Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Profile

Table

of C

onte

nts

2......About Kingfisher Treasure Seekers

3-4...Our Vision and Values

5-6...Our Process

1

7......Activities

7.....Treasure Seekers Disco 8.....Coffee Mornings 9.....Treasure Seekers Performing Arts 10...TSPA Outreach 11....Treasure Seekers Shops 12....Creative Workshops 13....Specialist Courses 14....Volunteering 15....Treasure Seekers Club 16....Treasure Seekers Hospitality 17....Treasure Seekers Disco: Teens 18....The Cavern

19-32...Outcomes

33-37...Case Studies

39........Contact Us

About Kingfisher Treasure SeekersKingfisher Treasure Seekers is an organisation set up to enhance the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and teens, including adults with learning difficulties and disabilities and marginalised and struggling individuals.

As directors and staff we have been working in this area for many years, but in June 2012 we incorporated Kingfisher Treasure Seekers LTD as social enterprise to enhance and further our work.

We are currently based in and work with people in Gloucestershire and have the privilege of witnessing lives beings changed and transformed.

The vision of Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Ltd is essentially one of COMMUNITY. We believe that people in isolation suffer.

Instead we believe children who are nurtured, supported and encouraged from birth thrive in both their Early Year’s development and at school. Parents who know they are not alone in their struggles feel more equipped to be better parents, often breaking the generational cycles of poor parenting; disenfranchised youth finding a healthy outlet for frustrations and a place to belong; adults with learning disabilities having their dreams of feeling included in mainstream society fulfilled; the elderly living in the twilight of their life finding an escape from the loneliness that many their age have to endure. Kingfisher isn’t an organisation that simply talks about the benefits of community, we actually build community. A completely inclusive, no judgement, loving, supportive community supporting thousands of otherwise isolated individuals.

However the need for community is greater now more than ever. The number of people living on their own is increasing. The internet providing services often at the expense of social interaction and financial cuts in service provision often mean ongoing support for struggling individuals is reduced. All of this means that community has never been more needed. Kingfisher, with our great number of volunteers and unique model, is poised to meet the needs of many in our communities to see their lives transformed.

2

We create a caring environment that:

supportsrole models

nurtures

Our V

ision

and V

alues

3

We recognise that people can affect

their:

friends familyfuture

We aim to:

Support individuals and their wider networkSupport individuals to help others

Bring about wider social benefits, prevent crime, bring economic benefits and

promote healthy communities

Our Vision and Values

4

Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Ltd has a unquie model of Providing ‘wrap around’ services. This model recognises that each person is unique and will therefore have a unique journey as individual as DNA. We have 4 building blocks to seeing people able to become the best versions of themselves.

We can start to see people’s journey as unique as a strand of DNA with the ultimate aim being contribution for everyone, regardless of background, disability, age, race, to take their place in community and for them to be released to be the best versions of themselves

Our P

roce

ss

5

- Outreach events are designed to reach difficult to engage and socially isolated individuals - The outreach phase is key in building a relationship of trust with the individual which is fundamental to the success of the entirety of the model.

- Through outreach events we can begin to identify the level of need that an individual presents and their next stepsExamples of outreach events are Treasure Seekers Discos and Coffee mornings.

- Many individuals we work with present both a high level of need and a lack of soft skill development. Many of our activities are designed to allow the user to develop skills such as

socialisation, empathy and an appreciation of the wider world, develop confidence and a better understanding of self and to develop awareness of body, health and physical wellbeing.-Our recognition of the importance of this step has lead to individuals being able to grow to the place where they are able to identify, acknowledge and better articulate their particular needs enabling us to offer a greater level of support.

Examples of activities including soft skill development are Treasure Seekers Disco, Treasure Seekers Performing Arts and Treasure Seekers Shops.

- Our ultimate purpose is to see people released into finding their place in community. We believe that each person has something meaningful to contribute to their community.

- Once people have grown in confidence, in their soft skills and received additional support, we are then in a better position to help them discover the unique contribution they can make.-Many of the people we work with end up volunteering and helping to run the very services they benefitted from , some go into employment and others encourage those around them to take steps towards life change.

