The newsletter for staff and volunteers at St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House

The Bulletin

Dear staff and volunteers,

I’m sure you will agree that 2018 has got off to a busy start across the hospices in all areas of our work. I would like to give you an update on how I see the year ahead.

I am so pleased that our new Chief Operating Officer, Alison Thorne-Henderson, has started work in the organisation. Alison will be directing the full range of our support services at St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House – Finance, HR, Facilities, IT, Voluntary Services - and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge with her.

Our new Clinical Director, Cathy Stone, started work with us this month. I look forward to introducing her to you all and I know that you will give her a warm welcome at both hospices.

We also have a number of new Trustees including a new Treasurer, Martin Godsmark, who recently retired as a partner at MHA Carpenter Box accountants and tax advisers. Tony Moss and Neil Gatley have also joined the Board of Trustees. Tony is a retired paediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon while Neil runs his own HR consultancy. I am so grateful to all our Trustees for the time and expertise that they give the charity.

This year we are focused on developing and agreeing a top-level strategy for the overall charity and, most importantly, the clinical strategies for both St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House. The Senior Management Team is meeting in February to prepare for a strategy session in mid-March with the full Board and our goal of reaching more people with more vital services will be at the forefront of our thinking. Many of you worked intensively with Debbie Medlock at the end of last year to review service development proposals for both hospices and this excellent work will feed in to the SMT and Board strategy sessions.

At St Barnabas, a great deal of remarkable progress has been achieved over the last 2-3 years with many new vital services becoming established at the hospice – a special bulletin on St Barnabas clinical developments was sent out on 9 February. At Chestnut Tree House,

we have worked through a long period of discussion and analysis of what is now a complex and far-reaching service for children and their families. I am hopeful that we will be able to move forward on a new strategy for Chestnut Tree House in the coming months.

Away from clinical services, I know there is so much good work going on across the organisation. Our Retail and Fundraising teams are having a very successful year and I am particularly pleased with the work that has been done on a new 10 year strategy for our Retail business, this will be discussed at the Retail Committee next month. Research conducted in 2017 shows that public awareness of St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House is very high and still growing. We are continuing to work on our action plan following the very encouraging staff survey and a new Internal Communications Coordinator has just been recruited as a result of the survey. We still welcome your ideas on how to address many of the issues raised by the staff survey. The space review continues to be implemented across the organisation and good progress on office moves has been achieved at St Barnabas. Sentinel is up and running to record incidents, complaints and accidents.

I would really like to recognise the contribution of every team and every Department in the hospices but it is impossible to do that specifically in this short update. I’d like to thank every member of staff and every volunteer for your dedication, hard work and inspiring commitment.

Best wishes

HughHugh LowsonChief Executive

Jan/Feb 2018

Hello and welcome..Katie Denyer Staff Nurse - CTH

Irene Peirce Bank Housekeeping Assistant - STB

Aurora Leighton Bank Nurse Specialist - STB

Lousie Humphrey Advanced Heart Failure RN - STB

Nola Wakeham Bank Housekeeping Assistant - STB

Jonathan Newman Bank Van Driver/ Warehouse Assistant - Retail

Deborah Prately Bank Staff Nurse - STB

William Kirton Payroll Admin Assistant - STB

Noreen Convery Community Staff Nurse - CTH

Julie Fudge Community Nurse Specialist - STB

Alison Thorne-Henderson Chief Operating Officer - STB + CTH

Maddy Reid Marketing Officer - STB + CTH

Karen Davis Bank Relief Assistant Manager - Retail

Gavin Broom Technical Admin Officer - STB

Tracy King Catering Assistant - STB

Cathy Stone Clinical Director - STB + CTH

Farewell and thank you..

Michaela Baker Junior Staff Nurse - STB

Ben Hall Voluntary Services Assistant - STB

Simon Shipp Van Driver - Retail

Caroline Smith Marketing Officer - STB + CTH

Fiona Luther Family Therapist - CTH

Shaun Webster Relief Manager - Retail

Roger Smith Specailty Registrar -STB

Terrina Barnes Corporate Fundraising Manager - CTH

Nikki Appleton Retail Assistant Manager - Chichester

Fiona Anderson Registered Nurse - STB

Staff a nd Volu nteer News

A warm welcome to Alison Thorne-Henderson who joined St Barnabas Hospices as Chief Operating Officer in January this year. Alison is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development and previously a Board member for NHS Policy Board. Here are a few words from Alison about her past experience and plans for her new role:

