Defence Employer Recognition Scheme; Bronze Award
Having recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, the MioCare Group has been recognised for its commitment to supporting the armed forces community with a Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Proudly supporting those who serve.
Holly Bank host an end of summer party October 13, 2025
Holly Bank host an end of summer party
Supported Living housemates, friends, family, support workers and colleagues gathered at Holly Bank recently to celebrate the end of summer…in style!
Everyone enjoyed great food, mocktails and music (thank you Imogen-Paige and your duet partner, Gary!), and we even had time for a dance and a very well-stocked raffle.
We were grateful for a few first-time visitors including Oldham’s Mayor, Councillor Eddie Moores and the Lady Mayoress Kath Moores, who received a warm welcome and got the full tour courtesy of proud residents Chris and Joanne.
Congratulations to all involved, and a huge thank you to everyone who came along and the people who put in so much effort to organise such a memorable party.
A clear direction; Alan shares his insight and lived experience September 19, 2025
A clear direction; Alan shares his insight and lived experience
We recently hosted some interviews with candidates looking for a role within our Extra Care Service.
It’s important to us that we include people we support in the recruitment process, making sure their voice is heard and their lived experience is understood and utilised.
After all, the first goal within MioCare’s #FutureFocus strategy is…
“People we support at the heart of everything”
Alan has been a resident of Aster House for about three years, and has received care from our team there since he moved in. He was keen to be involved in the recruitment of new carers, expressing an interest in his response to a resident feedback survey.
“The care I’ve received at Aster House has always been very good. In fact, only the other day when talking with visitors to Aster, I was describing the team there as ‘treasures and angels’, and I really mean it!
I was clear that we need caring, kind people, who can also think on their feet and make the right decisions.
I was pleased to be invited to take part in the interviews and meet the candidates. If MioCare needs me again, I’ll be happy to help.”
Thank you, Alan!
A few words from Penny, one of our Extra Care Service Leads…
“Having Alan involved in the process was brilliant, and his input was invaluable. It was great to have the insight of a current resident, who has experience of our care.”
Our 2024-27 #FutureFocus strategy on a page:
‘Live More’ with Shared Lives September 4, 2025
‘Live More’ with Shared Lives
We have some good news…
Our Shared Lives Oldham scheme is part of a new pilot taking place across Greater Manchester – this new pilot is called ‘Live More’, and we’re excited to be a part of it in Oldham!
Shared Lives supports people to carry on doing the things that matter to them. Delivered through Greater Manchester’s various Shared Lives schemes, ‘Live More’ will invite people living with dementia (and their families) to test out Share Lives support in their hometown.
Working with the people and families who take part, we’re then going to measure what impact this has had on their lives and wellbeing, and also the impact it’s had within our health and social care system to establish if it offers a viable model of proactive, targeted prevention and early action.
We’re looking for people in the early stages of dementia, to take part and help us shape this approach. If you are interested, please contact us via email or phone:
- SharedLivesTeam@oldham.gov.uk
- 0161 770 8777
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions, that give more information about the ‘Live More’ pilot…
How will ‘Live More’ through Shared Lives work for someone living with dementia?
The Shared Lives Oldham team will start by getting to know you, and how you like to spend your time. They will then carefully match you with a person who shares your interests. You’ll spend time together each week, being supported to do the things you enjoy – using the person’s home as a base, or out and about. Whether it’s walking in the park, watching sports, fixing things, dancing, or simply chatting over a brew – how you like to spend your time is the starting point. This support also gives family members some space and time for the things that matter to them.
Who will I be matched with?
You will be matched with a local person who has opened their home to share their time with others. They are carefully selected and approved by the Shared Lives Oldham team. Most importantly, you will be matched with someone based on shared interests, so spending time together feels natural and enjoyable.
Who can take part in the ‘Live More’ pilot?
The pilot is open to people living with dementia in Greater Manchester who want to stay active, connected, and well. The programme is ideal for people who are beginning to feel that it would be helpful to have some support to get out and about and do the things they enjoy.
Do I have to pay to take part?
