News

FRIDAY 9^th

• Get your glad rags on, it’s time to parrrrrrrrtaaaaay! We’re gearing up for our Christmas party tonight at Stanley House, starting from 7:30pm. If you’re getting the bus, please be ready to board it at 7:00pm, and see Ben’s email for all the information you need.

• BBC News will be broadcasting the weather LIVE from our Trees of Love forest tonight from 6:00pm. They’ll also be here this afternoon to film some pre-recorded footage for a news piece about Astley Village over Christmas.

SATURDAY 10^th

• Derian Dads Stay & Play will be held in the Cinema from 1:30pm.

• A TAC PAC session with Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will take place in the Sensory Room this morning.

SUNDAY 11^th

• Splish, splash! We’ll be in the Hydrotherapy Pool this morning for swimming fun.

• Join our children and young people for Christmas story time in the Lounge this afternoon.

MONDAY 12^th

• Our in-house CYP will be in the Messy PlayZone making Christmas cards and gifts this morning.

• We have a not-so-new starter in the form of chef Andrea Cataldo, who has finally become a Derian team member after leaving the agency. Please give him a warm welcome.

• The Lodgers are off on a trip to Barton Grange today with Mel and Lauren (Youth Workers).

TUESDAY 13^th

• Our Derian toddlers will be visiting us at the Playgroup Christmas party in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• A TAC PAC session with Claire will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

• The Board of Trustees will take place this evening in the Conference Room.

• Individual sessions of music therapy with Martha will be held in the Snug from 2:00 – 6:00pm.

WEDNESDAY 14^th

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Derian Dads will meet this evening from 7:30pm in the Seaside Room.

• We’re making yummy chocolate gifts in Danni’s Diner this morning.

• Team Derian will once again be representing in their masses at a bowling competition held at Hollywood Bowl Bolton.

THURSDAY 15^th

• Music and movement with Claire will be held in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• Derian babies will be enjoying a baby massage session this morning with Tina (Wellbeing & Play Coordinator).

FRIDAY 16^th

• David (CEO) and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services) are at St. John’s Hospice in Lancaster for a meeting of the Lancs and South Cumbria Hospices Group.

• Our siblings group, Chill Out and Chat, will be going out for a Christmas meal at Piccolo’s Italian Restaurant.

• It’s ‘Wear a Christmas Hat Day’, so naturally – we’ll all be taking part! Wear your finest festive hats, but please adhere to IPC policies. To celebrate, our children and young people will be in the Messy PlayZone crafting their own hats.

• Heads down, it’s Christmas bingo time! Join us in the Lounge this morning.

• If you’re taking part in Secret Santa, your present needs to be in today! Please go and see Elf Tina with your gifts.

SATURDAY 17^th

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be held in the Lounge this morning.

SUNDAY 18^th  

• We’re going to be celebrating Hannukah with themed art work in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• The Chorley shop will be open every Sunday until Christmas from 10:00am – for those of you who need an extra day to fill those stockings!

• Our Wellbeing & Play Team will lead a sensory journey in our hospice Winter Wonderland followed by a massage in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has well and truly arrived here at the hospice! We’re all systems go with our festive line-up of fundraising events, from Deck the Halls to Lights of Love… our full lowdown can be seen by visiting our website – Upcoming Events – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• Shop until you drop this Christmas with our festive goodies which are lining the shelves of our stores across Lancashire and our Reception shop. There’s Christmas cards, hoodies, calendars, diaries and much, much more! Products – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Hello everyone,

Here’s some news and updates from this week’s SMT meeting:

• There have been a couple of fire evacuations recently in the hospice – please remind yourself of the fire and evacuation procedure which you can find here and any questions please just ask: https://derianintranet.co.uk/fire-evac-procedure-main-hospice/
• We have been fortunate to receive matched funding from NHS England to provide funding towards an Education Project for Palliative Care for Lancashire and South Cumbria the work on this will be commencing during December
• Another project now well underway is Derian in Place – outreach work in the community with our Community, Family Support and Play and Wellbeing teams is being piloted, two sessions have been completed in Oldham, watch this space for more information about where we may be headed next!
• We are currently £356k ahead of budget at the moment – well done everyone!
• Christmas fundraising campaigns are well underway and performing really well, both fundraising and finance are super busy processing donations.
• On Friday BBC will be filming their weather forecast from the Trees of Love – watch it on Friday evening (news starts at 6.30)
• 19^th December Granada TV  will be coming into the hospice for filming with a child.
• This was David’s last SMT Meeting we all wish him well for the future!

We invite you all to wear your Christmas jumper/t-shirt on Friday 9^th December for Derian’s Christmas Jumper Day.

Please remember if you are on the Care Team, or any other team working directly with the children or young people, to maintain IPC and wear a t-shirt rather than a jumper with your work trousers.

We look forward to celebrating Christmas Jumper Day.

Hello,

We’ve been asked a few questions about the party, so ahead of Friday here’s a bit more information…

• The coach will leave Derian at 7:00pm – there are limited seats so if you haven’t already booked a place you will need to organise your own transport to and from the venue. No alcohol is to be consumed on the coach and personal items (coats, umbrellas etc) can be left on the coach, but at your own risk.

• If you are making your own way there, please arrive promptly for a 7:30pm start.

• As you know, the format is a little different to last year and we will be having a 2 course meal instead of a buffet. Your menu choices will be on the reverse of your place card. Please collect your place card from the table next to the arrival drinks and pop it down when you have chosen where to sit.

• It is too late now to add any additional guests, but if you decide last minute that you would like to join in the fun – please arrive after the meal (approx. 9:30pm).

• The return coach will leave at 12:30am and for those staying after this the bar closes at 1am.

Thank you, we hope you have a great night!

Month in a Minute – November 2022 – YouTube

Hello all,

Please find attached the third and final week of our rolling Autumn menu, as well as the anytime menu which is still running alongside it.

Many thanks to everyone who has been leaving us feedback on the new menu, we hope you enjoy this week’s meals!

Warm regards

The Catering Team

AutumnMenuWeekThree

Hello,

Just over a week to go until our staff Christmas party!

Just to make you aware alcohol will not be permitted on the coach.

Arrival drinks will be waiting for you on arrival at the hotel 🙂

Thank you!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve had four new faces join our team here at Derian House. Get to know them by reading our short interviews with them below!

Jack Wright – Catering Manager

Jack has joined us here as our brand new Catering Manager after a five year stretch at Millenium Care North West Care Homes, where he started out as a chef.

As his role developed, Jack used his experience accordingly, providing activities and experiences for the residents of the homes and helping to make food accessible for all, something which he is keen to do here at Derian House.

Chorley born-and-bred, Jack has already revamped our menu (of which you can find on the Intranet) and received a plethora of positive feedback, and is looking forward to getting stuck in to the throws of Derian life!

When he’s not in the kitchen, Jack is a keen runner and rock climber, and is even studying for a Masters in Business Administration with the Open University.

Jane Enright – Specialist Nurse (Long Term Ventilation)

Jane is no stranger to us here at the hospice – it’s been a mere three years and eight months since she left to pastures new, but couldn’t resist coming back in a new role as a specialist nurse with a focus on long term ventilation.

