Welcome to your
October '24
Newsletter
Welcome to your October Newsletter, as you can see, there has been a huge change to Bluebirds branding and we really hope you love it. It has been something in the pipeline for a long time now and nationally it will be a huge improvement for Bluebirds brand presence.
This month we have a lot of emphasis on the new branding, our Alzheimer’s Society Pledge walk and an introduction to our new Health and Wellbeing section, directed by our recruitment officer, Jordan. Our General Manager, Ann Marie Bowyer, will take over the updates, with David adding his update quarterly.
As you can see, a lot of change is coming and we want you to be involved, we want YOUR ideas and YOUR help to spread Bluebirds premium message. Please make sure to respond to all enquiries, such as the vaccinations.
Again, thank you for your ongoing support and engagement, we hope you continue to be supportive towards Bluebird Care and another thank you to all who completed the staff survey.
01
General Managers Update
October '24
Ann Marie Bowyer, General Manager
Hello Everyone,
I’m thrilled to officially introduce myself as the new General Manager here at Bluebird Care. Having been with the company for two and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the incredible work this team does, and I’m excited to share my first update with you all. While I step into this new role, I’ll also continue overseeing the finance function. We’ve had a busy month, and I can’t wait to highlight some of the amazing efforts and important initiatives that are underway.
As we move through October, I want to take a moment to recognise the outstanding work happening across the team. It’s impossible not to feel admiration for the dedication and commitment that’s visible every day. A special mention goes to Abi, Zara, Georgia, Taz, and Tracey for their exceptional contributions – your hard work has truly made a difference.
On another note, I’m really pleased with the great level of engagement we had in the recent staff survey. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us continue to grow and improve as a team.
With the colder months on the horizon, a quick reminder to make sure your Covid-19 and flu vaccinations are up to date for the autumn/winter 2024/2025 period. It’s crucial that we stay on top of this, so once you’ve had your vaccinations, please contact Karolina via email at Karolinapb@bluebirdcare.co.uk.
In addition, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on World Mental Health Day. Rob Mackins, our Training and Compliance Manager, raised an important question: “Who looks after those who care for others?” It’s a reminder to check in on ourselves and each other, especially given the demanding work we do. Let’s keep supporting one another and prioritising our mental well-being.
You may have spotted something new – Bluebird Care has undergone a branding refresh! This updated look captures who we are as a premier care provider, and I’m excited to see it roll out. There’s a video below that goes into more detail about the rebrand, so be sure to watch it to understand what’s driving this exciting change.
On the fundraising front, our Macmillan Coffee Morning was a fantastic success, with lots of treats and generous donations. We also completed a 12.7km walk from our Boldon office to Penshaw Monument, all in support of Alzheimer’s Society. It was a great day, and our efforts to raise funds for this crucial cause continue.
Lastly, a big congratulations to Rob and Vicky, who proudly represented Bluebird Care at the Defence Silver Employee Recognition Award ceremony. This recognition speaks volumes about our dedication to supporting the armed forces community.
Finally, I want to personally thank everyone for your support as I transition into the General Manager role. Your encouragement means a great deal to me, and I’m looking forward to working even more closely with you all.
Thank you for your continued effort and commitment!
02
News and Updates
Staff Appreciation
A big thank you to all our staff who have received appreciation or passed their probation!
You said, we did
Do you have a suggestion? Submit it by clicking the button down below.
Refer a friend
Take advantage of our £250 refer a friend fee!
Can you think of anyone who is kind, caring and compassionate? Can you think of anyone who would like a career in care? Can you think of anyone who would be an asset to our team?
Well, this could be your opportunity to take advantage of our refer a friend programme. If you refer someone into the business and they receive a job offer and successfully pass probation you will receive your £250 refer a friend payment!
Anyone who you think is up to the job can apply via our company website, when they complete the application form it asks if they know anyone who works at Bluebird, this is there time to state this!
Covid-19 and Flu Vaccinations autumn/winter 2024/2025
We require information on all staff’s autumn/winter 2024/2025 Covid-19 and flu vaccination status as this required by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from CQC-regulated ASC providers.
When you have had these vaccinations can you please inform Karolina, via email on Karolinapb@bluebirdcare.co.uk ASAP.
We also need to know if you do not wish to not have either of these vaccinations.
