In the last few months, we have been inviting our members and wider network to share examples of great and inspiring customer service against the odds. Osborne Property Services has submitted a collection of inspiring stories showcasing these examples of really going above and beyond or of service being delivered differently.
Should you wish to submit your inspiring story, you can do so here.
Your Purpose
“At Osborne we deliver services to Social Housing residents. We are committed to delivering social value in the local communities we work. Through building relationships, we look at how we can support beyond our service.
We first got to know Eleanor as she led a local group for disabled people which we were really pleased to be a part of. However, Covid hit and the impact across the community and to Eleanor has been impactful.
How has Life During Covid been for You? I do not think I am much worse off than many others but I was faced with three different issues.
During this period my husband died, he was diagnosed with cancer and I cared for him at home “End of Life Care”. This I did day in and day out for a month with the help of my daughter, son in law and a private nurse. I cannot praise the NHS enough, for they provided everything to convert our lounge into a hospital room.
The second sadness I experienced was having to close my place of work in March. I miss my work as I care for a large group of disabled people. My usual work involves me being with them daily. I feel frustrated I cannot give them the support face-to- face which is how they best flourish.
The third disadvantage was the current virus. Attempting to cope with all the instructions has been somewhat difficult, as like everyone else, confusion rules.
How have I coped? During the good weather, as well as working from home, I worked in by lovely garden. Attempting jobs that, had my husband been alive, he would have carried out. I have had to learn many new skills and now it’s back up to its high standard!.
One shocking thing I did discover, for the first time in my life, I HAD LIMITATIONS. UP UNTIL THEN I THOUGHT I COULD DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING. How quickly I learned just how vulnerable I had become over a few months.
Osborne: We were keen to reignite Eleanor’s fantastic ability to connect with people and asked her to join us as a speaker on our Personal Development for Employment. Using zoom, we connected Eleanor to our virtual classroom where she inspired others with her story. Eleanor has a purpose, a reason to be connected – she is positively influencing our learners.”
Virtual Vitality
“We work within Social Housing and are committed to supporting our residents within our local communities through investing time and engagement.
Social value is more important than ever as we look at the impact of Covid-19. Priorities are shifting within communities as unemployment rises and career pathways clouded.
With great agility and pace, we have been able to adapt our ‘Personnel Development for Employment’ course so its online. The course duration is four weeks in length where learners log-on to our virtual interactive classroom environment. Technology has enabled us to easily interact, listen to others views and opinions as well as to share experiences, to further enhance individual development. One true advantage with using Zoom is being able to connect in person – this interaction has proved invaluable during the national lock down with one particular individual who was previously house bound, now has the confidence to venture out for a walk, looking after his wellbeing.
We are delighted to have secured two learners into volunteering placements, we have supported two further learners with interviews and for one individual, he has gained the confidence to leave his house for the first time in a very long time.
Below are a few testimonials from some of the learners that attended:
‘Very thorough and enlightening to sharpen every learning skill required for future employment; well-coached encouragement fulfilled every single aspect of applying for a job – envisaging and being ready for interview and feel 100% capable for being in post!’.
‘My confidence improved day by day as I began to apply what I was learning to pursue the best ways forward for the employment and volunteering opportunities I am aiming for’.
‘Exceeded my expectations – had a bit of everything which other courses have remained very work orientated. It was actually great over zoom worked very well a first for me. Excellent mentoring and interaction with colleagues on course’.”
– Jo Fletcher, Osborne Property Services
Should you wish to submit your inspiring story, you can do so here.
