Anchor Community Support, St Brandon’s House, 29 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5QT, Clifton (2025)

03/05/2024

Not having control over blood sugar levels is a dangerous state to be in. Post-meal blood sugar spikes bring along fatigue, thirst, nausea, and weight gain. So how do you avoid all that? What do you eat to stabilise the blood sugar level? Is it manageable during the 12-hour shift? 🕖

24/04/2024

Making a difference through care and support.

Anchor Community Support is a supported living services provider from Bristol. Our mission is to ensure that any person with a learning or physical disability, mental illness, or another kind of independence-limiting condition has access to a sustainable support system and lives their life to the fullest.

A key to accomplishing that mission is building a team of professionals who are eager to share their experience, knowledge, warmth, and kindness with the ones in need. By forging strong trust-based connections within the local community we all not only improve our lives today but also make vital steps to a better future.

A person-centred approach is a cornerstone for all the services we provide at Anchor Community Support. Whether it is 24-hour care, supported living, specialist care, or mental health and learning disabilities support, we make sure it works and is a perfect fit in each instance. No matter how much or how little help our service users require, their comfort, safety, and independence are among our most cherished values. 💎

Via this post and many upcoming ones, Anchor Community Support would like to spread awareness for the cause, empower people by sharing uplifting inspirational stories, and help build rewarding careers in the care industry.

🔔 Subscribe and stay tuned for amazing regular updates!

19/04/2024

As we head into the weekend, let's carry these tips. Anchor Community Support has gathered a few tips for you if you’ve experienced burnout. It’s time to do something about it!
5 tips that will help you fight off burnout.
🔺Take some time off
🔺Unplug at least for a couple of days
🔺Balance the workload
🔺Visit a doctor for a thorough checkup
🔺Remember the things that make you happy and practice them
If you have a burnout story you’d like to share, we’d love to hear it in our comment section! And don’t forget to tag a friend or a co-worker, who might need help dealing with burnout!

17/04/2024

Today we want to talk about an approach that has gained recognition over the recent years — Holistic Nursing Care.
There are dozens of definitions and explanations for this method all over the Internet, but we would like to keep it simple. Because if you can’t explain the most complicated concept in a few words, you don’t really understand it.
Holistic nursing care is based on the undeniable interrelation of the human body, mind, and spirit. This means that support is only effective if not just physical health is taken care of. Any person’s mind and soul require as much attention as their body.
Sounds promising, right? But how to apply this principle in real life when the support workers are loaded to the hilt, and it’s only 24 hours available each day to find work-life balance?
Here are ten simple tips to make your first steps in holistic nursing care.
🌱Aim for strong eye contact
🌱Don’t invade personal space without asking permission
🌱Strive for maximum comfort of each person you devote time to
🌱Help people see themselves as individuals with dignity that can’t be taken away. Preserve that dignity at all times
🌱A genuine smile or a laugh is one of the easiest ways to bond. Remember about appropriateness though
🌱Know and respect the person’s views and beliefs. 🌱Even if those are not the same as yours
🌱Ask the person you’re interacting with about their thoughts, feelings, and fears
🌱Offer to try out different methods for coping with distressing symptoms. It may be aromatherapy, music, massage/self-massage, etc.
🌱Educate people on the topic of self-care. Be ready to provide the person with easy-to-use techniques (e.g., art therapy, breathing exercises, sunbathing, etc.)
🌱Care!
We at Anchor Community Support believe that holistic nursing care and a person-centred approach lead to positive changes in people’s lives. It might not be the easiest way to pave, but it’s all worth it in the end!
Do you have a personal story of trying out holistic nursing care? We’d love to hear it! 💚