Since leaving us in 2019, Jane has been a community nurse for the NHS Children Continuing Care team, and on the Medical Equipment team at Pennine Healthcare.

Prior to this, Jane’s roles have all been LTV-based, so she’s looking forward to going back to her roots and starting a new challenge in a new role back at Derian House.

Outside of work, our new nurse enjoys fell walking and running, and even volunteers for St. John’s Ambulance doing First Aid at various events across the region. Those who know her will know that she’s Disney obsessed, so if she’s not at work she’s probably in Florida (or on the couch binge-watching Disney+)!

Adam Grosvenor – Registered Nurse

The first of our two new nurses is Adam, who in 2017 qualified and went straight into a role at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where he spent the first five years of his nursing career.

Adam decided to make the move to Derian House as he’d heard lots about our friendly team and wanted a new challenge in a totally different environment outside of the hospital.

He’s mostly looking forward to getting to know our children, young people and their families, and working with them in a much more relaxed and personable setting.

When he’s not busy nursing, Adam is a huge Liverpool fan, and a self-proclaimed domestic goddess! He’s even ran a marathon before to raise vital funds for Bliss, a charity which supported Adam’s family when his younger brother and sister were born prematurely – and it would be this that eventually inspired Adam to go into nursing.

Caitlin Thynne – Registered Nurse

The final face in our line-up is Caitlin, a Geordie-born nurse who’s also made the move from Alder Hey after a year to be closer to home in Leyland.

More than ready for a fresh new start, Caitlin is also excited about getting to know and work closely with our families, and being a part of the Derian House team.

In a previous life, Caitlin was actually a grid girl for motorbike racing, and outside of work loves trips back up to Newcastle to visit her family and pet bearded dragon, Leon.

AnytimeMenuDH

AutumnMenuWeekTwo

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

As the FIFA World Cup 2022 commences on the 20^th November.

I have been asked for England games to be showing and their first game will be on Monday 21^st November from 1pm in the dining room for viewing through your lunch or break.

Obviously, if any families or CYP have a specific game they wish to watch at Derian then the cinema or other TVs can accommodate these requests, please arrange with Estates or Steve in IT.

Thanks,

David

FRIDAY 18^th

• David (CEO) and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services) are at Trinity/Brian House for a CEO/Clinical Directors meeting with Lancs & South Cumbria Hospices Together this morning.

• Music and Movement with Claire will take place in the Snug this morning.

• Happy Children in Need day! We’re doing fun activities throughout the day to celebrate.

• Sensory Story Group for our Derian families will be happening in the Seaside Room this morning from 10:00am.

• Friday Night Club for our young people aged 14+ will be held in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

SATURDAY 19^th  

• Our young people are off on a trip out to the Wheelchair Rugby final today.

• We’ll be in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

SUNDAY 20^th

• What will we find on our Derian treasure hunt? Solve the clues to find the treasure throughout the hospice and in our gardens.

• This afternoon, we’ll be enjoying a sensory journey followed by a massage.

MONDAY 21^st

• It’s World Hello Day, so we’ll be doing themed arts and crafts in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

TUESDAY 22^nd

• Our Derian toddlers will be visiting us for weekly Playgroup in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Join us in Smile Park at 10am for a full-staff and volunteer photoshoot to help promote Derian House’s 30^th birthday in 2023.

• Our children and young people will be meeting in the greenhouse for gardening fun this morning.

• A therapeutic TAC PAC session with Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be held in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 23^rd

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Derian Dads will meet this evening from 7:30pm in the Seaside Room.

• EXTERMINATE! It’s Doctor Who Day, so we’re going to be taking part in themed arts and crafts in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

THURSDAY 24^th

• The HR Strategic Sub-Committee will be held in the Conference Room this afternoon.

• Join us in the Messy PlayZone this morning for a playdough making activity this morning.

• Our friendly pooch Shuna and her human Linda will be on their weekly walk of the hospice, providing pet therapy for all.

• Our young people will be off out on a trip to Bolton Arena for a Boccia competition – good luck Team Derian!

FRIDAY 25^th

• Speaker of the House and MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle will be visiting the hospice with his wife this afternoon (subject to confirmation).

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline (Wellbeing & Play Worker) for Derian families will be held in the Seaside Room this morning, and again for our in-house children and young people in the Lounge this afternoon.

• Friday Night Club for our older children will be held in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

SATURDAY 26^th

• Bereaved siblings will reunite for our Treasure Day Reunion, where the siblings from October’s Treasure Day will come together for one more day of therapeutic and fun activities to remember their loved ones lost.

• Messy Play activities with Katie (Wellbeing & Play Team Leader) will take place in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• Let’s snuggle down and listen in the Lounge this afternoon – it’s story time.

SUNDAY 27^th

• Movie madness and yummy treats – sounds like the perfect afternoon in Derian at the Movies!

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has well and truly arrived here at the hospice! We’re all systems go with our festive line-up of fundraising events, from Deck the Halls to Lights of Love… our full lowdown can be seen by visiting our website – Upcoming Events – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• Shop until you drop this Christmas with our festive goodies which are lining the shelves of our stores across Lancashire and our Reception shop. There’s Christmas cards, hoodies, calendars, diaries and much, much more! Products – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• Sssssssh… it’s a secret! Secret Santa will once again be taking place this December, where names will be drawn from a hat to buy a £5 gift for your colleague. Please email Tina (Wellbeing & Play Coordinator) if you’d like to take part before Friday 2^nd

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Hello,

There are just three Friday’s left until our staff Christmas party!

For those who have booked a place on the coach, this will leave Derian House at 7:00pm, please arrive early so that the coach can leave on time.

If you’re organising your own transport, please aim to arrive at Stanley House by 7:30pm. Postcode for sat nav is BB2 7NP.

The return coach journey will leave Stanley House at 12:30am and the journey back to Derian House is approximately 20 minutes.

There will be a free bar at this years’ party (drinks included are single spirits with mixer, glass of wine, pint or bottle of beer,) we hope that you will enjoy this responsibly.

If you have any other questions – please let us know.

Look forward to celebrating with you all J

Hello all,

Please find attached the first week of our new Autumn Menu, which will be beginning on Monday. Please try and let the kitchen staff know what you’d like to order for lunch before 11:00AM.

Also attached is our new Anytime Menu, which is a list of alternatives you’ll be able to order any day you don’t fancy any of the main options.

There’s going to be a suggestion box in Danni’s Diner from Monday, so you can let us know how the new menu is going.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing your feedback on our new menus!

Warm Regards,

The Catering Team

– AnytimeMenuDH

– AutumnMenuWeekOne

– Monday14thDailymenu

HO HO HO, it’s fast approaching silly season and I have received numerous requests, once again, for our yearly £5 Secret Santa gifting.

If you would like to join in, with spreading Christmas cheer and gifting a fellow colleague, please email me and I will pop you on the list.

I will inform you of who you are buying your gift for on Friday 2nd December, happy shopping…

Please return your gift to me by Friday 16th December than the mischievous little elf can deliver your luxury gift.

Please would you all kindly spread the word.

