Winter is finally over and whilst we are all enjoying the lighter evenings and seeing the first signs of spring in the gardens and countryside we wanted to take a look back at everything that has happened at SJMT over the last three months on our social media channels and report some of the highlights.
December was, as always, a very busy time full of fun and festivities for our residents with a number of festive events and meals throughout the month.
There was some excellent feedback from residents of Mason Cottages with comments such as "That was the best Christmas meal I have had in over 14 years" and "Can we do it every week?"
Residents of Mason Cottages enjoying their Christmas meal
Residents at Mason Court enjoying their Christmas meal
Christmas lunch for Mason House residents
Oaktree House Christmas meal
In December we announced some exciting news that we were granted planning permission to build our first Almshouses for young people since our founder built housing for older women and young girls in Station Road in Erdington in the 1850’s. The Almshouse building will be comprised of four apartments for young people who have experienced care (foster care or children’s homes). You can read the full article here https://www.sjmt.org.uk/post/exciting-news-for-young-care-leavers-as-accommodation-gets-the-go-ahead
At Shine - our service for young people, we understand that our young people may need extra support during the festive season for various reasons. Our Shine Supporters start early, encouraging open conversations and being curious about young people’s feelings during the festive season. They delivered personalised hampers to our young people on Christmas Eve and we hope to begin to change the stories that our young people are able tell about that time of year.
The first quarter of our Shine Craft and Connect group program working in collaboration with Mind and Creative Support came to a close in January. We are so proud of our young people for attending the group and thankful to the group for allowing Shine to stand alongside them… and we had to share some of the amazing artwork they have created.
We are happy to say there are more plans for collaboration with colleagues from mental health services this new year. One of the young people said:
‘I am so happy that I have found this group, that I have found Shine. For the first time since moving into supported accommodation I feel like I belong to a group, I’m not tagging along. I can make friends that are not just online’.
Artwork created during our Shine Craft and Connect group
On 21st February we celebrated Care Day - the world’s biggest celebration of children and young people with care experience.
Shine works every day with care leavers and care experienced young people to provide support and stability through developmental relationships.
Helen and Simon work directly with young people to support them to build their skills, self-esteem and social connections. Below you can find out the reasons why Helen and Simon care.
We hope you all have an enjoyable few months and we will have another round-up for you at the end of spring.
Comentarios