We thank you yet again for your continued support and engagement.
What's been happening?
Anyone who you think is up to the job can apply via our company website, when they complete the application form it asks if they know anyone who works at Bluebird, this is there time to state this!
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Our Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning went down a treat, a lot of cakes, sandwiches, cookies and more were consumed and we have all left with full tummies…
We did a sweepstake and our lovely customer, Mrs S ended up winning, but kindly donated the money back to Macmillan! All around a lovely morning with lovely bakes, thank you to everyone who donated and contributed
Alzheimer's Society Pledge Walk
We walked 12.7km walking from our office in Boldon to Penshaw Monument, in a time of 2 hours 30 minutes!
The walk allowed us to collect the baton from Bluebird Care Sunderland, where we will pass it on to Bluebird Care Gateshead. We joined the pledge to raise £50,000 for Alzheimer’s Society and we showed our commitment to this yesterday on our walk.
We are continuing to raise as much money as possible, with more fundraising opportunities in the future!
03
Industry Updates
Key News and Trends in Care
New Policies and Regulations
The care sector continues to see regulatory changes aimed at enhancing service quality and support for both clients and care staff. Recently, new government initiatives focused on workforce development have been introduced, offering additional training programs and resources. This policy aims to provide pathways for upskilling and career advancement within the sector, so keep an eye out for announcements on potential training opportunities.
Government Initiatives Affecting Care Services
There’s a renewed government focus on improving care accessibility and supporting providers in delivering consistent, high-quality care. A significant investment was announced to improve digital infrastructure across the care sector, including tools that will make record-keeping more efficient and client management smoother. This move is expected to increase transparency and reduce workload on administrative tasks, allowing more time for hands-on care.
04
Health and Wellbeing
Welcome to the Health and Wellbeing section
At Bluebird Care, we believe that promoting health and wellbeing is essential—not just for the individuals we care for, but for our dedicated staff as well. As a care provider, we understand the importance of holistic wellness, which goes beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Starting this month, we are excited to introduce a dedicated Health and Wellbeing section in our monthly newsletter. This section will feature a wide range of topics designed to provide practical tips and insights to support both our valued employees and the individuals we care for. From advice on staying physically active and eating well to strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental wellness, our goal is to offer relevant and helpful information that everyone can benefit from.
Why are we adding this new section? Simply put, we believe that by creating a culture of health and wellbeing, we can enhance the quality of life for everyone involved with Bluebird Care. For our care staff, it means finding balance, managing stress, and staying energised in their demanding roles. For our customers, it means encouraging positive lifestyle habits that support their overall health and independence.
Each month, you can look forward to articles on topics like mental health awareness, healthy eating, staying hydrated, and seasonal wellness tips. Whether it’s a simple exercise routine, a mindfulness technique, or advice on preventing falls, we aim to share information that is both practical and empowering.
By prioritising health and wellbeing in this way, we hope to contribute to happier, healthier lives for both our team and our customers. Together, we can support each other on the journey to better health and wellbeing!
05
Training and Compliance
Update from Rob Mackins, Training and Compliance Manager
As I write this article it is World Mental Health day. A couple of weeks I read a post on social media that said “who looks after the people who look after the people”, and it really resonated with me. The last data released by the Health and Safety Executive stated that 49% of reported work related illness was due to stress or poor mental health. This is compared to 27% reported as Musculo-skeletal issues, and 24% reported as other issues. The health and social care sector is deemed as being the sector that employees are most likely to be affected by poor mental health, with 94% of care managers stating they have experienced or come close to burnout, and 93% of employees stating their job has impacted on their mental health.
With all this in mind, we need to look after ourselves and each other, so I thought I would present a list of the signs someone is struggling, and what we can do about it as well as some strategies for self-care.
Signs someone might be struggling:
- Physical symptoms such as stomach upsets, excessive tiredness or trouble sleeping
- Difficulty retaining information or making decisions
- Feeling irritable, emotional, depressed or anxious
- Drinking alcohol or smoking more than usual
- Feeling aggressive or being angry, even with those we are close to
- Becoming withdrawn or avoiding social situations
- Changes in eating patterns
So how can we help? If you are worried about a colleague, reach out to them. Start a conversation and ask if they are OK. Use the 4 Es.
