Dr Rachel Scullion, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and our Managing Director, led a discussion on mental capacity assessments at times of high risk for our young people with complex emotional needs. We also discussed how we can mitigate deficits in capacity to help our young people to make decisions at times of high distress.

Our Learning and Development Manager, Dominique Hooper, spoke about a review of our Safewards for Safe Homes (SSH) model.  We broke into groups and we heard about some great examples of creative and collaborative practice in our various residential services. ‘Know Each Other Dobble’ was a favourite adaptation of one of the Safewards interventions.  The SSH model provides  effective risk prevention and management through least restrictive practice.  We discussed a number of areas of development in our SSH model including the adaptations we have made for our Eating Disorder service.  We are excited that we will also be attending the International Safewards Conference in Prague in November when we will be presenting on our SSH approach.

Finally, our psychiatrist Dr. Oliver Woolf presented his audit of the work we are doing across the organisation to reduce benzodiazepine use. Too many young people are discharged to our care on BDZs and it can be hard to reduce them due to both physical and psychological dependency – but we are making good progress. Oliver enhanced his session by handing out ice creams to everyone which was a lovely gesture at the end of a long and hot day of learning and discussion.

All in all, the day offered a really well balanced and stimulating programme. We have such talented and creative colleagues at Care in Mind. Looking forward to the next one!

The post Clinicians and Managers learning together appeared first on Care in Mind.

At Maplehurst, this work is supported by Felicity Hellard. She is a Highly Specialist Eating Disorder Dietitian with a broad and varied background across mental health, dietetics, and therapeutic care.

Professional background and experience

Felicity’s career has been grounded in the relationship between nutrition, mental health, and physical wellbeing. After qualifying as a dietitian, she began working within acute mental health inpatient settings. There, she supported individuals with a wide range of presentations. These included personality disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

This early experience shaped her understanding of how eating behaviours and nutritional status are closely linked to emotional wellbeing, routine, and wider environmental factors.

She went on to specialise in eating disorder services within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). She supported young people and their families with:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• Binge eating disorder

During this time, her role developed from a dietetic position into a more integrated Clinical Specialist role. This combined nutritional care planning with therapeutic interventions. She trained in Family-Based Treatment (FBT and FBT-AN) and guided self-help for eating disorders. Felicity also completed training in foundation in systemic family therapy, motivational interviewing and behaviour change.

Alongside her clinical work, Felicity held an academic role within the dietetics department at Leeds Beckett University.  She led the development of new placement opportunities across private, independent and voluntary (PIVO) organisations. In addition, she worked in collaboration with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local providers to expand training opportunities within specialist mental health services.

Within CAMHS, she also worked closely with the specialist autism team to adapt clinical processes and interventions to be more neurodiversity-friendly. This included contributing to service-wide training and incorporating lived experience from young people and families. Furthermore, she supported more accessible and inclusive approaches to care.

She was also part of a multidisciplinary working group developing and implementing ARFID pathways within the service and across the wider NHS Trust. This supported improved identification, care planning, and consistency of treatment for young people.

Felicity has also worked as a Lead Forensic Dietitian. There, she developed a strong understanding of how systems, routines, and environments influence eating behaviours and food choices.

Her practice is further informed by a systemic perspective. She has foundation-level training in systemic family therapy, enabling her to work not only with individuals, but also alongside families and wider support networks to support meaningful and sustainable change.

Working within an eating disorder residential service

Felicity joined Care in Mind 18 months ago. She was quickly drawn to the organisation’s person-centred, trauma-informed approach to residential eating disorder care.

At Maplehurst, this model allows for flexible, individualised care that prioritises engagement, therapeutic relationships, and long-term recovery. This is particularly important for young people who may not have responded to traditional treatment approaches.

She works closely within our in-house multidisciplinary clinical mental health team to support young people in rebuilding their relationship with food while developing practical skills for everyday life. This includes:

• Establishing structured but flexible routines
• Building confidence with eating in different settings
• Managing nutrition alongside education and social demands
• Understanding the link between nutrition, mood, and physical health

A neurodiversity-informed approach

A key aspect of Felicity’s work is recognising the high prevalence of neurodiversity within eating disorder populations.

She takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach, adapting care to individual needs rather than applying standardised models. This includes working with:

• Sensory preferences and sensitivities
• The need for routine and predictability
• Differences in executive functioning

This approach focuses on understanding how eating behaviours are shaped and supporting these differences, rather than attempting to change them.

Rebuilding relationships with food

Food plays a central role in daily life – supporting not only physical health, but also social connection, identity, and emotional wellbeing.

Felicity supports young people to rebuild their relationship with food through:

• Exploring beliefs and experiences around eating
• Supporting gradual exposure to eating situations
• Building confidence and autonomy
• Integrating eating into everyday routines

This work is always linked to the wider goals of the young person. Such goals include returning to education, socialising, and increasing independence.

Supporting families and wider systems

Eating disorders impact not only individuals, but also families and support networks. Felicity’s background in systemic family therapy and family-based approaches allows her to work alongside families to:

• Increase understanding of eating disorders
• Build confidence in supporting recovery
• Navigate emotional and practical challenges
• Rebuild relationships

This is an important part of supporting long-term recovery beyond the residential setting.

Evidence-based and safe practice

In a landscape where nutrition advice is often drawn from unregulated online sources, providing safe, evidence-based care is essential.

As a registered dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), Felicity provides clinically grounded nutritional assessment and treatment.

Additional areas of interest

Alongside her work in eating disorders, Felicity has a particular interest in gastrointestinal health, including the relationship between digestion, stress, and mental health. She is trained in delivering the low FODMAP diet for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), supporting those where gastrointestinal symptoms and eating difficulties overlap.

Supporting recovery at Care in Mind

At Care in Mind, dietetic support sits within a wider integrated model in our eating disorder residential service. This model combines therapeutic input, structured routines, and a focus on long-term recovery.

Felicity’s role reflects this approach, combining:

• Specialist dietetic knowledge
• Therapeutic understanding
• Neurodiversity-informed care
• Practical, real-world support

Through this work, young people are supported not only to stabilise physically, but to reconnect with what matters most to them.

The post Meet the Team: Felicity Hellard, our Eating Disorder Dietician appeared first on Care in Mind.

Luke explains: “I am fundraising for Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. Beat supports anyone with an eating disorder, their friends and family, as well as professionals working with or worried about an individual in their care.”

This deeply personal mission stems from Luke’s own experience witnessing close friends struggle with eating disorders from a very young age. He notes, “Nobody should ever have to go through this, nevermind at such a young age.”

Luke has already contributed £50 of his own and set a goal to raise £300 to help BEAT continue their vital work. The charity provides critical services and support for those dealing with anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and more.

This story not only highlights Luke’s compassion and dedication but also reinforces the core values of Care in Mind: compassion, support, and community. We’re incredibly proud of Luke and encourage everyone to consider supporting his effort.

You can follow Luke’s fundraising journey and contribute via his JustGiving page here.

This marathon represents more than just physical endurance—it’s a powerful act of advocacy and compassion. Luke’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of the difference one person can make.

At Care in Mind, we’re proud to support team members who champion causes that align with our values.

Good luck, Luke—we’re all cheering you on!

The post Running for Hope: Supporting BEAT through the Manchester Marathon appeared first on Care in Mind.

🏆 Manager of the Month: Daisy Sachs – Florida

Daisy has shown incredible leadership at Florida, managing complex situations with calm professionalism. She’s remained positive and supportive throughout – thank you, Daisy!

🏆 Employee of the Month: Lily Parry – Rosebank

Lily stepped up to take on extra responsibilities while mentoring new staff and guiding them with patience and care. Her leadership has brought structure and calm to her core team.

🏆 Business Support Winner of the Month: Mike Canham – Tech & Estates

Mike has expertly managed the air conditioning and heating works across Hope House, ensuring minimal disruption and always maintaining his trademark smile. Your attention to detail and proactive communication has made a big difference, Mike!

🏆 Clinician of the Month: Alison Steele & Caitlin McKenna

Alison and Caitlin are the driving force behind the scenes. From organising diaries to managing referral screenings, your work supports every corner of our clinical teams. Thank you both for being absolute stars!

Employee Spotlights – February 2025

• 🌟 Lily Parry – Rosebank

Lily has stepped up by taking on extra tasks in the absence of her DM and SSW, while mentoring new starters. She has shown excellent leadership, set up structured teams, and created a calm, supportive environment.

