1st Enable Ltd
Delivering on Your Potential

July 2025 Newsletter

Communication is King:

Euston wonder boy KA has become a trainer for the Oliver McGowan Campaign, which does wonderful work within health and social care, particularly around Autism and Learning Disabilities. This will have a significant impact on those with similar care needs, helping them
lead more fulfilling lives. KA will share his experiences and explain his needs, offering insights on how to work alongside the challenges he faces, to improve services and interactions with others who have similar experiences.

The building block for the working world:

A studious trio of students at St Thomas Services have been participating in the “Learning for Life” program to continue preparing for employment and are making steady progress. They have been focusing on four key areas

• Well-Being Focus: Learn strategies to improve your mental and emotional health.
• Life Skills Development: Gain practical skills for everyday living.
• Employability Training: Enhance your work skills to stand out in the job market.
• Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and build your support network.

They have fully engaged with the course, developed many essential skills, and built up their confidence for the workplace — which has already led to interviews in their chosen fields. Good luck to them

While creating this newsletter, they’ve not only shared stories and memories — they’ve also journeyed all the way to their graduation! It’s been an incredible ride, and now they stand at the finish line, ready to take on what’s next.

Mark Your Calendars July 2nd is the Ultimate Cricket Celebration!

Get ready, cricket fans! The BIGGEST cricket day of the season is landing at Hawarden Park Cricket Club and you do NOT want to miss it! Whether you’re a die-hard cricket lover or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, this event is for YOU!

Where? The action unfolds at the iconic Hawarden Park Cricket Club, Moor Lane, Hawarden, CH5 2QN the perfect venue for an unforgettable day of cricket magic.

What’s Happening?

We’re kicking off the day with an exclusive one-hour cricket training session led by the incredible mentors from Hawarden Club. Whether you’re a beginner or want to sharpen your skills, this is your chance to learn from the best and get your game face on! Then… brace yourselves! We’ll witness a thrilling match showdown between East
Cheshire and West Cheshire, bringing the spirit, passion, and rivalry of local cricket to a whole new level. Expect epic catches, powerful shots, and non-stop excitement! Bring your family, invite your friends, and join the cricket celebration of the summer! This day promises fun, community spirit, and unforgettable memories for all ages. So, get your cricket gear ready, your cheers loud, and join us on July 2nd for a day packed with action, camaraderie, and pure cricket joy! See you at Hawarden Park!

Building the future of care: Our new Shavington development

Exciting News! We’re Expanding in Shavington! We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone in our journey—1st Enable is expanding! A brand-new development is underway in Shavington, and it’s going to be something truly special.

This exciting project will feature seven purpose-built flats, thoughtfully designed to meet a wide range of care needs—from respite care to supported living—all within a warm, welcoming, and fully equipped on-site residence.

Why is this big news?

Because it’s more than just a building—it’s a bold step forward in our mission to empower lives and deliver exceptional care in the heart of the community. This development reflects our unwavering commitment to those we support, and we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities it will bring. Construction is set to be completed within the next 1 to 2 years, and once it’s finished, we’ll be able to offer even more comprehensive, person-centred support to individuals across the region.

What’s next?

We’ll be sharing updates every step of the way as the project takes shape—and we can’t wait to open the doors to a space where independence, dignity, and care come together. Stay tuned—and thank you for being part of this exciting new chapter with us!

Meet the Team: Jeff Dawson

Hello everyone, this is Jeff Dawson. He currently serves as the Managing Director of 1st Enable, and I’d like to introduce him to all the services under the 1st Enable banner. We had a quick-fire interview to get to know him better. About You Questions:

1. Do you have any hobbies? Yes, I love to cycle – I used to road race in my youth and even raced against an old team member of the disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. I also am the proud sponsor of the team I ride for now (Graham Weigh Racing/Empeiria Training)
2. Do you follow any teams? I am a lifelong Newcastle United fan, and my favourite professional cycling team is Quickstep (also known as the Wolfpack)
3. Do you have a Favourite film or franchise of films? My favourite film is Leon, and my favourite film franchise is Star Wars
4. Do you have a dream holiday destination or favourite plan you’ve been? I do enjoy a little bit of travelling and suppose my favourite place I have been to was Oregon, USA (in particular Cannon Beach, where the Goonies was filmed)
5. Do you have favourite genre or band you enjoyed? I am a massive New Order fan however I am partial to all types of music (and a little secret, I currently love ‘Pink Pony Club’ but don’t tell anyone. I also adore Kylie Minogue).