15/04/2024

Happy Monday! Who doesn’t love a moment of self-fulfillment every once in a while? Knowing that you are good at what you are doing and seeing that others appreciate your professionalism is so rewarding!
But what if you’ve just chosen to step on a new career path and don’t feel confident yet? Anchor Community Support is here to save the day!
Here are a few techniques that can help you become a better support worker, keep it neat, and fall in love with your work even harder.
🌱 Learn to listen
Support workers are there to provide support and gentle care, not to be patronising or judgemental. Active listening skills are very important to help you let go of the prejudice and biases we all have.
❓How to improve? Take every conversation as a chance to practice. Don’t interrupt. Wait for a natural pause to ask questions. Don’t guess if something is unclear, ask! Follow nonverbal cues (pose, tone, facial expressions, etc.). Provide feedback on what the person is saying.
🌱 Communication is not just words
How often did you say you were fine when, in reality, it was the opposite? People you’re working with might have special care needs, but they’re just like you, like any other person in your life. So try to communicate with them using not only words but gestures, looks, and actions.
❓How to improve? Take improv or yoga classes, learn sign language. Any activity that will help you be more in touch with your body will bring positive results.
🌱 Emotional intelligence is your best friend
Empathy is a keyword for any support worker. You’ll see it in every job description on any industry-related media resources. So working on your emotional intelligence and compassion is always a good idea.
❓How to improve? Cultivate curiosity by communicating with people outside of your social bubble. Try to walk in other person’s shoes by learning about their experiences and worries. Practice random acts of kindness on the regular basis.

12/04/2024

What a day in the life of a support worker looks like? We can show you better than we can tell you!
Every day is not like the other. But whether it’s a road trip to the zoo, a day of bowling with amazing people, a cozy Christmas party, or just an ordinary Tuesday, be sure it will be filled with smiles, joy, and support! 🙌

10/04/2024

📣Let’s talk about the benefits!
Everybody knows how important and noble the support worker’s job is. How people, who have decided to choose a career in the care industry change the community for the better. How it’s the most rewarding job ever….
While all of this is true, there’s one aspect that is often overlooked. A profession of a support worker brings tangible benefits along with emotional rewards and moral satisfaction from helping others.
🤓What are the benefits a support worker receives?
At Anchor Community Support we believe that it is only possible to serve the community to the fullest if the support worker is happy with the working environment and the fringe benefit.
Anchor Community Support offers:
▫️Competitive Rates
▫️Full Company Pension
▫️Full Holiday Pay
▫️Referral Bonuses
▫️Mileage Pay
▫️Improvement of the Qualification
мMentoring & Tutoring System
▫️Self-fulfillment & Acknowledgement
Don’t forget, all of this is also paired up with the ability to actually change people’s lives for the better and knowing that your work is valuable and appreciated!
Sounds like something you might be interested in? Subscribe to Anchor Community Support to receive information about the hottest openings plus more interesting and useful facts, tips, and tricks! 🔔

08/04/2024

Every single human being on this planet may benefit from practicing self-care more often. Creating nourishing mealtime rhythms is one of the ways to do that.
Follow five simple recommendations, and in a very short time, you’ll feel the difference. Your body and your mind will improve. At the end of the day, we are what we eat. don’t we?
🥑 Develop a routine
A support worker’s schedule can be chaotic. Yet, sooner or later, we all come to develop our own rhythm. Base your routine on that rhythm. Don’t have time for long breakfasts? Replace those with a quick cup of tea or a green smoothie. Tend to overeat in the evening? Take care of a healthy filling snack a couple of hours prior.
🥑 Have meals at the same time
Yes, we know that this one isn’t always possible. Things happen, urgent tasks appear from nowhere. Still, try to follow the routine when it’s possible and have the meals approximately at the same time. Your digestive system will be extremely happy.
🥑 Create a meal plan
Get more control over what you eat while simultaneously boosting mindfulness. The meal plan doesn’t have to be strict. Pick a theme for every day of the week and improvise according to it. Monday can be “fish night,” and Saturday — “pizza night”. Choose whichever food theme you’ll like!
🥑 Enjoy pleasurable food
Sure, some restrictions are necessary to keep us healthy. However, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to eat nothing but grilled chicken breasts and plain salad for the rest of your life. Use spices, search for interesting recipes, and try those out, explore other cuisines.
🥑 Try batch cooking
Sounds like a burden? Actually, it’s quite the opposite! By practicing batch cooking, you not only set aside some time for yourself but also invest in your physical and psychological health. Think about the foods you like and cook some mix-and-match dishes that will be nourishing and enjoyable. It’s a win-win approach!
Do you have any tips that help you with the mealtime rhythms? Share those in the comments!

05/04/2024

Did you know that an estimated 875,000 people in the UK suffer from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety? Or that Human health and Social work is the second most stressful industry there is (right after Public administration and defence)?
No wonder the topic of building emotional resilience is something any person willing to participate in social work activities might be interested in!
So, instead of dull, unintelligible explanations of why one should care about emotional resilience, Anchor Community Support is here to give you some easy practical tips that will make it easier!
And if you have some unique techniques that help you manage stress and anxiety, share those in the comment section!

