N E W S L E T T E R

I S S U E 4W I N T E R E D I T I O N

D A T E : 1 : 0 2 : 1 6

Happy New Year!

2016 is upon us, and with it comes the promise of change.

As part of our expansion plans we’re excited to announce that we have acquired new office premises. The new offices will allow for much needed additional office space and in-house training facilities. On this note I would like to thank Paul and his team who worked tirelessly throughout the Christmas holiday period to ensure a seamless transition.

Change is also afoot in local government; The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act received Royal Assent and became law on 1 May 2014. It will come into effect from April 2016. The Act provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, and carers who need support, and for transforming social services in Wales. The Act aims to address these issues and in doing so will give people greater freedom to decide which services they need while promoting consistent, high-quality services across the country. It is hoped the act will transform the way social services are delivered, promoting people’s independence to give them stronger voice and control.

What hasn’t changed is our simple business objective; the pursuit of excellence in every area of social care.

Dave Howells, Chairman.

WELCOME TO GRSIN THIS ISSUE

"Sustaining Independence"

Dannielle ReesElderly Care Team

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

1.

The best thing about my job isMaking a difference to people’s lives helping them to remain as independent as possible

The temptation you wish you could amend?Chocolate never say no to chocolate

The favourite book you have read? The Magic Cottage by James Herbert

The pet hate that makes your hackles rise? Selfishness I hate when people only think of themselves and not of others

The film you can watch time and time again? The Goonies The person(s) that has influenced you the most?My childhood best friend suffered with Cystic Fibrosis and I learned everything about her condition from a young age from a very young age I knew I wanted to be a care giver she influenced me to become who I am today

The figure from history for whom you would share a pie and a pint with? Aneurin Bevan

A lost treasured item you wish you could have again?My grandmothers beaded necklace

The song that means the most to you? When you say nothing at all Ronan Keating

Your favourite food ?Cheese

The way you would spend your fantasy 24hours ? Exploring the island of Madagascar playing with Lemurs and monkeys Top tips for doing your job well? Treat others as you wish to be treated your self, always respect others and do everything to the best of your ability

Happiest moment you will cherish forever? Passing my driving test allowing me to expand my career as a carer

The philosophy that underpins your life?Never be afraid to be yourself

PAGE 2 News update

PAGE 3 Henfaes Road – Current Events – Service Anniversaries

PAGE 4Legislation Timetable

PAGE 5Service User Events – Van selfie competition –Supplier corner

PAGE 6Elderly Care

PAGE 7Employee Testimonials - Employee Birthdays – Competition

PAGE 8Recruitment

PAGE 9Refer a friend

PAGE 10 Health & Wellbeing – Hot company news

PAGE 11Fit for work scheme

PAGE 12Direct payments

2.

NEWS UPDATE

In line with our growth aspirations, I am extremely pleased to announce the re-financing of GRS.

To assist with the transaction, GRS engaged the professional corporate services of:

During 2016 GRS is planning to: Increased capacity and extended services Provide additional properties to supported living schemes Land development Introduce respite/short break facilities

We would like to offer our sincere thanks for the support and expertise delivered by our corporate partners, and look forward to their continued support.

Dave Howells

Director

The business has solid foundations, and the re-financing now ensures we are in the idealposition to implement our aggressive growth strategy.

Barclays Bank - Katherine Whitrow - Relationship Director JCP - Chris Davies - Director James & Uzzell - Emma Hughes - Director

Finance Wales - Raymond Walters - Portfolio Executive

EMPLOYEE SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

CURRENT EVENTS

It is with great sadness that I have to inform everyone that on the 25th December 2015, Kim Evans of Trigfan peacefully passed away in her sleep.

Kim will be remembered by all who knew her, for her infectious smile, friendly banter and wicked sense of humour. She will always remain part of the Trigfan family and will be greatly missed by all staff and

tenants, pastand present.

Our thoughtsare with thefamily at thissad time.

3.

