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Month: February 2025

Fostering Love, One Challenge at a Time

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Fostering isn’t merely about providing a roof over a child’s head. It’s about creating a nurturing, loving environment where a child can grow, heal, and thrive. For Sally Tinkler, fostering is a journey of love, patience, and resilience—one that has profoundly shaped her life and that of her family. 

Sally and her husband are foster carers with Progress, accessing round-the-clock support and community-driven approach. They currently care for a young lady who is nearly 16 years old and has complex health needs. “She’s totally dependent on us for every aspect of her life,” Sally said. Yet, the relationship is far from one-sided. “She brings a lot to us as well as what we give to her,” she explained. The experience has been deeply fulfilling, teaching them about compassion and adaptability in ways they never expected. 

When asked why she chose Progress, Sally’s answer was simple: support. “One of the main reasons is the amount of support—24 hours a day, every day of the year. There’s always someone to seek advice and support from,” she said. The sense of community within Progress has been invaluable, helping to alleviate the isolation that sometimes accompanies fostering. Regular support meetings with other carers provide a space for sharing experiences and learning from one another. 

Fostering is not without its challenges, and Sally is candid about the skills required. “Patience, the willingness to learn, and the ability to adapt your life,” she listed. She emphasised the importance of understanding that children in the care system come with complex histories. “You’ve got to be very open-minded to learning different therapeutic techniques for dealing with them. It’s not the same as having your own children,” she said. 

Sally’s journey began long before she welcomed the young lady into her home. For five years, she and her husband offered respite care, gaining experience and building confidence. But nothing could fully prepare them for the realities of long-term fostering. Their young lady has significant health challenges—she is non-verbal and relies on a feeding tube. “The training is very child-specific,” Sally noted. “Some of it you just learn as you go along.” A longer handover period from the previous care setting allowed Sally and her husband to adjust and learn. “One of the social workers said, ‘You’ll find your own way,’ and we did,” she recalled. 

The journey of fostering has also required adapting their home. When their young lady first arrived, she was small enough for Sally and her husband to carry her up and down the stairs. But as she grew, so did her needs. They transformed a reception room into a bedroom, installed ramps, and made other modifications. “My husband lost his man cave,” Sally laughed. Yet, she was determined to keep the space warm and welcoming. “We’ve managed to adapt our house to still be very much our home. I didn’t want it to end up like a medical ward,” she said. 

Financial support has been crucial in ensuring that they can meet the young lady’s needs. Progress worked with the local authority to establish a tailored financial package, supplemented by top-level disability living allowance. The allowance also covers a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. “She has her own van on the drive, which she lets us drive. She can’t reach the pedals,” Sally joked. 

But fostering isn’t just about logistics and adaptations—it’s about emotional growth and connection. Sally recalled a particularly challenging episode when their young lady fell ill. Unable to verbalise her pain, she cried continuously for days. “She was awake for four days and four nights. It was very challenging,” Sally remembered. The experience was a turning point. “We realised how much we cared because we were very worried,” she said, her voice softening. “That was the positive from it all.” 

Through the highs and lows, Sally’s journey as a foster carer with Progress has been one of learning, love, and transformation. Her story is a testament to the resilience and courage required to care for vulnerable children. It’s also a reminder that fostering is about more than giving—it’s about growing together, facing challenges, and finding joy in the smallest victories. 

For those considering fostering, Sally’s story offers a glimpse into the profound impact it can have—not just on the child but on the entire family. With Progress’s unwavering support and a community of carers to lean on, the journey, though challenging, is infinitely rewarding. 

If you’re inspired by Sally’s story and want to learn more about fostering with Progress, reach out by visiting progresscare.co.uk/fostering. Every child deserves a loving, supportive home. And as Sally’s journey shows, sometimes the love you give is only the beginning of what you receive. 

Progress Welcomes Serena Richards to Fostering Panel

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Fostering Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Serena Richards as a new member of its fostering panel.

Serena brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to her new role, having journeyed from being an ex care-leaver and young mother to becoming a dedicated advocate for fostering. Her inspiring story and heartfelt commitment to supporting foster carers will bring a fresh perspective to the panel.

“I’m excited to be a part of the panel, and what I’m looking forward to is foster carers with a heart—a heart to foster,” Serena shared. “Fostering is an amazing career path. It’s more than just a job; it’s about love, support, and making a difference in a child’s life.”

Serena’s journey into advocacy began when she became a mother as a teenager. This life-changing experience gave her a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of parenting, shaping her desire to support others. “I started thinking about what I could bring to the table that would help people instead of being the person needing help,” she explained.

In her remarks following her guest speech at the recently held annual awards and lunch for Progress’ foster carers, Serena said she was inspired by the dedication and passion of the team. “Everyone’s been positive and welcoming. Hopefully, I’ve empowered them and they’ll go back feeling that they are special—because they truly are,” she said.