Our Process

6

- After building a relationship of trust with an individual and the development of some basic soft skills, we are then able to signpost to further, more supportive groups and activities.

- These more specialised support services meet a wide range of need from anger management to bereavement support to developing employability skills and each individual has a personalised approach to supporting deeper need.

Examples of activities of specialised support include parenting courses, bereavement support, listening services and the Treasure Seekers Shops.

7

Treas

ure S

eeke

rs D

isco Treasure Seekers has run discos for adults with

learning disabilities since 2007. In the last 7 years they have grown to be the biggest event for adults with learning disabilities in Gloucestershire with over 350 adults with learning disabilities and their carers attending each week at the now thrice weekly discos following the launch of a third night in January 2014. These events are high energy and high impact with a monthly theme such as Rock night, 70s disco, Abba Disco, Disney Disco and an annual prom. The discos are led by a project worker and are staffed by trained volunteers. These volunteers are often people for whom volunteering has been a lifeline for those such as young single mums looking to gain experience to put on a CV to re-enter the workplace, marginalised and disengaged youth who often feel that the education system is not suited to their needs or personality and some of the adults with learning disabilities themselves. The discos are staffed by around 12 volunteers a night.

8

Coffee MorningsKingfisher Treasure Seekers run coffee mornings each Tuesday morning for the local community. These mornings are wonderful expressions of true community in attracting people from all groups and all parts of the local community. Enjoying the mornings together are local young parents and carers and their children, local elderly residents, elderly people coming with their

residential homes and adults with learning disabilities amongst others.

The mornings consist of activities such as bingo, themed mornings, karaoke and many more. With over 200 people attending each week, the mornings represent a move towards true community

cohesion as people from different and varied walks of life begin to interact with each other, become used to differences, and celebrate each others abilities.

The mornings are staffed by a team of volunteers who represent the mix of people attending and this team is overseen by a project worker.

The coffee mornings contain elements of ourtreach, soft skill development and allow contribution from volunteers to help run the events.

Elements

Treasure Seekers Performing Arts contain elements of ourtreach, soft skill development and allow contribution from volunteers to help run the events.

Elements

Treasure Seekers Performing Arts (TSPA) group is a performing arts group for adults with learning disabilities and mental health. It has been runnning since 2010 and now attracts over 130 people a week. It is made up of a variety of different workshops including dance, drama, photography, arts and crafts, theatrical puppetry, even belly dancing! The workshops vary from term to term amd we are always adding new sessions. At the end of term there

is a show that is put on by the different groups to showcase all they have done during the term to which friends and family are invited to come along to.

The workshops are run by a workshop leader assisted by able helpers and overseen by a lead project worker. Treasure Seekers Performing Arts is designed to teach social and practical skills and develop those attending in confidence and to grow their expectations of what they can achieve. Each term is themed enabling people to attend for as long as needed and ensuring each term remains fresh. We have run themes such as Country and Western, Treasure Seekers Got Talent, Dreamboats and Petticoats just to name a few.

9

Treas

ure S

eeke

rs P

erfo

rming

Arts

10

TSPA OutreachOur performing arts programme has equipped hundreds of people over the years to build thier confidence and to learn new skills. For many attending TSPA their potential for skill development and contribution meant that a next step was needed. With this in mind we developed TSPA Outreach. This consists of a group of people from TSPA putting together a performance and taking it into various

residential homes, usually for the elderly and those suffering with dementia. The purpose being that it places the individual in the position of being the giver of care rather than the receiver and adds fresh challenges of appropriate social interaction with different people groups, and requires a greater amount of self awareness. Also the teams are able to give back to community in real, tangible ways. It has the added benefit of enabling the care homes to see our work and to find out about the variety of activities and services we offer. Our outreach team is led by two project workers and consists of a team of adults from our performing arts programme.