Kim Evans

Paula Davies - 12th January (1 year)Sam Doswell - 02nd February (1 year)Kay Roberts - 09th February (1 year)Kirsty Price - 09th March (1 year)Dave Howells - 02nd April (1 year)Ceri Todd - 02nd April (1 year)Amrita Amin - 02nd April (1 year)

Debbie Rees - 06th April (1 year)Rebecca Allen - 02nd March (5 years)Denise Daniel - 21st March (5 years)Joelle Daniel - 28th March (5 years)Laura Jenkins - 13th February (10 years)

Office Party 2015

GRS is delighted to introduce Henfaes Road, Tonna, Neath as a new addition to their property portfo-lio.Henfaes Road is situated in a semi-rural location, offering modern, spacious accommodation, together with beautiful landscaped gardens.Henfaes Road is presently being utilised as a day service, to support a young lady called Hannah. GRS support Hannah Monday to Friday, and are working together, in developing a diverse, activity filled daily program of events. Hannah especially enjoys the outdoor life, and volunteers weekly at the Welsh Monkey Sanctuary near Abercrave. Hannah carries out her duties there with great enthusiasm, and knows each monkey by name whilst also understanding their individual diet, and how to prepare their food. Hannah further enjoys swimming, using the trampoline and walks at Gnoll Park and Margam Park.When the weather is unfit to explore the outdoors, Hannah returns to her base in Tonna, to continue developing her daily living skills, together with her key GRS support worker Cerys

Thomas, especially relishing the opportunity to prepare and cook meals. Henfaes Road also offers Hannah local access to walks around the Aberdullais basin and Canal side.

HENFAES ROAD Christmas Jumper Day 2015

Area Legislation Details Date

Pay

Sickness

Pensions

Tax-FreeChildcare

EmploymentTribunals

Payroll

National Minimum Wage

Fit for Work

Pensions Act 2014

Pensions Act 2011

Pensions Act 2007

Draft legislation:The Childcare Payments(Eligibility) Regulations2015;Childcare PaymentsRegulations 2015

Deregulation Act 2015

National InsuranceContributions Act2015

Adult rate £6.70Rate for 18-20-year-olds £5.30Rate for 16-17-year-olds £3.87Rate for Apprentices £3.30Accommodation offset £5.35

National Minimum Wage Increases:-

1 October 2015

After four weeks sickness abscence, employees will be provided with freeoccupational health assistance to help them return to work. Employees willnormally be referred by their GP’s. There will be a phased roll-out of the referralservice taking place over a period of months.

New state pension for people reaching State pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

State retirement age for women become equal to that of men by November 2018.

Once retirement age has become equal, the state pension age for both men andwomen will increase from 65 up to 66 (in 2020), from 66 to 67 and eventually upto 68 years of age by April 2046.

Working families where both parents work and who each earn less than £150,000a year may be eligible to receive up to £2000 support per child per year.

Employment Tribunals will no longer have the power to make recommendationsto employers who lose discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010.

Includes abolishing employer NICs for apprentices under the age of 25 from April2016, on earnings up to the Upper Secondary Threshold.

Autumn 2015

6 April 2016

Equalisation of thestate pension age - November 2018

Increases in the state pension age will occurbetween 2020 - 2046

Autumn 2015

1 October 2015

April 2016

Did you know . . .Being a member of a Trade Union does not entitle someone to attend and represent employees atmeetings. In order to qualify as an accredited trade Union Representative, the individual must be certifiedas competent and authorised to give advice on behalf of the TU.

Employers can ask the accompanying person for evidence of their accreditation which they should readilyprovide. If you still have any concerns, telephone the TU office to ask for confirmation of his or heraccreditation.

Did you know . . .Where a full-time employee has been absent from work and then presents a Fit to work certificate whichrecommends a phased return for two out of five workings days per week and the employer accommodatesthe recommendation, then the employee will be considered “sick” for the three days that he or she doesnot attend work and if he or she qualifies for Statutory or company sick pay then this should be paid onthese days.

4.

LEGISLATION TIMETABLE

SERVICE USER EVENTS

SUPPLIER CORNER

We were delighted to welcome Paul Brown into his new home at Oak Tree Cottage on the 2nd December 2015.Paul joined us from Ty Cwm in Johnstown in Carmarthen.

Paul’s infectious personality has been a welcome addition to Oak Tree Cottage, and the present the

GRS SELFIE COMPETITION

If you spot the GRS vanparked up (not on GRS premises)take a selfie with the van and

send into the office.

You could win a £20.00 Voucher

for Lunch Restaurant

WITH A VANCOMPETITION

5.

