I would like to start this month’s update with a personal message about Catherine Carter, the Service Quality Director for Thera North who recently passed away. When I first started with Thera South West she was a big support for me. She made time for me and was always willing to help with anything I needed help with. She became such an inspirational friend to me over the time I got to spend with her. I will miss her dearly, my well-wishes go out to her family and loved ones at this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and support my friend, you will be sorely missed.
While this has been a difficult month, I have still kept myself busy. I am always passionate about promoting Thera and I had the opportunity to have my story appear on CornwallLive. I want to get my story out there so others like myself can find the strength to achieve like I have. I never had that one-to-one support; I’m hoping my story shows people why Thera doing what they’re doing is necessary.
I have had the opportunity to do some of my normal tasks. I still love going on visits to the people we support and I really enjoyed my trip to Brixham. The people were happy and welcoming, and it was great to see how well they’re living. They’ve been able to get out and live their lives, visiting the London Eye and Harry Potter World and are planning more for the future.
I have also been giving more Welcome to Thera sessions. I’ve always loved the idea of co-hosting an event and hope to do so in the future. Doing the Welcome to Thera sessions and ensuring the new staff members know how important their job is to the people we support is a good start towards that goal. Speaking of working towards to the future, we are already preparing for the different things we want to do next year.
There is a potential book for me to write called ‘Shining the Spotlight’. If we do write it, I hope it will help people with a learning disability. Everything I do comes from the question of ‘what can I do to make the world a better place?’ and I hope this is a potential avenue to inspire.
We have also looked into getting new merchandise and banners so we can get around to more events and help spread the word of just how much Thera has touched the lives of the people we support. We’d love to be able to attend Blue Light Day again and help network there. It was amazing meeting the different people there this year. But that’s not the only event we have planned.
My first Being Heard event is all booked in! In January we’ll be in Newton Abbot. The theme will be getting to know each other and giving people chance to have their say. If you are supported by Thera South West, I’d love the chance to meet you and hear what you have to say and any feedback you have. I’m sure we’ll have an amazing time together.
As you can see it’s been another busy month, I hope you’re all well as we head towards Christmas. There’s plenty to look forward to in the future.
Visit our blog to read more about Sam’s first year as a Service Quality Director.