Lifeways’ Portsmouth supported living service receives award from Solent NHS Trust and Portsmouth City Council!
Our Portsmouth supported living service, Moorings Way, has this month been awarded by Solent NHS Trust and Portsmouth City in recognition of its work supporting adults who live with learning disabilities and other needs.
The Lifeways supported living service, led by manager Gina Denyer, supports 22 adults.
Lifeway began running Moorings Way after taking over from another provider back in February 2020, shortly before the pandemic began.
When taking over the service, Lifeways partnered with Solent NHS Trust’s Kestrel Centre, the trust’s Learning Disability Healthcare Service, which is integrated with Portsmouth City Council.
The two bodies have since formed a close working relationship with the Lifeways team.
Last year, three members of Moorings Way’s 30-strong support team were recognised by the trust’s Kestrel Centre for going the extra mile – each receiving an NHS rainbow badge to honour key workers.
This latest award is called the Portsmouth Integrated Learning Disability Service Provider Recognition Award. It was presented as both a glass trophy and certificate signed by Ian Chalcroft, the Kestrel Centre’s Community Learning Disability Team Manager.
‘We have pulled together’
The award trophy and certificate were presented this week by Lisa Staples, a Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) at the Kestrel Centre.
Lisa had personally nominated Moorings Way for the award.
“I know every tenant at Moorings Way is given the same caring environment and great place to call home,” says Lisa.
“It is such a pleasure working with your dedicated team. Thank you again,” Lisa adds.
Gina Denyer, Moorings Way’s Service Manager, says the award “demonstrates the passion and dedication to the people we support that has been shown during such difficult times.”
“As a team we have pulled together to ensure we deliver 100% to the people we support and their families. I couldn’t wish for a better team and personally thank them on a daily basis for the work they deliver.”
A productive partnership
Since the Lifeways team began running Moorings Way, they’ve put in place several improvements to the service. This includes team training that focused more on the widely-varying needs of individuals we support.
Learning Disability Nurses (RNLDs) from the Kestrel Centre support the service with each individual’s health conditions.
Working together, the Kestrel Centre’s Learning Disability Nurses and support team produce support plans and health action plans to ensure everyone receives support tailored to them.
The Kestrel Centre’s Learning Disability Nurses also help teach the team how to understand an individual’s support needs if they receive a new diagnosis.
More recently, the support team has also been taught remotely by District Nurses to support individuals with blood glucose monitoring and administering of insulin.
Moorings Way’s support team also deliver a personalised service to people who need end-of-life care.
Working in partnership with the palliative care team and enabling choice, we provide an environment of dignity and respect to the people we support to be around people they know in a familiar setting.
This training our team has received means Moorings Way can keep people safe by keeping most support functions in the team - without the need for as many visits from outside health professionals.
Having a highly-trained support team at Moorings Way proved especially valuable during the pandemic, when visits from outside teams were heavily cut back.
Congratulations for the continued excellence!
About Lifeways:
Across the UK, Lifeways’ 11,000-strong team of professionals provide extraordinary support for adults in the community.
We support adults living with diverse and complex needs. These needs include learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, acquired brain injuries, and physical disabilities.
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