- Personal mood management- Personal hygiene and presentation in wearing uniform- Appropriate social interaction with different people groups- Recall of rehearsed performances- Team working- Empathy and understanding of others- Coping with change in going to various homes- Changing and adapting performances as needed- Body and spatial awareness performing in limited spaces

TSPA Outreach contains elements of ourtreach, soft skill development and by its nature leads to meaningful contribution.

Elements

Treas

ure S

eeke

rs S

hop

11

Treasure Seekers has shops in both Gloucester City Centre and Stroud Town Centre which have been set up with the aim of providing vulnerable and disadvantaged people, such as adults with learning disabilities, work experience opportunities. We realised that there are many people who dream of finding meaningful employment and lack the experience or basic skills to either get a job or hold down a position long term.

We therefore opened the shops in Gloucester in 2012 and in Stroud in 2013 as a training base offering quality work experience placements with full retail training and support for finding long term employment/voluntary work. We aim to network with other retailers to find permanent positions for those completing the 6 month work placements.

Each shop is run by a manager and deputy, and offers around 40 placements a year. Our vision is to not only offer these valuable placements but to do so in a high quality environment. We take great pride in our shops, with the quality of goods on sale such as gifts, homewares, wooden items and 'retro' sweets. We also have an online shop, thus offering a greater range of skill training.

Treasure Seekers Shops contain elements of ourtreach in the raising awareness of our work, soft skill development, specialist support and allows meaningful contribution

Elements

Creative Workshops

12

Creative Workshops

Kingfisher has recognised the value in the Creative Arts when building trust and relationship with people and in building a sense of self confidence and self worth. We believe that everyone has some kind of creativity within them, be that a joy of painting, needlework, singing, cooking and so on. This is contrary to many peoples self belief that they have no creative ability. It is amazing to watch the transformation as people discover their creative talent. As people start believing they can do something well such as painting, it sparks the beginnings of belief that other things may change too. With support from project workers and volunteers people from all parts of the community are encouraged to access other activities and more specialised support.

Kingfisher has run creative workshops in the past and attracted over 200 people a fortnight for those sessions. Due to space and organisational limitations at the time we had to reconstruct how we accomodated those sessions. We now run limited creative workshops through Treasure Seekers Shop and have seen around 50 people a month attend despite the extremely limited space. We are therefore excited about the next step. Since having purchased a new property and with the growth and development of the organisation we are relaunching these workshops in 2014 and are already generating a high level of interest from the community.

The workshops will be run and managed by two project workers and helped by a team of volunteers and we

expect to welcome at least 100 people a week to these various creative workshops, some general and some specific skills workshops.

Creative workshops contain elements of ourtreach in being a first point of contact, soft skill development and allows meaningful contribution through volunteering

ElementsCreative Workshops

Creative Workshops

Creative Workshops

13

Spec

ialist

Cou

rses

Specialist Courses

A transformational aspect of Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Model is the ability to run specialist courses ‘in house’. Often we have spent years building a relationship of trust with some hurting and damaged people and being able to walk with them through dealing with some deep needs is a real privilege. People can access such support in a safe, familiar environment with staff and volunteers they recognise and feel safe with.

Kingfisher Treasure Seekers has partnered with Care for the Family and Positive Parenting to be able to supply and run these courses and we have a member of staff and volunteers who are trained and licensed to run a whole range of courses from these organisations. Our member of staff is also a licensed trainer who can train others on behalf of these organisations to run these courses which means that we can constantly develop our teams to meet demand.

Additionally we are keen to further our partnership working with other key organisations to help enable engagement with hard to reach groups. We are doing so with Gloucestershire Constabulary to look at running Police Surgeries and Personal Safety workshops. The benefit of partnership working is we can encourage engagement with key services through the trusted relationship we have built and we can ensure that all needs are both understood and met.

The specialist courses are overseen by a lead project worker who is responsible for ensuring a highly qualified and trained team are ready to meet needs as they arise.

