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Introduction/overview Flight Club and its cleaning and hygiene partner Sybron, celebrated their first year of partnership in March 2023. As Flight Club’s parent company, Red Engine, renews its contract with Sybron, significant benefits have been identified from their collaboration including 15% cost savings, zero stress, and 100% confidence! The first contract which was signed in March 2022 was fully mobilised in under four weeks. After the three month ‘honeymoon period’, there was no dip in the levels of service from Sybron, something which can be prevalent in many new supplier relationships. Indeed, both the purchasing manager and venue managers of Flight Club, are delighted that all it takes is just one call or email to Sybron and any issue is resolved swiftly and efficiently. The challenge Flight Club opened the oche at its first social darts venue in Shoreditch in 2015 with its focus on bringing joy, fun and quality time to its patrons. Today, Flight Club has grown to 13 venues across the UK, with two more planned by 2023 year-end. When David Piazzani joined Red Engine as Purchasing Manager in October 2021, it quickly became apparent that one of his first tasks was to review the supply of consumables for cleaning and hygiene at the Flight Club sites. “The then supplier of all the cleaning, hygiene and ancillary products caused me and our Flight Club managers a lot of stress and anxiety every day,” explains David. “With no after-sales service and a poor response to issues and problems, we started to look for a company we could develop a real partnership with. We knew that there must be a better supplier out there with more sustainable solutions, plus the attention to detail, pro-active approach and willingness to be a real business partner to us.” The solution When David met Sybron he knew immediately that they were the right partner and in March 2022 both companies began a relationship that still, one year on, astonishes the Flight Club team with its level of service and proactive approach to every day needs. Hygiene Service Partner, Sybron, provides products such as cleaning and disinfectants, hand towels and toilet paper, as well as janitorial supplies including sponges, mops and brooms to all the Flight Club venues. However, it is the Sybron ethos of differentiation through a seamless service that has delivered the bullseye for Flight Club. “Being a buyer can sometimes be very frustrating because everyone offers you the same thing over and over again,” explains David. “Sybron take a completely different approach.” The Sybron approach • Regular communication with an open and honest dialogue. • Sybron deals directly with venue managers, ‘I don’t have to be the middle-man’ says David. • Problems and issues are dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Cases in point! In 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club in central London had a random council and risk assessment. The manager immediately emailed Sybron, who replied within 30 minutes and provided all the additional information requested by the inspector. o In December 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club site had all its sanitary bins unexpectedly removed by the previous contractor, leaving no facilities for that day. Within a few hours of being alerted to the problem Sybron had delivered, set up and installed bins ready for use, so there was no disruption of service. • Sybron has a pro-active approach to managing our account. o The team is consistently taking initiative and provides alternatives if there is a spike in price or a supply issue. o Sybron finds the best product, explains why it is better and what the environmental benefit is – they don’t just provide a catalogue and ask you to choose. o The Sybron approach is to engage with staff to plan and avoid problems before they happen. o They do not wait for busy managers to call them with urgent supply issues. “Usually, Sybron has presented us with the solution before the problem arises,” explains David. “That’s because Sybron is totally aligned and integrated with our business. This gives me and the Flight Club team the confidence that someone is thinking on our behalf. “Having a partner that understands the nature of our business means that I don’t have to repeat or re-explain anything. We discuss it once and it is done.” The results As a result of its partnership with Sybron Flight Club bagged a cost saving of 15% across all its sites. But as David says: “We have saved a lot of money, but to me the cost is secondary to the service. A good price is pointless without the service. Sybron delivers zero stress and the fact that I have 100% confidence is equally valuable.” “When I find a partner like Sybron, it makes my life easy. Now they are completely symbiotic with us in terms of growth and are completely integrated into our operations for the opening of a new venue. I am not even a part of it anymore, it just happens automatically. I don’t have to be the middle-man as with many suppliers. It is a dream partnership.” Our customers are our partners “Of course, service is a big part of our business,” explains Brad, director of operations at Sybron. “We are completely focused on both solving any problems promptly, but also on working to make sure there are no glitches or setbacks in the first place. “That has always been our take on business. We see every contract as a joint partnership where we help both businesses move forward and grow. That does not happen by being reactive, so we differentiate ourselves by a wholly proactive and integrated approach.” “It is thanks to our team that we have created the synergy with Flight Club, particularly our colleagues in the office and our drivers. Our ethos resonates across the whole company – our customers are our partners, and they have a name rather than a number.” Sustainable growth Flight Club has doubled its estate for venues in over three years and by the end of 2023 will have 15 locations, including the first site to