• 🌟 Tamara Whitehead – Ashurst

Though new to the team, Tamara made a huge impact. She built strong relationships quickly, took on every challenge with a can-do attitude, and left a lasting legacy after her recent departure.

• 🌟 Peter Babatunde – Maplehurst

Known as the ‘riddle man,’ Peter boosts morale with morning riddles. He works creatively during the night shift, and is deeply appreciated by young people and colleagues alike.

• 🌟 Holly Barnes – Elmhurst

Holly has transitioned from a part-time to full-time role and has built great relationships with the young people. She approaches each day with positivity and dedication.

• 🌟 Caitlin Healy – Stubble Bank

Caitlin has been proactive and enthusiastic, engaging young people in fun activities and being a role model for newer staff.

• 🌟 Aleesha Tanweer – Lyndhurst

Aleesha has been a dependable and flexible team member, covering night shifts and maintaining firm but fair boundaries with young people.

• 🌟 Georgia Bell – Southfield

Recently promoted to Acting Senior Support Worker, Georgia has shown strong work ethic, commitment, and rapid growth in confidence.

• 🌟 Lucie Hodkin, Mat Reeves, Erin McCabe, Natalia Kowalski – Woodside

All four staff have worked tirelessly to prioritise the needs of young people while managing challenging conversations and situations.

Well done to all the team members highlighted this month!

The post February 2025: Celebrating Our Staff appeared first on Care in Mind.

The awards recognise the individuals and teams who emulate the Care in Mind values and go above and beyond in making a difference to lives of the young people we support, and to their colleagues.

Staff across the organisation were invited to nominate their colleagues across the 10 categories.

Head of Residential Services, Lauren Ugbode said “On behalf of the Executive Management Team, we would like to thank all our staff across all teams and departments who each do an outstanding job in looking after the young people within our services. These awards recognise individuals for their hard work, dedication and commitment to everything we do at Care in Mind. The categories are based on the Care in Mind Values, which underpin the culture and heart of the organisation. Huge congratulations to all our winners!”

In addition to the ten Care in Mind Values awards, this year there were two additional accolades awarded, one to acknowledge Outstanding Achievement and one for Special Recognition.

The full details of all the awards and the winners on the night can be found below:

Our 2022 Winners

Most Respectful Award: This person always listens; treats others with dignity and respect; and shows humility, honesty and integrity in everything they do.

Winner: John Hill, Senior Support Worker – Brockenhurst

Most Collaborative Award: This person involves staff and young people in sharing ideas, and bringing innovation. They recognise that people have a voice and encourage them to bring those thoughts and ideas. This person works as part of a team to bring the young people at the forefront of everything we do.

Winner: Lucie Hodkin, Support Worker – Woodside

Most Compassionate Award: This person always shows understanding and empathy towards others; champions passion an enthusiasm in everything they do; and shows a real understanding to the difference they/we make.

Winner: Wesley Brooks, Support Worker – Lyndhurst

Most Innovative Award: This person thinks differently to create positive outcomes for the organisation, young people and their colleagues. They always aim to do the best that they can do, inspire others and welcome new and creative ways of working

Winner: Sophie Albion, Senior Support Worker – Brockenhurst

Most Empowering Award: This person is passionate about providing a positive and enabling environment for staff and young people; they celebrate and achieve success not only for themselves but others around them; and they encourage others inclusive of young people to make decisions through responsibility and support.

Winner: Sarah Craven, Deputy Manager – Woodside

Most Committed Award: This person goes above and beyond to make a difference; they never give up and always strive to make a positive difference to the lives of the young people. This person never compromises on quality and encompasses effective and safe working practices.

Winner – Sam Norris, Dietetic Support Worker – Edge Brook

Clinician Award: This award celebrates the clinician who champions all of the Care in Mind Values and strives for excellence in all they do. This person not only lives and breathes Care in Mind but they have been a fantastic addition within the clinical team for their outstanding contribution to the young people and their goals.

Winner – Rachael Fletcher, Clinical Nurse Specialist – Yorkshire

Head Office Team Values Award: This team embed each of the values to the highest possible standards whilst always going above and beyond. This team have worked incredibly hard in supporting their teams during such challenging times following the pandemic and subsequent staffing challenges but held their teams and the young people in mind in making positive changes within the organisation.