Specialist workshops contain elements of ourtreach in that for some they are a first point of conact and specialist support

Elements

14

VolunteeringVolunteering

Volunteering is a key step for many people Kingfisher Treasure Seekers works with. Once basic soft skills have been developed and where needed specialist support given, volunteering is then the process of using new

found skills and confidence and giving back to others. For some volunteering enables them to contribute meaningfully to their community and therefore enhance their sense of wellbeing. For others their journey has enabled them to have aspirations such as formal training or employment and volunteering is a crucial step towards that goal.

We offer opportunities to volunteer at almost every activity and service we run, and we could not run all that we do without our team of dedicated volunteers. We take our volunteers seriously and respect the time they are giving us. For those volunteering with Kingfisher Treasure Seekers we discover what their hopes and dreams are and see how we can help move them closer. All volunteers are given appropriate responsibilities and training. Some progress and eventually lead teams of others.

All volunteers have an appointed leader to whom they are accountable and can look to for support and guidance.

Volunteer training contains elements of soft skill development as we support and train all those that are a part of the team.

Elements

Treas

ure S

eeke

rs C

lubKingfisher Treasure Seekers has plans for future development. The purchase of a large property in Gloucester City Centre has enabled us to think about expanding capacity and addressing the gaps in provision we currently see. For many vulnerable and disadvantaged adults, including adults with learning difficulties and disabilities and mental health problems, we feel there is a need and to provide a safe environment

between organised activities and sessions. For some their social group centres around activities and for others when difficulties in life happen they need a place to go. Currently many vulnerable adults come to the shops looking for support, but the daily restraints of a the retail environments limits our capacity to provide the support they are seeking.

Therefore we are looking at setting up a club environment in our new property that will open at various points in the week for vulnerable adults to come and socialise with friends and have somewhere safe to go. The club will be staffed by a project worker along with volunteers.

This project will be started as we raise the capital to invest in that part of the building and the funds to ensure the club is staffed.

- Peer to peer social skills and social interaction - Awareness of other services available

Skill development at Treasure Seekers ClubTreasure Seekers Club will contain elements of outreach, soft skill development and will allow for contribution from volunteers

15

Treasure Seekers Hospitality

16

Treasure Seekers HospitalityAnother exciting future development for Kingfisher Treasure Seekers is in the area of hospitality and running functions. The recent purchase of a large property with function rooms has prompted us to explore the concept of hosting corporate meetings and other events with the events will be run and overseen by one of our Hospitality teams. The team would be responsible for preparing the space according to requirements, preparing beverages for the right times, serving those refreshments, being on hand to cater to the requirements of those hiring the space and in ensuring the pack down of any equipment afterwards. The teams would also play a large part in marketing the space and trying to generate bookings. The teams would be in a position of responsibility in ensuring everything takes place as needed, and would learn skills such as setting up ICT, basic food hygiene and so on. This would be particularly attractive for those wanting experience to go into food service or related industries as an expansion of the training programme offered in the shops.

These Hospitality teams will be overseen by a project worker and the project will be started as we raise the capital to invest in that part of the

- Social skills and social interaction- Anticipation of others needs and empathy- The giving of care, not receiving of care- Food/Drink preparation and basic food hygiene - Basic ICT and AV skills in setting up equipment ready for use- Basic marketing- Administration in the taking of and actioning bookings- Money management - Team working

Skill development in Treasure Seekers Hospitality

Treasure Seekers Hospitality will contain elements of ourtreach in the raising awareness of our work, soft skill development, specialist support and allows meaningful contribution

Elements

17

Treas

ure S

eeke

rs D

isco T

eens

TreasureSeekersDisco

Kingfisher Treasure Seekers is passionate about the area of transition. For many people with a learning disability or difficulty the transition from teenage years to adulthood is tough and we have a vision to help ease that transition, at least socially, through the launch of Treasure Seekers Disco: Teens. This regular disco would be of a similar format to the adult disco with a team of volunteers running it consisting of both adults with learning disabilities

and teenagers. The teenagers would be able to enjoy a social, fun atmosphere and become familiar with many of the volunteers, the location and the format of the evening. Those about to transition to the adult discos would be invited to the adults evenings and the volunteers they have grown accustomed to will be on hand to help with the change. The teenagers have the time and space to get used to the transition before such time as it’s appropriate for the transition to be completed.

