Coronavirus update

Coronavirus update

Coronavirus (COVID-19) bulletin

Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

OPAL Services would like all members and volunteers to know that we are monitoring developments in Coronavirus (COVID-19) very closely and will issue news updates as the situation changes. For the moment we will continue to observe safe hygiene practices and encourage all others in our OPAL services and settings to do the same. 

We do not expect people (staff, volunteers or members) to attend our services if they have heavy colds or flu-like symptoms. If you have concerns, we would encourage you to talk to your Organiser as soon as possible. We will remain alert to new advice and information we receive and will communicate it as necessary.

The following is an extract from advice given by the UK Government, Public Heath England. The full guidance can be obtained from the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-social-or-community-care-and-residential-settings-on-covid-19/guidance-for-social-or-community-care-and-residential-settings-on-covid-19#preventing-the-spread-of-infection

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. There are general principles anyone can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• washing your hands often – with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if handwashing facilities are not available – this is particularly important after taking public transport. Guidance is available on hand washing
• covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in a bin. See Catch It, Bin It, Kill It
• people who feel unwell should stay at home and should not attend work
• employees should wash their hands:
  • before leaving home
  • on arrival at work
  • after using the toilet
  • after breaks and sporting activities
  • before food preparation
  • before eating any food, including snacks
  • before leaving work
  • on arrival at home
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• if staff are worried about their symptoms or those of a family member or colleague, please call NHS 111. They should not go to their GP or other healthcare environment

OPAL Newsletter – Winter 2020

To read all the latest news at OPAL click on the link to download our latest newsletter.

Grand Christmas Draw

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets for our 2019 Grand Christmas Draw. You have helped us raise an amazing £3,666 towards the running of OPAL services.

The draw was made at the Malpas Club Christmas party and all the winners have been notified.

We would also like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who donated prizes and made this such a success.

Annual General Meeting 2019

Notice is hereby given that the 8th Annual General Meeting

will be held on November 13^th 2019 at 6.00 pm at

Cheshire View, Plough Lane, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7PT

Light refreshment will be available at 6.45 pm. The event will conclude around 8.30 pm after a stimulating contribution from Tom and Kathy Barham who have developed an approach known as the ‘Book of You’ which very recently featured on Radio 4 Woman`s Hour. They are happy to share with us all some of the exciting work they are undertaking in Wales involving older people and the people who support them.  

All members of the public, including our members, volunteers and service users are welcome to attend our AGM.

In order for us to make appropriate catering arrangements please let us know if you will be at the AGM and following event . RSVP by 8^th November to Victoria Ridgway v.ridgway@chester.ac.uk or jane.colville@opalservices.org.uk or your local Organiser 

Ladies Fundraising Fashion Show Friday 25th October

Chameleon Style is to present a Ladies Fashion Show in aid of OPAL services, with clothing, jewellery and accessories from £6 to £40. The Fashion Show will take place on Friday 25th October at the Barbour Institute in Tattenhall. Doors open at 7.30 and the show starts at 8pm. All are welcome. Tickets are £5 each and are available from jane.colville@opalservices.org.uk

June Lottery Draw

The Lottery Draw for the month of June took place on 27th June 2019.

The lucky draw winners are:

1^st – £125 – No 448 – Helen Whittle

2^nd– £80 – No 304 – Karen Kinsey

3^rd– £40 – No 457– Kelsall OPAL Club

Congratulations to our winners.

May Lottery Draw

The Lottery Draw for the month of May took place on 6th June 2019.

The lucky draw winners are:

1^st – £125 – No 382 – Ilene Hoyle

2^nd– £80 – No 300 – Malpas OPAL Club

3^rd– £40 – No 446 – Linda Middleton

Congratulations to our winners and Good Luck to all entrants in the next draw.

Don’t forget that you can still participate in the lottery by purchasing tickets for the next 2 draws at a cost of £2 only. For further details or to purchase tickets please email: lottery@opalservices.org.uk

Invitation to afternoon tea for carers

Carers week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. 

We at Rural Community Services (West Cheshire), OPAL Breaktime and Carers Connect Services invite carers to an afternoon tea to celebrate the contribution you make.

to be held at:

The Plough Inn, Plough Lane, Christleton, CH3 7PT on Thursday 13^th June 2019 from  1.45pm –  4pm

Please RSVP to Jean Toyn Tel: 07923 425 239

Trustee Skillshare runner-up Award for Jane Colville

Another Skillshare runner-up award was announced today, this time for our OPAL Services Chair, Jane Colville.

Jane works incredibly hard for OPAL Services and is thoroughly deserving of this recognition, if she’s not applying for funding, running Trustee meetings or giving staff much valued advice, she’s on the front line, volunteering at one of our services.

Warmest congratulations to Jane for her brilliant and highly valued work with  Opal Services 

Skillshare runner-up award for Ceri George

We are thrilled to announce that our Skillshare partner, Ceri George has received the ‘Skillshare Runner Up’ Award, awarded by Cheshire West Voluntary Action.

Through Skillshare, Ceri was approached to support OPAL Services in a major initiative, to led us through an exercise that included re-branding along with the consolidation of statements about our key messages, our values and how we are perceived. For us this was a massive undertaking and as we lacked the in house expertise and experience, we looked to Skillshare for help.

Ceri George took control with confidence, enthusiasm, flair, and more than anything, competence.

Once we agreed on the need to develop our brand Ceri worked with us through a process and brought design ideas to fruition, guiding us  in how to present our ‘new look’. She compiled  an informative guide on language, colour fonts and how and when to use our logo. She also helped with a photography brief that is in line with our aspirations.   

Ceri has shown how she leads from the front whilst maintaining our motivation and enthusiasm, in what has been quite a complex process for us. Without her expertise and assistance we would not have completed the process.

Not only has she shown incredible generosity in giving us so much of her valuable time,  but she has also shown enormous dedication and produced inspirational creative work that we, as an organisation, are proud to showcase.

The nomination for Ceri was unanimous throughout our trustee and staff group, which just goes to show how highly Ceri’s work is regarded across OPAL.

Thank you Ceri, we really do value all that you have, and continue to do for us.