24.7 and CREATE Project

24.7

'24.7' is Castlebeck's system of support to enable people to structure their time; build relationships and establish a balance between work, self care and leisure. Individual plans are developed with each service user and includes structured evening and weekend activity as well as less structured time.

Active work takes place within these programmes to enhance local contacts and a sense of belonging in the community. Where possible and appropriate, local community services are used for activities to support the development and independence of those in our facilities. Much of the photography on this site shows service users enjoying activities which are part of their 24.7 plans.

CREATE Project

BACKGROUND

The CREATE project began in 2004 when Castlebeck committed itself to developing its Corporate Social Responsibility. As a responsible business, we wanted to clarify and extend current ethical business practice. As a result the company signed up to join BITC (Business In The Community), a national charity promoting responsible business practice.

AIMS

The project aims to engage with community partners in conservation and regeneration activity in a way that involves groups of Castlebeck staff and residents. By doing this, objectives incorporate:

  • Creating a positive therapeutic activity for our residents, so improving their quality of life and progress.
  • Improving Castlebeck’s positive contribution to its local community.
  • Helping to conserve, develop and regenerate a large area of scrubland to form a nature reserve accessible to the local community - Maidendale Nature Reserve owned by the Maidendale Trust, a local charitable trust.
  • Help to positively impact on the local environment and local community of Firthmoor, a region of relative social deprivation
  • Engage with local stakeholders (Darlington Borough Council, Maidendale Trust, Countryside Ranger) in a meaningful and positive way.

PROCESS

A CREATE core team was established, linked to a nominated Board member, via Peter Oakes, Clinical Director. A number of "taster" sessions were organised to win hearts and minds of managers and subsequently interested support and nursing staff. A launch event was held supported by Castlebeck senior management and chief executive.

Direct, regular connection was made with Ruth Congreve, Countryside Ranger to help plan logistics of Castlebeck group attendances at Maidendale. Groups of residents and staff (interested volunteers) from seven different services in the North East attend the site weekly on Tuesdays. They are involved in many activities from litter picking to hedge clearing, bird box making to seed planting.

Attendance at CREATE meetings is extended to include Trust representatives and Ranger Ruth. Similarly, Hazel Southern has attended the Trust steering group meetings. Work has extended to develop indoor-based nature files, with plans for residents to work towards badges (designed by themselves) celebrating developing environmental skills and awareness.

Outcome measures were established to measure changes in physical and emotional health of involved residents and staff. Qualitative and quantitative measures are incorporated e.g. General Health Questionnaire, Asset screening tool, Happiness measures, measures of relationship development etc.

Measures are also in place to deduce change in biodiversity of the site, and expansion of local utilisation of the reserve.

"Supporting people with complex needs through specialist healthcare and rehabilitation"

Videos