- Environment
- Consider a private environment to have the conversation, where someone is comfortable and will open up
- Effective communication
- Actively listen to the person. Keep eye contact and nod to acknowledge what they say. Repeat back what they have said to clarify you understand
- Empathy
- Don’t say you understand how they feel, you don’t! Reframe that statement to say something like “that must feel….”
- Engage
- Signpost them to places they can get help, such as their GP, family and friends, or Samaritans. Tell them to speak to their manager. You should also flag to your manager if you have real concerns about the person’s wellbeing
Finally, make sure you are protecting your own mental wellbeing. Speak up if you are struggling. Practice self-care, looking after your own mental and physical help. Employ strategies that might help manage your mental health. I personally like to get out in nature, either canoeing or camping in the woods with an open fire.
Some self-help strategies:
- Eat well, and reduce alcohol/nicotine intake
- Exercise
- Practice mindfulness
- Stop fearing failure
- Talk more and reduce loneliness
- Take up a new hobby
- Become a volunteer
As a final thought, talk to us if you are struggling or need help. We are here to support you all. Both myself and Vicky Gardner are mental health first aiders. This is a course we are looking to role out wider in the business, so watch this space for more information coming soon.
06
Locational Updates
New starters
Newcastle and South Tyneside
Kirsty Clark – South Tyneside
Laura Harkness Sanderson – Newcastle
Newcastle, South Tyneside and Darlington
Update from John Nesbitt, Registered Manager
THANK YOU
I’d like to start this month by giving thanks to you as a team and for your individual efforts around task completion and sign off. Since my emails and noticeboards regarding how digital tasks and EMARs are signed off, there has been a overwhelming improvement in this. I asked and you all have listened. This makes our compliance audits so much easier and reassures me that we can now evidence the quality care you provide across the business. It’s so reaffirming that we can make these seemingly simple changes but yield such better outcomes for the customers and our business so, thank you!
AUTUMN HITS
This morning had me scrapping the frost off my windscreen for the first time this autumn. I’m sure you all have been feeling to fresher mornings and the nip in the air. Please, take time to make sure you are properly prepared for the coming months and try to carry provisions and equipment to help make you safer and your jobs a little easier! Carry a blanket, can of de-icer, some water, a phone charger and a small torch if you can. Wrap up in your fleece and suitable over jacket. Gloves and scarves can be lifesavers too. A windscreen scraper, for obvious reasons, is an essential bit of kit on these mornings. Regularly servicing your car and changing your screen wash for a -10c variant will give you peace of mind and keep you on the road, safe and sound!
END OF LIFE FEEDBACK
We’ve seen such a huge increase in the feedback from our End-of-Life service this past month and it’s all been fabulous and heart-warming to hear. Those customers and families, which are at such a vulnerable and emotional place speak of how the team deliver the best care and go above and beyond to care for, support and help transition those people through the End-of-Life pathway. This support can’t be underestimated and when it’s done right, leaves a long lasting, positive experience for all involved. Well done team!
CARE COORDINATION
Good news on the Care-Coordinator post. We have made a job offer and hope to have another full time care coordinator in post by the end of the week. This will give Courtney some much needed support to manage the care coordination but also helping have the extra hands to help man and respond to your calls. We will send out a official notification when the position is all confirmed! But this will help support us all and allow your managers the capacity to be out and about in the field with you, supporting and guiding you in your role.
CHRISTMAS LEAVE
Can I ask all carers who have not already done so, send in your preferred working availability for over Christmas and New year. We can only accommodate peoples requested working patterns over this period if we know exactly who can work when and provide cover. Please encourage each other to get this in asap as the sooner we have this, the sooner we can start organising the scheduling.
TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE
I appreciate that this may not factor high on your priority list however, I think it is important to know that, all the effort and hard work that has been completed in the past few months has seen our compliance and safety rocker and we have never been safer! More supervisions and observations have been done than ever, you are all receiving and completing training to a much higher level and we can say we are getting better all the time. This means we are a better option to any prospective customers, we will attract better quality carers, we can evidence to CQC that we are all working to improve and better the service we provide, all that keeps the Bluebird family ticking over and in business! We must continue to develop this and to attract more and more people to our family so we can grow and develop our business.