Kind regards,
Tina Thorpe-Knowles

SATURDAY 12^th

• Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle All the Way! One of our biggest third-party fundraisers of the year will be taking place tomorrow, with 800 Santas hiking 15 miles from Chorley town centre to Rivington Pike and back to raise money for Derian House. Good luck to members of our Derian at Home, Comms and Fundraising teams who’ll be taking part.

• Danni’s Club, for our younger siblings, will be joining us for an afternoon of fun in the Seaside Room between the hours of 1:30 – 4:00pm.

• Our Derian Dads will be joining us for an afternoon of play with their children. They’ll be based in the Cinema.

SUNDAY 13^th

• We’re celebrating World Kindness Day by making gifts for a loved one in the Messy PlayZone.

• Our children and young people will be in Danni’s Diner baking some tasty treats to take home.

MONDAY 14^th

• We’re welcoming two new nurses to the hospice this morning. Olivia Jones and Caitlin Thynne will be meeting and greeting a lot of you throughout the week – say hello if you see them!

• To celebrate Odd Socks Day, we’ll be in the Messy PlayZone doing colourful sock crafts.

• Good luck to #TeamDerian, who’ll be taking part in a Boccia competition in Liverpool today!

TUESDAY 15^th

• Our Derian toddlers will be visiting us for weekly Playgroup in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Are you listening carefully? It’s sounds bingo in the Lounge this morning.

• Trustees will be at the hospice for the Finance & Income Sub-Committee this morning.

• Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be holding a therapeutic Tac Pac session in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 16^th

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Fire marshal training will take place this morning.

• Join us for Sensory Story Time with Caroline (Wellbeing & Play Worker) in the Lounge this morning.

• A clinical meeting with Derian House GPs will be held virtually from 1:00pm.

• Visitors from Donna Louise will be having a tour of the hospice led by Shelley (LifeNoW Transition Worker) and Lauren (Youth Worker) to learn more about our young people services.

THURSDAY 17^th

• There’ll be another session of fire marshal training this morning.

• Today is World Prematurity Day, so we’ll be doing purple-themed arts and crafts to pay tribute in our own unique way.

• Our friendly pooch Shuna and her human Linda will be on their weekly walk of the hospice, providing pet therapy for all.

FRIDAY 18^th

• David (CEO) and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services) are at Trinity/Brian House for a CEO/Clinical Directors meeting with Lancs & South Cumbria Hospices Together this morning.

• Music and Movement with Claire will take place in the Snug this morning.

• Happy Children in Need day! We’re doing fun activities throughout the day to celebrate.

• Sensory Story Group for our Derian families will be happening in the Seaside Room this morning from 10:00am.

• Friday Night Club for our young people aged 14+ will be held in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

SATURDAY 19^th

• Our young people are off on a trip out to the Wheelchair Rugby final today.

• We’ll be in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

SUNDAY 20^th

• What will we find on our Derian treasure hunt? Solve the clues to find the treasure throughout the hospice and in our gardens.

• This afternoon, we’ll be enjoying a sensory journey followed by a massage.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has well and truly arrived here at the hospice! We’re all systems go with our festive line-up of fundraising events, from Deck the Halls to Lights of Love… our full lowdown can be seen by visiting our website – Upcoming Events – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• Shop until you drop this Christmas with our festive goodies which are lining the shelves of our stores across Lancashire and our Reception shop. There’s Christmas cards, hoodies, calendars, diaries and much, much more! Products – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• Sssssssh… it’s a secret! Secret Santa will once again be taking place this December, where names will be drawn from a hat to buy a £5 gift for your colleague. Please email Tina (Wellbeing & Play Coordinator) if you’d like to take part before Friday 2^nd

• Our new menu is dropping on Monday, with plenty of food options available throughout the day. There’ll be a rolling rota of hot and cold food, with staple items available to order each day. Please speak with Jack (Catering Manager) to find out more, and check your emails/the Intranet for the full menu.

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Hi All,

Following my recent update, I am now delighted to announce that Karen Edwards will be joining us as the new Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Karen, who previously held the role of Chief Executive of Bolton Lads & Girls Club, will be joining the team in February and said “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Derian House and be a part of the amazing services the charity provides. I’m looking forward to leading the team through the next chapter.”

As you already know, our current Chief Executive, David Robinson will be leaving Derian House at the end of the year but he said “I wish Karen every success in taking over the reins and leading Derian House forward from the amazing place we have taken it to.”

Lynn Grayson, Director of Clinical Services will be deputising between David’s departure and Karen’s start date and I’m sure we will all support Lynn to maintain our fantastic services to our children and young people and their families.

Thank you to those staff who helped with the recruitment process, your input was valuable to us when making a decision. Thank you also for your patience in awaiting the outcome of our interviews, I know you were all keen to find out who our new Chief Exec would be.

More details will follow and a public announcement will be made next week.

I hope you will join me in welcoming Karen to the team in 2023 and wishing David all the very best for a long and happy retirement.

Kind regards,

Karen Swindley
Chair of Trustees

Morning everyone,

Here’s some news and updates from this month’s SMT meeting that took place on Monday (7.11.2022):

• Fire marshal training is due to take place this month.
• Thank you to everyone who has had their COVID booster and/or flu jabs for helping to keep our children and young people safe – please can everyone who has had either vaccination please inform HR so they can update our records.
• We have received positive feedback from NHS England about our exemplar work making links with hospitals and other children’s hospices. The project has seen Derian House Advanced Practitioners making regular visits to children’s wards at hospitals in our area to improve care for children, provide education to professionals, and to offer families extra support. The project has been hailed as best-practice with other hospices and hospitals interested in following the same model.
• Thanks to those who took part in the Chief Exec recruitment process last month. An announcement will be made shortly about the appointment, subject to a couple of pre-employment checks.
• Fundraising income is performing well at £124,000 ahead of budget and £792,000 ahead of where we were at this time last year.
• We have been awarded £100,000 in match-funding from NHSE to develop an education and training programme for Lancs & South Cumbria  next year – watch this space for more details.
• Building work – work is on schedule and the new sensory garden is progressing well – we can’t wait to see the finished result.

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

Welcome to November and my latest CEO Message.

It has been a busy couple of months across the Hospice for every department as we continue to welcome more families in-house or visit in the community. It is vital that we continue to reach more new families as well as ensure those already using the service receive the care they need. We are working closely with a range of services to ensure Derian is at the front of mind across Lancashire, South Cumbria and Greater Manchester, we continue to share the great work you all do with senior colleagues at NHS England and the more regional commissioning bodies. We are also sharing our work with both Hospice UK and Together for Short Lives along with our friends at other children’s hospices.

Fundraising, Marketing and Communications are always extremely busy in the last few months of the year. We have a range of activities within the community and business world to raise valuable funds for Derian and alongside this we have our winter campaign with Holly and her families story. As well as the usual mailings we will be showing our first ever Derian TV advert which will expand our audience and raise more money, here is the link for those who have not seen it : https://youtu.be/2mj-VkYtx_Y  (open in Chrome). In 2022 our team across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications have to date raised more money than any other year since the hospice opened – well done to all.

