As a residential service, meeting the nutritional needs of participants is hugely important – which is why Reconnections’ Catering Manager Wendy Leck has a key role to play at ground-breaking neurorehabilitation centre.
Wendy joined Reconnections in November 2021 and overseas the centre’s entire catering operation. She is part of a close-knit team which includes Neuro Occupational Therapists, Neuro Physiotherapists, Neuro Speech and Language Therapists, Neuro Psychologists, Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners, Rehabilitation Coaches and Centre Support Workers. The team works collaboratively to deliver individual plans for participants on their rehabilitation journey.
“I work closely with our participants to meet their dietary requirements and nutritional needs,” explains Wendy. “It’s important to learn their likes and dislikes so I can devise a healthy, nutritious menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
At Reconnections the approach is on maximising a participant’s physical and cognitive potential while improving their daily living skills and independence. At meal times, the focus is very much on social interaction.
“I enjoy working with participants who are relearning how to cook,” says Wendy. “We go through recipes, compile shopping lists and go to buy the ingredients. It’s all about learning through doing.”
Wendy works closely with Reconnections’ clinical team to help participants to achieve their cooking goals – including a regular Cooking with Wendy session as part of the centre’s overall programme. She also strives to deliver an enjoyable, homely environment in the kitchen and dining room that inspires and supports people to become the best they can be.
“I am there to support all our participants but it’s a great feeling when they don’t need me anymore and can prepare their own meals,” she adds. “I’m inspired by our participants every single day.”
Asked to explain what Reconnections means to her, Wendy says the centre is a “truly special place”.
“We bring together the beauty and benefits of the great outdoors with the very best in person-centred care – and the food is great too!” she concludes.
For further information on Reconnections, or to make a referral, please go to www.calvertreconnections.org.uk
