Inform Newsletter May 2015 | Page 11

Avante Care & Support welcomes Simon Doherty as Home Manager at Northbourne Court Care Home, Sidcup. Avante Care & Support, a leading provider of high quality care homes in Kent and South East London, has recently appointment Simon Doherty as Care Home Manager at Northbourne Court, Sidcup. Simon, who took up his role at the end of February, brings with him a wealth of experience in the Health and Social care sector, beginning his career as a Care Assistant in 1992. Within 6 months as a Care Assistant he realised he wanted to make a difference to peoples live and wanted the qualifications to do so. After gaining a degree in Psychology and a Diploma in counselling Simon supported people with mental health needs before moving to Wales where he supported families on the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse. Simon has been managing registered homes since 2001 and during this time has project led the commission of a new nursing home to be designed and built. Mark Lloyd, Managing Director at Avante Care & Support, said, "I am delighted that Simon has joined us as Home Manager at Northbourne Court. The care home sector, particularly residential care for those living with dementia, is high in the nation's consciousness, and it is vital that we have the very best leaders to ensure that we can continue to deliver the highest quality of care and support for our clients and their families’. In Simons spare time he likes to run and has previously taken part in two Marathons, one in Snowdon and the other in Manchester raising over £1200 for the Alder Hey hospital. EASTER ACTIVITIES AT NORTHBOURNE COURT CARE HOME Residents at Northbourne Court Care Home, Sidcup have been busy preparing for Easter. One resident called Peggy has been busy over the last few weeks making Easter baskets for all the Residents who live on the same suite as herself, The Dickens suite, but also for the adjoining suite, Shakespeare. Peggy worked hard, carefully measuring the paper, cutting it to size and sticking together. ‘The green paper represents the green hill where our Lord was crucified, the red ribbon wrapped around and crosses on the sides represent the cross and the blood of Christ. The chocolate eggs and small chick in the basket represents new life’, explained Peggy to staff whilst she made the baskets. Residents on the suites enjoyed receiving the beautifully decorated baskets which became quite a talking point over supper that evening. Other activities included at the home included an Easter Bonnet Parade and raffle. 11