo Burns
I
t’s been a busy year for training!
We’ve been meeting criteria for individual worker’s registration with the Scottish Social Services Council, which means a whole lot of staff with a whole lot of SVQs as well as ongoing development throughout the year. We’ve trained a whole staff team in the Administration of Medication and Food Hygiene to the National Standard. That might seem a strange combination but gives an idea of how varied our tasks are on a daily basis, and just how talented and multi-skilled our staff team truly is! Induction for new staff and volunteers has been ongoing, with our usual mix of theory and practice, from communication to moving and handling and, as ever, delivered with the assistance of those receiving the services explaining just how to support them THEIR way.
Jo Burns Training and Volunteer Co-ordinator Along with Aileen I guess you could say I’m one of the ‘auld anes’ as we started together and have been here for 7 or 8 years now! In those days there were four of us in the office with another two out and about. Our team of volunteers, then as now, helped in all the aspects of our work. There was no Supporting People, Kaleidoscope, Discos – most of the groups and activities in this year’s report.
There were however the same values and attitudes that remain to this day; to do the best for the people we worked for, the best job that we could and to grow and develop with (in those days) the children we supported. There was also a good sense of fun and enthusiasm with everything we did and a lot of laughs every day.
So what’s changed? More staff, more people, more laughs, more training, more developing and more learning for all of us. More pride in watching children and young people grow up to be who they want to be – in their own homes, at university and college, volunteering in their community, meeting up with friends and going on holidays. All the things they wanted to do. And in doing that I guess they have let me do all the things I wanted to do - enjoy coming to work, never be bored, work with great people and know I made a difference. How many people do you know that can say that? What can I say about me ... I’m very lucky.
11
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES by Darryl Guthrie
ENERGY
ART GROUP
T
he Art Group takes place on Friday afternoons at The Inclusion Group. Every week we have a different project. Participants with all levels of artistic ability can take part and there’s a strong sense of camraderie as they support each other to complete their work, and have a good laugh along the way. Of course, everyone enjoys taking their art work home afterwards.
Derek and Craig burn some Energy
Concentration and creativity at the Art Group
T
he Energy group meets each Tuesday from 2 3 pm at Kirkton Community Centre, Dundee. This group is for those, as the name suggests. that like getting a ‘sweat on’. The Energy group uses sport and exercise as the springboard to feel healthier, meet friends and perhaps unearth hidden talents. Everything is accessible and open to people of all abilities. As with all the groups, the participants are encouraged to take co-ownership of Energy. Ideas for sessions are listened to and every effort made to make them happen. All money put into this group goes towards equipment, so everyone gets to explore a wide range of activities to see which ones they most enjoy.
12
KALEIDOSCOPE
T
his group has been running for over a year now and takes place in The Inclusion Group. Designed for over 18’s, Kaleidoscope is perfect for those who can’t wait for the weekend. The Group welcomes everyone (you don’t have to be receiving of one of our services, and has lots of different activities and games for people to play. Kaleidoscope provides an ideal environment for people to get to know each other and make friendships that continue outside of organised groups.
SMILE DISCOS
T
he Smile disco celebrated its three year anniversary this year with a move to the big time! We now have a monthly residency in one of Dundee’s biggest and most popular nightclubs – Liquid! Not only do we have a loyal following of veteran party goers who have been attending our discos regularly since they began, but we have a whole new group of ravers who turn up, whatever the weather, to strut their stuff and wave their glow sticks! ‘The Smile disco is a really good night. It gives people a chance to come along, have their favourite song played, make new friends and have a really good time! If you haven’t been to a Smile Disco yet, get involved and come along for a great night’ – Scott, our resident DJ
A big Smile Disco ‘shout out’ to Mr Craig McLauchlan who works really hard each week on the advertising and marketing of the disco to make sure the dance floor is always jumping!
Above – Craig McLauchlan - our PR man Left – Lisa, Sarah and Nikki full of Christmas Spirit Below – Andrew enjoying the party
Above – Derek and Craig
Right – Robert and Scott 13
by its members
O
ur youth club is the place where we get together, do what we want to do and have fun doing it. We’re all between the ages of 11 and 17 and like using the computers, beating Jo at pool, battling each other at Wii bowling and monkeyball. We have our volunteers to help out and work with us; cutting up cake for birthday parties, listening to us and our ideas and generally mucking in and having a laugh. The Zone lets us meet up with friends, share our ideas, our problems and our plans. We’re a friendly bunch and there’s always room for new people. So whether you want to volunteer or join the group we will always welcome you in.
