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Message from the MD

Testimonials

Service users are placed with through a number of routes. Many of our referrals have come through Northamptonshire County Council, East Sussex County Council and Kent County Council but we also work with a number of other local authorities. Referrals also come direct from parents or relatives who have heard about the standard of service we provide.

Here are just a few of the things people have said about us.

Residential care

"I’ve been working with Avens’ home in Ringstead since it opened and visit regularly. It continues to be one of the best in the area.

The staff always have the clients’ best interest at heart and are committed to making their lives as enjoyable and rewarding as possible – and if there is ever an issue, they don’t give up until it is resolved.

I also like the fact that the staff turnover is low so they really get to know the tenants. The team at Ringstead is really friendly and extremely professional. They have an ‘open door’ policy – which is great for me as I can turn up at virtually any time and know that I will be made welcome."

Community Nurse for NHS in Northhants

"Carol has been at Ringstead since it opened so I’ve got to know the staff very well and they have a really good understanding of my daughter’s needs.

Unfortunately Carol isn’t able to do anything for herself so she needs constant attention. But the staff do everything they can to make her happy and take her out a lot which she loves.

Carol’s health is not very good so the staff have to administer many different types of medicines. It’s great to know she is so well cared for and that they will take her to the doctor if there is ever any concern.

I don’t drive so Avens staff bring Carol to my house every Wednesday which means I get to see her regularly – otherwise I don’t know what I’d do."

Una Hutchinson – mother of Carol – a service user for nearly seven years

"Sean has been at Ringstead for almost seven years and the staff there take very good care of him.

Sean has behavioural difficulties and before coming to Avens he wasn’t making any improvement. Sean really enjoys where he is now and really likes the staff – as a result, we’ve seen a huge improvement in his attitude."

David Green – father of Sean – a service user for nearly seven years

"The care Peter receives is absolutely brilliant. It’s a lovely home – clean and well managed. I’m very pleased.

Peter is really happy there too. He has his own room and own television and can choose how he wants to spend his time.

My son is the sort of person who needs to be kept busy and needs quite a bit of supervision. The staff know exactly what he needs. He goes to cookery classes regularly and they even took him to Yarmouth for his birthday.

When I visit, I always feel very welcome and, with the help of a staff member, even take Peter to the local pub when I visit."

Janet Lancaster – mother of Peter – a service user for nearly six years

"The staff at Avens are incredibly patient and supportive and it is totally different from where she was before. The staff are more relaxed but at the same time really professional.

Unfortunately my daughter has behavioural problems but they are able to cope with any outbursts really well. They don’t ring us every time there is a problem, they just handle it in the best way possible. She needs good care and that’s exactly what she’s getting.

I like the fact that staff turnover is low and that they are very experienced. There is also good mix of men and woman among the staff which I think is really important."

Sandra Orgill – mother of Joanne – a service user for 18 months

"I feel that St Anthony is my home and have been helped when I have had difficult times in my life. This has given me security and I feel valued and loved by people. I have some good friends that live with me and we do lots of things together so I am not lonely. I have been seeing my counsellor for a long time and this helps me to keep on track and to set goals for myself. I have made lots of improvements to my behaviour with the help of Sally.

I live in a flat where I can do my own food shopping and cooking. This makes me feel important and know that I am trusted by the staff.

I was helped by staff to save money for a computer. This was a real achievement for me because I am really bad at saving money, it is my favourite thing.

I like the staff they always have time for me and they like my jokes and make time to come for coffee with me.

David Chitty – service user since 1994 (moved on to more independent living in 2009)

Supported living

"Where I live really feels like home. The staff are really good and really caring. They give me support when I need it but I can also do what I want, leave the house when I want and come back when I want – as long as I tell the staff, or course.

Since I’ve been with Avens, I’ve learned to do lots more things for myself. I can now do my own washing and ironing and they have taught me to cook loads of different things."

Lisa Burrows – Supported Living tenant since March 2008

"I was in a residential home before and it was quite restrictive and crowded and I wasn’t happy.

The care here is really, really good and I’m very, very happy now. I’m really well looked after but I feel really independent too. I can go out on my own but get help with cooking and other things.

It’s great that the staff sleep over so if I do have a problem in the night, I know there is someone to help me. All the staff are really great and the people in charge are really brilliant. There are very few problems but, if there are, I can always rely on them to sort things out."

Ricky – Supported Living tenant since October 2007

"Since I moved in, I feel like I have independence. It’s great to have my own set of keys but know that the staff are always there if I need them.

I’m learning to cook for the first time and already know three or four dishes. We write a menu for the week and then go shopping. All the people in the house cook for each other – I’d never done anything else like that before.

The staff are also teaching me to wash my clothes and iron – my mum had always done those things for me.

But the best thing so far was when I invited my mum over for Mothers’ Day and cooked her a roast dinner. She was so surprised and impressed as I’d never done anything like that before."

Kathryn - Supported Living tenant since January 2008

"Kathryn has made lots of progress in just six months. She’s got much more independence and the people who live with her are all so happy. She’s become more outgoing and can go out more than before.

We were so pleased to be invited for Mothers’ Day lunch. It was a lovely surprise. We hope that she will eventually be able to share a flat with someone and be even more independent."

Kathryn’s mum

"The staff are really lovely and I’m really glad I’m here. It’s more peaceful than where I was before which is great as I like reading and am learning to use a PC for the first time.

I keep really busy and help out at a vegetable company six days a week where I help pack vegetables into boxes. I really enjoy it.

I know I’m not ready to have my own place, but it’s great living here. I get help with the cooking but do my own shopping and take care of my own money. If I have any problems, the staff are always here to help. "

Michael - Supported Living tenant since November 2004.