Flexible, dependable caring help - for everyone  
                                      

And finally our usual request!!!

We usually put this at the end of the Newsletter but because we know that familiarity can lead regular readers to stop reading at this point we have changed the running order.

Seriously though we know that there are many people in the area who are not receiving the high quality of care customers of Bluebird Care Bury enjoy. You may have friends like this who are not satisfied with their current home care provider or they might be thinking that some help in their daily life would be useful, if so please put them in touch with us.

There is no obligation on them; just an opportunity to meet Theresa, Joanne or Sylvia to discuss their needs and how Bluebird Care Bury can help. If you want a leaflet to give to them please ask your care worker or get them to call the office and we will make sure they get a warm reception.

Bury Council Carers’ Personal Budgets

This scheme, which affects about 15% of our customers, has been operating for just over a month and Bluebird Care Bury is helping several people to deal with the initial problems, including disagreements with the Council over the level of use of the old Voucher scheme. If you need help please do not hesitate to contact Theresa or Terry at the office; we are happy to come to see you to discuss matters.

Customer Forum

The Bluebird Care Bury Customer Forum will take place on Thursday 26th May between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall. The event will allow invited customers and social work team members to learn more about us and to let us know how we can improve our service. We hope to have some 40 people at the event and will report on the key points in the next Newsletter.

Unfortunately we have had to limit invitations due to space constraints but if you haven’t received an invitation and would really like to attend please get in touch with Terry at the office.
 

Problems with funding

At Bluebird Care we have heard of a number of cases where Local Councils are trying to restrict the choice of which care company a person can use even though the Council’s own information booklets make it clear that this choice is available. If you or someone you know is facing this problem please let us know as we will be happy to help.

Carers’ Week – June 13th to 19th

We make no apology for including this item again as it is a major event that impacts on so many people The organisers of Carers’ Week (www.carersweek.org) are asking carers to tell them about the reality of caring in the UK in 2011. They want to know how easy or hard the life of a carer is and what are the biggest surprises that you encounter when you become a carer.
To find out more about Carers Week, and how to take part, please visit their website or e-mail info@carersweek.org  or call the hotline on 0845 241 2582.

Oakdene – a service for people with learning difficulties

One of our customers has brought this facility to our attention. Oakdene is for young adults and people with health and social care needs, autism or those who may need intensive support. You can access the service using individual budgets or independent living funding or continuing healthcare support.

Oakdene is based at 1067 Rochdale Road, Blackley, M9 8AJ (phone 0161 220 5840). The website is www.vestacare.co.uk

Disabled Living

This service operates a monthly open day for adults, children and older people with disabilities. Open Days take place on the last Friday of each month and allows visitors to learn about their services and look round the state of the art demonstration centre.

The facility is now based just off the East Lancs Road (A580) at Burrows House, Priestly Road, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, M28 2LY. (phone 0161 214 5959).

Awards for Staff

The Bluebird Care Bury Care Worker of the month award for April was won by Chris Turner who joined us in December. Chris has already shown his willingness to support his customers and colleagues and the final recognition came with a great testimonial from a customer.

Recognition for Bluebird Care

We were delighted to hear this week that we have been shortlisted for the Customer Excellence award at the Bolton & Bury Business Awards 2011. The results will be announced on 16th June 2011. So fingers crossed.

For more information about Bluebird Care please visit the feature here