I see so many examples of staff and volunteers going the extra mile and making our service special. It is the Childrens Manager who persuades her consultant to let her come back to work on crutches, it is the Adult Manager and Management Support Assistant, who gave up their Saturday to freeze at the front of Asda giving out SoLO leaflets.  It is the staff who work until 9.30 pm to make sure that everything is in place for the next day and the members have a great evening planning the newsletter.

But it is also about cake!  Our lovely staff who contribute so much in their working days are also busy making cakes for the Shirley Donkey Derby and I would challenge you to try to find a better cupcake in Solihull!  All the proceeds from this event will go towards ensuring our services continue to run.

Thanks to everyone who works so hard to give our members a better life.

The Investors in People framework sets out outcomes that represent good practice in the way in which people are led, managed and developed. 

I have had the first preliminary report - and thanks to Pauline who made the process so enjoyable for the staff and volunteers who took part: 

Headline – SoLO has surpassed every one of the standards in the Investors in People, consistently showing evidence of going above and beyond the requirement to support its staff and volunteers.  

Business planning – We were commended on a fabulous plan, excellent process of reviews, respect for service users came across consistently and clearly.  All staff were able to articulate how they contribute towards overall plans.

Mentoring and training – Project Leaders were involved in many aspects of the organisation and were aware of things such as budgeting, mission, values etc.  Managers and staff were aware of their roles and responsibilities.  Managers were described by staff as approachable, listening and with an ‘open door’ policy.  All staff are passionate about the work and clear about what they, personally, have to achieve.

Communication – excellent communication is evident within the organisation.  There is a good use of meetings.  Staff state that “we talk to each other”.

Learning and Development – There is an emphasis on this throughout the organisation and there is a dedicated budget.  There is a good use of internal and external training.

Management Effectiveness – There is a bespoke approach to personal development and training that ensures the individual’s needs are met.

Reward and Recognition – Praise is freely given and there is a culture within the organisation to thank people.  Team efforts are recognises and the managers are very good at thanking staff in differing ways.  Good use is made of the various communication tools to let people know that they have performed well. Managers and staff feel empowered.  Staff are able to contribute ideas.  There is a comprehensive induction programme.

Continuous Improvement – The organisation does not rest on its’ laurels, always looking for opportunities to develop and improve.  There is a culture of review and learn within the organisation.

None of this could be achieved by individual effort – it is the evidence of a brilliant team from support worker, right through to the trustee board.  SoLO staff and volunteers should feel proud of the organisation and how they have shaped it.

SoLO has been recognised for its work with people with a learning disability by being shortlisted for the Charity Awards which is the sector’s most prestigious excellence recognition scheme. 

We were shortlisted from hundreds of entries in the Disability category alongside just two other charities. The selection has been based on our the Daylight Project which enables adults with a learning disability to take part in meaningful daytime activities within their local community.  This unique opportunity enables the learning disabled members to have choice and control over their lives as they are able to purchase their activities with their own money through personalisation.

Leading the project Janet Down, the Chief Executive Officer of Solihull Life Opportunities said “The Daylight Project has been the culmination of a huge amount of hard work and commitment from the Trustees who initially agreed to fund the start up costs, and the wonderful staff and volunteers who have made it happen, I am delighted that it is being recognised as an example of excellent practice”

We are hoping to pick up the coveted award at a glittering ceremony in London on 14 June. If we win the category we will also be in the running to pick up the Overall Award for Excellence, which is selected from the 10 category winners.

The Charity Awards is the highest profile event in the charity calendar.  All 32 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated outstanding best practice from which other organisations can learn.

 Daniel Phelan, organiser of The Charity Awards comments:

“For 13 years The Charity Awards programme has celebrated the exceptional work that takes place within the voluntary sector and the dramatic effects that charities have on a wide spectrum of social needs.

 The rigorous judging process means that only the very best walk away with prizes, bestowing on them one of the highest accolades in the sector. In being shortlisted Solihull Life Opportunities has already demonstrated that it is amongst the best managed charities in the UK.

 I wish them and all shortlisted charities the best of luck on the night.”

 John Low, chief executive of Charities Aid Foundation, which sponsors The Charity Awards, comments:

  “I would like to congratulate and commend all the shortlisted charities this year, as well as everyone who took the time to submit an application. Once again the calibre of entries was very impressive – at a time when the sector, indeed the country, is under such financial pressure, The Charity Awards gives us all the opportunity to step back, reflect and be inspired.”

 For more information about The Charity Awards 2012, including a full shortlist, please contact:

Theresa Osen at Origin Communications on 07931 335930 theresaosen@gmail.com

We have just had a very successful Preparation Day with exhibitors who are all getting fired up about how to make their stalls inter-active and exciting for the young people who will be attending the event.

Parties from Merstone, Reynalds Cross, Hazel Oak, Forest Oak and Wilson Stuart schools are already booked to attend and we look forward to confirming more as we lead into May.  They will be looking for an inter-active experience and lots of ICT!

As well as a variety of exhibitors, there will be a number of workshops running alongside on: Wills & Trusts, Benefits, Personalisation and Sexual Relationships. These will be led by professionals in the field and will be aimed at parents/carers wanting to hear more about these topics which are of particular interest at the transitional stages in the lives of their young people. 

If you haven’t signed up already, do get in touch with Maria on 0121 788 3469, or email her at m.brown@solihullsolo.org to register your interest.

We look forward to hearing from you – and seeing you there!