New tenant at Oak Tree CottagePAUL BROWN

present tenants Martin, Arwyn and Mary. Paul has settled seamlessly into his new surroundingsPaul thoroughly enjoys socialising, spending time with his housemates and the staff team at Oak Tree Cottage. Paul especially enjoys going for walks within the local area, and is keen to visit the shops here in Cross Hands.Following consultation with Paul, Paul’s family, the Multi-Disciplinary Team and management at GRS, led by Paul Hiscock and Keith Milford (contractor), GRS were able to deliver a bespoke designed bedroom for Paul, specifically modified and adapted to suit his requirements, by converting the existing garage into a studio apartment en-suite.Paul is receiving regular visits from his sister and niece, and is very proud to show them around his new home.We look forward in the future to receiving regular updates from Paul, together with news of the varied activities undertaken.Once again welcome Paul.

Swansea Head OfficeVenture Court

Waterside Business ParkValley Way

Enterprise ParkSwanseaSA6 8QP

Tel: 01792 773 773

Christmas Party - Felinfoel RFCOn December the 2nd, GRS held its Annual Christmas party atFelinfoel Rugby Club.

There was a full turn out of tenants from the supported living schemes, individuals and their families from our community based domiciliary care division.

Thanks to Monika Menkhause, Sarah Lee and Dave Bevan from the local authority for their usual attendance.There was plenty of entries into the Christmas jumper competition, but Rachel and Franko came out the winners and collected their prize.See you all next year Joelle

And the winner is…

JAMES!

6.

Having successfully established GRS within the field of learning disabilities, it begs the question of what is next for the company. With an experienced workforce, and a management structure with a wealth of transferrable skills and knowledge, the natural progression was always going to be within a new field which was going to both challenge, and promote growth throughout the company.

Under the guidance of Fiona Broxton (Commissioner Swansea City Council) the elderly team was born. Karen Jones Regional Manager was to oversee the setting up, and the running of the division. We sought out two experienced members of staff from our learning disability team to help initially, Kirsty Price and Siobhan Siffllet, and got to work in the Swansea area.

After much deliberation about uniform, logos and colours, our team set out to make the GRS elderly division stand out from our competitors, offering a service that would rival the most established companies. We aim to provide a service that is reliable, efficient and effective to both the client and their families. Offering the personal touch, Karen and her team have firmly put this newest division on the map.

Six months on and our team and client base continue to grow, easily recognisable in their green shirts they support the elderly and most vulnerable in our communities. Up at the crack of dawn, and always with a smile that radiates compassion and professionalism, they will often be for some the only face they see that day, making their role an essential part of our clients lives.

So what’s next for our newest team, growth, new opportunities for all, keep an eye out for our new exciting innovative form of transport, its sure to get everyone talking!!! A massive thank you to the team, never underestimate the impact you have and the difference you make. Together let us achieve excellence in all areas of our service.

ELDERLY CARE

EMPLOYEE TESTIMONIALSWe are delighted to have received the following statements:

I have just been approached by JS granddaughter (one of our elderly care

clients). She commended us on our quality of service, prior to us taking over from Care watch they considered residential/nursing care. They are no longer going down that road as JS hasn't looked this well in ages.

Lovely news to hear.

Regards.Beccy.

To Sue Jones.I would like thank pass on my thanks in

relation to GRS’s work with NE, as during a recent conversation with him he was

extremely complimentary about how your support has changed his life for the better and

that your carers have given him new opportunities he was never offered with his

previous care agency. During my conversation with this gentleman it was

notable about how positive and happy he is at present. Can you please pass this on to the team working with NE and thank them for

their work.

Monika Menkhaus Senior Social Work Practitioner

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7.

Sue I completely trust your ethos I have total admiration for your beliefs and I feel you are a credit to your company which you are quite rightly proud to represent.

That being said I am very impressed with the staff and your sensitivity in managing this situation. It is reassuring to know our concerns are taken seriously and I would like you to pass on my thanks to the staff for being so kind to Hannah.