“It has been a great privilege to get to meet many of you over the last couple of weeks and I look forward to meeting and working with you all over the next year. The Chief Operating Officer is a new role for the charity which means I’m responsible for all Facilities, Finance, HR and Voluntary Services so basically all the infrastructure to support all our Clinical, Retail, Marketing and Fundraising activities. My background includes managing large scale projects, within the public and private sector, and most recently I worked for a Care Home and Domiciliary care provider based in Dorset, Bath, Devon and Sussex. Just before this I worked for University Hospitals Southampton NHS Trust. I live near Winchester having moved last September out of the city to something more rural, where my four girls get to see horses and sheep each day. I really want to get to know you more and to learn about the services we deliver so please come and talk to me about your views about working here. If you have any

ideas or challenges I would be keen to hear about how you think I could help too. I am really pleased to have joined an organisation with such strong values of We are Caring, We are Courageous and We are Connected. Values make a real difference between working for an organisation that is supportive, nurturing and innovative to one that often ends in disaster or at least have staff leaving as fast as they join! Reading more about our values the importance of ‘We are Connected’ really resonated with me - I see my role as helping to ensure that different parts of St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House, those often thought of as ’behind the scenes’ are truly connected to the services we deliver and will need to deliver in the future. If I have to pick out one behaviour then it would have to be I am strong believer in treating everyone we are connected to with respect and dignity. Please do introduce yourself when I’m out and about across the organisation. It takes many people, in many roles, working together, to make that a success. I’m looking forward to being part of a great team here at St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House.” Best wishes Alison

Introducing our newChief Operating Officer

Staff a nd Volu nteer News

Cathy Stone has worked at both St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House during the last year as an external consultant and is very much looking forward to joining our team. She believes passionately that when we place patients and families at the centre of our care we always succeed. In support of her Clinical role, Cathy holds an MSc in Healthcare Management and is a Specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission.

In her spare time, Cathy is a wife, mother, and grandmother. In support of her sailing husband and daughter, she leads an active role in her local yacht club.

This new role boosts our own in-house critical mass of clinical / medical competency and offers leadership and direct support for the Director of Adult Nursing, Director

of Children’s Services and our Consultants. Cathy comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience and we welcome her to St Barnabas Hospices.

A warm welcome to our new Clinical Director

Staff a nd Volu nteer News

Slim Down ClubOur Occupational Health Officer, Liz Ibrahim, has had a fantastic attendance and commitment at her ‘Slim Down Club’. Since January, 21 staff have been weighed on a weekly basis, with all participants losing between ½ and 1 pound each week and the gold medal going to one staff member with a monthly weight loss of 10 pounds. This has been achieved by reducing portion size, increasing exercise and taking care of carbohydrate intake.

Please email Liz.Ibrahim@stbh.org.uk to join the club!

New this month- Liz will be carrying out on-site blood pressure checks

Don’t be part of this statistic ....

Changes to Facebook - help keep St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House in your newsfeedSocial media is a valuable tool for engaging with our local community, keeping them informed about the care we provide and how they can get involved and support the hospices. Our Chestnut Tree House Facebook page has 15,000 followers, and our St Barnabas House page has nearly 8,000 followers.

You may have heard that Facebook is introducing changes that may reduce the number of posts people see from our Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House Facebook pages. In order to keep our pages successful, it would be helpful if people who already like our page(s) could please select ‘following’ and then ‘see first’ within Facebook, you can also choose to be notified when we post new updates.

If you do not already like our Facebook pages, they can be found here:

www.facebook.com/stbarnabashouse

www.facebook.com/chestnuttreehouse

We are also active on Twitter and Instagram so please follow us : @ChestnutSussex , @StBarnabasHouse : @ChestnutTreeHouse , @StBarnabasHouse

- Postural checks for seated workers

COMING IN MARCH- Health checks for over 40’s

HR and Voluntary Services UPDATEA great start to 2018Those of you who came to the December staff briefing or watched it online will remember that I described some of the work planned for this year in response to the 2017 Staff Survey.

So far this year the HR team has:

Made stress management and resilience training open to all staff and planned or held additional sessions for specific teams

Developed a training module for managers on managing performance and made this compulsory for managers to attend as part of the We Manage programme

Recruited a part-time Internal Communications Coordinator to work as part of the HR team to drive improvements in this area. Hazel McMillan should start with us in late February in this important role.

Signed up with Stonewall to continue our work on becoming a fantastic service provider and employer for LGBT people. Stonewall works with over 760 organisations in the UK to create fully inclusive environments for employees and service users and is the UK’s leading campaigning organisation for LGBT people.