STAFF NIGHT OUT
As you know, we are holding our first staff night out Friday the 18th and then Friday the 25th October. Your managers will be in attendance and our hope is we can come together as one team and break down some of the percieved barriers in the business. I personally am looking forward to seeing you all there. Going forward, if you would like to see any events or specific venues used, let us know and we will see what we can do!
York
Update from Laura Ogley, Registered Manager
This month I want to focus on the critical role we play in supporting the overall wellbeing of our customers. This goes beyond just physical care, it includes ensuring their mental and emotional health through meaningful engagement, fun activities, and social time.
Why It Matters:
Spending quality time with our customers—engaging them in conversation, encouraging activities they enjoy, or simply being a social companion—can make a huge difference to their mood, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. Social interaction and fun stimulation are key in helping our customers feel more connected, positive, and supported.
Full Call Times:
Please remember, it is vital to stay for the full length of time allocated in each visit. This not only ensures that all practical tasks are completed, but also gives us time to engage with our customers on a personal level. They rely on us for companionship as much as they do for care.
Activities to Consider:
- Encouraging social time: Chatting, reminiscing, or discussing their interests.
- Outings: If possible, helping them get out of the house—whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood or a visit to a nearby park or café.
- Engaging hobbies: From simple puzzles and games to arts and crafts—talk to them about what they enjoy and incorporate this into your visits.
- New interests: Ask if there’s anything new, they’d like to try and explore these possibilities together.
- Remember to speak to the office first if a customer wishes to engage with any social activities.
CQC Inspections:
As part of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections, there will now be an increased focus on customer feedback. The CQC will be asking our customers about their experiences with our care services, including how well we meet their social and emotional needs, not just their physical care requirements. By making the most of the time we spend with customers—engaging them, listening to their needs, and including activities they enjoy—we will ensure that we are delivering the highest standard of care, which will be reflected in their feedback.
Going Above and Beyond:
We’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work done by the team last week in response to an emergency call for a customer diagnosed with shingles. Several staff members quickly stepped up to cover the call, ensuring that the customer received the care they needed during a challenging time. This is a shining example of how our staff consistently go above and beyond to support our customers when they need us most. Thank you for your dedication and compassion!
Your Role:
Always ask our customers what they would like to do during your time together. Each customer is different, and taking the time to understand their preferences ensures that our service meets their individual needs.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our customers’ holistic care. Your time and attention make a lasting impact on their lives, and with the new CQC inspections, every positive interaction helps ensure our high standards are recognised.
I look forward to seeing new feedback next month on all the fantastic work you are doing, keep it coming!
07
Marketing Spotlight
New branding
We’re excited to share the news about our national rebrand and the launch of our new website.
This rebranding initiative is a significant moment for Bluebird Care as a whole, strengthening our position as a premier care provider across the UK and Ireland. But beyond the national level, this rebrand holds even greater importance for us as a franchise.
A unified national brand
Bluebird Care has long been recognised as one of the largest and most trusted care providers across the UK and Ireland. The rebrand has been designed to solidify this position, creating a unified and modern identity that reflects the scale and reliability of our services. It communicates that wherever you are, you can trust Bluebird Care to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
The strength of this national brand helps differentiate us in a competitive marketplace. For customers, it signals professionalism, quality, and reliability on a larger scale—reassuring families that they are choosing a care provider backed by years of experience and a reputation for excellence. For us as a franchise, it empowers us with a brand identity that is instantly recognisable and respected.
What this means for us as a franchise
While this rebrand enhances Bluebird Care’s presence on a national level, it’s also designed to benefit us at the franchise level. The new identity gives us the tools to stand out in our local markets, helping us to better connect with our communities, customers, and prospective staff.
The refreshed website and branding provide a cohesive platform that supports our local marketing efforts, ensuring we have the backing of a strong national brand while maintaining the flexibility to address the specific needs of our local customers. Whether it’s helping a family choose care for a loved one or recruiting the best local talent, we now have a more impactful way of presenting who we are and what we stand for.
New website
We’re excited to introduce our brand-new website, featuring our refreshed branding, local services, blogs, and details about the activities we offer. You’ll also find an updated ‘Meet the Team’ section, which will soon include our new Senior Care Assistants.
This website represents a key step forward in delivering the perfect first impression of Bluebird Care. We’ve streamlined the content, removing outdated information and focusing on what’s most important to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Take a moment to explore the new site by clicking the button below and discover the exciting updates that position us as a premium care provider.