Your 1st Enable questions

1. When did you join 1st Enable? I helped set up and invest in 1st Enable in 2012 with my wife (Sarah Dawson, who is a Learning Disability nurse) however I did not formally join until June 2016, almost 9 years ago now.
2. Why did you join 1st Enable? I wanted to come in and help drive growth in order to help support as many people as we could, whilst create jobs and protect our future.
3. What are the biggest challenges you face in your job? Great question! Keeping myself positive, even leaders need a pep talk from time to time and the industry is a very difficult place for everyone involved at the moment. The pressures of keeping everyone safe, providing jobs, and paying as much as we can whilst ensuring our work can continue is extremely rewarding but very hard, perhaps a little different to our super staff but no less any easier.
4. Why did you choose this industry? I believe it chose and is certainly not the work I had done previously being a board director in a couple of insurance companies- It has also tested my business acumen which is a personal objective for me to improve.
5. Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job? I hope so, but that is always for everyone else to judge! Sometimes it can be difficult to show people the difference we are making especially when everyone is feeling the pressure and working hard. The most rewarding part of the job however is when someone is enjoying themselves either as a supported person or a member of staff enjoying their work.

The better care fund

Over the next couple of years (2025 to 2026) the government is heading a new policy framework called Better Care Fund or BCF, the short is providing more closer home care, increasing the focus on prevention so that people are living healthier and more independent
lives and increasing the focus on prevention so that people are living healthier and more independent lives and harnessing digital technology to transform care.

They want to develop more grass roots care within local communities, building up people we care for to have more independent lives. Those with complex needs, they want to harness data and technology to provide more co-ordinate care and make quicker actions with more information. “For people with more complex health and care needs, this relies on having joined-up health and social care services that work to provide co-ordinated, person-centred care and support, drawing upon effective use of data and
technology.”

Furthermore, they will launch a new independent commission into adult social care as part of their plans to delivering the a “National Care Service.” This will be chaired by Baroness Louise
Casey and be reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

The Better Care Fund Objectives:

Objective 1: Reform to support the shift from sickness to prevention.

This objective will want to stop people complex health and care needs from escalating by having active and timely support to deal with their needs before it becomes more serious. The use of technology and data to help their needs and make adaptations where need be.

Objective 2: Reform to support people living independently and the shift from hospital to home.

This entails helping to prevent avoidable hospital visits to helping people be more safely and quicker discharges, providing care in the home. Leading a reduction on long-term residential or nursing home care.

Summary:

This will make profound impact hopeful on people lives and additional funding will help alleviate the strain on the care system. Leading to more cohesion schemes leading to “National Care Service” making a great step forward for all those who have care.

Staff Noticeboard: Helpful Tips & Important Information

Health and Safety:

Please stay up to date with your e-Learning. Completing your training ensures that both staff and residents are as prepared and protected as possible in any worst-case scenario. Your knowledge could make a vital difference.

Upcoming Training Courses:

At 1st Enable, we offer training opportunities that lead to valuable qualifications relevant to your role. Upcoming courses include First Aid, Epilepsy Awareness, and more. These are designed to build confidence and improve the care we provide. Keep an eye out for sign-up details and dates.

Refer a Friend Scheme:

We’re always looking for great people to join the team! If you refer a friend to 1st Enable and they successfully pass all the required checks, you’ll receive a £350 bonus as a thank-you. It’s a wonderful way to bring trusted people into our supportive community.

Medi-cash Health Plan Overview:

Medi-cash offers a health cash plan that provides financial support for everyday healthcare expenses, including dental treatments, optical care, physiotherapy, and more. This plan can be particularly beneficial for staff under the 1st Enable program, helping with various health-related issues.

Benefits may include coverage for dental check-ups, eye tests, prescribed spectacles, physiotherapy sessions, and mental health support services. Additionally, virtual GP consultations and access to wellness tools are often included.

We strongly encourage staff to explore this option and seek assistance from peers or managers if needed.

Cricket Day – July 2nd

The upcoming Cricket Day on July 2nd presents a wonderful opportunity for staff to engage with residents. To ensure a smooth experience, please communicate with your residents regarding their attendance, any allergies, and specific travel needs.

Transport arrangements are being provided, and we aim to accommodate all participants effectively. Please keep an eye out for further communications and emails with additional details.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Staff Stars!

We’re absolutely buzzing with pride as we celebrate some of the incredible achievements from our amazing team. These standout stars have gone above and beyond, and we just must give them the recognition they deserve!

Ethan – Absolutely smashing it! Ethan has earned not just one, but TWO distinctions in his current course! Your hard work and dedication are shining through, and we couldn’t be prouder. Way to go, Ethan!