I hope you share my view that it’s a positive start to our 2018 agenda to continue to make St Barnabas Hospices a great place to work for all people.

Steve Richards (HR and Voluntary Services Director)

Join our new Diversity and Inclusion Group

Steve Richards is looking for volunteers to get involved in a Diversity and Inclusion Group to guide and support our work in this area, so please get in touch with him directly if this is of interest to you.

Steve will be sending out an email with more information shortly.

Going home from St Barnabas House?

Would you benefit from someone to

help you settle back at home?

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Volunteer newsOn the volunteering side, it’s great to report that our first referral under the new ‘Home from St Barnabas’ service has gone well and we look forward to matching more volunteers to support people as they return home from IPU. Meanwhile, a recruitment initiative for more volunteer drivers has also been very successful.

Steve & Debbie meet Stonewall representatives

Home From St Barnabas volunteers

www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

Happy 15th birthday Chestnut Tree House

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Chestnut Tree House NEWS

Our story began 15 years agoThis year we will be celebrating Chestnut Tree House’s 15th birthday – 15 years of caring for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

Our story began in 1999 when it was realised that there was little or no provision for children and young people in Sussex who needed specialist hospice care. The Chestnut Tree Trust was formed and an appeal was launched to build a children’s hospice for Sussex. The local community got behind the project and raised the £5 million needed for us to realise our dream of a purpose-built hospice where children and young people could receive the care they so desperately needed.

In November 2003, HRH Princess Alexandra officially opened Chestnut Tree House. At that time we were caring for just 30 children. Now, 15 years later, the demand for our services has increased dramatically. To meet that demand, we have introduced new services such as our oncology service for children with cancer and our neonatal service for very young babies, and we are caring for children with much more complex needs than ever before. We have introduced our Youth Groups and expanded our Community Team to provide more care for families in the comfort of their own homes. In our 15th birthday year, we are now helping around 300 children and families.

Introducing Chestnut Tree House’s 15th birthday PatronsTo celebrate our 15th birthday, we have invited some people to become honorary birthday Patrons, to support Chestnut Tree House throughout the year alongside our existing Patrons. The role of the birthday Patrons is to support and advise the charity, each contributing in their own way.

The Chestnut Tree House birthday Patrons are (in alphabetical order):

• Paralympic Equestrian Champion, Natasha Baker MBE

• Author, Julia Donaldson and her husband, Dr Malcolm Donaldson

• Singer, songwriter, Chesney Hawkes

• East Sussex Ambassadors, Jacquie and Barry Hinves

• Model, racing driver and TV presenter, Jodie Kidd

• Artist, Lester Magoogan

• International polo player and Captain of the US polo team, Nic Roldan

• Footballer and Captain of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Bruno Saltor

• Singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe

• Businessman, Matt Turner

• Raymond Briggs CBE’s much-loved character, The Snowman™

Chestnut Tree House NEWSCharlie stars in new Chestnut Tree House filmWe are happy to share a new film which has been made to raise awareness of Chestnut Tree House.

The film features Charlie and his parents, Mary and Russ, who have been using Chestnut Tree House’s services as a family for the last five years. It shows Charlie receiving community care in his own home from Care Support Worker, Kimberley Dewey, as well as making the most of the wide range of activities that go on at Chestnut Tree House. A big thank you to the Care Team for helping us put this film together.

“I would describe it as a very fun and friendly place because all the young people and young adults are very happy. I’ve never seen anyone cry there or even look grumpy.” Charlie

Watch the film on the homepage of our website: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

Exclusive Arundel Castle abseil

As part of our 15th birthday celebrations, we will be offering 400 people an exclusive opportunity to abseil down Arundel Castle!

Thanks to our President, Henry, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, we will be hosting two days of abseiling at Arundel Castle – Friday 28 and Saturday 29 September – when supporters will abseil 180ft down the iconic Bake House Tower to raise money for Chestnut Tree House.

Places are limited and we are encouraging everyone who is interested in taking part to join the waiting list before 28 February to be among the first to be notified when registration opens.

Make Chestnut Tree House’s 15th birthday a year for taking a leap. For doing something you never thought you could. Take on a challenge. For yourself. For local families. For living. For the Now.

To join the waiting list visit:www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/arundelabseil

Chestnut Tree House NEWS

Chestnut Tree House is looking to recruit intrepid explorers to sign up for the experience of a lifetime and trek the Inca Trail in Peru next year, journeying through the Sun Gate to the world famous lost city of Machu Picchu.