I regularly walk around the hospice and commend our Housekeeping and Estates team for ensuring everywhere looks great, I have recently received several comments from visitors saying how clean and fresh everywhere looks at Derian. I Would also like to welcome Jack as our new Catering Manager who joins Kath and Andrea at Danni’s Diner.

Around and About the Hospice (and beyond) – things to know …..

• Sensory Garden, Works are well underway and we look forward to seeing the finished area in a short number of weeks.
• Great Big House Giveaway, ended in the middle of September and in October the family received the keys and are now living in the house with their new baby.
• Derian Voices – our choir are looking for additional staff or volunteers to join and perform at the Lights of Love service in Blackburn Cathedral.
• Family Survey, was received has been overwhelmingly positive with lovely comments about many of our team and activities.
• Budgets, we are now setting the budgets for 2023, our Finance colleagues are working hard and supporting the Christmas orders and other donations at this extremely busy time.
• Shops, are currently BOOMING with amazing sales across all of our stores, thanks to the store teams and our trusty drivers and warehouse colleagues.
• Recruitment, we have many new colleagues who have already or are due to join, please welcome them if you see them around the hospice.

As you can see, lots going, if I have missed your area then sorry (and please let me know).

Thank you all for your continued support and commitment and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask me, any member of the senior team or your line manager.

David

SATURDAY 5^th

• Remember, remember the 5^th of November! We’re celebrating Bonfire Night with firework arts and crafts throughout the day, including Parkin baking in Danni’s Diner.

SUNDAY 6^th

• Join our children and young people staying with us in-house for fun and splashes in the hydrotherapy pool this morning.

• Eyes down – it’s prize bingo time! We’ll be going numpty for numbers in the Lounge this afternoon.

MONDAY 7^th

• Senior Management Team/Health and Safety team meeting will take place in the Conference Room this morning.

• You’ll find us in the Messy PlayZone for arts and crafts this morning.

• We Are Derian will be held in the Seaside Room from 2:00pm this afternoon. Please email jacquie.hartley@derianhouse.co.uk if you’d like to represent your team at the meeting and share what you’re up to with the rest of the hospice.

TUESDAY 8^th

• Our Derian toddlers will be visiting us for weekly Playgroup in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Greenhouse gardening fun with Gareth the gardener will be held in Smile Park this morning.

• A therapeutic Tac Pac session with Claire (Wellbeing and Play Worker) will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 9^th

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Our representative from Mattioli Woods (pension provider) will be onsite to do a pension clinic. If you currently have a Standard Life pension and would like an appointment, please email Ben (Head of People and Culture).

• Bird feeder making will be happening in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• We’re off on a trip out in the minibus, destination TBC!

THURSDAY 10^th  

• Members of the Options Appraisal Team are on site to discuss the development project this morning.

• Professionals Day, run by Kirsty B (Clinical Educator) is taking place in the Conference Room and around the hospice throughout the day. There’ll be lots of health professionals on site finding out about the work of Derian House.

• Pet Therapy with Shuna and her human Linda will be happening in and around the hospice from 10:00am.

FRIDAY 11^th

• Andrew (Head of Retail and Online Sales) is hosting a retail meeting of our shop managers in the Conference Room today.

• Sensory Story Group, for our Derian families, will be led in the Seaside Room from 10:00am.

• Do you wanna build a scarecrow? If so, drop into the Messy PlayZone with Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) this morning.

• Music and movement with Claire will be held in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

• Our older siblings group, Chill Out & Chat, will be meeting in the Seaside Room from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

SATURDAY 12^th

• Danni’s Club, for our younger siblings, will be joining us for an afternoon of fun in the Seaside Room between the hours of 1:30 – 4:00pm.

• Our Derian Dads will be joining us for an afternoon of play with their children. They’ll be based in the Cinema.

SUNDAY 13^th

• We’re celebrating World Kindness Day by making gifts for a loved one in the Messy PlayZone.

• Our children and young people will be in Danni’s Diner doing some baking goodies to take home.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has well and truly arrived here at the hospice! We’re all systems go with our festive line-up of fundraising events, from Deck the Halls to Lights of Love… our full lowdown can be seen by visiting our website – Upcoming Events – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

One of our creative supporters, Alan Davis, has been crafting beautiful garden ornaments from old pots and pans to sell and raise money for Derian House.

Some of his projects include weathervanes, animals, and flowers such as poppies – that can be seen at the front of the hospice! He also makes things from wood and is working on a special project to be displayed in reception at Christmastime.

But he needs our help!

If you have any scrap metal or old frying pans (the cheaper the better!) please bring them to Reception.

On Wednesday 9^th November our representative from Mattioli Woods (Pension provider) will be onsite to do a pension clinic.

This will be by appointment only in the Vinten Place meeting Room.

If you currently have a Standard Life pension and would like an appointment please email me and I will allocate you a 30 minute slot. I have times available between 9.00am and 2.00pm.

Kind regards,

Ben Leavesley

Month in a Minute – October 2022 – YouTube

SATURDAY 29^th

• We’ll be in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

• MEOW – it’s National Cat Day! You’ll find us in the Messy PlayZone this morning doing kitten-themed arts and crafts.

• Our siblings groups will be coming together for Treasure Day, a fun and therapeutic day for the youngsters to remember their bereaved siblings.

SUNDAY 30^th

• Our children and young people will be collecting items on a nature walk through Smile Park this morning.

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

MONDAY 31^st   

• Happy Halloween! We’re celebrating here at the hospice with a spook-tacular day filled with themed activities and fancy dress!

• We’re off on a creepy woodland walk to collect items this afternoon, followed by a Halloween disco in the Seaside Room.

• Luke (Head of Facilities & Infrastructure) and David (CEO) are visiting our lodges at both Ribby Hall Village and South Lakeland Leisure Village to carry out checks.

• Say hello to our new team members Jane (Specialist Nurse – Long Term Ventilation), Adam (Registered Nurse) and Jack (Catering Manager) who’ll be joining us today.

TUESDAY 1^st

• Our Derian toddlers will be visiting us for weekly Playgroup in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

WEDNESDAY 2^nd

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• David is joining a Together for Short Lives advisory council meeting virtually this morning.

THURSDAY 3^rd

• The monthly Quality, Safety & Improvement Sub-Committee will be held this morning in Vinten Meeting Room.

• Trustees from Bolton Hospice are visiting the hospice this afternoon.

FRIDAY 4^th

• External visitors are on site this morning to talk about children’s palliative care.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Hi All,

I know you will all be aware that the selection day for our new Chief Executive took place on Friday and I am sure you are all wanting to know the outcome.

I can confirm that we have offered the post to one of the candidates but at the moment we are not able to make an announcement as we are in the process of undertaking pre-employment checks – yes they apply to Chief Execs too!!!

I am hoping that we will be able to make an announcement next week, but we will let you know as soon as we can.

Can I also thank all those of you who were directly involved in the process – your input was invaluable in helping the panel to make a decision.

SATURDAY 22^nd

• Catch us in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

• A therapeutic TAC PAC session with Claire will be held in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

SUNDAY 23^rd

• We’ll be doing melted crayon art in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

MONDAY 24^th  

• Happy half term week! We’re kicking things off with messy tactile art in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

TUESDAY 25^th

• Family Day Care for our Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room from 11:00am – 2:20pm today.