open in Scotland. “With such massive growth, some things can get a bit lost. The partnership with Sybron has enabled us to meet our environmental goals to switch to eco cleaning products,” explains David. “Moving such a big ship over to using solely sustainable products is not something that can happen overnight. However, thanks to its proactive attitude and breadth of product range, Sybron is working with us to reach our aim – to move to all eco-cleaning and hygiene solutions by the end of 2023.” Forward together “WE SEE THIS PARTNERSHIP AS A JOINT VENTURE. LONG TERM, WE WOULD LIKE TO CONSOLIDATE MORE AND CREATE MORE FLUIDITY WITH SYBRON THAT WILL ALLOW US TO GROW. THEIR SEAMLESS SERVICE GIVES US THE PLATFORM TO ACHIEVE THIS. ALL OUR TEAMS HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN SYBRON.” “For me, it is something I don’t even think about anymore,” concludes David. “As a Purchasing Manager, Sybron is at the back of my mind, which is the best place to be if you are a supplier.” “Looking ahead, maintaining a top-class service gets harder as you grow, so more efficiencies are required,” adds Brad. “Our business has a strict growth strategy to ensure we maintain continuity of supply. We continually aim not just to be a box-mover, but to maintain a seamless service and be a real partner to our customers.”

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has been named as the official beer supplier of The Open in a new three year partnership. The partnership commences this summer with The 151st Open, which will take place at Royal Liverpool. The global sporting event, running from July 16 to 23, will be attended by a record 290,000 fans. As the official supplier of The 151st Open, Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beer and cider will be on sale in the bars around the course. Guests will be able to enjoy Singha, the original Thai lager, which Shepherd Neame began brewing for the UK market in 2022, along with Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and Orchard View cider on draught. It is the third year that the Faversham-based brewer has been chosen as the official beer supplier for The Open, following the success of last year’s partnership when the Championship took place at St Andrews in Scotland. Shepherd Neame’s Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with The R&A once again for this historic sporting occasion, as we embark upon a three year partnership. The Open is a world-renowned event, and offers a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our award-winning brands with new audiences. We are particularly excited to showcase Singha at the Championship, which has a long history of supporting flagship sporting events in the UK and globally.” Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Shepherd Neame has a long and cherished history as Britain’s oldest brewer and is renowned for producing award-winning beers from its home in Kent. We look forward to working with them during the next three years to offer our fans and guests a range of high quality British-crafted products at the Championship.”

Carbon accounting and net zero delivery firm Flotilla has achieved B Corp certification, joining just over 1,000 businesses nationwide and 30 in the region, to achieve the status. Flotilla attained an impressive impact score of 105 which is well ahead of the benchmark for companies in the UK, its sector and its size range. B Corp certification confirms that Flotilla has met the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The certification provides Flotilla with a measure of its positive impact on the world and a roadmap for future developments. To achieve the coveted B Corp status, Flotilla went through a rigorous assessment process which examined the impact of company decisions on employees, customers, suppliers, the communities the business serves, and the environment. Flotilla puts the environment, community and people at the core of its business, making B Corp certification a key objective for the team. This significant milestone showcases the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility and the firm hopes its achievement will be an inspiring example for other businesses looking to make a positive impact on the world. Founder and CEO John Rastrick says, “Receiving B Corp certification is an outstanding achievement for everyone here at Flotilla. Not only does it honour our commitment to a better future, but it provides a framework for continuous future improvement. We believe that a successful business is one that balances profit with purpose. One that induces positive change for its employees, communities and the environment. It’s all about using business as a force for good." “The robust process recognises that we are a purpose-driven business, aiming to create benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. It’s a test of a company's commitment to sustainable practices and ethical principles. It challenges you to scrutinise every aspect of your strategy, bringing additional clarity and meaning to your mission. While the process is no walk in the park, we think the rewards are well worth the effort. The certification by B Lab UK is just part of the recognition of everything we’ve been doing – from developing our proprietary technology, completing company carbon assessments, to improving our sourcing and supporting the communities we serve.” Flotilla now stands beside the best ethical leaders of the business world. Joining nearly 5,000 businesses worldwide, all committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. Its list includes Patagonia, the Body Shop, Ella’s Kitchen and The Guardian Media Group. The B Corp movement is a global initiative created by B Lab, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to make it easier for mission-driven companies to have a more positive impact on the planet and its people. Flotilla is now part of the global B Corp community, working towards reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment and a brighter future for all.