COMPETITION TIME

Keiron JonesPeter AllenKaren MooneyNigel Trott Patrycza KrysiakKaren WaltersSharon ReesAdam EvansDeana Fairbrother Daniel WilliamsNigel BowenKathleen KeddieGina Deane John EdwardsMarzena MalinowskaKirsty PriceElizabeth BroderickPaul WilliamsGabrielle GibsonPaul HiscockLeigh HarriesRonald Evans Shannon LivingsEmily Kift Elizabeth Isccas Warren GriffithsNathan WilliamsRachel WestMary Carmody Karen JonesDavid ThomasMalcom JenkinsCheryl MartinHazel LewisWyndham BurtRachel LewisCatherine ThomasMark Phillips

02nd Jan02nd Jan03rd Jan07th Jan12th Jan20th Jan23rd Jan24th Jan26th Jan 27th Jan27th Jan2nd Feb3rd Feb6th Feb12th Feb14th Feb17th Feb21st Feb21st Feb26th Feb27th Feb27th Feb5th March6th March9th March13th March14th March16th March19th March21st March23rd March28th March3rd April4th April12th April21st April24th April26th April

GRS Invites you to be creative anddesign a birthday card, for our company!

Anyone can enter, including Service Users, their friends and familyas well as staff and family.

The Winner will win £25 plus their design print on the card.Entries close on 25/03/2016 and will be accepted via post or email.

8

G.R.S., Poplar House, Tawe Business Village,Phoenix Way Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9LA

Tel: 01792 776238

Benefits:

Email: info@grscare.co.ukWebsite: www.grscare.co.uk

APPLY TODAY:

RECRUITING NOW !

CARE ASSISTANTS REQUIRED

IMMEDIATE VACANCIES EXIST WITHIN OUR DYNAMIC,REWARDING AND PROGRESSIVE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM.

Comprehensive Induction ProgramAll necessary training and supportto achieve a QCF in Health andSocial CareExtensive On-Going TrainingCareer Progression OpportunitiesA Competitive SalaryPension SchemeVoluntary Health SchemeRecommend a friend referral scheme28 days annual leaveFlexible shift patternsFree enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Certificate

Join a great Team !

Transport Provided:

Suzuki 125cc Scooter for allnew RecruitsA CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) OneDay Training Course during inductionperiod

All weather clothing equipmentinclusive of helmetTax and InsuranceCorporate Fleet breakdown & ServiceCoverAll Business Fuel

FULLYFUNDED

FULLYFUNDED

FULLYFUNDED

FULLYFUNDED

FULLYFUNDED

FULLYFUNDED

Full/Part Time Staff

address_Europe.indd 8 2014/09/24 15:40

For those without transport, GRS offers aScooter with all the equipment, which includes:

9.

REFER A FRIEND SCHEME

Keep track of your drinking habits. Instead of relying on memory, jot down your drinks in a diary to see exactly how much and how often you drink.

Change your drinking habits. Control the amount of alcohol you drink by setting some goals, such as not drinking alone or when stressed. Schedule at least two alcohol-free days each week.

Don’t drink on an empty stomach. A full stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.

Quench your thirst with water or soft drinks. Otherwise, you risk gulping down alcoholic drinks.

Sip your drink slowly. Put down the glass after each mouthful.

Take a break. Make every second drink a non-alcoholic beverage.

HEALTH TIPS& EMPLOYEEWELLBEING

Healthy Living Tips

10.

Buy low-alcohol alternatives. Options include light beer and reduced alcohol wine.

Opt out of ‘rounds ’. Drink at your own pace. If you can’t avoid buying a round, get yourself a non-alcoholic drink.

Avoid salty snacks, such as potato chips or peanuts. Salt makes you thirsty and more inclined to drink fast.

Do something other than drink. Hit the dance floor or play a game of pool. You’re less likely to drink out of boredom if you’re busy having fun.

A large section of the population enjoy a social drink from time to time. Yet drinking too much alcohol or drinking too often increases your risk of developing an alcohol-related injury or disease. If you are thinking it’s time to take control of your drinking.

Here are some tips to help you cut down on alcohol.

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Do you actually know how much alcohol you are consuming?

Current safe drinking guidelines recommend 14 units weekly for women and men respectively ,but gone are the days when a glass of wine contained a unit and a pint of beer contained two.

The average bottle of wine contains nine units of alcohol meaning a large glass may contain as many as four, whilst strong draft beers contain four units a pint.