Dawn Bruce, pictured above, is The Inclusion Group’s longest serving volunteer – volunteering at The Zone since the club began thirteen years ago. Dawn has a full time career but still finds time to help out on Monday nights because she says, “Its fun”. Dawn is also a Director of The Inclusion Group and a member of the Fundraising Committee. 14
Above - a typical Monday night (and Jo takes it all in her stride).
All the pictures are of volunteers and members of The Zone. Clockwise from Top Left Christopher, Joe, Laura/Cruella, Blair, Dylan and Audrey. Opposite page - Top - Joe, Dylan and Ebi, 2nd - Rosie, Molly and Blair, 3rd - Shauna and Toni Bottom - Jo
A strange sight at the water cooler
Darryl Guthrie Team Leader I started as a support worker in 2007 and haven’t looked back. I feel very fortunate to have started when I did, because the organisation has grown so much in the last five years, and I‘ve had the opportunity to progress with it.
I now manage some of the projects I was involved with as a support worker and I’ve worked directly with some of our service users through big milestones in their lives. I feel fortunate to have been able to share these moments.
I became a team leader in 2010 and although I enjoy the new challenges of that role, there are downsides to being based in the office. For instance, I didn’t get to go to Blackpool this year. On the plus side, Laura makes sure I’m never underweight and Eileen makes sure I never forget. I’d like to thank all our workers on the front line. Our reputation rests on them, and they are our greatest assets.
15
FUNDRAISING by Charlotte Scott, Team Leader
W
e became aware that many of our service users were restricted in being able to attend our groups because of the high cost of travel. People were regularly paying between twenty and twenty five pounds in taxi fares to attend an activity which costs only two pounds. This had to be wrong and we resolved to do something about it.
The Target
Our Fundraising Committee began the year with the specific goal of raising enough funds to buy our own accessible vehicle. We were lucky enough to receive donations from the charity ‘Burlesque Cares’ and also the ‘Spring Fling Ball’ which sent us off to a flying start, and we are extremely grateful to the organisers of these events for their support.
Sky Dive and Race Night
Later in the year, four of our brave (some would say mad!) support workers took to the air to complete a tandem sky dive. The jury is still out as to who screamed the loudest, but we are grateful to them for their sterling contributions. We also held our annual race night which, as usual, was very well supported and great fun.
Open Day and Fun Walk
Our first Open Day in July was such a huge success that we plan to make it an annual event. There are so many people to thank for this success. People donated tombola prizes, we had a book stand, handmade cards, homebaking, face painting, and Eileen and Laura organised a busy cafe. Outside there was more fun with wet sponge throwing and again, many thanks to all those victims who were brave enough to volunteer for that. Later in the month we did a fun walk in fancy dress (we all love to dress up!), and rattled our collection buckets in the centre of town.
Pub Quiz
The Pub Quiz was well attended with lots of people donating raffle prizes and buying tickets, as well as taking part in the quiz itself. Many, many thanks to all concerned. It was another great night.
Target reached - We have our car! We are extremely grateful to everybody for their enthusiastic support in all these efforts. We still have a craft fair in November to come, but the good news is that we did raise enough money for our lovely accessible vehicle which is already in use and transporting people to clubs. It’s even been to Blackpool for the boys’ holiday in September.
A
special thank you from the Fundraising Committee is due to Moire Dickson who, while acting as Treasurer of The Inclusion Group this year, was a leading light in all our efforts. Moire not only came up with good ideas, she “mucked in” and saw them through, keeping us all on our toes at the same time! Thank you Moire and we wish you years and years of happy times with your lovely puppy Bria. 16
Above - Joel and Fraser seem to have backed the wrong horse at Race Night.
Left and Opposite - Some images from our Fun Walk. Right - At Open Day, Charlotte gives Daniel a very red face - but she does it by the book. Below - Jo and volunteer Audrey in charge of the cake and candy and our administrator, Eileen helps in the busy cafe.
