Welcome to your
January '25 Newsletter
Welcome to this months newsletter, the first one of the year, we hope 2025 is treating you well so far. This month we’ve had a change up, following a more structured, easy-read and CQC focused layout.
This newsletter you will look at downloading One Touch on your app store, a brief introduction to our employee recognition program and a look at our marketing focuses. Please stay engaged with our newsletters this year, as they will provide invaluable information that you will NOT want to miss.
01
General Manager’s Update
Ann Marie Bowyer, General and Finance Manager
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
02
CQC Focus
Key questions and quality statements
As part of our commitment to delivering high-quality care, we’re introducing a new section dedicated to aligning more closely with the expectations of our regulators, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This will help us ensure that we’re consistently meeting the highest standards across our services.
The CQC assessment framework is built around 5 key questions that are asked of all health and social care services. These questions are designed to assess whether our services are:
- Safe
- Effective
- Caring
- Responsive to people’s needs
- Well-led
Under each of these key questions, there are quality statements that outline the commitments providers, commissioners, and system leaders should uphold. These statements, expressed as “we statements,” reflect the standards required to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
The quality statements also emphasise the importance of collaboration between services and providers to plan and deliver the best possible care. They are directly linked to CQC regulations, which will be considered in their judgements.
When the CQC refers to “people,” they mean everyone who uses our services—adults, children, young people, their families, friends, and unpaid carers. This also includes individuals with protected characteristics or those more likely to experience inequalities in care.
Each month, we’ll focus on a different key question and showcase how we are meeting this through our care provision. This will give us the opportunity to reflect on our practices and highlight the incredible work our team does to ensure we meet and exceed CQC expectations.
This section will be a regular feature to keep us aligned with CQC’s standards and ensure we’re delivering the highest quality care to those who rely on our services.
03
Updates
Rewards and recognition
As part of our 2025 business plan, we’re placing a strong focus on investing in our people. One of the key elements of this investment is the development of an exciting new rewards and recognition initiative. We believe that this programme will play a major role in supporting and appreciating our staff, and we’re extremely excited to see it come to life.
Over the past few months, we’ve been collecting valuable feedback through staff surveys, asking for your input on how you’d like the programme to look and what benefits would be most meaningful to you. Your thoughts and suggestions are helping us shape something that truly reflects what our team wants and needs.
We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has already took the time to complete the survey. Your input is crucial, and we’ll be sharing the survey results and findings in next month’s newsletter, giving you a sneak peek into what’s to come.
If you have not already complete the form and you would like to take part, please follow the link below:
The full programme is set to launch in April, and we can’t wait to roll it out! We’re confident it will be a huge part of our continued effort to invest in and support our amazing team.
Downloading One Touch app
Please take time to read how to download the one touch app, please get in touch if you require more assistance.
Apple users
To download a OneTouch app from the App Store, you can:
- Open the App Store app on your device
- Search for the OneTouch app
- Tap Get
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode if required
- Tap Install
Android users
To download the OneTouch Reveal app on the Google Play Store, you can do the following:
- Go to the Google Play Store
- Search for the OneTouch Reveal app
- Select the app and tap Install
- Open the app by tapping the app icon
End of Life Spotlight
We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of the End of Life (EOL) team, especially throughout the NHS pilot Fast Track service. Your commitment and care during this pilot have been exceptional, and you have made a significant difference to the lives of so many people.
As many of you may know, the NHS pilot contract has unfortunately come to an end, and as a result, we will no longer be providing the Fast Track End of Life service to the NHS. However, the impact of the care delivered by our EOL team in Newcastle has been truly remarkable, both to our customers and their families.
“The carers were excellent and professional, also very empathetic. My dad was treated like a person and with dignity, the family were kept in the loop with everything – very good communication. Thank you – I can’t praise them enough.” – Elaine S (Daughter of Customer)
“We could not have wished for a nicer team of carers to look after my brother. They always treated him with the utmost care and respect. We even enjoyed lighter moments with them, which was just what myself and the rest of the family needed to help us through this really difficult time. Thank you all so much for the support you gave my brother and sister-in-law. It will always mean so much to me and I will remember the carers with fondness.” – Denise H (Sister of Customer)
“My husband had the best care with Bluebird carers. They were so kind and thoughtful. They made sure he was always clean and tidy and made sure he was happy to take his medication for them. They were always happy and cheerful and made us laugh a lot which was good as my husband had a great sense of humour. We looked forward to seeing them. I can’t praise them enough and will miss them very much. I will recommend Bluebird to anyone who needs carers. Thank you so much for your help” – Violet B (Wife of Customer)
“A short time ago, Bluebird care was required to provide care to my terminally ill wife. As you can imagine, this was a very difficult time for me, and the support of carers was very much appreciated. What I don’t think I appreciated was the very high level of genuine care and support we actually received. All the carers were highly professional in all they did, but more important to me, and my wife, was the kindness they showed on every visit. They managed to make her laugh, and feel that she was important to them. When she passed away three weeks ago, some of the carers cried, and I was so touched that they thought so much of her. It has been the most difficult 3 weeks of my life. But I would like to take this chance to give my heartfelt thanks to all the staff and carers at Bluebird. I won’t forget their warmth and kindness.” – BobCaz (Husband of Customer)
The reviews we have received are a testament to the invaluable work you have all done, ensuring comfort and dignity during the most challenging times. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly proud of the care you’ve provided.
We have compiled an End of Life Impact Document that highlights the difference our team has made. Click here to view.
Here are some key statistics from the service:
- Over 600 referrals received during the pilot
- Over 90% referral acceptance rate
- Over 99% of customers passed away in their preferred place
- Over 140 people remained in our service beyond the initial 10 weeks from referral
Your work has touched countless lives, and while this chapter with the NHS has come to a close, we will continue to reflect on and celebrate the care and support you’ve provided to our community.