Hearing about Claire and the legacy that she left, it started me thinking about what legacy SoLO would leave and here are some of my observations:

A legacy of trust  – I met with a parent this week at a Volunteer Conference and she shared with me how her daughter (who has a brain tumour) has had a wonderful Easter taking part if many of the SoLO activities.  The mum stated “I don’t know what I would do with SoLO – there is no one else that I would trust to look after my daughter”.

A legacy of opportunity – One of our members with a learning disability is having the opportunity in the next month to speak at a National Conference as a joint speaker with myself – we will be discussing the place of social and leisure activities as an essential and integral part of a person’s well-balanced life, not just a nice optional extra.  This is a huge opportunity for him and one that, I hope, will lead to greater things.

A legacy of development – One of our members with a severe disability is being given the chance to develop his skills in photography over the next few months with the support of a skilled volunteer who has befriended him through our Leisure Links Programme – not only is he having the chance to get out and about with a friend, he is also going to receive training in photography to develop his already advanced skills.

A legacy of fun and friendships – It gives me great pleasure to see the friendship groups that are emerging through our Facebook site and hearing the stories of the lovely things that they are doing together through the many activity programmes that are being run by SoLO.  No-one can visit any of our projects without finding something to smile about.

A legacy of support – Our Plan4U Team has just reported on an exceptional year of supporting parents, carers and people with a learning disability to plan for their future lives.  Due to the very positive feedback that they are receiving from parents, carers and professionals, they have been asked to be an integral part of the new Transitional Pathfinder that is about to take off within the borough.

I am proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Claire Squires as they come to terms with their loss, but what an inspiration she has become to the Nation.

Firstly – yet again the children’s team have run a wonderful mix of activities for children with a learning disability, benefitting their parents with much needed respite.  The reports that I am getting back have been great and it is clear that everyone has worked really hard to make sure that the schemes are run well.  In the absence of our Childrens Manager (hope you get better soon Deb!) I have been really impressed with the very effective way that the team in the office have managed the various different aspects of the scheme.  The scheme ‘bible’ has worked so well and kept everyone in the loop enabling all to be able to deal with enquiries quickly and efficiently.  I have also been heartened to see how everyone has pulled together to support the activities for children during the week.

Secondly – the Plan4U team must be commended for the feedback that has filtered through to the strategic leads with Solihull Council.  It gave me so much pleasure to sit in an office with one of the Directors and hear that the work that the Plan4U team are undertaking within the borough is “Amazing”.  I have always known that they are amazing, but it is so good to have independent validation of that fact.

Finally – we have some exciting news about recognition of the Daylight Project – but my lips are sealed!  Hopefully, I can tell you more next week.

Day one – 10th April – 60 staff and volunteers spent the day in training and preparation for the Easter Schemes, using the common core standards, the staff were trained in Behaviour Management, Feeding and changing, medication awareness and working as a team,

90 children with severe learning disabilities (including some with profound and multiple learning disabilities) have enjoyed themselves at the Playscheme, having great fun with the staff and volunteers who have supported them to enjoy some lovely activities whilst their parents and carers enjoy some respite.

20 children aged 13+ had a great time at Hatchford Brook involving in creative modelling, whilst 9 younger members went to the Coventry Museum.  Added to the raft of activities, inclusive play was supported for 20 children with special needs at Millpool and also at the Adventure Playground.

Amongst our volunteers this week has been Mark Rogers – the Chief Executive of Solihull Metropolitan Council – Mark is taking part in a council initiative to encourage their workers to give volunteer hours to local organisations to benefit the community.  Mark spent the morning with the Early Years Group at Merstone and the afternoon at Meriden Adventure Playground.  Next week I will blog about his experience – we do hope that he had a great time!

Wren Hall is just up from Hatton Locks so provides a wonderful base for walking and sightseeing.

What a lovely way to spend Easter Sunday Afternoon!

Option One: Dorridge Fun Run 0nly – register at www.dorridgefunrun.org  costs £10.00, limber up and then either walk, run or cycle 3 or 8 miles on 17th June, 2012.

Option Two: Zip Wire only -  Register at info@solihullsolo.org costs £10.00, and get the chance to swing across the lake at Heart Park on 24th June, 2012

Option Three: Zip Wire and Zumba Only – Register as above and book your session (or sessions) of Zumba with us – they are running all day on 24th June, 2012

Option Four: Zumba only – register your session with us info@solihullsolo.org – only costs £5.00 and book a time.

Option Five: DO ALL THREE! And take on the SoLO Triple Threat! You will need to register with both the Dorridge Fun Run and SoLO.

All sponsorship money* will come to SoLO and you can maximise your sponsorship potential by setting up an online donation fund with :

•  virginmoneygiving.com
• www.justgiving.com

(*whilst we would encourage all participants to get sponsorship, if you would just like to take part in the Zumba you would be very welcome)

SoLo Triple Threat

I am thrilled to report that Dave is supporting our Zip Wire and Zumba Challenge on Saturday 24th June at Heart Park in Coventry.  This is a completely new challenge for Dave as he reliably informs me that he doesn’t do dancing! 

If you want to meet up with Dave and I can assure you that you will be pleased that you did, come to the Park at 12.00 noon and you will witness him, with 50 other volunteers, flying through the air and then zumba’ing.  Even better still, why not sign up to take part in the challenge yourself and raise some much needed funds for our charity.

Then, all we need is the sun to shine and it will be a perfect day…… I feel a song coming on!