I managed to escape the office for a couple of hours this week to chair a service users’ forum. The last time I visited the scheme felt like a couple of months back but, on checking my notes, it was actually March. I could not believe that seven months of the year had flown over so quickly; it scared me to think how time flies by.
Anyway, as I sat down with the gang and drank tea (I forgot the biscuits) I was reminded once again about how important face-to-face feedback is, and how easily a good old natter can solve even the trickiest of problems. I really enjoyed the session and my time spent talking with everyone about seemingly small issues that are easily resolved, but make a big impact.
Good carers make everyone’s job easier
I am incredibly lucky to have a really good staff retention rate, something I’m very proud of and the statistics of which I could bore you to tears with. The two main carers that have been going into the scheme have been with the company for a combined total of 16 years. Both ladies are highly experienced and good at their job so there is always a lot of positivity from that particular forum. Good carers make everyone’s job so much easier.
The chance to talk is welcomed
It’s important to be approachable and welcoming as an organisation. At the end of September we arranged our second annual Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and everyone contributed to tea, coffee and delicious cakes. The chance to sit down and talk over a cup of tea was really welcomed, and at one branch representatives from the local authority attended and met with service users and staff.
I know that I don’t always get things right. I know that sometimes our service fails the people it was designed to support and protect. But I know what’s important in those times is to talk. Being listened to helps you to feel that other people care about you and what you have to say.
Communication is the key to working towards rebuilding trust and confidence when things have gone wrong.
Talking is an important part of our relationships with our service users and our colleagues. It can strengthen our ties with each other, and provides a link, a human connection to other people.
So I know while I may forget the biscuits, I never forget the benefits of talking and the joys of a good old natter.