• Happy Diwali to everyone who celebrates – we’ll be celebrating with arts and crafts activities in the Messy PlayZone this morning, and music and lights in our Sensory Room this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 26^th

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Sensory Story Time for our in-house children and young people will be held in the Lounge/Sensory Room this morning.

THURSDAY 27^th

• A TAC PAC therapeutic session with Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be held in the Sensory Room this morning.

• Join us for Music and Movement in the Snug this afternoon.

• There’ll be a bunch of School’s Out lads joining us in the Seaside Room from 11:00am – 3:00pm today.

• John (Family Counsellor) will be running a guided relaxation session in the cinema at 4:00pm for approximately 30-45 minutes. Everyone is welcome to attend.

FRIDAY 28^th

• Youth Forum will kick off from 2:00pm in the Lodge Lounge.

• What will we find on our Scavenger Hunt through the Derian grounds this morning?

• Guided relaxation followed by a massage will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

SATURDAY 29^th  

• We’ll be in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

• MEOW – it’s National Cat Day! You’ll find us in the Messy PlayZone this morning doing kitten-themed arts and crafts.

• Our siblings groups will be coming together for Treasure Day, a fun and therapeutic day for the youngsters to remember their bereaved siblings.

SUNDAY 30^th

• Our children and young people will be collecting items on a nature walk through Smile Park this morning.

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has come early here at Derian House! We’ve had a delivery in our Reception shop of brand new Danni-branded hoodies, which come in hot pink or grey. Sizes come in XS, S, M, L and XL, and are just £24.99 – sure to keep you lovely and snug this winter! You can also find our full Christmas range including cards, diaries and notepads by visiting this link – Products – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” 

Join the Derian Voices from Wednesday 26^th October and enjoy mince pies and hot chocolate after choir practice.

We’re looking for new members to join the Derian Voices to perform at this year’s Lights of Love concert.

The musical celebration will be held at the beautiful Blackburn Cathedral on the evening of Friday 2^nd December and the performances from the Derian Voices Choir are what make the night even more special.

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by singing carols on your lunch break each Wednesday throughout November.

All singing abilities are welcome and you may find that you have so much fun that you’d like to remain a member of the choir all year round.

For more information, please speak to Gill.

I am pleased to confirm that we have seen a significant reduction in COVID cases over the past week therefore are reducing COVID restrictions.

With immediate effect –

• You will no longer be required to wear masks (unless you are testing negative, showing mild symptoms or feel a little unwell but fit for work).
• There are no longer any restrictions in the dining room.

We are however still asking all staff to –

• Please maintain handwashing
• Please ensure that if you show any symptoms you do a lateral flow test (always perform tests at home, do not come into the Hospice and then do a test). Tests are available from HR if you do not have any at home already.

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Regards,

Ben (Head of People and Culture)

FRIDAY 14^th 

• Sensory Story Group for Derian families will be held in the Seaside Room with Caroline W from 10:00am.

• Friday Night Club for our 18+ year olds will take place in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

• Chill Out and Chat, our older siblings group, will meet in the Seaside Room from 6:30 – 9:00pm this evening.

• We’ll be participating in ten pin bowling fun this morning in the Messy PlayZone.

• Music and movement will be held in the Lounge this morning with Claire.

• It’s the final #DiveForDerian of the year! 9 Derian supporters will be jumping 15,000ft from a plane at Black Knights Parachute Centre, bringing this year’s number of jumpers to a grand total of 94!

SATURDAY 15^th

• Our Derian Dads are invited to a Stay and Play session with their children from 1:30pm today in the Conference Room.

• Younger siblings group, Danni’s Club, will be meeting with Hedgehogs Forest School for an outdoor activity session from 1:30 – 4:00pm.

• At 7pm tonight, we’re standing together with thousands of people around the world to light a candle or share an image of a candle, sending a Wave of Light across the world as we remember and honour every little life lost too soon.

• We’ll be in Danni’s Diner getting our Mary Berry on as we have baking fun this afternoon.

SUNDAY 16^th

• This morning, you’ll find us in the Messy PlayZone for syringe painting fun.

MONDAY 17^th  

• ITV News will be at Green Hills for an exclusive interview with the Great Big House Giveaway winner, Charles, and his family, to be aired on Granada Reports tonight.

• Join us for messy tactile sensory art in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• Louise Dawson, Sibling Worker from Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, will be visiting at 11am to discuss all things ‘siblings groups’.

TUESDAY 18^th

• Play Group for our Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Guided relaxation followed by a massage will be held in the Seaside Room this morning for the children and young people in-house.

• What will we find out on Treasure Hunt around the hospice this afternoon? Join us to find out!

WEDNESDAY 19^th

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am, after a morning session of Music and Movement.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Derian Dads Group will be held in the Seaside Room from 7:30pm this evening.

• Trustees will be here at the hospice for a retail meeting with Andrew (Head of Retail and Online Sales).

• Our Faith Ambassador, Bishop Phillip, will be visiting Derian House to meet with David (CEO).

THURSDAY 20^th  

• Join us in the Messy PlayZone for Boccia fun this morning with our youngsters.

• Pet Therapy with Shuna and her human Linda will be happening in and around the hospice from 10:00am.

• We’ll be meeting around the firepit in Smile Park for a campfire and story time this afternoon.

FRIDAY 21^st

• David will be attending Lancashire and South Cumbria Hospices Together’s meeting virtually this morning.

• Sensory Story Group for Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room with Caroline W (Play & Wellbeing Worker) from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Happy Apple Day! What a day we’ve got planned to celebrate – apple printing in the Messy PlayZone this morning, and apple bobbing and apple pie baking in Danni’s Diner this afternoon!

• Friday Night Club for our -18’s will be held in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

• We’re looking for 10 willing volunteers who would like to make up the panel for our staff engagement section of the CEO interviews, which will be taking place this morning. Please email leavesley@derianhouse.co.uk if you’re interested and also free from 9:00 – 11:30am. Please discuss with your line manager first.

SATURDAY 22^nd

• Catch us in the hydrotherapy pool for fun and splashes this morning.

• A therapeutic TAC PAC session with Claire will be held in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

SUNDAY 23^rd

• We’ll be doing melted crayon art in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Christmas has come early here at Derian House! We’ve had a delivery in our Reception shop of brand new Danni-branded hoodies, which come in hot pink or grey. Sizes come in XS, S, M, L and XL, and are just £24.99 – sure to keep you lovely and snug this winter! You can also find our full Christmas range including cards, diaries and notepads by visiting this link – Products – Derian House Childrens Hospice.

• If you haven’t already, time is ticking for you to name our (some might say – terrifying!) scarecrow which is standing proudly in the pumpkin patch over in the Seaside Garden. Submit your entries in the Messy PlayZone… there’s a prize for the winner!