After the success of fundraising treks to China in 2015 and Cambodia in 2017 which raised a staggering £133,477 – equating to 19 days of care, we have teamed up with Global Adventure Challenges for their third expedition. The Inca Trail in Peru is one of the top 10 trekking trails in the world – covering 52km in just 10 days and encompassing sub-tropical vegetation, cloud

forest, snow-capped peaks and three high mountain passes – the highest at 4,200m. The trekking will be tough, but this life-changing experience taking place from 1-10 November 2019 will be hard to surpass. Best of all, participants will be fundraising to pay for all Chestnut Tree House’s care services, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes, for the entire duration of the trip.

Chestnut Tree House Patron Jodie Kidd, who has signed up to take part, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Chestnut Tree House during their 15th birthday year, and feel honoured to be a Patron. Challenges like this help so much –

both in terms of increasing awareness and raising vital funds. You get a fantastic life-changing experience, but also know that the money you’re raising will help change lives.”

Northern Ireland Hospice team make a flying visitChestnut Tree House was delighted to welcome three members of staff from Northern Ireland Hospice who flew in from snowy Belfast to meet the team and see the facilities. Grace Stewart (Head of Children’s Hospice Services), Katie Pollock (Head of Fundraising) and Elley Martin (Donor Development Manager) took a tour around Chestnut Tree House before meeting with the clinical, fundraising and community services teams. For both hospices it was a great chance to bounce ideas around, discuss best practice and talk about future plans. Grace (Head of Children’s Hospice Services) at Northern Ireland Hospice said about the day: “Hospice work can be quite introspective and it’s really nice to come out and see that you are on the same page as other people. That kind of cross examination of service and looking at ideas is really helpful.”

St Barnabas House NEWS

St Barnabas House Pond UpdateAfter two days work with a Truxor amphibious machine cutting back reeds, the results are remarkable.

Nick Jones, who looks after the gardens around the hospice said, “As the summer arrives the wild flowers will come out and all the new regrowth of the cornus will emerge. There will be new reeds and lilies growing so the pond will really start to come to life. Look out for the moorhens, it’s their favourite place.”

Steve Williams, Head of Facilities said, “We are so grateful to Southern Water for providing a £10,000 grant for us to get to the pond area cleared. We are

looking at various options for the next stage and finding long term ways to keep the pond maintained at low cost. A bridge is planned so that we can keep the pond clear more easily and patients and families can enjoy the feature too.”

Beverly Thompson of Southern Water said, “We are so pleased to be able to help with the pond project. We are hoping the pond will be a place where patients, families and staff at St Barnabas House will find a peaceful haven and perhaps a place where some happy memories will be made.”

Butterfly installation in reception welcomes visitors Over the past couple of months, patients from the Day Hospice have been invited to paint a stained glass style butterfly on clear acetate film.

By using a variety of templates the process could be as simple or complex as people wanted and suited all abilities. People who may not normally use the art room felt more inclined to give it a go, and the templates also meant that people with visual impairment were able to take part and contribute. The simple process led to some wonderful conversations around the art room tables and has encouraged some to venture into the art room more regularly. The beautiful veneer flowers which the butterflies hang from were made by a gentleman attending the Monday Creative Space careers art group.

Hit the Downs MTB After the huge success of the inaugural Hit the Downs MTB we are back again with an epic off-road cycling challenge.

Take on the rolling South Downs Way whilst raising vital funds for Chestnut Tree House or St Barnabas House on Sunday 6 May 2018. The undulating course will test riders with its multitude of tricky climbs and rapid downhill descents. Whether you choose to take

on the cool 30 km route or challenge yourself to the new impressive 60 km route, you are guaranteed a thrilling day in the saddle. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or relatively new to two wheels, we will provide professional support on the day to help see you through to the finish line!

Visit www.hitthedowns.org.uk to see the brilliant film of last year’s event and register for 2018.

Mountain Bike 30 or 60 km

Sunday 6 May 2018

Windlesham House School, Washington

Registered Charity No.: 256789

www.HITTHEDOWNS.org.ukor

30km60km

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Snowdon Sunset TrekHave you heard about our brand new event for St Barnabas House? On 8 September 2018, a team of trekkers will get the chance to explore and summit the highest mountain in England and Wales whilst raising vital funds for St Barnabas House. Trekking Mount Snowdon (1,085m) during the daytime forms a great adventure, but trekking to its summit for sunset and descending in the dark brings another exciting element and challenge to this famous trek.

