Our Blog
Fuel your curiosity and expand your knowledge with a new industry topic explored every month!
Job Applications: Crafting an Effective Cover Letter
“Please submit your CV and Cover Letter.” You already have a glowing CV; perhaps you even followed our top tips (you can find the blog here if you haven’t already). But now you have to write a cover letter?! Applications can be a lengthy process; trust us, we know! The good news is you
Cooler Care: Ensuring the Best Care in the Colder Months!
The countdown is on for the end of the winter, but we suspect it won’t be leaving us without a fight. If you’ve yet to retrieve your winter coat from storage, now is undoubtedly the time! While the colder months present challenges for everyone, they notably pose heightened health risks for the elderly and vulnerable
Dream Big, Sleep Well: Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits in 2024
Happy 2024! This last month for many of us has been a busy one, full of preparation, celebration and late nights! It can be easy to neglect our sleep at this time with the late nights celebrating and waiting until midnight to welcome the new year. As the new year begins, it’s an opportunity for
Happy New Year: Our Recap of 2023!
2024 starts next week! We still can’t quite wrap our heads around how fast this year has gone; so much has happened! Have you made a New Year’s resolution yet? I know we have. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s reflect on everything we’ve been up to this year! We Turned 5!
A Green Christmas: Reducing Our Festive Carbon Footprint
As the festive season approaches, the scent of pine and the glow of twinkling lights fill the air. It’s a time of joy, giving, and celebration, but have you ever considered the environmental impact of your Christmas traditions? In this blog, we’ll explore how you can be more green, making eco-friendly choices during this magical
Christmas and Care: Staffing During the Festive Period
Christmas is a busy time for many of us. It marks a time to come together and celebrate the festivities as well as welcome in a new year. We all know healthcare never stops, and this particularly applies during this time of year. There is always a need for medical assistance, which increases during this
Coping with Grief: Advice and Support During the Festive Season
As December arrives, our towns and cities glow with festive lights, and joyful songs fill the air. However, not everyone shares in this merriment. For some, the festive season serves as a painful reminder of those who can’t join the celebration. This week marks National Grief Awareness Week, so amidst the festivity, let’s take this
Christmas Crafts: DIY Festive Gift Ideas
We’ve previously explored how creativity can positively impact the well-being of residents. And what better time to be inspired than during the festive season? Crafting gifts, made with love, not only offers a joyful way to spend your time but also holds sentimental value for the recipients. That’s why, with December around the corner, we’ve
Job Application: Our Interview Tips for Success
Picture this: You have just received an email confirming that you have reached the interview stage. You are so excited; you are one step closer to your perfect role, and this is your chance to prove yourself! As you sit down, the nerves begin to settle in… what now? Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS! Only 2% of
Beat the Blues: Self Care Tips for Winter
The season of festivity, cosy nights in, and hot drinks is upon us, but as the days shorten and the temperature drops, you might find your mood does the same. For many of us, understandably, the cold and dark months can take a toll on our mental well-being. In some cases, this can lead to
Balancing Health and Convenience: Are All Processed Foods Bad?
There has been a lot of talk lately around processed foods amid growing concerns regarding their effects on our health. Processed and ultra-processed foods are everywhere! They already make up half of our dietary intake. Why? Because they are convenient, last longer and usually involve significantly less preparation. Particularly for shift workers and people with
Looking For Work? Your Questions Answered!
Why should I work for you? Enjoy regular shifts and competitive pay, around a schedule which works for you. With us, you are not just another care worker. We make a point of processing all our applications over the phone, so we get to know you! How can I apply? You can apply through
Trick or Treat? Could Temporary Recruitment Be Right For You!
Trick or Treat? Joining a recruitment agency can come with many benefits and challenges. In the spirit of Halloween, let us explore the mysterious world of temporary recruitment and show you that it’s not as scary as you might think! The Fears VS The Reality “The Dreaded Zero-Hour Contract” Depending
Dyslexia in Healthcare: How Can People Be Better Supported?
Dyslexia is a learning disability which primarily affects the individual’s ability to read and spell. It does not affect someone’s intelligence, although, it can cause challenges when it comes to communication, which can lead to misunderstanding from others. Here are some challenges taken from a study which explored the first-hand experiences of dyslexia: Writing
Social Media and Mental Health: What are the Benefits and Challenges?
