01902 561066
Contact Us
Progress Care

Month: June 2024

The impact of Progress’ support groups for foster carers

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Are you considering becoming a foster carer? At Progress, we understand the journey can be both rewarding and challenging. Amanda, one of our dedicated foster carers, shares how the support groups at Progress have been invaluable to her and can be for you too. 

“I’ve really enjoyed coming along to the support groups,” Amanda begins. “I find it really insightful. Sometimes people explain the challenges they’re having, and even though you might not be living that challenge, hearing the tools to overcome them absolutely could benefit me. You never know when you might come across that yourself.” 

Amanda highlights the importance of community and support in fostering. “It’s really important to come along and support others. As a foster carer now, I’ve got hints and tips that I can share with people with less experience. Meeting people face to face is brilliant. If you need anything, it’s great to come into the offices and speak to someone. Everyone’s so welcoming and supportive. There’s always somebody to speak to.” 

The sense of camaraderie and shared experience is something Amanda deeply values. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, to share ideas and challenges, and get other people’s perspectives on overcoming obstacles. Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes. Sharing success is a massive reason to come to the support groups—to celebrate success with everybody else at Progress.” 

Amanda’s experience shows that with the right support, fostering can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer and want to learn more about the benefits of our support groups, visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or call 01902 561066. Join us and become part of a community that values support, learning, and shared success. 

Bootcamp for Progress’ team leaders

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

One of the familiar activities at Progress is training and sharing learning. Various cadres of team members have regular training sessions and late May 2024, it was the turn of team leaders from across the various services to participate in a bootcamp that featured sessions that were led by Progress’ Managing Director, Claire Rogers, and Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. 

Team leaders are critical to the smooth running of Progress’ services. While the training enables team leaders to further improve their capabilities, it is also preparing them for the next stages of their career development. 

During the bootcamp, Claire and Tina extensively spoke on the responsibilities of a manager and how to be an effective at it.  

At Progress, we are proud of our team leaders and our entire workforce who we are actively supporting, training and equipping to succeed in their current roles, and to be prepared for the journeys ahead. 

If you consider support in your career journey a top priority for you, we welcome you to be part of us at Progress. We have career roles that you can apply for here: progrescare.co.uk/jobs  

At Progress, we value respect. Here’s what that means.

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, respect isn’t just a value—it’s a cornerstone of our diverse and inclusive environment. Managing Director Claire Rogers emphasises, “Respect is crucial at Progress. We work with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures, and it’s vital to listen, hear, and value these differences.” 

Our commitment to respect enriches our community and enhances the support we provide. Differences make society vibrant and rich, and recognising this allows us to foster a more inclusive environment. 

If you prioritise respect and seek a workplace that values diversity, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us at progresscare.co.uk/jobs. Join us in making a difference through respect and understanding. 

A deeper dive on respect 

Respect is more than just a polite gesture; it’s a fundamental principle that underpins healthy relationships, effective collaboration, and personal growth. At its core, respect acknowledges that every person has inherent value and the potential to contribute. It goes beyond surface-level politeness and recognises the uniqueness of everyone. 

When we treat everyone with respect, we create an inclusive environment. This means embracing different perspectives, experiences, aptitudes, knowledge, and skills. In a diverse workplace, these differences become powerful tools for innovation and growth. Respect involves seeing people as individuals rather than making assumptions based on group identity. It’s essential to recognise that no one characteristic defines a person entirely. Avoiding an “I’m better than you” attitude fosters a culture of openness and understanding. 

While it’s natural to gravitate toward people who are like us, intentionally building relationships with those outside our usual circles broadens our horizons. It enriches our experiences and enhances our ability to learn and contribute. 

At Progress, our leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone. By demonstrating respect in their interactions, it sends a powerful message to the entire team. Truly hearing and valuing others’ perspectives is a sign of respect. At Progress, we encourage open dialogue and create spaces where everyone feels heard.  

We intentionally address unconscious biases that can affect behaviour through training and retraining. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, we celebrate them. We recognise the richness that diversity brings to problem-solving and creativity. We also teach effective conflict resolution techniques—respectful disagreement leads to better outcomes, whereas disrespect can escalate tensions. 

We believe that embracing respect isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for human progress. By treating each other with dignity, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. We remain committed in our resolve to continue to prioritise respect and build a more inclusive world together!  

If you’re seeking a workplace that values diversity, consider exploring career opportunities at Progress. 

Amanda’s Inspiring Journey into Fostering with Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different.” 

Fostering is more than just a vocation; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Amanda, one of Progress’s dedicated foster carers, recently shared her journey into fostering, shedding light on the profound impact it has had on her life and the exceptional support she has received from Progress. 

Amanda’s interest in fostering was ignited by a Facebook advertisement specifically highlighting parent and child foster care. “Fostering is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Amanda reminisces. Although she initially explored fostering several years ago, the demands of raising three young children led her to put her plans on hold. When she saw the recent advertisement, she felt it was the perfect time to revisit her fostering aspirations. 

Upon reaching out to Progress, Amanda was immediately impressed by their responsiveness and support. “They offered me loads of information, answered all of my questions, and supported me completely through the application process,” she says. Progress addressed her concerns about balancing work, home life, and the specific requirements for fostering, ensuring she felt confident in her decision. 

The journey through the application process was smoother than Amanda anticipated. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about how long it might take and some of the apprehensions I might have, but that didn’t play out. The journey was great,” Amanda shares. With the support of Progress’ Fostering Service team members, Amanda found the process manageable and even fulfilling. 

Training was a crucial part of Amanda’s preparation. “We had lots of training, lots of online learning, but it was never too much, and it was at our pace,” she recalls. Progress ensured that Amanda and her family were well-prepared, offering flexibility and continuous support throughout the training period. 

The support didn’t end there. Amanda speaks highly of the extensive network and community foster carers have at Progress. “I never felt that I was alone, which was really important,” she emphasises. This sense of community is reinforced by regular support group meetings where foster carers can share experiences, challenges, and successes. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, get ideas on how to overcome obstacles, and share and celebrate successes,” Amanda explains. 

Amanda’s first young person came six weeks after approval, a learning experience that was both challenging and rewarding. “It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different,” Amanda reflects. The continuous support from Progress and other foster carers helped her navigate this journey. 

Currently, Amanda is on another, a parent and child, and is finding it completely different but equally rewarding. “I’ve learned loads again on this journey and look forward to seeing where it brings me in the rest of my fostering journey,” she says enthusiastically. 

Amanda’s story is a testament to the support and community that foster carers receive at Progress. “Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes, and it’s important to share those and support each other,” Amanda concludes. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, and you’re looking for a supportive community to join, consider starting your fostering journey with Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to learn more and apply today.