We will begin our challenge by meeting the team at St Barnabas House for our transfer to Llanberis, North

Wales. Lunch and a briefing will be followed by a 5-7 hour ascent along Llanberis Path.The aim is to summit as the sun sets and witness the amazing views across Snowdonia National Park, descending through the night using head torches to light our way. The trek will finish around midnight and the team will celebrate with breakfast and a glass of bubbly, before travelling through the night back to Worthing on Sunday 9 September.

Are you interested in joining the St Barnabas House Trekking team?

Visit www.stbh.org.uk/snowdon to find out more.

Fundraising NEWS

Could you go sugar-free for St B?The new ‘Sugar-free for St B’ campaign asks supporters of St Barnabas House to give up sugar and raise sponsorship for the hospice.

Wendy Bardsley, Community Fundraising Manager at St Barnabas House, said: “We are encouraging people to give up sugar and ask friends and family for sponsorship to raise money for St Barnabas House at the same time. You could give up sweets,

biscuits, sugar in your tea, or give up all three! Ask your friends to sponsor you and help us to provide vital hospice care.”

If you would like to take part in Sugar-free for St B you can find out more information or download a sponsor form at www.stbh.org.uk/sugar-free

StBFor

GoSugar-free

MINIs Take Over Goodwood and raise £2,673 for St Barnabas HouseJake Costin and his girlfriend, Hannah Pheasant, with the help of family, friends and Littlehampton-based company, SRR Motorsport, raised £2,673 at their ‘MINIs Take Over Goodwood’ event on Friday 3 November 2017.

Jake wanted to raise funds for St Barnabas House in memory of his grandmother, Margaret Holder, who received care at home from St Barnabas House nurses. The day was action-packed, both on and off the track, with owners showing off their pride and joys, visitors wandering the paddocks or watching the action on track.

“My Grandma had cancer and dementia and the nurses from St Barnabas were so hands on, they always turned up with a warm smile no matter what the time, day or night. They helped us so much, particularly my Grandad who could get some rest.” Jake Costin

“We have already decided to do it again next year for St Barnabas House so if there are any volunteers who want to help out please let us know.”Hannah Pheasant

Jake Costin and Hannah Pheasant present cheque

Fundraising NEWSSarah raises over £2,600 for St Barnabas House by trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp To celebrate her 50th birthday, Lancing resident, Sarah Jones, set herself the challenge of a lifetime – to trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal at an altitude of 17,598ft. Sarah did the trek in memory of her dear friend, Mad (Madeline Band), who St Barnabas House cared for through its Hospice at Home service.

Returning to the UK, Sarah wrote on her JustGiving fundraising page: “On Saturday 7 October, after nine very tough days, I finally reached Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 17,598ft!”

The challenge involved 77 miles of trekking over 13 days – 38.5 miles and nine days to trek up to basecamp and a further 38.5 miles and four days to descend.

“The trek was quite simply the most incredible experience of my life! It exceeded all my expectations and although it was physically very demanding, it was also hugely rewarding in every way.”Sarah Jones

Sarah (right) with her friend Mad

Mad March pub quiz challenge

The Tarring Club reach fundraising milestone for St Barnabas House In October 2017, the Tarring Club held a Gary Barlow tribute event and raffle in aid of St Barnabas and presented the charity with a cheque for the sum of £5,561.25, bringing their fundraising total since 1997 to an incredible £42,086.

The Tarring Club was first built in 1907 as the West Tarring Working Men’s Club until it was destroyed during the Second World War in 1943. The Tarring Club was rebuilt in 1950 and the club has been supporting St Barnabas House since the hospice’s original capital appeal 50 years ago.

Once again we are asking local pubs to put on a quiz, hold a raffle or just have a collecting box as part of our Mad March campaign. If you know a pub that can help, please contact Mary Bye on 01903 706324 or email mary.bye@stbh.org.uk

Retail NEWS

“I have chosen an amazing prom dress. “It’s totally different to what I thought I wanted but I can’t stop smiling.”Chelsea Wigginton (16 years old)

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming more people into the store in the coming weeks to try on these unique pieces and f ind the perfect outf it for their big occasion.”Angie Page (Uckfield Shop Manager)

Glitz and Glamour arrives in Uckfield Last week, visitors to Chestnut Tree House’s Uckfield shop were treated to a sneak preview of the range of party, prom, evening and dance dresses currently available in the store.

The shop has been totally transformed, filled entirely with glitzy gowns for all occasions as well as sparkly accessories to complete the look. Customers on the night were snapping up the gorgeous gowns, priced from £25 to £195. “I have chosen an amazing prom dress,” said 16 year old Chelsea Wigginton who attends Beacon Academy. “It’s totally different to what I thought I wanted but I can’t stop smiling.” Others were buying for weddings and special parties.