17
“Carrying a torch” for Inclusion Euan Robertson, the 13 year old son of our Team Leader Scott, was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch in Guardbridge on 12th June. Euan put on his official track suit and brought the torch to our Open Day so some of our service users and visitors could share the moment. As the pics show Yusef and Petra were especially delighted to join in the Olympic dream.
Kerry and Fraser at Open Day and, below Lisa and Sarah go to the ball 18
A Driving Force! Moire Dickson served as our Treasurer over the year, and worked tirelessly to help us raise the necessary funding to buy our car. Family commitments (and the little lady under her arm!) mean Moire has had to step down from the Committee but we all wish her well and can’t thank her enough for all she’s done.
AT LAST! Our own car – in our own car park – parked outside our new central and accessible premises. Now, that’s a result! Well done to the Fundraising Committee and all who helped. Moire with Bria at 9 weeks
Charlotte Scott Team Leader I am originally from a small town in Fife - a fact about which my colleagues never fail to pass comment!
I started working with people with additional needs at a holiday play scheme when I was fourteen. (We will not say how long ago that was!). When it came to leaving school, I didn’t think it was possible to make a living while having as much fun as I did at the play scheme, so I went to University in Edinburgh to study Modern Languages, with the idea of getting a ‘proper job’- I soon worked out that it wasn’t for me!
I moved to Dundee in 2006 while I was studying for a Degree in Mental Health and Counselling at Abertay University, and joined the Inclusion Group in 2007. Originally I worked at the Maps Project, then moved into the Team Leader post at the Inclusion Group in August 2009. I can honestly say that I love my job, there is never a dull moment or a day that I don’t laugh till my sides hurt. I have met so many people who have changed the way I think about the world and I wouldn’t swap that for a ‘proper job’ any day!
19
Scott Robertson Team Leader I am married to Valerie and we have 3 children. My sons are Euan
(13) and Moray (12) and my daughter is Brodie (9). I also have a 2 year old black Labrador called Lucy. I spent 22 years in the Royal Air Force working all over the UK and Europe as well as serving tours in the Falkland Islands, Qatar and Iraq. During my last 3 years in the Air Force I was a member of the Children’s Panel with Perth & Kinross Council.
After my time with the Children’s Panel, I decided on a career change and was employed by The Inclusion Group in January 2009 as a Support Worker. I enjoyed the new challenges I faced as a support worker and quickly enrolled at the local College to ensure I had the correct qualifications for the position I held. When the post of Team Leader became available I applied for the job. I was successful with my application and have been a Team Leader now for 18 months. My current position is challenging, rewarding and very enjoyable.
Joe mucks in at “Muddy Boots”
Jamie played drums at Stage 2000
20
Eileen Taylor Administrator
A good administrator is the heart of the office and Eileen fulfils that role for The Inclusion Group – in spades! Eileen has been with us for seven years. She knows where everything is, pays us, keeps everybody right, gives up her own time (and husband Kenny’s) for our fundraising and can always be relied on to go that extra mile. She’s the friendly face that greets visitors, service users and their families. In short, we don’t know what we’d do without her - and, luckily, she has a terrific sense of humour too. She needs it!
Helena visited Dynamic Earth
Claire became Mrs. Goetz
28th April 2012
Alex and Bridget after a busy afternoon
Alex won the reward of an afternoon at Carnoustie Beach and Play Park with Bridget the Therapet and they both had a great time. (Bridget had been pretty good too!)
A strong contingent from The Inclusion Group attended Claire and Dale’s wedding. It was a wonderful day and we wish them every happiness for their future together. Next April is going to be pretty special too for the Goetz family - see Claire’s profile on page 9. 21
BLACKPOOL 2012 Watch it lads! Here’s Ken
Deirdre’s got this friend ...
!
Footie star and WAG
22
“G’on give’s a smile hen”
It’ll cost ye!
“Bye Bye Everyone Bye Bye”
Can we fix it?
NOT part of your Five a Day
“CUT!”
!
The only one who behaved. 23
24
25
The Inclusion Group, 41 North Lindsay Street Dundee DD1 1PW Telephone – 01382 322677/322777 Email –
[email protected] Web – www.inclusiongroup.org.uk
Contacts: Laura Scott – Manager Eileen Taylor – Administrator Jo Burns – Training/Volunteer Co-ordinator Fiona Higgins – Finance Co-ordinator
26