A prestigious Staffordshire school is putting careers for women in engineering centre stage with a series of innovative and fun education days. In the run up to International Women in Engineering Day on June 23rd, The JCB Academy at Rocester has joined forces with world-renowned digger maker JCB to encourage girls from across the county to consider careers in engineering. Almost 400 Year 6 girls from schools across Staffordshire and Derbyshire visited the Academy for a day of inspirational talks from JCB graduates and apprentices as well as engineering experiments to spark their imaginations. The youngsters built giant towers using spaghetti and took part in an Egg Crash Challenge as part of their interactive taster day. The JCB Academy Principal Jenny McGuirk said: “Year on year the number of girls choosing to study at The JCB Academy is rising but we still have more to do. Events like this give the Year 6 girls a real taste of what engineering is all about; problem-solving, innovating and having great fun at the same time." “The girls also got to meet some great role models, working with our own female students as well as apprentices and graduates who are forging fantastic careers in engineering and business with JCB. The event is also supported by The Institute of Engineering and Technology and Loughborough University who both champion this important issue.” JCB Early Careers Scheme Leader Holly Broadhurst added: “The number of female engineers at JCB is growing and while 20% of our early careers recruits are now female, we are not complacent and work hard to encourage more women into what has historically been viewed as a male profession. Changing these perceptions is a long-term goal and by supporting The JCB Academy and engaging with the next generation we can show girls that engineering is a great career path for everyone.”

The funding is available for Wakefield district creatives, cultural organisations, and community groups to support new cultural projects to ensure the entire district creatively thrives. This June sees investment by the Council into Culture Grants which support the creative sector to produce high quality projects and enable communities to lead their own activity in their local area – giving everyone access to arts, culture and heritage. Councillor Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “I am pleased to be announcing grants to support creativity, culture and heritage across our district today. It’s great that people in so many of our communities will be able to participate in and benefit from a diverse and inclusive range of activities in the coming months." “This is about embracing and developing creativity wherever it is in our district. I’m excited that we’re supporting such a wide range of really important projects, from community-led murals to wellbeing workshops to musical events and activity.” There are two grants available - Made in Wakefield for the creative sector and Culture Everywhere for community groups to apply for. Made in Wakefield grants range from £1,500 to £15,000 to support new creative work, and ambitious participatory projects. One of the recipients is Our House Wakefield, who will launch a year-long programme of cultural activity at Our House – the new LGBTQIA community hub in Wakefield city centre. The programme will offer opportunities for all community members to participate creatively, to learn new skills and share with monthly creative workshops and community open mic nights. Louie Stafford, Founder & Managing Director, said: “We are building something special for the Wakefield LGBTQ+ community through Our House; we are bringing local people together in a safe, affirming environment where we can share our passions and express ourselves freely. Receiving this funding has come at a critical time for our organisation and will enable us to deliver an exciting creative programme of events and workshops over the next nine months. We are so excited to get started!” Culture Everywhere support community groups, charities and CICs, to run small arts and culture activities and events with their local communities. These grants support residents across the district to have the opportunity to experience culture in their communities and are for up to £1,500. The full list of recipients of the Made in Wakefield grants are: The Made in Wakefield grants are: Artist Claire Walker will run six community yarn making and weaving workshops, and display a large piece, to commemorate the strength of the community at The Brig’s Summer Fair on the 9 July 2023. Featherstone Rovers Foundation will develop a year-long project called ‘Pit to the Pitch’, a celebration of the history and traditions of Featherstone Rovers RLFC and its association with the heritage of coal mining in Featherstone through creative activities. Our House Wakefield will launch a year-long programme of cultural activity at Our House – the new LGBTQIA community hub in Wakefield city centre. The programme will offer opportunities for all community members to participate creatively, to learn new skills and share with monthly creative workshops and community open mic nights. Wakefield