Nearly 100 dresses were donated to the charity and proceeds from their sale will be used to provide care for children with life-shortening conditions across Sussex and South East Hampshire.

The dresses and accessories will be on sale at the Chestnut Tree House shop at 23 High Street, Uckfield until Saturday 3 March. There are lots of different styles, colours and sizes to try on and buy, just pop in to the shop between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday and the team will help you find the perfect dress.

Littlehampton Pancake Olympics!Never mind the Winter Olympics, Littlehampton have just held their own Pancake Olympics in the High Street. A team from our Littlehampton shop took part and here are shop manager, Suzanne (left) and volunteer Dawn, practicing. Go Team St Barnabas!

Our Littlehampton shop is at 3 Duke Street. Details on all of our shops are on our website www.stbh.org.uk/shops

Education NEWSEducation Department Courses for Feb/March 2018

All of the courses below are held in the Education Rooms at St Barnabas House

FebruaryWednesday 21 Feb Swap Shop: new drugs and different indications etc. Wednesday 21 Feb Community link nurses Thursday 22 Feb RGN clinical stat dayMonday 26 Feb Understanding the principles of advance care planningMonday 26 Feb Sage & Thyme Level 2 (ACP)Tuesday 27 Feb University of Brighton module – Day 2Wednesday 28 Feb Looking after yourself (no need to book just come along)

MarchMonday 5 March Pearls for practice for HCAs & NAsTuesday 6 March University of Brighton module - Day 3Wednesday 7 March Clinical Gems for RNsThursday 8 March Sage & Thyme Level 1Monday 12 March I don’t want to go back into hospital – Day 2Tuesday 13 March University of Brighton module - Day 4 (Self Study Day)Tuesday 13 March Sage & Thyme Level 2 (ACP)Wednesday 14 March Child protection & safeguarding – initial & update Thursday 15 March RGN clinical stat dayFriday 16 March Six Steps – Step 5Monday 19 March HCA clinical stat dayTuesday 20 March University of Brighton module – Day 5Wednesday 21 March Mentorship updateThursday 22 March Journal clubFriday 23 March Looking after yourself (no need to book just come along)Friday 23 March Ambulance crew study dayMonday 26 March Verification of expected death (VOED)Tuesday 27 March University of Brighton module – Day 6 (Alternative Placement)Tuesday 27 March Stoma trainingWednesday 28 March Hospital link nursesWednesday 28 March MCA, DoLS & restraintWednesday 28 March Looking after yourself (no need to book just come along)Thursday 29 March Compassion awareness

All the above courses are open to all employees at St Barnabas House and Chestnut Tree House. More information about the courses can be seen on the Education noticeboards near to our office and also on the W/Drive/Group Information/Education – booking forms are here, too. Alternatively, to book your place or to find out more, please email education@stbh.org.uk or call the Education Team on 01903 706356.

Education NEWS

A big welcome to Jackie ReevesWe are very pleased to welcome Jackie Reeves to the Education Team as the Clinical Educator for St Barnabas House, four days a week. Jackie will work closely with all of the nursing teams, focusing on supporting staff to achieve confirmation of their clinical competences. This work will start with a small pilot in Hospice at Home based on a competency framework developed in Yorkshire and Humber. We will keep you updated as the pilot progresses.

Come and find us in our new officeWe are now located where the library used to be and the library is now in our old office.

Jo’s back in the teamWe are delighted that Jo Leachman has returned to the Education Team following a year’s adoption leave. Jo has welcomed two lovely children into her family and they have already become very valuable members of the Education Support Team. Jo will be working part time alongside Terri Waller and Julie Maher. It’s great to have such a fantastic admin team!

Debbie’s prize winning film helps challenge perceptionsThe Education Department has been fortunate to have the opportunity to share a film produced by St Barnabas patient Debbie (59). Debbie has advanced Parkinson’s disease, which causes her severe physical disabilities and can also affect her psychological wellbeing. She has had a lifelong love of roller skating but gave it up not long after she was diagnosed.

Stevan Stratford (Artist-in-Residence at St Barnabas) worked with Debbie to tell her story on film and it has been used in the classroom to promote discussion on many key issues. These include discrimination against disability, assumptions and judgement making, managing expectations, ‘seeing the person beyond the disease’, the ability to be free and to make decisions, the meaning of spirituality, the power of music, medication issues and making some sense of the concept of ‘resilience’.