No, this pilot is fully funded by a local grant. Funding covers the cost of supporting each person for one session a week for approximately six months. You will need to pay for any activities that cost money (like going to the cinema or having a meal out), but it’s always up to you what you do during your sessions.
Do I have to do anything if I take part?
We’d love to hear about the difference the support sessions make to your life. If you take part, we will invite you to share your experiences and views with us. It’s completely up to you whether you choose to share anything – saying no won’t affect your place or the support you receive, and you can change your mind at any time. By telling us about your experience of Shared Lives, you’ll be helping us shape the programme for other people in the future.
What if I don’t get on with the person I’m matched with?
That’s okay, sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find the right fit. The Shared Lives Oldham team will work with you to make sure you’re matched with someone whose personality and interests suit you. If it’s not quite right, we can look at other options.
What happens at the end of the ‘Live More’ pilot?
At the end of the pilot, we’ll chat with you and your family about how things have gone and what you’d like to do next. If you’ve enjoyed the support, the Shared Lives Oldham team will through the options for continuing support. If you agree, we’ll also use what you’ve told us to help shape the future of Shared Lives for people with dementia, so your experience can make a difference for others.
Will taking part affect any benefits I receive?
No. Taking part in this pilot will not affect any benefits you receive. The support is fully funded, and there are no payments made to you that would change your entitlement. If you ever have concerns, the Shared Lives Oldham team can point you towards independent advice to give you extra peace of mind.
—
‘Live More’ is supported by the Accelerating Reform Fund and delivered in partnership with Shared Lives Plus, the ten Directors of Adult Social Care, and Greater Manchester’s transformation programme.
Thinking green and feeling neighbourly in Chadderton August 27, 2025
Thinking green and feeling neighbourly in Chadderton
A generous neighbour, Frances from Royton, recently got in touch with our Learning Disability Wellbeing Service based at Chadderton Hall Park.
Frances had some materials including loads of spare wood in great condition, that she knew we would put to good use through our various woodwork projects.
Colin, Matthew and co’ went out in the van to meet Frances and collect all the wood, with ideas about how to use it already forming on the short trip back along Middleton Road.
We love a bit of recycling, and it looks like there are other kind folks out there in Oldham who love it, too!
Thank you, Frances.
—
Our Learning Disability Wellbeing Service provides an alternative to traditional day care for people with a disability. The focus is on providing people with opportunities to maintain and develop skills and gain the confidence needed to get the most out of life and be as independent as possible.
This is achieved by offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities in a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment.
It’s the ‘sibling’, of sorts, to our other Day Service over in Failsworth – MILES@Ena.
The Wellbeing Service site at Chadderton Hall Park is fantastic and allows for so much creative activity, particularly for those who enjoy working with their hands and love the outdoors.
We have a small, skilled on-site team working with attendees from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday through the week.
‘Recycling Week’ at MILES@Ena August 20, 2025
‘Recycling Week’ at MILES@Ena
With a nod to the MioCare Group ‘Think Green’ campaign, regulars at our MILES@Ena Day Service recently enjoyed their own ‘Recycling Week’.
Sophie, Kenny and co’ spent time playing a few interactive games, they turned everyday objects into art and useful objects rather than throwing them away, and they picked some homegrown fruit and vegetables for lunch from the MILES garden.
A busy and very enjoyable week!
Introducing Adrian McCourt – MioCare’s new Interim Managing Director August 8, 2025
Introducing Adrian McCourt – MioCare’s new Interim Managing Director
A message from our Interim Managing Director, Adrian McCourt
—
Hello everyone,
I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Interim Managing Director of the MioCare Group. The role is initially for six months, whilst the permanent role is recruited to.
Over the next couple of weeks I plan to spend as much time as possible out and about across Oldham, meeting people we support, colleagues, partners and stakeholders. In fact, I’m glad to say that I’ve already met plenty of folks since arriving at MioCare, and I’m feeling inspired!
It was very clear throughout the recruitment and interview process that this organisation is about people. This is underlined through the #FutureFocus strategy currently in place, where the first strategic goal reads…
“People we support at the heart of everything.”
