Welcoming new colleagues to MioCare
Last week, new MioCare colleagues gathered for the Group’s inaugural ‘Welcome Day’.
Our ‘Hub’ meeting space at the Ena Hughes Resource Centre was the perfect place to get to know each other a bit better, and share key information about our values, goals, shareholders and various social care services.
And this was an engaging two-way conversation, with people introducing themselves and discussing some of the reasons they’re so passionate about care and support.
Brilliant to hear!
A massive thanks to everyone that came along, and all the best as you continue your journey.
Recruiting with purpose – Hamza steps up to the panel May 2, 2025
Recruiting with purpose – Hamza steps up to the panel
MioCare’s #FutureFocus strategy for 2024-27 brings together our mission, values and goals.
Our mission: Supporting people to get the most out of life
Our values: Inclusive, Dedicated, Collaborative, Aspirational
You can read more about our goals elsewhere on our website, but we wanted to briefly highlight the first of those…
Our first goal: People we support at the heart of everything
Recently, we advertised for a new Senior Care Coordinator in our Shared Lives Oldham team. Our colleague Karen (who currently carries out that role) is retiring after an amazing 41 years working in MioCare’s and Oldham Council’s social care services. We’ll miss her, and it’s important that we get another fantastic person to fill her shoes!
In order to find that person, it’s crucial that we include people we support in the recruitment process, and we had the perfect candidate for this…
Welcome to the interview panel, Hamza!
Hamza is currently in a long-term Shared Lives arrangement with Shared Lives Carer, Eddie. If you keep an eye on our website or social media, you’ll have seen photos of them enjoying life here in their hometown…
Karen explained the recruitment process to Hamza who was eager to learn. With some support, he wrote his own questions for the interviewees he would meet over the course of two days, and even had a practice run at asking those questions with Jannine, another member of the Shared Lives Oldham team.
He was a key person on the panel which also consisted of the scheme’s Registered Manager, Katie, and one of MioCare’s Service Director’s, Diane.
Katie said the following…
“Hamza introduced himself to the candidates, and completely unprompted said…
“Good morning, I’m Hamza and I’m part of the Shared Lives family!”
A confident start. Katie continued…
“To me it showed that we’re getting things right, and that Hamza really does feel involved in the scheme and how it operates. We want to continue to do better though, and make sure that the people we support at MioCare are fully involved in the decision-making and design of services. Hamza gave us a different viewpoint, and as someone in a long-term Shared Lives arrangement it was brilliant to have his insight.”
Finally, we talked to Hamza to ask how he’d found the experience…
“Shared Lives has supported me for about nine years, and I felt proud and happy to help! It was my first time interviewing someone. It was fantastic, and I would definitely do it all again.”
Well done and thank you, Hamza!
Health MOT; for a happier, healthier workforce April 28, 2025
Health MOT; for a happier, healthier workforce
Oldham Active has recently been part of a government pilot to expand NHS health checks by offering free workplace health checks to local employers.
This opportunity was too good to miss, so we shared details of the scheme with our workforce, and organised some times, dates and locations in order to offer as many free checks as possible.
We’re happy to report that 49 MioCare colleagues took up the offer, with people from different services dropping in for a health check at either Medlock Court in Lees, or our Ena Hughes Resource Centre HQ in Failsworth.
You can read more about the checks on the Oldham Active website.
They cover a series of physiological measurements including blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, BMI and waist circumference, as well as collecting a small blood sample from a finger prick to test cholesterol levels and HbA1c (a long-term blood glucose measurement to check for potential Diabetes). The comprehensive assessment, which also looks at family history, smoking, alcohol and physical activity levels, takes about 20 minutes to complete.
The programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of adults in the area through earlier awareness, assessment and management of major risk factors and conditions that can lead to certain diseases, premature death, disability and health inequalities.
Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:
“This is a fantastic project that I’m pleased we’ve been able to secure for Oldham. I know that with people’s busy lives it can be difficult to find time to see a GP, so, by having these health checks in work we can bring a comprehensive health MOT to you.
A healthier workforce is good for everyone so I encourage local businesses to reach out and take up this offer whilst they can.”
Mike, who works in our Central Services, said:
“It was really useful. I came away from the health check with my results, some very practical advice and a determination to make changes that will benefit my health. Thanks again, Oldham Active!”
Walking for World Autism Acceptance Month 2025 April 21, 2025
Walking for World Autism Acceptance Month 2025
Led by the National Autistic Society, World Autism Acceptance Month takes place in April.
Many of our own services here at the MioCare Group actively support autistic people and so we were very keen to take part, contribute and to keep learning through the month and into the future.
12 months ago we successfully took on a ‘Spectrum Colour Walk’ and so we invited people to gather again (asking them to wear some of their brightest clothes and colours) to enjoy a communal, accessible stroll around Chadderton Hall Park on Thursday 3rd April 2025. We raised some money for the National Autistic Society in the process, too.
Chadderton Hall Park is home to our Learning Disability Wellbeing Service. Rosie, Matthew and other regulars gave people a really warm welcome before Nathan and Richard set the pace.
We even avoided the April showers this year, and instead enjoyed some bright sunshine.
A brilliant effort!
Thank you to everyone who took part in the walk, and to our Wellbeing Service for being great hosts.
Finally, some words taken from the National Autism Society’s website:
“World Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered. Whether you’re at home, at school, or at work, your involvement can make a real difference. It’s about how you show up – whether you’re supporting your autistic colleagues, students, or family members, your actions can help create an inclusive and accepting world.