With Debbie’s permission, her film was presented at the NAPCE (National Association of Palliative Care

Educators) Conference in December 2017. We are delighted to report that it won the Frances Sheldon Poster Award in recognition of the best initiative to support the theme of the conference which was “Inclusivity in Palliative Care Education: Discerning or Discriminating”.

Debbie said: “I feel that my film really had an effect and that I have achieved something. I think I have helped change perceptions at the hospice and am working together with them in partnership. I hope I can provide inspiration to other people like me.”

Watch the film here: www.stbh.org.uk/DebbiesFilm

Volunteer at an upcoming event

St Patricks Day concert Saturday 3 March 201812pm and 3pm shiftsFlyering to promote concertWORTHING TOWN CENTRE

St Patricks Day concert Saturday 17 March 2018Shifts available 6.30pm and 10.30pmAwareness/ fundraising stand, selling raffle tickets, helping with fundraising activities ST PAULS, WORTHING

Brighton MarathonSunday 15 April 2018Shifts available between 9am and 4pm Cheering squad, awareness stand AROUND THE ROUTE - BRIGHTON

Hit the Downs - 20k and 40k Cycle RideSunday 6 May 2018Shifts available between 6am and 6pm Car parking marshals, morning registration marshals, route marshals, cheering squad, handing out medalsSTARTING AT WINDLESHAM HOUSE - THE ROUTE IS ALONG THE SOUTH DOWNS, WEST SUSSEX

Awareness stand – NEWSaturday 19 May 2018Public collection Shifts TBC BUTLINS, BOGNOR REGIS

Sunflower collectionsJune and July - exact dates TBCSelling sunflower pins, public collections Shifts TBC VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY

Eastbourne Half MarathonSunday 4 March 2018Shifts available between 9am and 2pmRoute and registration marshal, water stop AROUND THE ROUTE - EASTBOURNE

Swimarathon Sunday 18 March 2018 11.30am to 5.30pm Event support PAVILIONS IN THE PARK, HORSHAM

Hastings Half MarathonSunday 18 March 2018Shifts available between 9am and 2pmRoute and registration marshal, water stop and cheer squadHASTINGS SEAFRONT

Piazza ItaliaFriday 30 March 2018 10am to 1pm and 1pm to 4pm Awareness/fundraising stand, bucket collections CARFAX, HORSHAM

Brighton MarathonSunday 15 April 2018Shifts available between 9am and 4pm Cheering squad, awareness stand BRIGHTON - AROUND THE ROUTE

Hit the Downs - 20k and 40k Cycle RideSunday 6 May 2018Car parking marshals, morning registration marshals, route marshals, cheering squad, handing out medalsShifts available between 6am and 6pmSTARTING AT WINDLESHAM HOUSE - THE ROUTE IS ALONG THE SOUTH DOWNS, WEST SUSSEX

Thank you

VEHICLE UPKEEP (18+) Carry out vehicle safety checks and help keep them in a good condition

DRIVERS (18+) Provide transport to our children, young people and their families

FUNDRAISING EVENTS (16+) Ensure our fundraising events run

smoothly and are a success (Ad-hoc)

SHOPS (16+ or 15+ for DofE) Assist in one of our charity shops, sorting donations and serving the

public

FUNDRAISING STAND CO-ORDINATOR Transport and co-ordinate charity

fundraising stands, using your own vehicle.

WAREHOUSE (16+) Sort through our many generous

donations ready for distribution to our charity shops

Chestnut Tree House Current Volunteering

Opportunities

All opportunities are a regular involvement unless otherwise stated.

For more information or to request an application form, please contact Voluntary

Services on 01903 706315 or email volunteers@stbh.org.uk

St Barnabas House Current Volunteering

Opportunities

All opportunities are a regular involvement unless otherwise stated. For more information or

to request an application form,

please contact Voluntary Services

on 01903 706315 or email volunteers@stbh.org.uk

OUTPATIENT CLINIC DRIVERS

Safe drivers needed to provide comfortable transport to help patients attend appointments

at the hospice.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC DRIVERS

Safe drivers needed to provide comfortable transport to help patients attend appointments

at the hospice.

SHOPS (16+ or 15+ for D of E) Support our fundraising by

sorting and selling the many generous donations

OUTPATIENT CLINIC SUPPORT

Caring and capable individuals are being sought to provide assistance

during outpatient clinics.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC SUPPORT

Caring and capable individuals are being sought to provide assistance

during outpatient clinics.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC SUPPORT

Caring and capable individuals are being sought to provide assistance

during outpatient clinics.