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Following this Month’s SMT meeting, please find updates from it for your attention:

• COVID cases are on the rise and we have reintroduced a number of COVID restrictions. This will be updated on a weekly basis.
• Please ensure that all visitors and family members have lanyards to identify them (blue for family members and red for contractors and guests). These are available at reception and should be issued as standard when your visitors sign in but it is YOUR responsibility to check and make sure they have the appropriate lanyard.
• There will be Fire Marshal training held on the 16th and 17th November and we are particularly looking to increase our number of office based Care Team staff who hold this qualification.
• Following staff feedback about needing more vehicles, a fleet review has begun. We will have a new fleet of eco-friendly cars in the new year.
• We are changing the way we print letters. Instead of printing onto letterhead paper, we will use a template letterhead (which will save 8p per copy). Details of when this will transition over will follow shortly.
• CEO interviews are taking place on the 21st October and you have an opportunity to be involved! Please keep an eye out for communications from HR about how to take part.
• The Big House Giveaway total has hit an incredible £460,873!
• Derian House is doing its first-ever TV advert which will be aired before Christmas and will tell Holly’s story.
• New hoodies are available in reception including pink, grey and black children’s hoodies.

Now that we’ve added some new faces to our ever-expanding team at Derian House, let’s hear about who they are and what they’ll be getting up to here at Lancashire and South Cumbria’s children’s hospice!

Amy Collier – Assistant Shop Manager, Accrington

Although she’s actually been with us since the month of May, we didn’t want to stick Amy on the Intranet all by herself – so here’s a brief introduction to our Accrington shop’s assistant manager.

Bristol born-and-bred, Amy has worked in retail all her life, and joined us after an incredible 18-year stretch at Next where she specialised in window dressing. After relocating ‘up North’, Amy wanted to explore the charity retail sector and even began applying for a voluntary role in our Horwich store before seeing that we were opening up a shop in Accrington.

Amy has already put her skills to great use, and has taken ownership of our retail Instagram account, as well as decorating shop windows and helping to prepare for our Charity Shop Lock-In events.

When she’s not at work, Amy absolutely loves vintage shopping, exploring flea markets and charity shops, and participating in hotpod yoga! She’s also an identical twin!

Lauren Prochyra – Youth Worker

Lauren is the latest addition to our Wellbeing & Play Team, and has joined us from Barnardo’s children’s charity. Lauren has previously enjoyed working in the charity sector, and wanted to join the team at Derian House as she’d heard brilliant things!

Our new Youth Worker already has a great deal of experience working with children and young people in need of support, and permanently working from home throughout the pandemic and beyond limited Lauren and made her realise she wanted to be more hands-on in her work.

Throughout her first few weeks here at the hospice, Lauren has enjoyed getting to know our youngsters and already feels like a valued part of the team. Her induction process has seen her work with and get to know different teams, as well as plenty of trips out with our Lodgers!

Outside of work, Lauren loves walking her Doberman, Lola, and even used to have a pet donkey called Tilly!

Linda Pennington – Clinical Support Worker

The first of our two new Clinical Support Workers is lovely Linda, who joins Derian House after a varied career as a nursery nurse and community-based health care support worker.

Despite being passionate about her previous job role, COVID restrictions changed things, and Linda wanted to experience the memory-making side of health care.

16 years ago, Linda’s niece Abbie passed away at Francis House, and ever since then she’d thought about working in palliative care – never thinking that dream would become a reality. Now that her kids are older (26, 23, and 22, to be precise), Linda knew that she wanted to go in this direction and provide support to families who access our services.

When she’s not on shift, family-orientated Linda goes to watch her son play guitar in his band, and her daughters do competitive running. She also enjoys walking, socialising, and spending time with her Mum.

How’s this for a fun fact – Linda has hand-delivered over 1,000 baby lambs during her previous tenure as a farmer’s wife!

Edwina Green – Family Support Worker

Edwina started at the hospice earlier this month in the role of Family Support Worker. After five years working for child bereavement charities nationwide, she saw the job role at Derian as an exciting new opportunity to expand on what she’s done previously.

The new addition to the Family Support Team is both excited and nervous at the prospect of working with families pre-bereavement, however her varied experience in a number of job roles across the country will definitely play up to her advantage.

More than ready to get ‘stuck in’, Edwina is mostly looking forward to being heavily involved in our sibling service, and meeting families from a range of backgrounds. Relationship building was a large factor in why she wanted the job at Derian House, and she’s enthusiastic about helping to provide a totally bespoke and unique service to our families.

When she’s not helping families, Edwina is a huge fan of gardening (even if she does make it up as she goes along!), and is also prone to a spot of lindy hop dancing!

Edwina recently got engaged, and when she’s married next year… will officially be a Bond girl!

Chantal Porter – Clinical Support Worker

Also a newbie in our squad of Clinical Support Workers is Chantal. For the past three years, she’s worked on the pediatric ward at Royal Preston Hospital as a health care assistant.

Growing up in Astley Village alongside Ian Haydock’s daughter Lesley (Ian was the brother of Derek, their names of which were combined to create ‘Derian’), Chantal has always been aware of the hospice, and always wondered what it would be like to work here.

After getting the clinical skills required to work at the hospital, Chantal then made a career leap and started with us here as she desired a working environment that was family-orientated with a focus on children and young people.

Chantal is also no stranger to the fundraising side of things – just last year, she dived 15,000ft out of a plane as part of the inaugural Dive for Derian campaign, raising £1,000 for us in the process.

When she’s not in her scrubs, Chantal is in her hiking gear and up in the Lakes boxing off the Wainwrights!

Vicky Cadley – Derian at Home Team Leader

Last in our line-up is Vicky, Derian at Home’s brand new Team Leader, who’s not long returned from four years working in the United Arab Emirates as a Nurse Manager.

A local lass, Vicky had always known about the work that Derian does due to her previous role at Manchester Children’s Hospital, and her managerial experience out in Dubai has set her up nicely for her new role here at the hospice as part of our community team.

She’s mostly looking forward to getting out in the community, building relationships with our families and helping to fulfil their needs and wishes, and working as part of a wider team to continue improving the bespoke service that we provide.

Vicky is extremely close to her family and friends, and when she’s not working, is prone to a spot of yoga, meditation, and reading. She’s also recently started a hypnotherapy course to further her interest in counselling.

NOTICE: Derian House’s Christmas Party is fast approaching and we need numbers! Our all-inclusive do will take place at Stanley House on Friday 9^th December from 7:00pm – 1:00am.

There’ll be a three-course meal, plenty of drinks and a couple of surprises to boot. Please check your emails from christmasparty@derianhouse.co.uk and respond accordingly.

Even if you can’t attend, please could you let us know as we need to confirm numbers with the venue ASAP. Thank you! J

SATURDAY 8^th

• We’re off to Astley Park to feed the ducks, get your wellies on!

• Bereaved Parents Drop-In Group will be held in the Conference Room from 10:00am this morning.

SUNDAY 9^th

• Forest Art with Arron (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will take place in the Woodland Walk this morning.

• Heads down, it’s bingo time! There’s plenty of prizes to be won in the Lounge this afternoon.

• It’s Baby Loss Awareness Week, and Katie King (Perinatal Services Lead) will be hosting information sessions throughout the week for all staff.

MONDAY 10^th

• There’ll be a ‘Sexuality’ workshop from 10:00 – 11:00am led by Mel and Lauren (Youth Workers) for staff to discuss young people’s sexuality and relationships.