Most people who have alcohol-related health problems aren’t alcoholics. They're simply people who have regularly drunk more than the recommended levels for some years Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it is often the hardest one.

You may need help if:

You always feel the need to have a drink.

You get into trouble because of your drinking.

Other people warn you about how much you’re drinking.

A good place to start is with your GP.Be honest with them about how much you drink.

10 TIPSTO CUTDOWN ONALCOHOL

TNL

HOTCOMPANY NE

WS

GRS is in the process of the securing of Respite/Short Break and Holiday accommodation at popular local seaside locations.

This will provide individuals with a modern, vibrant activity filled alternative to what is standard for the industry today.

More details to follow shortly….

11.

The Government estimates that there arecurrently 140 million working days lost per yearin Great Britain due to sickness absence*. Manyorganisations already invest in occupationalhealth services to facilitate their absentemployees in returning to work and to reduceunnecessary time off for sickness absence.However, a new free scheme has been rolledout across England and Wales to assist allemployers in this area, Melanie Parsons, RegionalEmployment Consultant, looks at how it works.

What ls lt?The “Fit for Work” scheme aims to work withemployers to try to help them cut back onproblematic employee sick leave, increasingthe productivity and workload of the entirecompany. It is predicted that use of the newscheme may cut the cost of sick pay by between£80m and £160m per year.

If an employee has been or is likely to be offwork for a period of more than four weeks, heor she can be referred for health advice and anOccupational Health Assessment under thescheme. Employees must have given consent

before a referral to the fit for work service lsmade through their GP or their employer.

A referred employee will be assigned a CaseManager who will assess the employee anddevise a return to work plan that can be sharedwith their employer (with the employees priorconsent). The plan will provide the employerwith advice and information relating to theemployees return to work. For example, thiscould include a timeline for their retum andanything that the employer may be able to do to help them to speed up their recovery, including recommending certain treatments. A fit for work service plan has the same status as a fit note and should be accepted for SSP purposes.

Who is eligible ? Employees only (not self-employed) Individuals who have been absent from work or are likely to be absent for at least four weeks

The employee should have a likelihood of being able to return to work within three months and have not used the service in the previous 12 months

What are the benefits to employers?lt is not compulsory lor employers to use thescheme when tackling long-term absence;however there are some benefits for doing it.

The service is free.

Tax breaks for employers who pay fortreatments recommended by Fit for Work areavailable up to £500 per employee per taxyear.

Recommendations contained in the returnto work plan are not legally binding foremployers.

Lowering the cost of absences.

Using the schemeThe Fit for Work scheme is available to allbusinesses and employers regardless of size inEngland and Wales. Fit for Work Scotland isaccepting employer referral by phone, but itsonline referral system is yet to be launched.

Practlcal suggestionsThe guidance recommends that employersconsider whether to update their sicknessabsence policies and procedures to reflectthe availability of the Fit for Work service.For employers who already have effectiveabsence policy in place, there is no need to takeadvantage of the entire scheme. It is possible touse a mixture of your own occupational healthprovider as well as the Fit for Work scheme; oruse a two-phase approach, using the scheme firstthen if absence does not improve, using yourown provider.

Contact:01792 776238info@grscare.co.ukFor further information.

Human Resources Fit for work -what you needto know

G.R.S. provides modern, progressive support enabling individuals to livein their own home or shared accommodation, safely and independently.

G.R.S. (CARE) Ltd., Poplar House, Tawe Business Village,Phoenix Way Enterprise Park, Swansea, SA7 9LA

Email: info@grscare.co.ukWebsite: www.grscare.co.uk

Please contact us tofind out more or arrange a visit

01792 776238

"Sustaining Independence"

We can accept people funded from the local authority, ILF and direct payments.

Registered and regulated by the CSSIW.

OLDERPERS

ONS

DIRECT PAYMENTS

12.

G.R.S. provides modern, progressive support enabling individuals to livein their own home or shared accommodation, safely and independently.

Email: info@grscare.co.ukWebsite: www.grscare.co.uk

Please contact us tofind out more or arrange a visit

01792 776238

"Sustaining Independence"

We can accept people funded from the local authority, ILF and direct payments.

Registered and regulated by the CSSIW.

OLDERPERS

ONS

DIRECT PAYMENTS