A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to MioCare’s Annual General Meeting last week.

Alongside colleagues and Board Members from across the Group, we welcomed people we support, and guests working within Oldham’s health and social care system.

It was great to reflect on the 12+ months just gone, and launch our latest Annual Review that covers the financial year April 2023 – March 2024.

MioCare’s Interim Chair, Cathy Butterworth, opened the meeting with a recorded message of thanks before handing over to our Managing Director, Rob Jackson, who spoke about some recent highlights, including…

  • Celebrating a decade of care and support in 2023
  • An updated Autism Accreditation with National Autism Society
  • The rollout of numerous surveys and the feedback we received from them, including a touching compliment from an A&E staff nurse about a MioCare Community Support Worker, Karen, who provided exceptional care and support to a Supported Living resident, going above and beyond in every way possible

He also touched upon the state of the social care nationally, giving an overview of key challenges the sector faces going forward, and how they affect us locally.

Rob was also keen to pay tribute to our brilliant workforce, and also the organisations that support us (including the National Care Forum) and regulate our services (including the Care Quality Commission).

MioCare’s Head of Finance, Owen Sherborne, gave an overview of our current financial position, detailing how money has been spent over the last year. The numbers he presented can be found in our Annual Review, linked above. He also introduced Elizabeth and Elyse from Saffery, who have just completed a full audit of the organisation. We’d like to place on record our gratitude to them, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

Crucially, we wanted to hear from people we support and learn about their recent experience with MioCare.

Sam and her Shared Lives Carer, Miriam, shared stories of recent adventure and community activity, and how the Shared Lives Oldham staff team have continued to support them. In fact, they’ve been part of the scheme and in a long-term match for well over a decade now!

A few words from Miriam…

"Sam continues to attend social clubs and events with me, but also independently, which is really important to her. She’s been able to maintain established friendships through organisations like OPAL (Oldham Personal Advocacy Limited), and has the opportunity to meet new people too. For example, I introduced Sam to the Filipino choir I’m part of, and she enjoys attending our concerts. Sam was born with Bilateral Anophthalmia and while she can’t see us, she certainly loves the sound of our singing…even if it does occasionally send her to sleep!"

Sam and Miriam then handed over to Gladys and Julie. This mother and daughter wanted to give their view on our Extra Care delivery, and they both showered praise on the team at Charles Morris House. Some feedback from Gladys…

"I’ve just had a hip replacement, and the care I’ve received has really helped me in my recovery. They’ve gone above and beyond and have been so supportive as my personal care needs change. I was nervous about having a bath with some assistance, but I needn’t have been. They put me at ease and made sure I was comfortable. It’s like a family, and I’m so grateful for them and everyone at Charles Morris House…I won’t be going anywhere!"

Before closing the meeting, Rob introduced our guest speaker Mike Barker (Deputy Chief Executive, Oldham Council). Mike spoke about Oldham’s changing population, and the demand on health and social care services in the borough. There are various reasons for that demand, but it means looking at the future and our collective direction, through a different lens...

"Part of shaping Oldham’s future is through partners like MioCare – an organisation with a vital role to play, and one that does things *with* people rather than *to* them."

With that, a quick reminder of our #FutureFocus strategy for 2024-2027 which details MioCare's mission, values and goals.

#MadeInOldham