Before any reflection on last week’s activities I must acknowledge that today is World Alzheimer’s day. I still think that one of the most important things that has ever been said at Forget Me Notes can be found in our original film. Paul says “We will stand with you”. It’s a very powerful message only understood by those who are living with and those supporting those who live with Alzheimer’s. In the darkest days it must be so difficult to feel the support of anyone but we at Forget Me Notes reach out and offer you our heart.
Foundations are important. Now there’s a statement but what does it mean? I am so glad that we established a sub-group looking at Policy and Procedures. If we are serious about building a strong service of support for people then our policies and procedures are a vital part of who we are. The ability to stand with people will be challenged and our policies and procedures are the very thing that will enable us to be effective. We had a policy and procedure meeting on Monday and having people who are willing to ask the awkward questions is so important when pulling things together. I say a huge thank you to our team who are so good at developing those policies we need and making them about how we can do operations and not reasons for why we can’t do things.
Very occasionally I get a whole day when I can look at admin and funding opportunities. Tuesday was one of those days. I think it’s well known to everyone who knows me that I love singing with people. The interaction around sounds and rhythm is something that I am inspired by. I do however value the chance to sit down and reflect on what we are doing and how we are doing it. Filling in funding applications no matter how laborious they can become gives me the opportunity to do just that. I continually question myself about next steps and how we move forward. Moving forward is not always about doing more or working with more people. It is often about being more effective. The more effective we are then the more people will trust us and will use the services we provide.
It is great to see two members of staff at Forget Me Notes doing a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ level three. We congratulate Elizabeth who is nearly finished and Kenny who has just started. This is another example of The Forget Me Notes Project becoming an important player in the world of support for vulnerable people and those living with dementia.
We had two great sessions on Thursday. One at LifeCare and the other at Saughton Park. We have taken a Scottish Theme for our sessions this week. Using songs that remind us of culture, history and present day life in Scotland. Singing Bonnie Wee Jeanie McColl is always a winner, so is discovering how many people still remember their Mother’s Co-op number. In all the memory loss that dementia brings with it there are some things that are deeply rooted in the memories of people. It is our role to find these and then use them to empower those we work with. Achievement is a very basic part of the human condition and we all need to feel the benefit of achievement. It is as true for those living with dementia or who have a learning disability as it is for everyone else. That buzz you get from doing something well and providing an environment where people can achieve is our business.
I hope you find the same fulfillment in the week that lies ahead. Just remember there are people who you will come in to contact with this week who will need a shake of the hand and a smile and we can all offer that for someone.
The Forget Me Notes changing the world with Kindness, Compassion and Respect. I think I have found another catchphrase.
Have a great week.