Treasure Seekers Disco: Teens will be overseen by a project worker and will be started as we have the revenue to support its running.

Skill development in Treasure Seekers Disco: Teens

- Peer to peer social skills and appropriate social interaction- Use of imagination through theme nights- Ability to cope with small change through theme nights- Physical exercise and body awareness through dance- Money management for entrance fee and any tuck purchased- Healthy eating choices in appropriate consumption of sweet treats- Building trust and security in familiar surroundings and people to ease transition

Treasure Seekers Disco: Teens will contain elements of outreach, soft skill development and will allow contribution from volunteers




18

The CavernThe Cavern

The purchase of a large property in Gloucester City Centre has opened up an amazing opportunity to develop a live music venue for teenagers. The property has an extensive basement, complete with bar that is in need of renovation. Once renovated the space would make a quirky, attractive venue for teenagers and young people from all over the city. With space to host bands and its underground feel, we expect The Cavern to become a venue of choice for large numbers of teenagers.

The project will enable us to reach out to local young people and point many towards other activities such as volunteering, working in the shops and some of the specialist support groups such as Soul Talk, a young people’s listening service.

The project will be led by a project worker along with volunteers and will begin as funds allow renovation of the basement space.

The Cavern will contain elements of outreach and will allow contribution from volunteers

Outc

omes

Kingfisher Treasure Seekers is intentional in the running of every activity. Each activity forms part of the ‘wrap around’ services that we offer and contribute towards the following outcomes

19

Increase the proportion of adults with LDD in employment and meaningful activity

Lifestyle education in relation to TSS (personal hygiene, oral hygiene, lunch choices that are appropriate for the work place)Basic personal health educationEncouragement to be active through TSPA and TSD

Lifestyle education in relation to TSS (personal hygiene, oral hygiene, lunch choices that are appropriate for the work place)Basic personal health educationEncouragement to be active through TSPA and TSDHealthy choices and portion control of ‘sweet treats’ at the TSD tuck shopHealth information leaflets and specialists availableHope Listening

Outcomes

20

Inclusion networkEngagement with principle of ‘fast track’ to employmentCost benefit in adults with LDD being in employmentImproved likelihood of being able to manage a personal budget

Outc

omes

21

Understanding of the importance of diet, exercise, weight, sexual health and risky behaviours that will be developed to enable people to make safe and beneficial choices

Lifestyle education in relation to TSS (personal hygiene, oral hygiene, lunch choices that are appropriate for the work place)Basic personal health educationEncouragement to be active through TSPA and TSD (including belly dancing, dance and puppetry)Healthy choices and portion control of ‘sweet treats’ at the TSD tuck shopHealth information leaflets and specialists availableHope Listening

Outcomes

22

Outcome

People will be able to access support including adults with LDD

Activity

Through the wide range of Treasure Seeker events available on a daily or weekly basis at a choice of venues people will have access to support on a regular basis, in a familiar and safe environmentStaff will be known and communication will be facilitatedTelephone contact will be available as appropriateTreasure Seekers website will provide a point of contact as will social media accountsEnhanced communication skills through activities (TSPA, Craft Workshops, TSD, TSS)

-

-

-

-

-

Services will be co-ordinated, flexible and readily available

Treasure Seekers staff will work with and communicate with other services within Health and Care to develop integrated, personalised, person centred development plans on an individual and group basis

-

Adults with LDD will increase their participation in activities

Improved confidence in accessing TSD, TSPA, Creative workshops and TSS will develop personal skills and confidence, enabling adults with LDD to access an increasingly broad social and skill based activity programmeVolunteering and employment activities and opportunities will be provided as appropriate

-

-

Outc

omes

23

Benefit to Service Providers

Social InclusionSafeguardingMulti agency working facilitatedImproved IndependenceGreater engagementAvoiding harm

Risk to Service Providers

High cost multi venue, multi service approachDemand for day services such as Opportunity Centres increasesNeed for a range of providers and for users to travel (cost)Social isolationSafeguarding concerns not notedCommunication ineffectiveLack of engagementHarmCrimeSubstance misuse