• Join us for messy tactile sensory art in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

TUESDAY 11^th

• Play Group for our Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Gareth the gardener will be around for greenhouse fun this morning for the children and young people in-house.

• A therapeutic Tac Pac session with Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be held in the Sensory Room.

• The monthly SMT/Operational Health & Safety meeting will take place in the Conference Room.

• Individual and group sessions of Music Therapy with Martha will run from 2:00 – 6:00pm in The Snug this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 12^th

• Four of our young people will be at Bolton today for a Panathlon tenpin bowling competition.

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Derian Dads Bereavement Group will be held in the Seaside Room from 7:00 – 9:00pm this evening.

• David (CEO) will be attending a Greater Manchester Hospices meeting at Wigan & Leigh Hospice today.

• We’re going on a treasure hunt through the hospice this afternoon – what will we find?!

• Lucy and Jean (Family Support) will be hosting a session on ‘When a child dies’ in the Clinical Skills Lab from 1:30 – 3:00pm. Speak to Kirsty B (Clinical Educator) if you’d like to attend.

THURSDAY 13^th

• What’s that smell? Join us for Smells Bingo in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• Pet Therapy with Shuna and her human Linda will be happening in and around the hospice from 10:00am.

• Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be holding a Sensory Story session in the Lounge this afternoon.

• John (Family Counsellor) will be running a guided relaxation session in the cinema at 4:00pm for approximately 30-45 minutes. Everyone is welcome to attend.

FRIDAY 14^th  

• Sensory Story Group for Derian families will be held in the Seaside Room with Caroline W from 10:00am.

• Friday Night Club for our 18+ year olds will be held in the Lodge from 6:30 – 9:00pm.

• Chill Out and Chat, our older siblings group, will meet in the Seaside Room from 6:30 – 9:00pm this evening.

• We’ll be participating in ten pin bowling fun this morning in the Messy PlayZone.

• Music and movement will be held in the Lounge this morning with Claire.

• David, and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services), are hosting David Houston from Brian House, and Julie Clayton from Jigsaw Hospice here at Derian this morning.

• It’s the final #DiveForDerian of the year! 9 Derian supporters will be jumping 15,000ft from a plane at Black Knights Parachute Centre, bringing this year’s number of jumpers to a grand total of 94!

SATURDAY 15^th

• Our Derian Dads are invited to a Stay and Play session with their children from 1:30pm today in the Conference Room.

• Younger siblings group, Danni’s Club, will be meeting with Hedgehogs Forest School for an outdoor activity session from 1:30 – 4:00pm.

• At 7pm tonight, we’re standing together with thousands of people around the world to light a candle or share an image of a candle, sending a Wave of Light across the world as we remember and honour every little life lost too soon.

• We’ll be in Danni’s Diner getting our Mary Berry on as we have baking fun this afternoon.

SUNDAY 16^th  

• This morning, you’ll find us in the Messy PlayZone for syringe painting fun.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J

Good morning all,

It’s just one more sleep until Derian Day, our special day of the year where our supporters from across Lancashire and South Cumbria go big and go green in their own unique way to celebrate Derian House’s birthday!

Don’t forget to wear green tomorrow (Friday 7^th October) – fundraising t-shirts for all are available in Vinten Place if you want to come up and grab one – and celebrate with us throughout the day.

Our annual newsletter, Danni’s Diary is out now! You can pick up your copy at reception, or from around the hospice (can you spot yourself?)

We will be posting out copies to 40,000 donors on Friday, along with our Christmas catalogue.

If you would like any copies to hand out then please come over to Vinten Place store room where we have a big stash.

If you want to send to anybody in your professional networks then it’s online as a flipbook here: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk/derian-publications/

• £19,366 (£20,173 FTE) – £21,221 (£22,106 FTE) per annum (dependent on experience)
• 36 hours per week – 4 days per week

Are you a retailer with a passion for visual merchandising and making a difference; looking for a new adventure?

Do you want to work in a sector that is not only focused on sustainability and upcycling, but which is also improving the lives of others on a daily basis?

If this is you then third sector charity retail may be for you!!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Shop Manager to join our Derian House charity retail store on King William Street in Blackburn.

The role involves assisting with the managing and co-ordinating the daily retail activities for the shop, assisting with all aspects of the operation, including the management of staff, volunteers and vulnerable people, whilst also developing and delivering a high standard of customer service maximising sales and profitability.

The successful candidate will have proven ability to lead & supervise, with the ability to motivate others, and well-developed team building skills.

This role would require working regular weekends and some evenings as required.

For further details about this position or to arrange an informal discussion please contact Andrew Upton-Ford – Head of Retail & Online Sales

Closing date for internal applications is 5pm 7^th October 2022

The kind people at Barrett Corp Harrington have generously donated a Christmas party for up to 50 people for staff at Derian House – organised by our Vice Chair of the Trustees, Matt Cowburn.

Places are being given on a first come, first served basis – so if you want to come then please let Caroline Taylor know by email ASAP – (caroline.taylor@derianhouse.co.uk).

The details:

15^th December – 6pm to 12.30pm

Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre

25 Aytoun Street

Manchester

M1 3AE

(it’s over the road from Piccadilly station so perfect for the train)

• Welcome cocktail on arrival
• Festive street food
• Two drinks tokens per person
• LED dancefloor
• Professional DJ
• Heated canal-side terrace

It’s an absolutely brilliant space.

In September, we gave away a £250,000 family home to one lucky winner of the Great Big House Giveaway, the entire Wigan Warriors squad came to visit our children and young people here at the hospice, and we had 13 businesspeople from across Lancashire screaming ‘Bail Me Out’ until they each raised £999 for Derian House #MonthInAMinute 💚

Month in a Minute – September 2022 – YouTube

NOTICE: Derian House’s Christmas Party is fast approaching and we need numbers! Our all-inclusive do will take place at Stanley House on Friday 9^th December from 7:00pm – 1:00am.

There’ll be a three-course meal, plenty of drinks and a couple of surprises to boot. Please check your emails from christmasparty@derianhouse.co.uk and respond accordingly.

Even if you can’t attend, please could you let us know as we need to confirm numbers with the venue ASAP. Thank you! 🙂

SATURDAY 1^st

• A therapeutic TacPac session with Claire (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will be held in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

SUNDAY 2^nd

• Join us in Danni’s Diner this morning for baking fun.

• A guided relaxation session followed by a massage will be take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

MONDAY 3^rd

• Messy Syringe Painting in the Messy PlayZone will be this morning’s activity.

TUESDAY 4^th

• Play Group for our Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• The Messy PlayZone will play host to a Paper Mache space activity this morning.

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) for our in-house children will be in the Sensory Room this afternoon. We’re off into space to celebrate World Space Week.

WEDNESDAY 5^th

• Say ‘Cheese’ – it’s World Smile Day! We’ll be doing self portraits in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will take place in the Snug from 11:00am.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• The Operational Clinical Governance Meeting will be held this afternoon.

• An online education session based on ‘Transition between children’s and adult hospices’ will be held online from 12:00 – 2:00pm today. Please speak to Kirsty B (Clinical Educator) for more information.

