THURSDAY 18 NOVEMBER - Activity Co-ordinators Buzzing

It was an absolute pleasure today to be able to spend a couple of hours with a large group of Activity Co-ordinators who were attending their annual update and training day at Calway House. There was as always with creative people a real buzz of energy in the air as knowledge was shared and ideas developed. Such training and sharing is of great value as it is on the basis of activities in all our homes and services that our reputation for high quality services depends. Our training day was co-ordinated by our Occupational Therapist and Group Activities Leader Julia Boon.

There was much discussion on how we can continue to explore ways that those we support can be enabled to get as much out of life as possible. Colleagues were reflecting on the recent BBC TV series "The Young Ones" and its powerful message of enablement and empowerment of older people to continue to live their lives to the full and not give in to societal pressure to feel weak just because they are advancing in years.

In my talk, which drew heavily on my recent experiences gained through my Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship and encounters with activities professionals in other parts of the world I discussed the following:
1. Don't just make music in care homes - MAKE A MUSICAL!
2. Hand drumming circles
3. Tell Your Story especially Digital Storytelling
4. The Arts and Older People - drama, dance, song, visual art, crafts
5. Preparation for Somerset Care's 20th Anniversary in January 2011
6. The marketing and sale of the Easy PC system.
7. The increasing professional use of social networking and the intention to establish a Somerset Care Activities Group on Facebook.

It is very important to emphasise the distinction between an Activities Co-ordinator role and that of an Activities Organiser. Our activities staff carry the former title for an reason. Their role is to co-ordinate, stimulate and energise activity in care settings. Organising, planning and running activities is everyone's role, staff, management and residents themselves. Co-ordination is about enabling others to do more for themselves. That was the lesson of "The Young Ones" and it is an important one in the evolution of quality care services.

Good luck with all the Christmas events that are being planned across the Group and it isn't too early to be thinking about how you are going to celebrate the Royal Wedding next year. Now that'll be a good reason to party! God bless the happy couple!

Location:Taunton