------

-

-

-

-------

Social inclusionSafeguardingMulti agency work facilitatedImproved independenceGreater engagementAvoiding harmPerson centred planning effectiveAspirational plans facilitated

High cost multi venue, multi service approachDemand for day services such as Opportunity Centres increasesNeed for a range of providers and for users to travel (cost)Social isolationSafeguarding concerns not notedCommunication ineffectiveLack of engagementHarmCrimeSubstance misuse

--------

-

-

-

-------

Improved wellbeingEnhanced life opportunitiesImproved emotional/mental healthSocial inclusionAbility to make a positive contributionImproved healthEconomic wellbeing potential increasedAbility to make a positive contribution to the community improved

Social isolationSafeguarding concerns not notedCommunication ineffectiveLack of engagementHarmCrimeSubstance misusePoor emotional, physical and mental health leads to an increase in demand for specialist services

-----

--

-

--------

Outcomes

24

Outc

omes

25

Lack of engagementHarmCrimeSubstance misusePoor emotional, physical and mental health leads to an increase in demand for specialist servicesLow sense of self worth and and low self confidence leading to a greater dependency on others and on specialist servicesDemand for day services such as Opportunity Centres increases

Outcomes

26

Outcome

Adults with LDD will have increased confidence in social and employment situations

Activity

Social and employment/volunteering opportunities in all TS areasSupport in communicating with othersSupport in understanding their needsSupport in recognising and expressing their own feelings appropriately Much of this support will be provided implicitly within the range of TS events and activitiesWork based social events on a regular basis (meals out or activities for groups working within a particular area)Interviews prior to volunteering/employment activities1:1s regarding their progress in volunteering/employment to provide aspirational goals and an opportunity for mutual feedback

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Improved self-awareness and ability to communicated own needs, including the ability to recognise and express pain

Anger managementBereavement supportSupport in developing communication skills; developing communication through a range of means including vocal, written, pictoral, expression through the artsRegular staff will recognise changes in behaviour and be aware that pain or distress may be a triggerTSPA

---

-

-

Outc

omes

27


Improved likelihood of being able to manage a personal budgetImproved wellbeingEnhanced life opportunitiesImproved emotional/mental healthSocial InclusionImproved ability to communicate independentlyOpportunities to make a positive contribution to the wider communityLess dependency on benefits through accessing employment


HarmCrimeSubstance misusePoor emotional, physical and mental health leads to an increase in demand for specialist servicesLow sense of self worth and and low self confidence leading to a greater dependency on others and on specialist servicesIncrease in numbers of adults with LDD who are not accessing employment/meaningful activities

-

-----

-

-

----

-

-

Improved physical, emotional, mental and social healthSocial inclusionSafeguardingPreventative and early intervention work possibleAvoiding harmDelaying and reducing the need for support/interventionImproved independencePrevent conditions from deterioratingReduce conditions such as Type 2 diabetesReduce the length of hospital stays once admittedIncrease the take up of health screening to facilitate preventative and early interventionReduce the number of late stage life threatening presentations

Training implications for staff to work with adults with LDD in increasing numbersHigh cost interventions for late stage conditionsReduction in screening take ups for this vulnerable groupLonger admissionsIncreased number of admissionsIncrease in conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, dental problems etcUnrecognised conditions, injuries or concerns develop into high cost and high intensity conditionsHarmHigher demand on residential provision

-

---

--

---

-

-

-

-

-

-

---

-

--

Outcomes

28

Outc

omes

29

Outcomes

30

Outcome

Adults with LDD will have access to familiar and trusted adults to advocate or support them in communicating/expressing themselves

Activity

Anger managementSupport in developing communication skills; developing communication through a range of means including vocal, written, pictoral, ICT, expression through the artFamiliar staff will recognise changes in behaviour and be aware that pain or distress may be a triggerTelephone, website, social media or venue access available to supportWide range of daily/weekly activities will provide regular access and supportTSPATSD Creative WorkshopsTSS Health eductionPolice surgeries