Live will celebrate its second year as a free city centre festival in Wakefield. The festival will grow, with a new public city centre open air and solar powered stage as well as more venues taking place rooting the festival in Wakefield and engaging with more local people. Portobello Community Forum will come together over 12 weeks to ‘Sow, Grow and Know’. An exciting new community initiative for families to get involved with growing their own food, storytelling, supper sharing, seed sowing and building bird boxes. Sustain Wakefield will be working with artist Lewis Ryan over 10 weeks to create a new large colourful mural at St Catherine’s Church Wakefield celebrating LGBTQIA themes, with workshops in Drag make-up and confidence. There will be a public launch including 20+ stalls at the event to share information and services available to all Wakefield residents. Creative Suzie Cross will be working at Anglers Country Park to create a series of wellbeing workshops in the woodlands, as well as an experimental bone-conductive sound sculpture which Suzie is developing so that deaf participants can ‘hear’ the sounds of the woodlands. The Community Choir Wakefield will be performing across the district with their summer singing for wellbeing campaign. The choir will perform at WDH coffee mornings in the district. Providing inclusive and accessible opportunities for elderly isolated Wakefield residents to be involved in fun community singing events. Wakefield District Sight Aid will be developing a series of inclusive art workshops in Wakefield open to all its service users. Each free course will consist of eight weekly two-hour sessions, facilitated by Ruth Fones, a leading visual artist from Wakefield, and supported by two facilitators who have lived experience of sight loss. Clarence Park Festival 2023 will go ahead with 22 live music performances over the weekend of the 29 and 30 July 2023. The festival is well established in Wakefield, and this year trainee DJs from Wakefield College have been invited to perform, as well as a poetry space for a series of workshops for children and young people in poetry writing and spoken word performance. Wakefield Pride continues to grow, hosting 5,000 people in one day on Borough Road. As one of the largest events taking place in Wakefield city centre, this year looks to be an exciting and celebratory programme of artists and acts on stage to entertain the crowds. The Culture Everywhere grants are: Featherstone Male Voice Choir in September 2023 will be celebrating their 60th Anniversary special concert at Wakefield Cathedral with Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Wakefield Council’s support will help 150 Featherstone residents to attend the Wakefield concert by providing coach travel and subsidised tickets. Pontefract Civic Society will be running a full programme of events for Heritage Open Days in September 2023. They have started their planning of over 50 heritage related events to help celebrate Pontefract’s heritage. Many local performers and local history talkers will be involved in the series of events. Darrington Village Field Trust will run their summer annual Darrington Feast & Fayre Festival this year, growing on their festival which has been run by the community since the 1980s. The community day celebrates their local community in the green space and will include children’s activities, musical acts, walk-about theatre performers and a competitive tractor pull for adults. Portobello Gala 2023 has been awarded a Culture Grant to support professional and community created outdoor entertainment for the gala day. This summer’s gala will promote integration in the community and there will be a full day of performances and 10 stalls for workshops and crafts. The Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract will host an informal, sociable and inclusive Friday afternoon craft group which will act as a friendly peer support group for people with shared experiences. Activities and craft therapies with an emphasis on enablement will be themed to mark celebratory dates throughout the year. Love 2 Act based in Wrenthorpe will work with a Makaton tutor to teach children and young people aged 5-15 a Makaton performance. They will rehearse the performance over a series of weeks, before releasing a film of the work for everyone to enjoy. Portobello Craft and Camera Group will work in Pontefract Valley Gardens using the giant pin-hole camera working with artists Bob Clayden and Rose Knight. They will produce life-sized portraits, which will then be exhibited at up to 10 hair salons across the Wakefield district and at the community led Fitzwilliam Station gallery. Pontefract Art Club , along with Pontefract Civic Society , will run their second annual art trail as part of Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2023 . All nine Pontefract schools receive the required materials, and each school will create an artwork which will be exhibited in shop windows throughout Pontefract town centre. Maps will be printed so that visitors can enjoy a self-led walk of the town finding the street-gallery images during the festival weekend.

