MyLife News

Have you got a friend, relative or loved one who has been living or working in a care home during Covid-19?

Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. They are here to make sure that those running services put people at the heart of care.

Their sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.

They focus on ensuring that peoples’ worries and concerns about current services are addressed and they work to get services right for the future.

Healthwatch is keen to find out about the experiences of residents, families and staff in care homes across the Wigan Borough during the coronavirus outbreak.

The aim of the project is to recognise and celebrate the hard work of care homes during this difficult period, to hear about the innovative ways they have worked to keep families in touch with their friends and family members; while also gathering learning opportunities to allow improvements to be made where needed, for the benefit of all.

To focus on the following themes:

• Primary care provision
• Discharge from hospital to care home
• Safeguarding

Project Aims

To gain an insight into the experience of staff and residents of care homes and their families to celebrate the innovative practice and hard work that has taken place by care homes during the coronavirus outbreak

To gather learning opportunities for care homes, Local Authority and health services to enable improvements for residents into the future.

If you would like to share your experience or would like further information please contact Karen Wilson, Senior Engagement Officer on  01942 834666  or email karen.wilson@healthwatchwiganandleigh.co.uk

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without My Life’s festive crafts!

Our members have been busy creating a range of exquisite Christmas cards and festive crafts with local artisan Birdie and Blossom, on sale now!

All proceeds go towards our important work, so as well as buying something beautiful, you’ll know that you’re making someone else’s life better too!

From stunning winter scenes, to beautiful Christmas cards, you can make your order by calling 01257 472 900 or emailing info@my-life.org.uk. We’ll make sure you receive them in a socially distanced way, thank you for all your support!

Winter houses – prices start from £10 to £30 depending on the number of houses

Cards – £5 for a set of 5 handmade cards, £6 for a set of 5 luxury cards with embellishment

Looking to do something valuable and personally fulfilling? We’re seeking volunteers to undertake a wide range of roles at My Life! 

Our volunteers are very valued. Volunteer for My Life and you’ll be making a big difference to the people we support and the wider community. 

Volunteering can also be very personally rewarding. We know that the last few months have been really tough and many of our volunteers have said that helping the charity has been a real lifeline for them.

Horticulture and handy person projects

Can you help us with our wide range of horticulture and handy person projects at our beautiful Standish site? Set in 84 acres of open green land, the site is fully compliant with all Covid-19 guidance and we assure this for all tasks, including indoor and outdoor horticulture.

Opportunities are available on any day, including weekends. If you can give just an hour or more, we’ll be very grateful to you for your time.

Experienced horse / animal care volunteers

We have our own stables and working farm and are looking for people who are experienced with horses and animals. If you can help our students ride and spend time with our animals on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, please get in touch!

Audit Committee professionals

Our Audit Committee ensures that all of our systems and processes are in place and checked correctly. We’re looking for two professionals with a couple of hours to spare each month, to join the Committee.

These are ideal volunteering roles for anyone interested in Finance, Law, Health and Safety, Audit or similar. Your contribution will be invaluable to the charity and again we’re operating safe systems of work during this difficult time, by holding virtual meetings.

For more information please email info@my-life.org.uk or call us on 01257 472 900.

Find out more about volunteering for My Life here.

Please note: All of our volunteers are fully screened before starting.

Understandably, everybody is wondering what will happen at My Life during the next four weeks of lockdown.

We are continuing to stay open and work with as many people as possible whilst adhering to the government guidelines during the lockdown period. We do hope this gives you some continuity over the next coming weeks and enables you to maintain some element of normality.

However, to enable us to continue to support you and everyone else, it is critical you inform us immediately if you are displaying symptoms or have had a positive Covid-19 test. With your support our important work will be able to continue.

We want to assure everyone that on our sites, where possible, we will work outside and or in well ventilated spaces, whilst wearing the assessed level of PPE. In peoples’ own homes every individual will have their own guidance to follow depending on their needs.

So far, we have done very well with very few infections and transmissions, but we cannot become complacent. It is critical we all continue to follow the guidance on hygiene, keep our distance where possible and wear a mask if you can.

We know we will get through this together and we can all work to ensure we all stay safe. Of course, we will continue to do the things we love, including preparing for Christmas.

What will help is, wherever you are and whatever you do, we would like to be able to see and share photographs of everyone appreciating what we have. Maybe you could share what you’re doing whilst having to stop in more, or perhaps you could take some snaps of things in your local community, from local wildlife to some of the beautiful sunsets we are having right now?

I am currently thinking about hosting a virtual Christmas party too – so I you have any ideas please do share!

Keep safe,

Caroline Tomlinson, My Life CEO

Everyone at our Stable Door Cafe feels like we’ve been on a bit of a journey with our lovely customers this year – an unexpected one, but one on which we’ve all stuck together.

We were really sad at the news of another lockdown, but we’re glad to say that our journey will continue! 

We’re opening our kitchen from 9am – 2.30pm every Tuesday to Sunday and will be going full pelt with our takeaway service!

Every one of our dishes is available to take away, including our amazing cakes and afternoon teas – you can even have your regular Farrier fix or Fish Fryday to take home!

Just choose from our menu and order on 01257 676 076.

If you live in the Standish area, there’s even more good news – we’re offering a delivery service Tuesday – Friday for customers in isolation in this location. 

For regular updates, please follow our Facebook page – and stay in touch, just give us a call!

Covid restrictions are making it harder for people to get the support and information they need, so we’re holding a series of online sessions you can take part in from home.

The first session, this Saturday 7th November, from 10am-11.30am, is ‘Your online guide to filling in your Personal Independence Payment Form (PIP).’

Alongside My Life’s Advocates Gill Lachman and Gail Ambrose, who is also a Benefits expert, our CEO Caroline Tomlinson will help you understand the questions on your PIP form more clearly, making it easier for you to fill in.

You can ask any questions during the session – we’ll be happy to answer them! If you know somebody who this session will help, please let them know about it. Nobody should have to struggle alone.

Register now by calling 01257 472 900 or emailing info@my-life.org.uk.