Winner – Senior Residential Management Team

Outstanding Leader Award: This person not only holds high integrity among peers and other teams, they have also demonstrated that they are highly invested in ensuring their service is high achieving and they are committed to their team’s development and continuous improvements. This leader has shown huge growth and ensures they share positive and best practice to support other teams too.

Winner – Rebecca Gration, Registered Manager – Woodside

Residential Home Award: This award celebrates the residential home that champions all of the Care in Mind Values. This home has received this award for always keeping the Care in Mind values at the heart of their practices and achieving amazing outcomes for the young people. This team strive for excellence in all they do.

Winner – Woodside

Outstanding achievement: This is awarded to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of two individuals to the governance structures that have been implemented, the support to not only the residential teams but their constant inter-departmental work, that often goes unrecognised unless you work with these people day in day out. They have been integral in each of the CQC inspections that have been carried out across the year, supported staff, young people and managers in achieving an amazing outcome for each home. We really do appreciate how they go above and beyond within their roles whilst encompassing all of the Care in Mind Values.

Winners –   James Lucas, Deputy Head of Residential Services

Tracy Sellors, Quality Compliance Manager

Special Recognition Award: This is awarded to the team who constantly achieve fantastic results in the face of adversity. The management team and all of the staff constantly go above and beyond to ensure the effective running of the home whilst maintaining the highest of standards in the work they produce.

Winner – Willowhurst 

The post Care in Mind 2022 Values Awards appeared first on Care in Mind.

At Care in Mind, we are passionate about investing in our people and helping them to achieve their professional goals. We achieve this through staff support sessions, in-house training, and other career development opportunities. Across the organisation there are many inspiring individuals who have advanced through roles, whether solely residentially or starting in the Residential Team and moving through to Head Office. Here, Amanda Kavanagh shares an insight into her own journey.

When did you join Care in Mind? and, what was your role?

I joined in January 2015, and I started as a Bank Support Worker, where I then quickly progressed to a Team Leader position within our residential service in Liversedge until late 2018.

How have you transitioned through roles and how did you end up in Head Office?

I did a lot of Health & Safety work in my previous job. I brought a lot of forms with me to Care in Mind that I used to implement different checks at Lyndhurst. I became a bit of a Health & Safety bod, and undertook the audits within the home, at this point, a role within the Quality Assurance department became available at Head Office. Based on my skills and abilities I was successful in the role of Quality Assurance Auditor. I had done so well in the interview, and I was so enthusiastic about the company. I was so happy about getting this role as I wanted to stay with Care in Mind, as I think it is such a fantastic company, and having worked with young people in the homes, I know that what we do works brilliantly.

It has been great working with Tracy Sellors, Quality and Compliance Manager, and I have learnt so much from her. I have also done quite a lot of training over the last couple of years, and I really enjoy the job because I am still helping even if I am not working in the Residential Team.

What initially attracted you to working with Care in Mind?

I’d worked in social care for over 20 years, and I was working in another company where Care in Mind used to come in and provide psychological and Clinical Nurse Specialist sessions for the young people. Through talking to people, I found out that there were jobs coming up at Lyndhurst, so that’s when I applied for the job, because I just felt that I really wanted to work for Care in Mind as they seemed like a really ethical, brilliant company. I was really attracted to the model of care and the different way of working, it made complete sense to me.

How have you been supported by your managers and colleagues through your development?

Brilliantly! Tracy is so knowledgeable, and she is so generous with her knowledge, so I have learnt a lot from her. She has always been good at seeing the gaps in my knowledge and finding courses I can go on to fill those gaps, so over the last couple of years, I have completed a lot of external training.

Over your time with Care in Mind, how do you feel the organisation has changed?

It has changed massively. There were only two houses when I started, but now we have really grown, which I think is really good and other people are now appreciating our model of care and understanding that it works really well.

Why have you stayed at Care in Mind? /What has made you want to remain with the organisation?

I think that ethically it is a really good company. The ethos of the company and the way we work with people is just brilliant, and that is the way I want to work with people. I think as well that there are just a lot of really good people that work at Care in Mind, and it’s excellent to be surrounded by people like that. Everybody is just really interesting, open and supportive, because we all want the same thing; for the young people to have good outcomes.

Do you have any advice for fellow colleagues who are keen to develop within Care in Mind?