01/04/2024

May this April be a month filled with joy, laughter, and moments of profound beauty. May we find inspiration in the simple pleasures of life and revel in the magic of the present moment. Here's to embracing the gift of each new day and savoring the journey every step of the way. Happy New Month to you all

27/03/2024

Do you know how to relax on holidays? And before you start wondering what kind of question is that, think about how often you’ve returned to work feeling already tired or lacking motivation.
Not being able to relax and enjoy free time is much more common than you think. And the bad news is stress tends to mount up and lead to burnout. So if you ignore your physical and mental needs for long enough there may come a time when you, as a support worker, won’t be able to help other people.
But don’t worry! Anchor Community Support got your back! Here are five great tips for support workers during the holidays that will help you stay happy, healthy, and full of energy!
🥦Practice unplugging. In 2024 we’re starting to forget that tech-free entertainment even exists. Try to unplug and disconnect from technology for a couple of days. It will help you enjoy simple things like reading a favorite book, cooking a new fantastic recipe, or hiking with friends in a mindful way.
🥦Go easy on time management. If you’re a support worker, your schedule might be pretty tight, and you’ve probably already become a pro at time management. While this habit is essential at work, during holidays you should do exactly the opposite. Remember, it’s your free time, and only you can decide what to do with it.
🥦Master the art of leisure. Are you one of the people who get mad at themselves for not being productive? Holidays are a perfect time to end that! Take your time and appreciate some leisure activities that don’t have to be “productive” or “useful”. Drawing, dancing, crafts, cosplaying, going to a concert or to a theatre… The options are nearly endless!
🥦Be active. We all know how important physical activity is. Yet, during the holidays, many of us choose the couch potato lifestyle. How about changing that and treating yourself with some kind of activity you’ll love?
🥦Shake it up! Drastically changing up the routine is often the best way to rest and feel joy again. Try doing something you’re not quite used to. It may do wonders!

25/03/2024

When it comes to exercising during lunch break the motto “Workout smarter not harder” should become your best friend.
Here are a few easy tips that will help you workout and have time to eat during an hour-long lunch break.
If you prefer working out at the gym 🏋️‍♂️
▫️Find a gym nearby. Needing less time to get there means more time to exercise.
▫️Pack a gym bag a day before. Make sure you have everything packed. Clothes, shower supplies, towels, etc.
▫️Choose cardio or exercises that require minimum preparation. Opt for a workout that doesn’t make you waste time on machines/eqipment set up.
▫️Try short guided workouts with an instructor. This is a perfect solution to spend your time with maximum efficiency. Group session is a great option as well.
▫️Get used to quick post-workout showers. Lunch break isn’t a time to relax. Save time and water, shower faster.
▫️Select healthy on-the-go snacks. Smoothies, protein bars, trail mix, fruits, and other healthy portable snacks will help you stay full and energetic.
👨‍💼If you want to work out at the office
▫️Try short yoga sessions you can do with no equipment. Just bring a yoga mat in advance.
▫️Speed walk around the neighborhood. No money or equipment needed. A great cardio workout in the middle of the day!
▫️Opt for bodyweight exercises (planks, push-ups, squats, burpees, etc). Those are pretty effective to build strength and stamina.
▫️Don’t neglect stretching. Even at your desk! An hour of stretching can burn up to 300 calories! Your muscles will enjoy it, we promise!
▫️Engage your co-workers. It’s always more fun and motivational when you excersise with your mates!
▫️Consider bike rides. Using bike for your comute and as a working out tool during the lunch break is an investment in the cardiovascular health and improving ecology.

22/03/2024

Who said meditation is only for yoga enthusiasts or people who have years of experience in secret spiritual practices? In reality, meditation is a great practical tool that can help with relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. 🧘‍♀️
Knowing how to let go of accumulated psychological tension is a vital skill for any support worker willing to build a sustainable career and live a happy and healthy life. 💮 Check a simple guide Anchor Community Support has prepared for you and learn firsthand that meditation is something anybody can enjoy and benefit from!
Follow Anchor Community Support for more useful tips and tricks like this!🌱

20/03/2024

Not having control over blood sugar levels is a dangerous state to be in. Post-meal blood sugar spikes bring along fatigue, thirst, nausea, and weight gain. So how do you avoid all that? What do you eat to stabilise the blood sugar level? Is it manageable during the 12-hour shift? 🕖

