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Learning Sign Language for Deaf Awareness Week

Deaf awareness week

The 2024 Deaf Awareness Week in 2024 ran from 6th – 12th May.

Learning Makaton Sign Language

Liz, Olive Tree House’s Activities Coordinator spent time with residents and the team teaching them some Makaton sign Language. Liz is deaf in the higher hearing ranges, so lip reads at work, but was taught Makaton as unlike British Sign Language it is accompanied by speech at all times. Everyone was very receptive to learn and Liz will definitely run this session again.

Reminiscing About Telecommunications

Liz also used this as an opportunity to reminisce about telecommunications including some fun with paper cup phones! The memories came back of one phone in the house, the dialling of each number and having to pay for every call! The conclusion was that it really is good to talk and how lovely it is to have a good chat on the phone.

Get Involved

We are always looking for volunteers to help out with our varied activities programme.  If you are interested please do contact the Olive Tree House activities team.

Catherine
Sales Manager

Catherine has worked in sales and marketing her whole career, after graduating with a degree in Textile Management she worked in Corporate Workwear for many years. Catherine’s first role in the care sector was working with a disability charity that ran nursing homes and enablement projects for young adults.

Catherine

While her two children were younger, she joined her husband in his estate agency, but was delighted to return to the care sector in 2020 and now cannot imagine doing anything else.

Catherine’s role with Allegra is to support residents and their families as they explore care options. Working with the teams in the individual homes she ensures that during every stage from initial enquiry through to moving in with us every question is answered, and we offer the reassurance needed for the next chapter in our resident’s life. It is important for our residents to remain part of the community in which will have lived for years, often all their lives, so the other part of this role is connecting with local community groups, charities and organisations.

Catherine has said that working for Allegra with their groundbreaking household model means we are offering a home with compassion and care whilst ensuring residents are retaining their independence and quality of life.

Out of work Catherine enjoys baking and gardening The children are older now, but still keep her busy!

Paul Thomas
Regional Manager - Western Region

Paul has joined Allegra Care with 28 years’ experience in the health and social care sector including working in senior leadership roles for the last 18 years; covering operations, business management and quality assurance. Paul has a real passion for person centred care and how that is delivered at the highest level.

Allegra Team Paul Thomas

Paul has worked across a diverse sector over his time in health and social care and brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Regional Manager. Paul believes in integrating real and meaningful values and culture into a service and in doing so, delivering the outcomes for the people we support. Paul goes by the theory of values with no meaning, have no value.

Outside of work, Paul is the father of three boys and a 2nd degree black belt who teaches Judo.