LOCAL COLLEGE FIRST
PROGRAMME (LCP)
Meet Gerard and Rosemary, two Service Users who
used to receive support through the New Outlooks
service. Rosemary and Gerard first met when they
joined New Outlooks over five years ago.
Their friendship blossomed throughout the years,
attending projects such as the Eco Shed together and
day trips out, but they finally decided to ‘officially
become a couple” at Avante Care & Support’s Summer
Getaway, where they enjoyed a day of entertainment,
picnics and outdoor activities at Mote Park in
Maidstone.
Three years on and they are still as happy as the day
they first met!
Five carers within the Kent Branch of Avante Care &
Support have recently secured new positions within the
Home Care team.
We would like to welcome, Lynnette Bishop into her
new role as a Field Care Officer who is currently
enjoying her induction training. Lynette joined Avante
in February 2014 as a carer covering the Kent area.
Please also welcome Donna Mann, Nicola Allen and
Julie Pilcher who will be joining Glynis Sharp, as senior
care workers. The seniors will be working closely with
Lynnette to support their colleagues, service users and
their families to ensure we continue to provide a safe,
effective and caring service.
Best wishes to everyone and enjoy your new role!
In the last two years Avante Care &
Support has provided Personal Assistants
to support The Local College First
programme. The LCF programme is for
young adults with learning difficulties
who have left school and offers skills for
life, work and personal enrichment.
Recently we have supported the students
through a transition in campuses from
Alma Road in Sidcup to their new
campus in Brampton Road Bexleyheath.
During a recent visit to the college to
complete some reviews it was evident just
how much support the Personal Assistant
(PA's) provide the students and how
strong the bond is with the students they
support. It was clear from the visit that all
the students had settled in well and are
enjoying their new college surroundings.
We were lucky to visit on a day where a
field trip had been arranged and what a
lovely day it was! We were able to watch
students make jewellery and following
this we took part in a trip to the local
bakery. We were able to sit outside to
enjoy our drinks and chosen cakes and
pastries in the rare April sunshine! It was
lovely to see the students enjoying their
trip knowing that the Avante Personal
Assistant (PA's) are playing an important
part in making this possible.
I am looking forward to returning to the
Learning Centre Bexley in June for the
LCF Celebration yearly Awards and feel
privileged to be a part of this
programme.
Dawn Dwyer
Branch Manager
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