This year, help us change attitudes towards autism. Your support can help create a world that works for autistic people and their families.”
#GITK25 – ‘The Art of Brilliance’ April 9, 2025
#GITK25 – ‘The Art of Brilliance’
At our latest ‘Getting in the Know’ staff engagement event today, MioCare colleagues took part in an engaging and nurturing workshop led by Darrell from The Art of Brilliance.
He encouraged us to think about where we focus our thought, and how that can shape our lives.
An interesting session with loads of positive takeaways, as we look after ourselves and support others to get the most out of life, too.
With lots of colleagues from different services in attendance, we also heard from our Managing Director, Rob, who gave a Group update;
- Rob shared some BIG data and insights from over the last 12 months
- He reflected on the national picture for social care, as well as the local one for everyone here in Oldham
- He talked through our 2024-27 #FutureFocus strategic goals and progress, covering some key considerations for the years ahead
- Finally, he presented examples of the everyday brilliance of our workforce and people we support
A massive thank you to everyone who contributed to a brilliant day at Chadderton Town Hall – we’re looking forward to the next one already!
Community outreach with our MILES@Ena Day Service April 1, 2025
Community outreach with our MILES@Ena Day Service
Kenny, John, Gary, Kobe and Emma took a trip into Oldham this week, taking part in a Disability Awareness Event hosted by Scope and the Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture.
This was a great chance to network with other local residents, and they were keen to let people know all about the brilliant days they have together at the MILES@Ena Day Service in Failsworth.
They attended the event prepared with flyers, speeches and presentation slides to share and they did a fantastic job!
A few words from John, who’s been attending MILES for a number of years now…
“I love it because I can meet my friends. I play sport and keep fit, and I can learn new skills like making my own bread in our Cooking Club. I can choose activities that I like, such as gardening.”
A great start to a busy month of activity.
‘Equipment Amnesty’; 31 March – 14 April 2025 March 31, 2025
‘Equipment Amnesty’; 31 March – 14 April 2025
Alongside partners from Millbrook Healthcare, the NHS, Tameside Council and Oldham Council, we are holding an ‘Equipment Amnesty’.
From 31 March – 14 April 2025 we will be promoting the return and re-use of Community Equipment.
- Do you, or does someone you know, have equipment issued by the NHS or Social Services that is no longer required?
- Thinking of taking it to a Charity Shop or the tip? Please stop!
- We need that equipment back within our services, so it can be repurposed and issued to someone who needs it.
Get in touch with the team at Millbrook Healthcare who can direct you to a local drop-off point, or arrange free collection of large items or lots of small items;
- Email: equipmentreturns@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk
- Phone: 0161 344 0482
‘My Life, My View’ – Shared Lives Oldham March 28, 2025
‘My Life, My View’ – Shared Lives Oldham
“The support I receive makes me feel welcome, nice and safe!”
It’s been brilliant to host the Shared Lives ‘My View’ days this week at the MioCare Group HQ in Failsworth.
People have told us how they feel about their lives and where they live, answering questions regarding their support, their community activities, and management of their health and money.
A big thank you to everyone who came along to share your time and views with us.
It’s always great to see you all and hear your reflections on the service, your ongoing Shared Lives matches and many other things too.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 February 14, 2025
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we’re delighted to introduce Zahra, an Oldham College student and Apprentice Finance Officer here at MioCare.
Zahra’s been part of our Finance Team since the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, as she works towards her AAT Level 2 Accounting qualification. She’s learning a lot through her experience with us, and already has one eye on Level 3!
Our Head of Finance, Owen, is keen to highlight her contribution but before we share a few words from him, here are some thoughts from Zahra…
“I’ve always had an interest in numbers, so when the time came to study A-Levels I picked Maths and Business without much hesitation. I enjoyed school and college, but my only work experience before this year was volunteering at the British Heart Foundation shop in town. I think it’s important to volunteer and give something back.
When I was looking for an apprenticeship, the role at MioCare stood out to me. I read on their website that they were a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation doing important work in the borough, and I thought their values matched my own.
I’m glad I applied, because the work here has been challenging and varied. There have been plenty of systems and tasks to learn including how to create, receive and pay invoices, and process journals. My colleagues Owen and Maribel have been really supportive, and have been there to help whenever I’ve had questions.”
Thank you, Zahra.
Over to Owen…
“It’s brilliant to have Zahra with us and she’s become an integral part of our small team. She’s taken on and mastered a variety of work, and has been reliable and determined to learn new things.
The apprenticeship has been so valuable to our organisation and to Zahra, too. We’re grateful for her work.”
Medlock Court’s resident artist heads home January 6, 2025
Medlock Court’s resident artist heads home
“They care for you so well at Medlock Court. I don’t how they get so many caring people in one spot. It’s been amazing.”
We’re thankful to Audrey for the feedback she shared with us upon receiving care and support through our Residential Enablement Service.
She made quick progress while with us, and has returned home in plenty of time to prepare for Christmas. But that’s not before leaving a thoughtful gift for everyone at Medlock to enjoy…
Audrey is a keen and talented artist. In fact, she founded an art class about a decade ago which is still going strong, with neighbours meeting weekly at The Salvation Army in Shaw.
“There are some great artists there and as we create, we have a chat and help each other out along the way.”
Audrey found that continuing to be creative was useful physically and mentally during her recovery from a fracture, and she set about drawing a picture of Medlock Court for us to display in the entrance to the building.
It’s beautifully done and we’re really grateful. What a talent!
Thank you, Audrey.