A New Chapter for the Bluebird Care Brand
A New Chapter for the Bluebird Care Brand
What the national rebrand means for us as a franchise
There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes from the Bluebird Care National Support Team and selected franchise partners to deliver not only a fresh and functional website but also a brand which positions us as a leading and premium home care provider in the care industry.
We’re excited to finally share the news about our national rebrand and the launch of our new care and careers site. This rebranding initiative is a significant moment for Bluebird Care across the whole of the network, strengthening our position as a premium home care provider across the UK and Ireland.
But beyond the national level, this rebrand holds even greater importance for us as a franchise…
A unified national brand
Bluebird Care has long been recognised as one of the largest and most trusted care providers across the UK and Ireland. The rebrand has been designed to solidify this position, creating a unified and modern identity that reflects the scale and reliability of our services. It communicates that wherever you are, you can trust Bluebird Care to deliver consistent, high-quality care.
The strength of this national brand helps differentiate us in a competitive marketplace. For customers, it signals professionalism, quality, and reliability on a larger scale—reassuring families that they are choosing a care provider backed by years of experience and a reputation for excellence. For us as a franchise, it empowers us with a brand identity that is instantly recognisable and respected.
What this means for us as a franchise
While this rebrand enhances Bluebird Care’s presence on a national level, it’s also designed to benefit us at the franchise level. The new identity gives us the tools to stand out in our local markets, helping us to better connect with our communities, customers, and prospective staff.
The refreshed website and branding provide a cohesive platform that supports our local marketing efforts, ensuring we have the backing of a strong national brand while maintaining the flexibility to address the specific needs of our local customers. Whether it’s helping a family choose care for a loved one or recruiting the best local talent, we now have a more impactful way of presenting who we are and what we stand for.
Reconnecting with our local communities
While we’re proud to be part of a large and trusted national care provider, our day-to-day work happens in the heart of our local communities. The rebrand gives us a renewed opportunity to reconnect with these communities. It serves as a reminder that Bluebird Care is not just a large company, but a local provider of personalised care.
The new website has been carefully designed to ensure a seamless user experience for customers—making it easier for them to find local offices, access information, and contact us directly. We believe this will make it easier for us to reengage with current customers, reach out to past customers, and build relationships with those who may be considering care for the first time.
By aligning our local office with the national brand, we can reassure families that while we operate with the strength of a large network, we remain deeply connected to the unique needs of the communities we serve.
Attracting new talent to our team
One of the most exciting aspects of the rebrand for us as a franchise is the impact it will have on our recruitment efforts. Bluebird Care has always been a sought-after employer in the care sector, and the new branding reinforces our position as a leading place to work.
The new careers section of the website highlights the opportunities we offer, from entry-level roles to more experienced positions. This will help us attract individuals from other care providers, as well as those who are brand new to the industry. For us as a franchise, it means we can offer potential team members the benefits of joining a well-known, trusted brand with clear career progression, competitive benefits, and a strong sense of community.
We now have a more compelling way to present the value of working for Bluebird Care—not just as part of a job, but as part of a meaningful career that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Moving forward together
This rebrand marks an exciting new phase for Bluebird Care nationally and for us as a franchise. We’re proud to be part of this larger movement, which strengthens both our local presence and the confidence people have in Bluebird Care across the UK and Ireland.
The updated brand identity and website will help us attract new customers, reconnect with past ones, and bring talented new individuals into our team. It’s a powerful step forward, giving us the tools we need to continue growing our business and delivering the exceptional care our customers deserve.
Keep an eye out for more exciting updates and seeing the brand in action!
Have you got any ideas?
Want anything added to the newsletter? Want more social media posts about said topic?
If you believe there is anything that could be improved in terms of marketing or advertising or even if you have ideas on anything to be worked on, contact Erin at erinkilford@bluebirdcare.co.uk
Or anonymously put a suggestion in the box below!
08
Leave a review
Google and Facebook
It only takes a few minutes and we’d be extremely grateful for your help! It helps increase brand awareness and strengthen our online presence so we are able to attract more customers and great like minded staff into the business.
Just click the buttons below to go to our Google Business pages or Facebook pages and leave us some great feedback.
Trustpilot
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.