THURSDAY 6^th

• Let’s get our bodies moving, it’s Music and Movement time this afternoon with Claire.

• Pet Therapy with Shuna and her human Linda will be happening in and around the hospice from 10:00am.

• Our children and young people will be taking part in sporty fun with a game of Boccia and curling in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• David (CEO) and Luke (Head of Facilities and Infrastructure) are out visiting various car dealerships looking at potential new fleet cars.

• Space City will be at the hospice with one of our Derian families to get the ball rolling on our very first TV advert and this year’s Christmas campaign! We’ll be filming throughout the day in one of our family flats.

FRIDAY 7^th

• Happy Derian Day! It’s that special day of the year where our supporters from across Lancashire and South Cumbria go big and go green, in their own unique way to celebrate Derian House’s birthday! Everyone is welcome to dress in green (adhere to IPC policies) and celebrate with us throughout the day.

• Sensory Story Group for Derian families will be held in the Seaside Room with Caroline W from 10:00am.

• We’ll be participating in ten pin bowling fun this morning in the Messy PlayZone.

• Gather around the fire pit in Smile Park for cooking and a story this afternoon.

• David, and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services), are hosting David Houston from Brian House, and Julie Clayton from Jigsaw Hospice here at Derian this morning.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to cameron.murray@derianhouse.co.uk before Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! 🙂

Dear Colleague,

Our Trustee Board meeting took place on the 22^nd September 2022, at which Dawn updated the Board on the annual Forget-Me-Not service held in the spring. After a gap of three years the feedback from families has been quite overwhelming, with over 200 family attendees. The Board were impressed with the impact this activity has and thanked everyone involved for their support in making it happen.

We continue to look at the options for progressing further developments at Derian House, ensuring this is aligned with our strategy, regional demand and prevalence. We have an Away Day with the Senior Management Team at the end of September to progress things and when we have more detail, we will share.

As we stated in April, we committed to review the previously agreed cost of living pay rise when changes to pay within the NHS were announced. The Board discussed this at the meeting and approved a proposal from the senior team to offer a further increase of 1.5%, which will be backdated to April 2022; it therefore represents an increase of 4.5% for 2022. David will e-mail you all very soon to confirm the full details of this additional award but I hope this goes some way to recognise the value we place on you all and will be a little help with the challenges we are all currently facing with the cost of living.

We have now been presented with the Birdsong results and are delighted to see such a positive response to the questions. It is truly great to see such an improvement! I am delighted to let you know that for this survey round we were included in benchmarking, not just nationally but also with closer colleagues across Great Manchester Hospices, and the Board are proud to share that Derian House performs at the highest level compared to our peer group. Ben will share the report and other Birdsong information shortly.

It is good to see that we are maintaining strong income levels for the first eight months of the year and the Board recognises the excellent work in securing our income whilst keeping costs under control. At this challenging time for everyone it is vital we maintain a financially secure charity for all those who use or work for us.

The year of 2022 has been challenging, however with the amazing Derian Team spirit we are confident you will continue to provide the very best care for all those families who need us so much.

The Board would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment and hard work.

Karen Swindley

Chair of Trustees

SATURDAY 24^th

• There’ll be fun and splashes in the hydrotherapy pool for our in-house children and young people this morning.

• Our Pet Therapy pooch Tallulah will be in and around the hospice this morning with her human Claire.

• Hop to the Messy PlayZone this afternoon for bunny themed arts and crafts as we celebrate International Rabbit Day.

SUNDAY 25^th

• A therapeutic Tac Pac session with Claire will take place in the Sensory Room this afternoon.

• Our final batch of brave divers will take to the skies at 15,000ft for the last Dive for Derian event of the year. Gill (Marketing Coordinator) and some Derian parents will be just some of the supporters jumping out of a plane to raise vital funds for us.

• A group of Derian supporters will be running the Preston 10k for us today.

MONDAY 26^th  

• Our new Clinical Support Worker, Chantel Porter, and Family Support Worker, Edwina Green, start at Derian House today.

• Our children and young people staying in-house will be taking part in sensory tactile play in the Messy PlayZone this morning.

• The Mayor of Burnley, Cllr Cosima Towneley, will be visiting the hospice for a tour today.

TUESDAY 27^th

• John Pye (Trusts & Statutory Funding Manager) is hosting a visitor from the John Fisher Foundation with respect to some grant funding.

• We’re going back to the 80’s today for our themed dress-up day! Please adhere to IPC policies when choosing your throwback costumes!

• Play Group for our Derian families will take place in the Seaside Room from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

• Sensory Story Time with Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) for our in-house children will be in the House Lounge this morning.

• Join us in Danni’s Diner for baking fun this afternoon.

WEDNESDAY 28^th  

• Fun singalong with Rachel (Music Teacher) will be hosted in the Snug from 11:00am.

• David (CEO) and Lynn (Director of Clinical Services) will be in Birmingham for an all-day meeting with Together for Short Lives.

• Music in Hospitals will be visiting us at the hospice for a music session this morning.

• The Derian Voices will meet at their weekly singing session from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Seaside Room. Join us for an hour of vocal harmony, no matter your singing ability!

• Our first Derian Dads Bereavement Group will take place in the Seaside Room this evening from 7:00 – 9:00pm.

• Join us in Smile Park this afternoon for forest art fun with Arron (Wellbeing & Play Worker).

THURSDAY 29^th

• Kentown Wizard will be using our Seaside Room for a meeting this morning.

• Swimming lessons with Caroline W (Wellbeing & Play Worker) will take place in the Hydrotherapy Pool from 4:00pm.

• Let’s get our bodies moving, it’s Music and Movement time this afternoon with Claire.

• Pet Therapy with Shuna and her human Linda will be happening in and around the hospice this morning.

• Our Blackburn shop will play host to our next Charity Shop Lock-In this evening from 6:30pm. Fashion influencers and charity shop lovers will be joining us for pre-loved fashion, challenges, goodie bags, food and drink throughout the evening. If you’d like to be added to our guest list, please email rabbett@derianhouse.co.uk.

FRIDAY 30^th

• Coffee Morning for Derian families will be held in the Seaside Room from 10:00am this morning.

• Greenhouse gardening fun with Gareth the gardener for our in-house children and young people will be taking place this morning.

• It’s treasure hunt time around the hospice grounds! What will we find?

• The annual Trustee and Senior Management away day will be taking place today at Ribby Hall Village.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Derian House’s Christmas Party is fast approaching and we need numbers! Our all-inclusive do will take place at Stanley House on Friday 9^th December from 7:00pm – 1:00am. There’ll be a three-course meal, plenty of drinks and a couple of surprises to boot. Please check your emails from christmasparty@derianhouse.co.uk and respond accordingly.

• It’s (not very long until) Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiiistmaaaaaaaaas, and this year’s Christmas cards are on sale NOW! Visit our website for an exclusive pre-sale before they hit our shops on October 1^st – Christmas

• If you would like to share with the rest of Derian what your department is up to in the next 7 days, please send an email to murray@derianhouse.co.ukbefore Thursday the week before.

Have a great week everyone! J