The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day, this is all about raising awareness to ensure positive change for everyone’s mental health. It is well-established that communication is key when it comes to better mental health, but does this apply online? Social media is a primary form of online communication, encouraging the sharing of
Black History Month: Celebrating 5 Remarkable Women
It is Black History Month! History is full of the experiences of those who have achieved and made mistakes. It is a resource to reflect on the remarkable people who shaped the society we live in today. Unfortunately, the reel of history is long and not untarnished. Without people’s efforts to restore it, the actions
Well-being Through Creativity: The Benefits of Art in the Care Home
Art can come in many forms: music, theatre, poetry, and, of course, paintings and drawings that might first come to mind. It is a way for us to express ourselves and appreciate the creativity of others. Whether you are the artist or the audience, studies show that art can promote better health and psychological well-being!
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a cause of dementia accounting for up to 80% of cases, it is a degenerative disease of the brain, meaning over time symptoms worsen, with many eventually needing round-the-clock care and support. The disease mainly affects the older population; however, scientists have found Alzheimer’s likely starts many years before the symptoms, which
MGH Turns 5! Welcoming a New Chapter
Happy birthday to us! Today, we raise our glasses to commemorate 5 incredible years of delivering top-notch service to our community. What a journey it has been! From our roots in Birmingham, we have spread our branches far and wide, with our now thriving MGH community of care workers spanning several locations in the UK!
Could Recruitment Be For You? An Interview with Our Recruitment Consultants
Have you ever considered a career in recruitment? What even makes a good recruiter? In this week’s blog, we asked our consultants Salim and Liam for their thoughts: What are your responsibilities? “My typical daily responsibilities involve sourcing and managing shifts. This involves finding and allocating shifts to staff and ensuring those working are
Love in the Workplace: Is it a Good Idea to Work With Your Partner?
Would you work with your partner? It is not uncommon for our healthcare workers to be from the same household but is this a good idea? In this week’s blog, we delve deeper into this topic. What Are the Benefits? Reduced Travel Costs A significant advantage we’ve discovered is related to travel arrangements.
Safety in the Sun: The Benefits, Risks, and Precautions to Take.
There are many benefits of sun exposure. It influences our internal body clock (circadian rhythm) which regulates our sleeping patterns and hormone levels. It is also a large source of vitamin D which supports and regulated immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity. Too little sunlight can negatively impact us, one study even suggests
Weekly vs Monthly Pay: Which Would You Prefer?
Offered in a range of ways – weekly, monthly, and sometimes biweekly – when we get paid can have a big impact on our finances and spending. This week, we explore this further, looking at the difference between weekly and monthly pay. The Pros and Cons of Monthly Payments Pros: Consistency! Some people
Work-Life Balance as a Shift Worker: Tips and Opportunities
We all have our roles to play both inside and outside of work. You could be a registered nurse at work and a mother at home. Each role is valid and can take up a lot of our energy, so it is important to find a work-life balance. As attitudes towards work continue to change,
Work Experience: Enzo Chesseu Nya
We recently had Enzo join us in the office for his placement week. Read about his experience below: How did you find your work experience with us? “Having partaken in work experience, at Mere Green Healthcare. I’ve been able to participate in a variety of activities here, which has helped me comprehend the business’s
Transforming Lives: The Key Qualities of a Care Worker
From disability and illness to injury. There are many reasons someone may need to look to external help to live their life to the fullest. This is where care workers come in! As a care worker, you may be responsible for anything from personal care and household tasks to aiding in social activities. You are
Good Care Month: Why is Health and Social Care so Important?
In the health and social care industry, there is an increased demand for staff recruitment and retention due to both an ageing population and individuals of all ages with more complex needs that necessitate additional social care support. Every year, Good Care Month encourages healthcare workers to share the excellent work they do each day.
Work Experience: Jaya Bart
For the last week of June, we had Jaya join us in the office for her placement week. Read about her experience below: How did you find your work experience with us? “I have thoroughly enjoyed my work experience at Mere Green Healthcare. I have been able to do a range of activities here
Alcohol Awareness Week – How Can We Drink More Responsibly?