MAINTENANCE (16+) Help to keep the hospice in good

working order

COMMUNITY COMPANIONS (18+)

Befriend and give practical support to patients at their

homes

FUNDRAISING EVENTS (16+) Play a part in a variety of

activities (ad-hoc)

DAY HOSPICE (18+) Assist the nursing staff by carrying

out a varied range of tasks and activities to ensure the patients

have a comfortable and enjoyable day

WAREHOUSE (16+) Sort through our many generous donations ready for distribution

to our charity shops

Do you believe in fairies?It seems that many do

Here are a few of my favourites I’d like to share with you

The teaspoon fairy………..Shiny and bright

Is always busy, well into the nightTeaspoon after teaspoon,

collected and reassigned to dishwasher, draining board Or wherever there’s room

The mug fairy ………Has a similar taskNot many chances

To sit back and relax

The toilet brush fairy……..Cinderella of them all

Spends her time f litting after youMaking the loos much nicer by removing the poo

Please think of these fairies and all that they doIt shouldn’t really be their job

It should be down to you!

By Marcelle Palmer

Register for new Childcare VouchersThe government has launched a new scheme called Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). If you currently use or would like to start using childcare vouchers, please see the fact sheet over the page for your information. Registration with our company provided Childcare Voucher Scheme will close to new entrants on 1 April 2018.

There are also frequently asked questions and information posters stored on the shared W drive: W:\Group Information\Staff Benefits\Child Care Voucher Scheme

Please contact Payroll if you have any queries.

Do you believe in fairies?

This poem was handed in to The Bulletin by a St Barnabas member of staff. Staff based at St Barnabas House will certainly know what the poem is about. Does it apply at any other sites or is it only at St Barnabas that we have fairies?

Having a Spring clear out? We need your donations please.We’d love the following good quality items to sell in our shops:

• clothing, shoes and accessories

• bric-a-brac

• electrical items

• books, toys and games

• CDs and DVDs

We also need your furniture. From single items to house clearances, please call 01903 275660, option 2, to arrange collection and delivery. Or contact your local shop direct.

There is a list of shops on our website www.stbh.org.uk/shops

Thank you!

www.giveyourselfachoice.com

ARE CHANGING

CHILD

CARE VOUCHERS

KEEP HEARING ABOUT TFC?WE EXPLAIN WHAT IT IS…

CVSFSP036v2F

TFC in a nutshellSome of you will be better off with TFC, and some of you will save more with childcare vouchers. And not everyone will be eligible for TFC:

› You can only use TFC if both parents are in work, unless you are a lone working parent

› You can’t use TFC if you receive tax credits or Universal Credit

› You can only use TFC if both parents meet the minimum income level^

› You can’t use TFC if you or your partner earn more than £100,000 a year

› You can use TFC if you’re self-employed

› You can only use TFC for children under the age of 12, or 17 for children with disabilities

› You will need to set up a TFC account for each child that you use childcare for

The government has launched a new scheme to help working parents with their childcare costs.

It’s called Tax-Free Childcare (TFC).

TFC will work a bit like a savings account. You pay money into an account from your net pay, so it’s taken after tax and National Insurance (NI) have been deducted. For every 80p you pay in, the Government adds 20p up to a maximum £2,000. You need a separate account for each child.

This is different to childcare vouchers, where the value of the voucher is taken from your gross pay, so you save up to £933* in tax and NI a year. Each parent has an account, so if both you and your partner join a childcare voucher scheme, your family savings could rise to £1,866* a year.

TFC is being rolled out from April 2017. If you use (or plan to use) registered childcare, it’s worth knowing you can’t switch from TFC to childcare vouchers. But you can switch from childcare vouchers to TFC.

And not everyone will be eligible for or better off with TFC – it depends on your family situation.

Our childcare voucher scheme will close to new entrants in April 2018, but will remain open for those parents already registered on a scheme. After that date, if you want to register on a scheme, TFC will be your only option.

So, to ensure you have a choice, register on our childcare voucher scheme today and give yourself the luxury of time to work out what’s best for you and your family, based on your circumstances.

* Figures quoted are the maximum available savings for a Basic rate taxpayer. Higher and Additional rate taxpayers may each save £623 a year. The savings you make will depend on your circumstances.

^ The minimum income level means you must reasonably expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours National Living Wage rate a week - from April 2017 this is £120 per week on average - for the next 13 weeks. If you are under 25 or an apprentice, you must expect to earn the equivalent of 16 hours a week at the National Minimum Wage rate which applies to you.

www.giveyourselfachoice.com