I think what worked for me was being enthusiastic… and just be happy in your role. I think people sometimes come into social care jobs and it is not quite what they expected, but you need to accept these challenges and with support from your team, be happy and successful in your role.

What would you say to someone who is interested in a Support Worker role with Care in Mind?

It is a really rewarding job! It can be very challenging working with young people, but ultimately, it is so rewarding.

If you’re interested in a career with Care in Mind, check out our current vacancies here.

The post Staff Development: Amanda Kavanagh appeared first on Care in Mind.

At Care in Mind, we are passionate about investing in our people and helping them to achieve their professional goals. We achieve this through staff support sessions, in-house training, and other career development opportunities. Across the organisation there are many inspiring individuals who have advanced through roles, whether solely residentially or starting in the Residential Team and moving through to Head Office. Here, Karen Nairi shares an insight into her own journey.

What initially attracted you to the organisation?

It was my daughter really (who also works at Care in Mind), she just kept talking about what they do here, about the least restrictive policy and things like that. I had never worked with young people before, although I have worked in mental health for 20 years or more, so I decided to try a few bank shifts with Care in Mind.

How have you transitioned through roles and reached your current position?

I started as a Bank Support Worker, and I absolutely loved it, so then I started doing a little bit more, and then a Team Leader position became available, so I thought I would give it a try and apply… and I got that role, so I did that for a couple of years and then from that point, I was asked to become an Acting Deputy Manager whilst the previous Manager worked in a different home temporarily.

At that point, I had to leave the home I was working in, but the Residential Team in Head Office were looking for someone to manage the Bank Staff, so that then become my job. I looked after the Bank Staff and managed them, and then from there, someone left, and I had the maintenance side of my job added and that’s how I ended up moving towards my current role as Technology and Estates Manager.

How have you been supported by your managers and colleagues through your development?

At Care in Mind, we are really good at supporting our staff. From my different roles, I have had lots of different managers and they have all been quite different, but I have always felt that there was someone there that I could go and talk to. I remember my first Manager, he was all for internally promoting people and pushing them in certain ways to empower us to do things, and I think that’s the thing, as you go through the different stages, you do feel supported and empowered to go further, and even now, I feel supported to go higher.

I feel really valued, I love the company and I love our values! I am such an advocate for Care in Mind, and I am always talking about us. I’ve got 11 years left of work, and I am hoping to spend those 11 years here because I love it. I’ve always felt like if I am having a bad day, there is always someone’s door I can knock on.

Over your time with Care in Mind, how do you feel the organisation has changed?

It’s gotten bigger! I think when I started working in Head Office, I really noticed a change because when I was in the house, I didn’t see as much, but in Head Office, I could see that departments were expanding…We started with one house, then it was three, then six and now we’ve got 11!

What has made you want to remain with the organisation?

It’s everything, for me Care in Mind was really unique when I first decided that I wanted to work here. I have worked in a lot of different care roles where restraint was the norm and I knew that the people we were restraining had certain behaviours because of it, and when I came to Care in Mind and I learnt about Therapeutic Risk Management, I remember feeling so excited in my training… Just the fact that you are encouraged to talk to a person, and if you work the right way and you follow the Therapeutic Risk Management training, the Breakaway techniques and the TRUSST training, it works.

It’s the people as well, and the way Care in Mind look after the staff, and how they look after the residential teams – I’ve just never known a company like it and I can’t imagine ever working anywhere else. Care in Mind just really live by their values.

Do you have any advice for fellow colleagues who are keen to develop within Care in Mind?

Whenever I’m interviewing, I always tell them a bit about myself and how I have grown within the company and stepped up in different positions… Wherever I’ve been, I’ve always had a Manager or a Deputy Manager looking at what I do and saying “Oh that’s brilliant, well done” and then if something’s come up, it’s always been “Go for it, you’re brilliant!” It’s just the encouragement you get and you don’t have time to doubt yourself because there’s that many people encouraging you and saying that you can do this.

I just feel that you can do anything when you put your mind to it, and when you’ve got an organisation that is constantly supporting you, you just have that much more confidence. I would encourage everyone to do their job the best that they can, and if you feel you want to make a long-term career with Care in Mind, look for challenges, think outside of the box, look for a career path and just go for it.

What would you say to someone who is interested in a career with Care in Mind?

Go for it! I think it’s the best company I have worked for, and I can’t see myself working for anyone else.