I recently had the chance to spend some quality time with MioCare’s former MD, Rob, before he left for pastures new. Rob told me great things about the Group, and I’ve been struck by the passion and dedication of those I’ve talked to within our services, and the examples of brilliant care and support I’ve seen and heard about.
Before I go, a little about me…
I bring nearly 25 years of experience in health and care, having led several large teams and organisations. Personally, I’m married with three children: two teenage boys and my youngest daughter, who is about to turn 13 and is most definitely the boss of the household!
Thank you for welcoming me, and I look forward to working with you all over the next six months to support our community and continue our mission.
Adrian
Your voice counts – thank you, Healthwatch Oldham July 4, 2025
Your voice counts – thank you, Healthwatch Oldham
We’d like to extend our gratitude to Jules and Gaynor from Healthwatch Oldham who recently ran a focus group with people we support through our Learning Disability Supported Living Service, with a focus on diabetes.
Jules and Gaynor gained valuable insight, identifying what’s working well in terms of diabetes understanding and support in Oldham, as well as potential stumbling blocks and areas for improvement.
Housemates Alan, Richard and others shared their experience, as did some of their MioCare Community Support Workers.
A positive learning experience for everyone, and thanks again to all involved.
Gary, Emma and Andy share the best day at Wembley! June 2, 2025
Oldham Athletic Promoted
If you’re a football fan, you’ll likely know by now that Oldham Athletic were promoted back into the English Football League after a dramatic victory in the National League play-off.
They came from behind in extra-time to beat Southend United 3-2!
What a result, and what a day for the fans that made the trip to London. Amongst that crowd of nearly 21,000 Latics fans was Gary, who was at Wembley Stadium alongside his Shared Lives Carers, Emma and Andy.
“I think this has been the best day of my life!”
Those were Gary’s words after an incredible day.
It started with a long coach-journey, followed by some time meeting up with old friends and making new ones in and around the stadium.
Then came the big match…
Of course footy matches usually last 90 minutes, but this one lasted 120 minutes plus stoppage time, and felt like a lot longer! The final whistle was worth the wait though, and sharing this moment with each other and so many other fans meant the world to Gary, Emma and Andy.
There was so much joy on the way home after such a big build-up, and years of following Latics through thick and thin. Part of the build-up for Gary was designing some banners with friends at the MILES@Ena Day Service, and being part of a pre-match video featuring people from across MioCare, who wanted to wish the team well.
Gary would highly recommend you watch that video, and while you’re at it, search out the match highlights which have been on repeat in his Shared Lives household!
“Come on, Oldham!”
‘Think Green’; working collaboratively to achieve environmental change May 27, 2025
‘Think Green’; working collaboratively to achieve environmental change
Introducing MioCare’s new environmental sustainability campaign…
‘Think Green’
Individually and collectively, we all have a responsibility to the environment we share.
Through our #FutureFocus strategy, we have started to improve our approach to environmental sustainability, and have made some big and small changes to how we do certain things within our different services. Some key examples include…
Digital Care Planning;
We are now using Care Control’s digital care planning software, which has many benefits. Some of those benefits are environmental. For example, colleagues are printing much less material, meaning less paper, ink and energy is being used to plan and record ongoing care.
Less travel, and a ‘Teams-first’ approach;
When Covid-19 arrived in 2020, it made organisations like us think differently. We had to be more efficient, flexible and adaptable. We continue to use Microsoft’s ‘Teams’ application extensively to conduct meetings, that otherwise would have meant travel for multiple people. In turn, this means less vehicles on Oldham’s roads and less harmful emissions in Oldham’s air!
Some good work so far, but it’s time for further action!
In order for our ‘Think Green’ plan to come to life, it needs to be accessible and understood. Here are four themes that we can start planning actions around…
- Think >>>> Energy; How can we save energy everyday?
- Think >>>> Community; Approaching sustainability together, with everyone in mind
- Think >>>> R, R & R; Reduce, re-use and recycle
- Think >>>> Travel; How do we get around our borough and beyond?
Look out for more in the coming months on our website and social media, as colleagues and people we support within each service get to grips with this ongoing campaign.