Rachel – A huge round of applause for Rachel, who has just completed her Train the Trainer certification in delivering Buccal Midazolam. Your commitment to growth and safety is inspiring – what a fantastic achievement!

Chris (The Meadows) – A true powerhouse! Chris has just completed her Level 3 qualification, is already gearing up to take on her Level 5, and has been promoted to Service Manager! Your journey is a testament to determination and leadership. Massive well-done, Chris – you’re smashing it!

We see you. We celebrate you. We are constantly inspired by your passion, growth, and commitment to excellence. Keep shining, stars!
Staff Spotlight: Zussana & Poppy – Real-Life Heroes! We’re beaming with pride as we shine a well-deserved spotlight on two of our incredible team members – Zussana and Poppy from Morley!
We received a heartfelt call from Helen Wattson, a nurse with over 40 years of experience, who witnessed something truly remarkable yesterday while shopping at Helsby Tesco. Helen shared how she observed Zussana and Poppy calmly and professionally supporting
Joanne, a person we support, during a medical emergency involving seizures. Her words were full of praise and admiration – she said:
“They did everything right. They were clearly knowledgeable, calm, professional, and discreet. The way they accessed emergency services and provided support was exemplary.” Helen was so moved by their actions that she felt compelled to call and personally
commend them – and so do we!

Zussana and Poppy, your grace under pressure, expert handling of a demanding situation, and unwavering dedication truly embodies what outstanding care looks like. You turned a potentially frightening moment into a showcase of compassion, competence, and calm
leadership. We are so proud to have you both on the team. Thank you for being the shining example of what true support looks like.

Recipe Sharing Corner

Simple & Delicious Chicken Curry
Shared by a team member for this month’s newsletter!

I wanted to share a recipe I’ve been learning and loving recently. It’s a simple curry—easy to cook and wonderfully tasty. Perfect for a cosy night in or a quick family meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 onion thinly sliced.
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed.
• Thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated.
• 6 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• 3 tbsp medium spice paste (tikka works well)
• 400g can chopped tomatoes.
• 100g Greek yogurt
• 1 small bunch of coriander leaves, chopped.
• 50g ground almonds
• Naan breads or cooked basmati rice, to serve.

How to cook it

1. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole dish or large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and a generous pinch of salt. Fry for 8–10 minutes until golden brown
   and sticky.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
4. Chop the chicken into chunky 3cm pieces, add to the pan, and fry for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the spice paste and chopped tomatoes, then add 250ml water.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes until rich and slightly reduced.
7. Stir through the yogurt, coriander, and ground almonds.
8. Season to taste and serve with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice.

Service Spotlight: The Meadows

They have been open for roughly five years, offering their services to a wide variety of people, helping them lead more fulfilling lives.
The Skills is a service that provides daytime support from Monday to Friday. Its aim is to promote independence in all aspects of daily living. We also work closely with PWs (People We Support), helping them transition into the workplace. At Skills, we strive to help our PWS
achieve their goals, from cooking and travel training to much more.

Their one-to-one support offers a lot to residents, providing help across a wide range of activities—from cooking to rock climbing. They take pride in their work and are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people they support.

The resident genuinely enjoys participating in the various activities offered, finding joy and fulfilment in each experience. These moments not only bring happiness but also create wonderful memories that enrich their daily life. Through engaging in these activities, the resident builds meaningful connections and cherishes the special experiences that contribute to a vibrant and rewarding lifestyle.

Ask the Author

Hello Reader,
I am the new author of this newsletter, and this space is for little thoughts I’d like to share things that don’t always fit into a specific section or moment.

Today, I want to share something personal: my journey since joining 1st Enable. I started almost two months ago, and I was nervously eager to make a good impression and afraid of messing up. I quickly learned, though, that being open and honest goes a long way. I have met some amazing people who supported me and helped me feel like I belong.

I am sharing this because I know many people hold themselves back, afraid of being judged for being different. There is a quote from the film Coach Carter that really resonates with me: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful
beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. You’re playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

This reminds me how important it is to be ourselves. Holding back or hiding who we are doesn’t serve anyone. When we let ourselves shine, we inspire others to do the same. We are our strongest allies and sometimes, our harshest critics.

I felt all of this when I first visited 1st Enable’s head office. I built up reasons in my head for why I would fail, but those doubts became fuel to prove myself and grow. Even small moments can feel big, but caring for yourself and staying open makes all the difference.

Writing this newsletter gives me a chance to observe, learn, and see how people grow and support one another. It is a reminder that we all want to be seen, valued, and celebrated. Thanks for reading and do not forget to let your light shine.

P: s, please feel free to reach out with anything you feel should be in the newsletter.