If you’re interested in a career with Care in Mind, check out our current vacancies here.

The post Staff Development: Karen Nairi appeared first on Care in Mind.

We are proud to offer care with a difference, and strive to ensure that our staff are well supported in doing the amazing job they do. Here, our Residential Services Manager, James Lucas, shares why working for Care in Mind has differed from his previous experiences:

What makes us different?

Having worked within the care sector since the age of 21 and having held a number of different roles within different care providers, I can honestly say that no company has come close to offering the support and guidance that Care in Mind does for its staff team.

Obviously support structures like supervisions and team meetings are commonplace within the care sector. However, within Care in Mind, there is also Reflective Practice and Staff Support within service, as well as Team Briefs company wide. I feel that these support structures are something that are highly valuable in looking out for the welfare of our staff team. Working within residential care is a massively challenging job and staff are exposed to some really challenging situations in the line of their duty, it is vital that this is recognised and the relevant support is in place to ensure the wellbeing of our staff members.

This is something that is hugely appreciated by people like myself, who have worked for different care companies previously, who recognise that Care in Mind really do go above and beyond to support their employees and recognise the challenging work they do day in, day out.

Having a happy, supported care team is essential in ensuring the quality of care we are providing.

How do you think the care we offer to young people is different compared to what other mental health residential services offer?

I believe the thing that sets Care in Mind apart is the company values and the way these are central to all of the work completed with the young people in our care.

The 6 core values (Innovative, Collaborative, Empowering, Compassionate, Committed, Respectful) are intrinsic to every aspect of the care received by our young people and the amazing work done on a daily basis by the care teams in our homes.

The residential staff are introduced to the Care in Mind values as early as the interview stage and asked to consider which of the values they feel they relate to most. As their employment commences, they are asked to give consideration as to how they are meeting these values on a regular basis, ensuring that they are always central to the work they are completing.

By ensuring that these values are constantly being considered and at the forefront of care staff’s working practices, it creates some really positive environments for our young people to fulfil their potential and assist in their recovery journey.

Another huge benefit is the internal MDT which provides much better consistency for the young people in the management of their care. The positive working relationships between the residential and clinical teams is massively beneficial in ensuring effective information sharing and the direction of the delivery of quality care and support. Not being reliant on external services, and the inconsistencies/delays/etc that comes along with these, provides much more stability for our young people.

What do you think has been our key to success?

Aside from the points previously mentioned, I think something that has been key to Care in Mind’s success is the attitude towards development, improvement and positive change. This is an approach that is evident from top to bottom within the organisation.

Care in Mind is an organisation that constantly strives for improvement, rather than change for the sake of change. Prior to any new systems or structures being implemented, feedback is sought from delegates from all positions – from Support Workers to Managers – to ensure that the changes are going to be beneficial in providing quality evidence for the service and assist in leading to better outcomes for the young people.

Staff are also empowered to make suggestions for potential changes and recognised and rewarded for these suggestions should they be implemented. This is obviously vital in ensuring that our staff feel valued and appreciated. It is also important for the progression of the staff and development opportunities.

This is something else that has been intrinsic in Care in Mind’s success, developing their staff into both management and senior management positions. Due to the specialised and unique nature of the work we do, it is hugely beneficial for Care in Mind to promote from within to ensure ingrained company values and working knowledge and understanding of our models of care.

How do you feel about our 10-year anniversary?

In June I will have been with Care in Mind for 5 years, so I have been with the company for around half of its journey so far. I started as a Deputy Manager before progressing to an RM, Residential Lead and recently obtained my current position of Residential Services Manager.

More than anything else, I am really proud of having been a part of the progression of the company and directly (or indirectly) being involved in the care, progression and recovery of some fantastic young people.

As I have previously mentioned, it is a massively challenging line of work, but I believe that it is evident that the positives always outweigh the negatives.

How do you see the future of Care in Mind?

I’m excited to see where Care in Mind is at the 20-year anniversary. I would like to think that the company will continue to expand, which in turn will allow us to offer more placements for young people to recover within a community setting and provide them with opportunities that they would otherwise not have access to.

I do wholeheartedly believe that as much as Care in Mind does continue to grow – the core values will always be maintained, allowing the opportunity for the excellent work that is currently being completed to be done on a larger scale.

The post What Makes Us Different? – Residential appeared first on Care in Mind.