It is Alcohol Awareness Week! Did you know 20,970 deaths were reported in relation to alcohol in 2021? While the UK’s alcohol consumption falls around the European average, the love for indulging in alcoholic beverages remains strong among Brits, whether it’s at clubs, pubs, or even during football matches. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that
The Benefits of Light: Illuminating the Path to Better Well-being
Have you ever considered how light is affecting you? We are constantly exposed to it in nature and technology and utilise it in a range of ways which impacts us both physically and mentally. It affects our alertness and performance throughout the day and helps us regulate our sleep. Evidence suggests that different forms of
Pride Month: Promoting LGBT+ Inclusivity in Healthcare
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + The LGBT+ community is a vibrant one! It represents and embraces diverse identities regarding gender and sexual orientation which may fall outside societal norms and expectations. Society is generally shaped around heterosexuality (attraction to the opposite gender) which poses numerous challenges and discrimination towards those of the LGBT+ community. Pride
Navigating Men’s Health: The Role of the Internet
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more men died compared to women, despite similar levels of impact. Genetic differences may play a role, but societal pressures and unhealthy behaviours also contribute. Men often engage in behaviours like drinking and smoking to conform to masculine ideals, while career pressures may cause them to neglect their health due to
Job Application: Writing a CV!
You’re looking for your next career steps and after hours of searching, you find your perfect role: “Healthcare Assistant, Birmingham – Mere Green Healthcare… send us your CV.” No need to panic! It can be daunting to create a CV but at the end of the day, think of it as a tool which outlines
The Power of Nature: Boosting Mental Health and Wellbeing
Summer is around the corner, the weather is improving, and it’s time to get outdoors! You may have heard of how getting outside with the power of nature can boost our mental health. Some facilities are already including nature therapy in their treatment for anxiety and depression…But are there any other advantages? This is the
PetsAsTherapy: The Benefits of Pets in Care Homes
The use of animals to improve a person’s well-being is known as pet therapy. It can be employed in a variety of settings by a variety of people because it does not require any special qualities to be effective; merely having the animal around can suffice. According to one study, contact with animals promotes happy
Dementia Awareness Week: Supporting Dementia Caregivers
Dementia. We have all heard the term, whether it be from personal experience or through someone else. Dementia is a general term; not relating to a specific disease but referring to a chronic illness which affects memory and cognitive ability. With the increasing ageing population, the number of dementia cases is on the rise, with
Emotional Health: Understanding Emotional Regulation for Improved Wellbeing.
Emotional regulation refers to how we may consciously and subconsciously control our emotional response to certain situations. For example, as a care worker, you will most likely find yourself in many emotionally charged situations, however, despite this you react in a way that does not inhibit you from carrying out your work and puts others
Artificial Intelligence: Can AI Work in the Healthcare Setting?
With the increased popularity of AI (Artificial Intelligence) platforms such as Chat GPT, there has been increased discussion around AI among the media, especially regarding how it can be utilised among different job roles. So, what are its capabilities in the healthcare setting? Artificial intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by a machine, it
MS Awareness Week: Supporting People Living with MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body, which in this case is the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common cause of disability in younger adults, with diagnoses as early as their twenties. The impact on a person’s life is determined
Climate Change and Healthcare: What can we do?
Did you know that the healthcare industry is responsible for 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions? There is no question as to focus on resolving this will have a big impact on the environment. Climate change affects both environmental and public health with an increased threat of extreme weather, disease and natural disasters all raising
Stress Awareness Month – Managing Workplace Stress!
Stress is a natural survival instinct! It may raise: heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and energy levels; your body is gearing up for a fight-or-flight response. The degree of this varies depending on what caused the stress, the proper levels can even boost performance! We can work to maintain healthy stress levels through preparation,
Understanding Autism: Caring for People with Autism
Autism is when your brain functions differently than that of other people. It is something that you are born with, though some people are not diagnosed until much later in life. It can have an impact on how you communicate, think, and function on a daily basis. Things that may seem insignificant, such as expressing
Music and the Mind: The Benefits of Music in the Care Home
RecThis March we launched the social media campaign Minutes for Mental Health in order to engage care homes and spread awareness about residents’ mental health. Each week we posted an activity for the care homes to participate in and our theme for the final week is music. Music can be enjoyed in a range of