Children and staff at Whitecrook Primary School Early Learning and Childcare Centre are jumping for joy after an unannounced inspection rated their facility ‘Very Good’. Care Inspectors attended at the and carried out an assessment. During the visit, it was noted that children were having lots of fun and were engaged with the resources and experiences made available for their play and learning. The inspector also highlighted the environment at the centre, which was calm, relaxed and well-maintained, offering children different areas for exploration, resting and playing. Particular reference was made to curious resources that stimulated learning. Members of staff at the centre were credited for their commitment to continuous improvement as well as working well as a team and supporting each other to ensure positive outcomes for the children in their care. Their warmth, affection and kindness towards the children was highlighted. Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, and Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, attended at Whitecrook Primary School ELCC this week to congratulate the centre on its achievement. Councillor Steel said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit this centre and pass on my congratulations to the children and staff in person. The feedback they received as part of this inspection is just fantastic, and from what I saw on my own visit, very well deserved." “Ensuring the youngest members of our communities get a great start to their educational experience is so important, and that’s what is being offered at Whitecrook Early Learning and Childcare Centre.” Councillor John Millar added: “Nursery is one of the first places a child experiences independence from their parents, so it’s really important that the environment is nurturing and supportive. The outcome of this inspection is testament to the hard work being put in by the staff at Whitecrook Primary School ELCC to ensure this is the case, and they are also providing children with a great opportunity to lead on their learning through curious play. A big well done to all involved.”

Just in time for the social season, the Real English Drinks Distillery has relaunched their Deuce Strawberries & Cream Gin Liqueur. Produced under the ‘Pud’ brand of sweetly flavoured liqueurs, Deuce proved a complete hit last year with tennis and summer fans alike! Inspired by Wimbledon’s world-famous tradition of serving strawberries & cream, it is made from our own small-batch gin; with fresh strawberries and a hint of juniper. The liqueur has a light, refreshing flavour that is sure to please everyone. Whilst perfect on its own, sipped on the rocks, it also makes a versatile ingredient in sun-drenched cocktails, especially our fan-favourite, a Frozen Strawberry & Cream Daiquiri! Real English Drinks’ Master Distiller describes it as “The perfect way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long. It is smooth, refreshing, and easy to drink. We know that our customers love it as much as we do!”

A club that supports children and families from some of Glasgow’s poorest households is celebrating after a five-figure donation from one of Scotland’s leading family firms. In their first month of doubling charity donations to £240,000 per year, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust gave £10,000 to The Jeely Piece Club in Castlemilk. Jeely, as they are known, started 47 years ago in the heart of the community in a purpose-built play area for youngsters aged five to 12 years. They say the children who use their services are generally living in poverty, which means they do not get the same opportunities as others of a similar age. “Life is harder for children from poorer households, and this has an overall effect on their health, well-being, and mental health,” said Jeely. “Our play development workers work closely with the children, and they can recognise the signs of a child struggling. Currently, we are witnessing children who are hungry, not dressed for the climate, showing different behaviour traits, generally unhealthy, and who are missing out on other opportunities.” The charity said many children in Castlemilk do not get the opportunity to visit the cinema, go bowling, or even have a birthday party – all of which adds to their frustration, low confidence, feelings of anger, isolation and embarrassment. There were also the effects of financial pressures at home, as well as the continuing consequences of the Covid pandemic, domestic violence, addiction issues and more. Jeely identified a need for a programme specifically for young people aged between nine and 12 years and started it in August 2021, since when 60 young people have been attending weekly two-hour sessions. When that was in danger of ending because of a lack of funding, the charity approached AVCT, who have now awarded them £10,000. “The Jeely Piece Club is absolutely elated that you have awarded the organisation £10,000,” said CEO Elaine McKenna. “The difference this makes in our current climate is phenomenal. “We plan to keep up our initiatives and plan for more for the future dependent on funding. “Once again thank you for your support to enable us to continue our vital work within our community.” David Facenna, Allied Vehicles Corporate Culture Director, who visited the charity to tell them about the award, added: “Young people have been growing up against the backdrop of the cost-of-living and other crises over recent years, and it must have been exceptionally difficult for them." “The Jeely Piece Club does some brilliant work within this sector, and I’m pleased that they are among the first recipients of our increased monthly charity funding.”