During 2020, we were especially impressed with the resilience and dedication of all our staff, in a year of unprecedented challenges. So, although we weren’t able to get together in person, our virtual awards ceremony on 17th December was a particularly special celebration of our staff team’s achievements.

Each category is carefully considered, and the finalists for each category were nominated by their colleagues, with the winner being carefully selected by our Executive Management Group. The ‘Young Person Award’ was particularly meaningful, as it was voted for by the young people we care for across Care in Mind.

Our Winners

Care in Mind Values Champion: Cara Godbold-Holmes (Residential Manager – Willowhurst), Danny Rawcliffe (Deputy Manager – Lyndhurst), Hannah Langton (People Services Manager)

This is for an individual who consistently demonstrates the Care in Mind values (Committed, Empowering, Collaborative, Innovative, Compassionate and Respectful) within their role.

Head Office Team of the Year: Service User Involvement Team

This award was for a Head Office team who consistently demonstrate good team working, to deliver an efficient and high performing service. They have successfully implemented change and/or improved services. This could include developing new ways of working and shared learning.

Residential Home of the Year: Lyndhurst

A residential team who consistently demonstrate good team working, to deliver an efficient and high performing service. They have successfully implemented change and/or improved services. This could include developing new ways of working and shared learning.

Clinician of the Year: Josef Comyn-Doyle (Clinical Nurse Specialist / Clinical Lead – Yorkshire)

An individual working in a clinical role who has made an exceptional contribution to Care in Mind and its services, but whose contribution and role often goes unrecognised. They show dedication and commitment to their role and make a genuine difference to others.

Manager/Leader of the Year: Danny Rawcliffe (Deputy Manager – Lyndhurst)

An individual with outstanding leadership skills who inspires people to go the extra mile. They are innovative and value their peers while actively mentoring and encouraging people they work with. Tireless in their efforts to change the system for the benefit of all.

Calmer of the Storms Award: Jordan Griffiths (Deputy Manager – Brockenhurst)

The person who has the ability to show resilience when things are hectic. They remain calm in any situation and can be relied upon to get the job done and support their team in a time of crisis.

Best Newcomer: Carly Finch (Residential Manager – Elmhurst)

This is someone who has joined Care in Mind over the past 12 months and has already made an impact to the company, the lives of our young people or to the team they work in.

Extra Mile Award: Danny Rawcliffe (Deputy Manager – Lyndhurst)

An individual that goes beyond their job description to help Care in Mind deliver its objectives. They epitomise creative thinking, commitment, determination, and drive.

Covid Hero 2020 Award: Lauren Ugbode (Head of Service)

An individual or team has gone above and beyond to care for young people and colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Where the nominee has made a ‘heroic’ effort on behalf of the young people or colleagues.

The Young Person Award: Rosemary Snow (Support Worker – Westfield)

This is an award nominated by our young people to an individual who they feel has enhanced their experience at Care in Mind and has had a real, positive influence in their journey.

Outstanding Achievement Award

This year also marked an important milestone for our Managing Director, Sharron Amri. Sharron has been with Care in Mind since the very beginning, and has consistently been a positive force throughout her 10 years. She played a key part in developing Care in Mind into who we are today, and has helped the lives are countless young people.

Here is what some of her colleagues and a former young person had to say:

“I have worked at Care In Mind for nearly 6 years and I can honestly say Sharron has been amazing… Compassion is the focus of all her decision making and she continues to strive to support the delivering of care for an amazing company.” – Kelly Yates, Residential Services Manager

“You helped me in every single area of my career from support worker skills to managerial skills and even my training skills… You are never afraid to put yourself out there if it means the young people would benefit or have a moment where they forgot their problems and felt truly happy… You are an amazing Managing Director… Care in Mind wouldn’t be what it is without you where you are now. On behalf of every single person you have ever met I want to say thank you.” – Dominique Hooper, Best Practice Facilitator

“Imagining how my life might have turned out without Sharron’s intervention is not worth thinking about… Sharron was not, and is not, just a nurse, she’s a person who puts her whole energy into helping those around her. Any current or future young persons Sharron has in her care are some of the luckiest people; they are getting a second chance at life, and although not at all easy, Sharron provides all the tools needed to persevere.