--

-

-

-

------

A safe and supported environment to enhance safeguarding of adults with LDD

Staff will be subject to the necessary safeguarding/DBS checks and receive regular updates and trainingFamiliar adults and environments will develop confidence in the adults with LDD to express their concernsPartnership working with police services will enable adults with LDD to recognise what is a safe/unsafe environment and what are acceptable words and actions from othersChanges in behaviour will alert familiar staff to concertsSupported and improving communication will enable people to express what is happening, how they are feeling and express any anxieties or concerns Staff will follow prescribed safeguaridng procedures and work closely with other agencies

-

-

-

-

-

-

Outc

omes

31


Social inclusion SafeguardingMulti agency working facilitatedImproved independenceGreater engagement Avoiding harmPerson centred planning effectiveAspirational plans facilitatedImproved wellbeingEnhanced life opportunitiesImproved emotional/mental healthSocial inclusionAbility to make a positive contributionImproved healthEconomic wellbeing potential increasedAbility to make a positive contribution to the community improved


Lack of engagementHarmCrimeSubstance misusePoor emotional, physical and mental health leads to an increase in demand for specialist servicesLow sense of self worth and low self confidence leading to greater dependency on others and on specialist servicesDemand for day services such as Opportunity Centres increasesSocial isolationHigh cost interventions for late stage conditionsReduction in screening take ups for this vulnerable groupLonger admissionsIncreased number of admissionsIncrease in conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, dental problems etcUnrecognised conditions, injuries or concerns develop into high cost and high intensity conditions

-------------

--

-

-----

-

-

--

-

---

-

Improved wellbeingEnhanced life opportunitiesImproved emotional/mental healthSocial inclusionAbility to make a positive contributionImproved healthEconomic wellbeing potential increasedAbility to make a positive contribution to the community improved

Safeguarding concerns not notedLack of integrated approachIneffective multi agency communicationSocial isolation increases vulnerablity Harm

-----

--

-

---

-

-

Outcomes

32

Case

Stu

dy -

Bill

33

Name: Bill

Age: 58

Tell us about yourself: I am retired from the RAF and first became aware of Kingfisher’s activities 9 years ago.

How have you changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers? I am no longer lonely and much happier. I am more content to enjoy life now. My emotional and mental health has improved immeasurably. I have a community that I think of as an extended family to whom I know I can turn to in every circumstance. I know I matter, that I am valued and loved. I have a real sense of wellbeing.

How has your life changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers? Before I came to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers I didnt want to be me. I wanted to be someone else. Now I am happy to be me. I now have a life full of purpose, meaning and fulfilment. I now lead the TSPA group and run my own business as an entertainer. The way I describe it is that I have finally ‘taken my place at the table.’

We asked a friend of Bill’s about the difference they can see in Bill’s lifeI have known Bill for the past 9 years and have seen him develop from someone crippled by fear and insecurity to someone who brings joy and a sense of purpose and confidence to those around him. The change in Bill is truly remarkable and the difference that he has made and is making to the most vulnerable in community is inspirational to see.

Bill’s Journey

34

Name: John

Age: 86

Tell us about yourself:I had a career in aircraft engineering. I was married to Ruth for 45 years. Ruth died when I was 71 years old leaving me bereft, depressed, lonely and bitter that she had been taken from me.

How have you changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers? I am no longer isolated. I am a more loving person, no longer bitter about Ruths death. I have friends and have mastered many new skills and interests. I have found that life is now worth living.

How has your life changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers? My life has completely changed. I have a new found purpose in life. I feel that I belong to a big family and am no longer lonely. I enjoy life. At the age of 86 I have started to lead a new group which meets weekly in order to reach out to other socially isoalted people over the age of 60.

We asked a friend of John’s about the difference they can see in John’s lifeAfter such a tragic loss, John is a remarkable example of someone who with help and support has managed to build a new life. It’s so inspiring that at the age of 86 he has a new found enthusiasm and energy to support others.