Edinburgh Rugby will launch a brand new and special season ticket package for grassroots rugby players when season ticket memberships go on sale as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to grassroots rugby. The latest feature of the club’s ‘Our Burgh’ initiative, means all active registered rugby players (for season 2023/24) on Scottish Rugby’s ‘SCRUMS’ database will have access to a £99 Season Ticket membership ‘ER Player Pass’, that secures their place at the home of Edinburgh Rugby for 12 unmissable domestic and European Cup pool matches in 2023/24. The Player Pass ensures all registered players in Scotland for the coming season can get behind the club at a reduced cost, while the capital side will continue to embrace the sport at a local level through the wider Our Burgh activations and host a dedicated ‘Club Appreciation Night’ in-season once more. While this offer is also available to active youth players registered on SCRUMS, junior supporters can take advantage of U16 prices with both a £95 (Cat 3) and £50 (Cat 4) season ticket available for 2023/24. All Season Ticket Memberships are subject to availability and a £5 order processing fee. Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director, Douglas Struth, said: “Players pulling on their boots up and down the country is what makes our great game tick, so we’re delighted to unveil a new season ticket product that is truly ‘for the players’. “We want Edinburgh Rugby to be one of the most inclusive and welcoming clubs in the BKT URC, and to foster a culture of mutual support between the pro team and club rugby in our supporting regions." “This ticketing initiative allows every registered club rugby player to watch Edinburgh Rugby at a reduced cost, with a season ticket reasonably priced at £99 – which works at just £8.25 per home game." “Whether you’re playing for Southern Knights, Dunfermline, Dundee or Corstorphine Cougars, we want to welcome you in your numbers for what is set to be another massive season in the capital.” With anticipation already building for the new campaign, and a large share of members already signed up during the renewal period, club players are encouraged to buy early to secure their ER Player Pass season ticket membership while spaces are still available. To purchase your ER Player Pass Season Ticket, players can select the Category 4 £99 Season Ticket option in the dropdown menu. All purchasers will be cross-referenced against the SCRUMS Rugby Management System. Get ready to secure your Season Ticket on Monday 12 June with the public sale live from 10am!

A bird loving resident at a care home in Leeds, was recently given the opportunity to care for two of her very own budgies – a species of bird renowned for being a safe and friendly companion. 84-year-old Faith who lives with dementia moved into Seacroft Grange, Leeds, a 95-bed care home in September 2022. Whilst Faith enjoys her own company, staff at the care home noticed she was spending more time in her bedroom using her binoculars to spot red kites which often fly over the home. Staff at Seacroft Grange wanted to support Faith and asked her whether she would like to have two of her very own budgies in her room to take care of. Faith said, “They are great company, and they chatter, I love watching them. My daughter and I named them Archie and Daisy.” Faith’s daughter said, “Mum is fascinated by the budgies, she looks happier than ever and we can’t believe the care home has done this for her – she’s so happy.” Whilst the budgies reside in Faith’s bedroom, they are often seen in the communal areas of the home interacting and chirping away to the residents. Warwick, a resident at Seacroft Grange said, “I kept budgies in an aviary when I was a young man. They were very noisy - tweeting and flying around – I remember it well. “When I joined the forces, I was unable to keep them, so being able to spend time with Daisy and Archie here is wonderful.” Care home manager, Eve Moran, said, “We are very in tune with our residents’ needs and we’ve always known about Faith and many of the other residents’ love of birds. “Faith loves to talk to us about the red kites she has spotted, and we know her daughter had a budgie called Stanley that lived to be 15." “We wanted to do something that we knew would have a positive impact on Faith and the other residents’ wellbeing in the home and a set of budgies was suggested by a staff member.” Once the team had discussed the idea with Faith and her family, the budgies were bought from Paws for Thought, a local pet shop on York Road. The shop also donated toys for the birds when they found out where the budgies were going. Wellbeing team leader at Seacroft Grange, Linda Shaw, added, “The residents love seeing the budgies and the first thing they do is smile. The budgies have been a very welcome addition - the bright colours and chirping provide stimulation and brings a lot of happiness to the home." “Birds are great companions as they chatter back to the residents which helps to relieve stress and feelings of loneliness.” The budgies have quickly become a part of the residents’ daily routine, providing them with companionship and a source of joy and purpose. They spend hours each day watching them fly around their cage and interact with each other and Faith has even been asking for a hoover to clean up the seeds in her bedroom. Eve added, “It is so important to support our residents and provide them with opportunities to pursue their interests and hobbies." “It’s really lovely seeing the other residents congregate with the budgies in the communal lounges at the home – it’s really helped with their overall wellbeing. We’re delighted we’ve been able to improve the quality of life for many of our residents.”

