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.
‘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
‘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.
Welcoming new colleagues to MioCare May 12, 2025
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.
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!
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.”
MioCare Group AGM 2024 November 18, 2024
MioCare Group AGM 2024
A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to MioCare’s Annual General Meeting last week.
Alongside colleagues and Board Members from across the Group, we welcomed people we support, and guests working within Oldham’s health and social care system.
It was great to reflect on the 12+ months just gone, and launch our latest Annual Review that covers the financial year April 2023 – March 2024.
MioCare’s Interim Chair, Cathy Butterworth, opened the meeting with a recorded message of thanks before handing over to our Managing Director, Rob Jackson, who spoke about some recent highlights, including…
- Celebrating a decade of care and support in 2023
- An updated Autism Accreditation with National Autism Society
- The rollout of numerous surveys and the feedback we received from them, including a touching compliment from an A&E staff nurse about a MioCare Community Support Worker, Karen, who provided exceptional care and support to a Supported Living resident, going above and beyond in every way possible
He also touched upon the state of social care nationally, giving an overview of key challenges the sector faces going forward, and how they affect us locally.
Rob was also keen to pay tribute to our brilliant workforce, and also the organisations that support us (including the National Care Forum) and regulate our services (including the Care Quality Commission).
MioCare’s Head of Finance, Owen Sherborne, gave an overview of our current financial position, detailing how money has been spent over the last year. The numbers he presented can be found in our Annual Review, linked above. He also introduced Elizabeth and Elyse from Saffery, who have just completed a full audit of the organisation. We’d like to place on record our gratitude to them, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.
Crucially, we wanted to hear from people we support and learn about their recent experience with MioCare.
Sam and her Shared Lives Carer, Miriam, shared stories of recent adventure and community activity, and how the Shared Lives Oldham staff team have continued to support them. In fact, they’ve been part of the scheme and in a long-term match for well over a decade now!
A few words from Miriam…
“Sam continues to attend social clubs and events with me, but also independently, which is really important to her. She’s been able to maintain established friendships through organisations like OPAL (Oldham Personal Advocacy Limited), and has the opportunity to meet new people too. For example, I introduced Sam to the Filipino choir I’m part of, and she enjoys attending our concerts. Sam was born with Bilateral Anophthalmia and while she can’t see us, she certainly loves the sound of our singing…even if it does occasionally send her to sleep!”
Sam and Miriam then handed over to Gladys and Julie. This mother and daughter wanted to give their view on our Extra Care delivery, and they both showered praise on the team at Charles Morris House. Some feedback from Gladys…
“I’ve just had a hip replacement, and the care I’ve received has really helped me in my recovery. They’ve gone above and beyond and have been so supportive as my personal care needs change. I was nervous about having a bath with some assistance, but I needn’t have been. They put me at ease and made sure I was comfortable. It’s like a family, and I’m so grateful for them and everyone at Charles Morris House…I won’t be going anywhere!”
Before closing the meeting, Rob introduced our guest speaker Mike Barker (Deputy Chief Executive, Oldham Council). Mike spoke about Oldham’s changing population, and the demand on health and social care services in the borough. There are various reasons for that demand, but it means looking at the future and our collective direction, through a different lens…
“Part of shaping Oldham’s future is through partners like MioCare – an organisation with a vital role to play, and one that does things *with* people rather than *to* them.”