11/03/2024

As uplifting and rewarding as a
support worker's job is, sometimes it can get
overwhelming and burdensome. And the first year can
be especially tough as the rookies don’t have that
much experience, think of every mistake as fatal, and
oftentimes feel anxious.
Does it mean one shouldn’t consider building a career
as a support worker? Not at all! Just follow advice from Anchor Support
Community’s experts. It ain’t a magic pill, but it will
help you feel more confident and find that rhythm
faster during the first year! ✨

08/03/2024

Some perceive a support worker’s job as one without career opportunities. Yet, in reality, it’s the opposite! And becoming a senior support worker is one of the first steps on a long and successful career path. 🙌
Today we will discuss simple ways to boost your career growth and get a promotion in the care industry.
👀Get seen
Being humble is great, but there’s nothing wrong with being in the spotlight every once in a while. Create monthly reports with the information regarding your status and progress and show those to the manager. Proactivity will earn you bonus points. Think about the pending tasks that are not assigned to a specific person. Take the lead, get the job done. And you will be noticed!
▫️Take responsibility
▫️Show initiative
▫️Don’t be scared to let the manager know about your achievements
👩‍🔧 Put in work
The thing about getting promoted in the care industry is that once you’ve got a new position, the mental load and the number of responsibilities grow exponentially. So to become a senior support worker, you must show you’re ready to rise to the challenge.
▫️Don’t be afraid to take on new duties
▫️Recognise and correct your mistakes
▫️Stay persistent
👥 Be a part of the team
Any job in the care industry is about support, standing by each other, solidarity, and improving people’s lives. Support workers are no exception. Being a team player and thinking about your actions influencing your mates is a great characteristic to have if you want to get a promotion. Good leaders genuinely care about the team.
▫️Share company values
▫️Always choose what’s best for the team
▫️Help others if you can
🌈 Improve
Every professional has room for improvement and new skills to pick up. Use every opportunity to learn something new and be a better support worker than yesterday. Self-improvement doesn’t have to be only about expensive courses. Show your willingness to grow, ask questions, and try out new techniques. It will pay off!
▫️Learn new skills
▫️Find a mentor
▫️Listen to the advice of more experienced colleagues

04/03/2024

Inspiring others to be a better version of themselves is integral to the support worker’s job. Equally as important as providing supported living services. By encouraging and bringing hope to people who suffer from all kinds of life-limiting conditions, support workers help them live lives to the fullest and enjoy independence and self-growth. 🤍
Yet, stimulating others to take the right path and practice self-care is never easy. There even might be times when you, as a support worker, will be ready to sink into despair and stop trying. Don’t! You can do it and change people’s lives for the better! And if you ever need some practical tips that will help you along the way, check out the infographics by Anchor Community Support!

01/03/2024

Who doesn’t love a moment of self-fulfillment every once in a while? Knowing that you are good at what you are doing and seeing that others appreciate your professionalism is so rewarding!
But what if you’ve just chosen to step on a new career path and don’t feel confident yet?
In this new month, Anchor Community Support is here to save the day!
Here are a few techniques that can help you become a better support worker, keep it neat, and fall in love with your work even harder.
🌱 Learn to listen
Support workers are there to provide support and gentle care, not to be patronising or judgemental. Active listening skills are very important to help you let go of the prejudice and biases we all have.
❓How to improve? Take every conversation as a chance to practice. Don’t interrupt. Wait for a natural pause to ask questions. Don’t guess if something is unclear, ask! Follow nonverbal cues (pose, tone, facial expressions, etc.). Provide feedback on what the person is saying.
🌱 Communication is not just words
How often did you say you were fine when, in reality, it was the opposite? People you’re working with might have special care needs, but they’re just like you, like any other person in your life. So try to communicate with them using not only words but gestures, looks, and actions.
❓How to improve? Take improv or yoga classes, learn sign language. Any activity that will help you be more in touch with your body will bring positive results.
🌱 Emotional intelligence is your best friend
Empathy is a keyword for any support worker. You’ll see it in every job description on any industry-related media resources. So working on your emotional intelligence and compassion is always a good idea.
❓How to improve? Cultivate curiosity by communicating with people outside of your social bubble. Try to walk in other person’s shoes by learning about their experiences and worries. Practice random acts of kindness on the regular basis.

Anchor Community Support