Staff from Rudding Park, The White Hart and The Yorkshire Hotel joined volunteers at non-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours to lend a helping hand on their daily “meals on wheels” run. Non-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours is celebrating its army of 75 selfless volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week and calling out for more volunteers in the community. The organisation, which supports older and vulnerable people living in the Harrogate district runs a number of vital services, including “meals on wheels”, known as Food Angels. Food Angels prepares over 150 hot and nutritious meals every day which are delivered by a team of volunteers. Harrogate Neighbours’ team of volunteers delivers on average 33,000 meals a year and has been running the service for over 10 years, with over 250,000 hot meals delivered to date. Like so many areas of the social care sector, meals on wheels requires greater government funding to support older and vulnerable people living within the community, who without the dedicated volunteers who run the service would not receive a nutritionally balanced, hot daily meal. Simon Cotton, Managing Director of the HRH Group, said, “We try to do what we can when we can to support local charities. Harrogate Neighbours is a wonderful charity which does so much for people locally. " “Working in hospitality, we know the stresses of a busy kitchen, so for the Food Angels chefs and volunteers to cook daily hot meals from scratch and deliver the meals in time for a lunch is truly admirable and we are delighted to be part of it during National Volunteers’ Week.” Jessica Mackaness, Rudding Park ‘Giving Something Back’ Co-ordinator said, “Today has been a real eye opener for us and fits perfectly with our ethos and mission as an organisation to give something back to the local community." “We encourage all our staff to support local charities through various initiatives; including a match giving scheme for taking part in fundraising events and a volunteering scheme where all employees receive a paid days’ leave each year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.” Marie Baker has volunteered with the Food Angels for 8 years, she said, “I am blessed to have the time to volunteer and over the years i have forged such wonderful friendships." “Being part of Food Angels is so much more than just delivering a hot meal – some of the people I deliver to won’t see a single other person that day, so to be able to provide that extra care solidified by decision to volunteer.” Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, CEO, Sue Cawthray said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the wonderful, long-standing volunteers who so selflessly give their time to the Food Angels every day." “We’d also like to thank Simon, Jessica and their teams for joining our volunteers out on the road. We really value the support from local businesses and hearing their thoughts on our service is wonderful." “We would love to spread our wings into other areas where we know our service is needed, but without the volunteers this isn’t possible. Supporting Food Angels by joining the team for just one hour a day, could make such a difference to so many older and vulnerable people in the region.”

Oran Homecare, a locally owned and operated care provider from Fife, has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Scottish Care Provider of the Year award. Nominated alongside UK national care giants 'Bluebird Homecare' and 'The Good Care Group,' the Fife care organisation emerged as the winner, receiving recognition for exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding care services to its clients. The prestigious award was presented by Dr. Donald Macaskill and Michelle McManus at the ‘Scottish Care Care at Home and Housing Support Awards’ ceremony held on 19th May 2023. The Scottish Care Provider of the Year award is given to a service that can prove they are at the forefront of excellent care provision in Scotland. With the goal of ‘Raising The Standards of Care in Scotland’, Oran Homecare has established a reputation for providing exceptional care services that meet the unique needs of each individual. Audrey Mcfarlane, company director said: “People are at the heart of everything we do. Feeling valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute brings out the best in everyone and these principles provide a framework for our policies, procedures, and most importantly our care practices." "We’d like to say a massive congratulations to all of our care team and management staff. This award is recognition of their incredible professionalism, hard work and dedication over the last few years." Oran Homecare's well-deserved victory at the 2023 Scottish Care Provider of the Year award reflects their ongoing pursuit of excellence, their dedication to their clients, and their steadfast commitment to raising the bar for care provision in Scotland. This achievement will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to other smaller providers in the care community, and Oran Homecare's success will continue to inspire others to deliver exceptional care services.