So, from the bottom of my heart, I am so indebted and grateful for you, Sharron. Care in Mind would not be Care in Mind without you and you are everything people should aspire to be.” – Former Care in Mind Young Person

Many congratulations to all who received awards this year! We are very proud of all Care in Mind staff for their hard work over a difficult year. We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead, which is particularly special as we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary – watch this space for more details!

The post Celebrating Our Staff appeared first on Care in Mind.

Therefore, when faced with the opportunity to step up our Investors in People (IIP) accreditation from the Standard First Time assessment to Silver or Gold, our People Services team decided that they wanted to quite literally, ‘go for gold’. Over many months, the team worked alongside IIP, with employees also getting involved through answering questionnaires and having interviews with an IIP representative.

The People Services team were keen to achieve Gold as a way of recognising and showing to others that we are truly committed and invested in our staff. Subsequently, on 19^th November 2020, we received the news that we had been awarded the Gold level accreditation.

The CEO of IIP, Paul Devoy said of our achievement: “Gold accreditation on We invest in people is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Care in Mind in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

We could not agree more with his words, and with just 17% of accredited organisations managing to achieve the Gold level, we really believe this quite the accomplishment.

Here is what Sharron Amri, our Managing Director, had to say of our triumph: “Being awarded the Gold level accreditation by Investors in People is a huge achievement, and it could not have been done without our fantastic People Services team, as well as each and every Care in Mind employee who took part in making our dream becoming a reality.”

Additionally, Julie Burton, People Director, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Care in Mind. To achieve Gold in only our second assessment makes us extremely proud. Over the past 3 years we have worked hard to aim for the Gold standard. There has been tremendous teamwork to ensure we have the right support in place for our staff and our management and leadership team have strived to embed our new core values. The healthcare sector has faced an extremely challenging time in 2020 and this award is a testament to of all of the excellent work our teams have done to ensure a safe environment for our young people. 2021 marks Care in Minds 10^th Anniversary and achieving this recognition is the icing on the cake to what will be a very special year.“

So, why did IIP award us with Gold level accreditation?

• We are effective communicators, which allows for better decision-making.
• Our values are truly embedded in everything we do, with almost 100% of those surveyed agreeing that we have clear values.
• Staff understand how to improve with the help of appropriate, in-depth auditing.
• We are dedicated to recognising and rewarding our people, with 85.3% of those surveyed expressing that they contribution to the organisation is valued.
• Staff are well-supported through regular supervisions, staff support groups and reflective practice sessions.
• We are dedicated to collaboration across all teams.

What else did our people have to say?

• About management: “They are open and really motivating. They want everyone to work to the best of their ability and they push to be best that you can be. They are challenging in a really positive way.”
• About our values: “It’s a positive culture. The thing that appeals to me about the organisation is that values are at the centre of what we do. It feels like an organisation that puts the young people we work with at the centre and at the heart of what we want to achieve. You see and feel it everywhere.”
• About our culture: “It’s very warm and caring. I’ve worked for a number of companies and never found any as caring as here – there’s no blame culture, we thrive on lessons learned and genuinely listen to our young people.”
• About being empowered: “We are empowered. Everyone is so open to suggestions and people have boundaries and frameworks and support to make decisions.”

• About rewarding our staff: “We reward massively to be honest. Every month every house has an employee of the month and a budget for gifts and treats to use how we want. We get certificates for over 95% audit. We get thanks on the HR system. There’s loads.”
• About progressing within the company: “We encourage people to progress and achieve – we recruit people with little or no experience and then progress them with NVQs. People are empowered by the fact that they can grow and progress and there is a process for that.”
• About training opportunities: “I do feel very invested in personally. I’ve been doing training and was offered a lot of support with that, such as time off work to study. Training is really good here and the best I’ve had.”
• About our auditing processes: “Any findings from audits are sent to the internal teams, then they are reported into monthly operations meeting, then they go into clinical audit committee. Escalations are fed into appropriate groups, any lessons learned recorded onto a log and actions plans compiled form audits and each action reviewed monthly. ”
• About diversity and inclusion: “We are working on a big project in terms of inclusion and diversity. We are looking at diversity and how representative we are and looking at how this impacts on how we recruit and manage people.”

We are thrilled with our new Gold accreditation from Investors in People, and are looking forward to continuing to invest and empower our people going forward.

The post Our Commitment To People appeared first on Care in Mind.