Prosperity Care and Wellbeing is a new support and care provider, based in Cheltenham.
As a result of COVID 19, care businesses were struggling to meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. Prosperity Care and Wellbeing was launched in the midst of the global pandemic to be there for the people that needed it, at a time when the care sector was facing unprecedented challenges.
For many businesses, the pandemic has caused issue around resource and there is still a great pressure to recruit a community of carers to meet the demands of local people with care needs. However, we recognised that dedicated leaders of care services and unsung keyworkers did what they do best, rolled up their sleeves and with true grit and determination found ways to keep people safe and make life as comfortable as possible for the people in their care.
We witnessed a changing tide, of organisations coming together to find innovative ways of working to fight the pandemic head on. Our lightbulb moment came very early on and we pledged to work in alliance with other providers, thinking outside of the confinements of our newly established organisation, to provide a fully inclusive care and wellbeing service, which is accessible to all people, regardless of age or abilities.
Within our first 12 months, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing organised and provided a programme of free events, aimed to lift the spirits of anyone effected by the pandemic, by building an army of “wellbeing warriors”. We have worked in collaboration with a range of people who use care services and industry experts to provide services and events to promote both physical and mental wellbeing.
In July 2021 as lockdown restrictions started to ease, we launched our free “Groove in the park” event under the canopy of Cheltenham pump rooms. The aim of the event was to unite everyone (whilst following social distancing guidelines), in a simple movement or rhythm and to dance like no one was watching. It was the perfect recipe to nurture the body, mind, heart, and soul whilst in the beautiful surroundings of Pittville Park. The event attracted people from far and wide and the ‘groovers’ included a range of people from 8 years old to 80 and many smiles were exchanged, the mark of a successful celebration of everything that makes us human – social interaction.
In other news
Prosperity Care and Wellbeing is pleased to support local businesses to break down the barriers often faced by people with a disability. Cheltenham based product design agency Duku, are working on a project to improve the knowledge and accessibility of existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The project, led by smart city consultancy, Urban Foresight, and funded by Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland, is developing a range of products that will make charging an electric vehicle easier and quicker for many people, such as those with arthritis, wheelchair users or people who have suffered an acquired brain injury.
On the 21st September, Duku will be testing 3 prototypes in a live trial at their design centre in Cheltenham. The aim of the trial is to put the prototypes through their paces and the results will be used to develop products to make it easier for people with additional needs to access electric vehicles. Prosperity Care and Wellbeing will provide a care and support service for anyone who requires a helping hand on the day, to enable a range of individuals to actively participate in the development of innovative technology.
To celebrate the importance of the trial, Duku are thanking participants by providing refreshments and the opportunity to talk about the development with the lead product designer and to learn about the social and environmental impact that their products will have on the electric car market.
Looking after our key workers
In October 2021, we will be hosting a holistic wellbeing event “Stress Less”. This free event is aimed at providing key workers, care professionals, members of the public and people who use care services, with an afternoon of practical workshops to reduce stress and help build a ‘resilience toolbox’.
A range of wellbeing experts and guest speakers will demonstrate methods to reduce the impact that stress has on the physical body and mental wellbeing, providing techniques to care for ourselves to enable us to care for others.
Collaborative workshops will include an introduction to mindfulness, delivered by Psychotherapist, Lyndsey Wellington from Gloucester Mindfulness and Counselling Service, as well as mental health experts who will explain the benefits of therapies.
Stress Less’ is designed to provide attendees with knowledge and training as well as providing an open forum for the sharing of best practices and celebrating how the care sector has pulled together to honour and protect the wellbeing of the work force as well as the people they support.
In the 12 months that Prosperity Care and Wellbeing has been operating, we have embraced the opportunities to work in collaboration with the wider community and feel a great sense of social responsibility to offer our services and events to anyone who needs support with their wellbeing, and we would love for this to continue.
We have had a successful first year and to finish it off, we have been announced as finalists for the ‘Start up business of 2021’ award at the Gloucestershire Live Awards.
“To be recognised in this way, in a year with a record number of entries, and one of the most challenging business periods in living history – is an astounding testament to our team. They fully deserve this award after the level of dedication they have poured into their new roles and this new business.” Colin Beard, Managing Director, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing Ltd.