04
Health and Wellbeing
Welcoming the New Year with Seasonal Wellness
Happy New Year to all our wonderful team members at Bluebird Care! As we step into January, it’s a perfect time to embrace a fresh start, set intentions, and prioritise our well-being. The beginning of the year often inspires motivation and a renewed sense of purpose, making it an ideal opportunity to focus on seasonal wellness.
The Importance of Seasonal Wellness
January can be a challenging month. The excitement of the festive season has passed, the days are short, and the weather is often cold and grey. These factors can sometimes lead to feelings of fatigue or low mood. However, by understanding and responding to the unique demands of winter, we can nurture our physical and mental health.
Seasonal wellness is about aligning our self-care routines with the time of year, ensuring we stay energised, balanced, and resilient. Here are some practical ways to embrace wellness this winter.
Winter Wellness Tips
Stay Active Indoors and Out: Exercise is a powerful mood booster and can help combat the winter blues. Bundle up and enjoy a brisk walk outside or try indoor activities like yoga or home workouts. Even 20 minutes a day can make a difference.
Focus on Nourishing Foods: Warm, hearty meals like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables provide comfort and essential nutrients. Incorporate seasonal produce like root vegetables and citrus fruits to support your immune system.
Get Plenty of Rest: Winter is nature’s time for rest, and our bodies often crave more sleep during this season. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to feel refreshed and recharged.
Boost Your Vitamin D: With limited sunlight, many people experience a drop in vitamin D levels during winter. Consider supplements or spend time outdoors during daylight hours to support your mood and energy.
Stay Connected: The post-holiday period can feel isolating for some. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for a chat, coffee, or walk. Social connections are vital for maintaining mental well-being.
Practice Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus toward positivity and help you stay grounded.
Setting Intentions for the New Year
Instead of traditional resolutions, consider setting intentions that focus on growth and self-care. For example:
- Commit to taking regular breaks to recharge during your workday.
- Make time for activities that bring you joy.
- Set a goal to learn something new, whether it’s a skill, hobby, or piece of knowledge.
Let’s Start the Year Strong
As we embark on this new year, let’s focus on creating a balanced and healthy foundation for ourselves. By embracing seasonal wellness, we can not only navigate the challenges of winter but also thrive as individuals and as a team.
Here’s to a bright, healthy, and fulfilling 2025. Happy New Year from everyone at Bluebird Care!
05
Marketing
Welcome to the marketing section, where we will update you on campaigns, upcoming content and things you can get involved in.
The Companionship Club
The Bluebird Companion Club is a premium service designed to help elderly individuals maintain their independence and stay connected to their community through personalised social outings.
This service is ideal for those who can manage at home but need companionship and support to get out and enjoy life. It bridges the gap between practical care and emotional well-being, offering a holistic approach to elderly care that prioritises quality of life, mental health, and social interaction.
Moments that matter
This is a campaign to highlight the simple matters. We often dwell on the complex side of care but never the small moments that brightens our customers and carers days. This ties in well with The Companionship Club with emphasis on social outings.
This will be for the first quarter and will have a series of posts to be scheduled and shared on our social media. Please share around our stuff when we post – it goes a long way!
Change of career
Our recruitment efforts this quarter highlight a change of career. This is to aim towards people in customer facing roles, for example, working in retail but want a more rewarding role, a teacher in the past but want to start caring for people again?
Sometimes people want that change and we want to show the people that are, that Bluebird Care is the right choice.
06
Content Corner
Moments that matter
Care isn’t always about the complex care. Often, it’s the simplest moments that leave the most profound impact. At Bluebird Care, we know it’s these meaningful, heartfelt interactions that truly make the difference for both our customers and carers.
Sometimes, we focus so much on the complexities of care that we forget to celebrate the little things, the moments that brighten someone’s day and create lasting memories. It could be hearing a cherished story from years gone by, sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee, or venturing out into the local community for the first time in months. For many customers, these small acts of care are life-changing, reigniting a spark of joy and connection they’ve missed.
That’s why we’re embracing #MomentsThatMatter—a reminder to prioritise and celebrate the experiences that mean the most to our customers and carers alike.
Take, for example, the joy of a simple walk through the park, feeling the crisp air and reconnecting with nature. Or the comfort of a friendly chat while visiting a favorite local café, a routine that might have been out of reach for some time. These seemingly small actions create moments that customers eagerly share with their loved ones, bringing smiles and reassurance to families who know their loved one is living a fulfilling life.
For our carers, these moments are just as important. They represent the joy of their role and the privilege of making someone’s day a little brighter. Whether it’s creating a new memory or reviving an old one, these experiences fuel the passion and purpose that define exceptional care.
At Bluebird Care, we’re proud to champion these meaningful moments and remind everyone of the power of connection, kindness, and shared experiences. After all, care is about more than just meeting needs, it’s about nurturing the soul.
So let’s celebrate the simpler times and embrace the moments that matter. Because sometimes, it’s not the complexity of care but the simplicity of compassion that leaves the biggest mark.
Stay connected
To stay connected and keep up with the latest updates, events, and stories, be sure to follow us on social media and visit our website. Whether it’s highlights from our local branches, upcoming events, or useful resources, there’s always something to share and celebrate together.
Trust pilot
Previously there has only been one national Trustpilot account for Bluebird Care. This caused problems when gaining a true reflection from branch to branch. However, the Trustpilot account has now been split up and we all have access to our own location profile, enabling us to have our own local Trustpilot score, which feeds into the overall national score.
This is a massive opportunity to let our Bluebird Care branches shine! Leave us a 5-star review by following the links below.
Follow us