Johns’s Journey

Case Study - John

35

Case

Stu

dy -

Soph

ie Name: Sophie

Age: 18

Tell us about yourself:

I live with my mum and my 2 brothers. I have known about Kingfisher for 6 years and have been helping out at Treasure Seekers for a year and a half.

How have you changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

I always used to stay at home, on my own in my bedroom, but now I am helping at Treasure Seekers nearly every day and I love it. I have learned to respect all types of people e.g. people with learning disabilities

How has your life changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

My life has changed so much. I have gained so many new friends and they have been with me through the good and bad times. I have also become more mature.

We asked a friend of Sophies about the difference they can see in Sophies’s life

Sophie has grown in real maturity and confidence since joining Treasure Seekers two years ago. Through getting involved in the Discos, the shop, and then becoming the supervisor she has taken on each new challenge in her stride. For such a young person she exhibits traits that are beyond her years in terms of coming along side those with learning difficulties, and having the patience to teach them new skills.

Sophie’s Journey

36

Case Study - Anita*

* ‘Anita’ wished to remain annonymous so her name has been changed

Name: ‘Anita’

Age: 25

About Anita

Anita has a learning disability and is currently living in supported living accomodation.

How has Anita changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

Anita is a very anxious, sensitive person who has found it difficult to perceive that she has any gifts or abilities. She has been attending TSPA for the past 2 years and has grown in her capacity to concentrate and settle in a group setting. Over the past 2 years (and in regualr conversations) it has become very clear that she has a passion for cooking and her sensitivity makes her very aware of other people‘s feelings. Using both her ability to intuitively relate to others and her love of cooking Anita now uses her hospitality gifts and is part of our TSPA outreach team where she goes into senior citizens care homes where many of the residents suffer with dementia. She takes in the cakes she has made and uses her ability to relate on a one to one basis with the residents.

How has Anita’s life changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

She has found a new sense of confidence and has learnt to value her gifts in hospitality.

We asked a resident of a care home that Anita visits about Anita. They said:

‘We want her to come and live with us. She brightens the place up and lifts all our spirits. We really look forward to all the outreach team visiting us.’

Anita’s Journey

3737 * ‘Joe’ wished to remain annonymous so his name has been changed

Joe’s Journey

Name: ‘Joe’

Age: 17

About Joe

Joe first came to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers as a ‘work placement’ from a local mainstream school.

How has Joe changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

Joe was an SEN student. He found school a very difficult environment to fit into, being labelled as ‘weird’ by his classmates. As such Joe often played truant and his attendance records were very poor. This brough Joe into further conflict with both the school and his family. Joe began a work placement in TSPA. To begin with Joe was very shy, but soon found an acceptance from the TSPA members that he had not experienced before. He felt that for the first time he could just be free to be himself and as a result he began to blossom.

How has Joe’s life changed since coming to Kingfisher Treasure Seekers?

His confidence has grown and he began to experience a real sense of fulfilment and achievement as he worked as part of a team to put on a Performing Arts end of term show. He began to discover a new found purpose and direction in his life as he realised that caring for others (especially the most socially isolated) was something that he not only enjoyed but had a natural aptitude for. He decided that he wanted to pursue a course in ‘Health and Social Care’ at college and therefore found a new motivation to attend school.

We asked a school teacher about the changes she sees in Joe. She said:

‘Through the work of TSPA Joe has found a sense of direction in life that is proving to be the making of him. It is fair to say that Joe has not had the easiest start in life and we are all so proud of him for what he is now achieving.’

Case

Stu

dy -

Joe*

If you wish to contact us further regarding any of our services then you can do so using the following contact details.

Address: 52 Westgate Street, GloucesterGL1 2NF

Website: www.kingfishertreasureseekers.org.ukEmail: [email protected]: 07449114785

Kingfisher TreasureSeekers Ltd

www.facebook.com/KFTreasureSeekers

@KFTSeekers

kftreasureseekers

Copyright (c) King�sher Treasure Seekers Ltd 2014

Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Profile

Documents

Transcript of Kingfisher Treasure Seekers Profile