Guild Care Blog

Some people run marathons, climb mountains or jump out of aeroplanes… we'll be flipping pancakes in Worthing town centre on a freezing Saturday in February!

The Pancake Olympics take place on Saturday 18th February 2012 in Montague Street, Worthing and we'll be doing our best to win the prestigous Golden Frying Pan, whilst raising funds for Guild Care's Time Out for Carers, which offers short respite breaks for people with dementia and their carers.

In 2012 we need to raise £30,000 for Time Out for Carers so please dig deep and support us through Just Giving

Today we have advertised 9 new volunteer opportunities at Guild Care. These vary from helping with a new bookstall  to a Hair and Beauty Therapy Assistant. 

Some of the roles require just an hour on 3 days a week while others are just occasional. 

There are volunteer opportunities for strong healthy men and people who could take a craft session or help someone to access the internet. 

For more details see the full list

Yesterday, was a very sad day in the life of our oldest care home Ashmount. During a series of planned meetings residents, relatives, staff and volunteers were told that the home would be closing.

CEO, Suzanne Millard explained that following a survey of remedial works by Guild Care's maintenance department and a recent review by the West Sussex Fire Service, the Trustees regretfully took a very difficult decision to close Ashmount earlier than expected.

Residents at Ashmount will be assisted to move into one of Guild Care's other homes in Worthing and staff will be offered positions within our other services.

Debbie Dollner, Operations Director (Care Homes) said 'the reason for the closure is that we are unable to guarantee continued delivery of the quality of service our residents have a right to expect at Ashmount. In particular we have a duty of care to our residents and wish to avoid an emergency closure situation arising from a serious failure of equipment such as the lift or the fabric of the building such as the roof.'

Ashmount opened as a care home in 1963 and we have a very committed and dedicated staff team at the home. Whilst everyone was clearly upset after the meetings yesterday, the offer of alternative accommodation and employment has greatly relieved people's fears and will make the process far less stressful.

The 6th ‘Not the New Years Eve’ fundraising ball took place at Worthing Golf Club on Saturday 7 January with over 100 guests raising around £5,000 which will go towards a new service for people with dementia, their carers, family and friends.

Tables were booked by Worthing companies and included Southern Water, Carpenter Box and Spofforths. On the night guests bid for auction prizes that included a private box in the 02 Arena; lunch at the House of Commons with Worthing M.P., Sir Peter Bottomley; sporting tickets at Stamford Bridge, the Amex Stadium, the Oval and Twickenham. Swing singer, Lee Everett entertained and a fun casino was great attraction.

Organisers, Peter Kennard and Derek Steel, two of our most dedicated supporters and fundraisers, were extremely pleased with the evening. Peter said ‘Everyone really enjoyed themselves and once again we would like to thank everyone who kindly donated prizes as well as the generous guests who bid for them.’ 

Rachael Duke, our Fundraising Manager said ‘Many thanks to Peter and Derek for their organisational skills. The monies raised will support Time Out Together in its first year which enables couples experiencing dementia to socialise together again. We would like to thank all the companies who attended for their generous support.’