Progress Fostering Service is thrilled to welcome Serena to the team, where her experience, compassion, insight, and enthusiasm will undoubtedly inspire both carers and colleagues alike. Her appointment reinforces Progress’ ongoing commitment to supporting foster carers and ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people.

About Progress Fostering Service
Progress Fostering Service is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and young people. We work closely with foster carers to ensure they receive the guidance, training, and support needed to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

For more information about Progress Fostering Service or to learn more about fostering opportunities, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering.

Banking on Progress, Landing on Purpose

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

On Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025, Olubukola clocked out for the last time as a casual worker at Progress. She will return—not as a temporary staff member, but as a full-time employee that, in her words, “gave me the wings to fly.” 

It has been a journey of quiet resilience. 

When Olubukola first walked through the doors of Progress nearly a year ago, she was an international student from Nigeria, juggling her studies in public health while seeking meaningful work in a new country. The world around her was unfamiliar, each step forward filled with both ambition and uncertainty. Like so many before her, she arrived in the United Kingdom with dreams in her suitcase, determined to carve out a future for herself. 

She had options—she could have worked through an agency, the kind of job that offers shifts without much continuity, where one day’s assignment might bear no resemblance to the next. Instead, she chose to join the Progress casual staff, a decision made with careful intent. “I felt like casual worker for Progress would make me know the company better,” she says now, sitting more comfortably in a meeting room at the head office. 

Olubukola

A Bridge Between Temporary and Permanent 

The “casual worker” programme at Progress is designed as a bridge—a way for workers to test the waters before committing, and for management to see who fits. Some workers stay casual workers for flexibility; others, like Olubukola, find themselves drawn in. 

For Olubukola, it was more than just a job. She found herself immersed in the lives of young people she worked with, many of whom had faced instability of their own. She met other staff members who became family, offering not just workplace camaraderie but an anchor in a foreign country. 

“From my first day, I was nervous,” she recalls. “I asked, ‘Is this a good company?’ And I was told, ‘Just be yourself, do your job, and you’re safe.’” 

She settled in. She grew. Her first months were spent cautiously navigating expectations, watching and learning. Then came the trips. She accompanied two young people on a short holiday trip—a significant moment, she later realised. Typically, such trips are reserved for permanent staff, a sign of trust and integration. 

“I wouldn’t have been taken on that trip if I were agency,” she notes. 

She traveled between different Progress services, met children from various backgrounds, and found herself increasingly at ease in her role. As she moved through different locations—Hilton, Portland, Bridge—she wasn’t just passing through. She was becoming a fixture. 

The Moment of Decision 

It was November 2024 when Olubukola made her decision. She had returned from a trip, looked around, and thought: This is where I want to be. This is home. 

By then, her circumstances had changed. She had graduated, her visa status had shifted, and the reason she had started as casual—flexibility during her studies—was no longer necessary. 

She had also been noticed. Management saw her work ethic, her communication, her ability to integrate seamlessly into teams. When she applied for a permanent role, she had to go through a formal interview, facing the same competency-based questions as any external candidate. She scored highly. 

Olubukola and Andrea Edwards, Progress’ People and Culture manager

“The last eleven months has enabled Olubukola to grow in confidence and ability to score so highly, well done,” Andrea Edwards, Progress’ People and Culture manager remarked. 

For Progress, the transition was seamless. The training, the policies—she had already completed them all. 

But for Olubukola, it was more than a contract. It was stability and was also a deeply personal milestone. 

During the interview, her voice catches when she speaks about holidays spent away from home—Christmas, New Year’s, even Valentine’s Day, a day that, this year, will mark both an ending and a beginning. 

“I left home. I left my family. I came to a country where I didn’t know what the future held, but I wanted to strive, to thrive,” she says, tears threatening. “The young people here, the staff—they have been my family.”

Olubukola and her deputy manager, Harjeet Gill

Looking Ahead 

Now, with a permanent contract in hand, Olubukola has new goals. She wants to grow within Progress, to give more of herself to the children she works with. “I want to be given the opportunity to showcase my love for the children that I support,” she says. “I want more wings to fly.” 

She laughs when asked what comes next. 

“Manager,” she jokes. Then, more seriously, “I want to keep progressing.” 

On February 25, she will officially step into her new role. What remains is the deeper truth: she has already become a part of Progress. 

And Progress, in turn, has become a part of her. 

You can be like Olubukola, click here to join our casual workers’ programme.

From casual workers to full-time employees—just like Olubukola! Every journey starts somewhere, and with hard work and dedication, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the ride, embrace the growth!

Foster Carers Honoured at Progress Annual Awards Ceremony

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

In a celebration marked by warmth, reflection, and gratitude, Progress Fostering Service hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony and Lunch last Friday, honouring the unwavering dedication of foster carers who continue to provide life-changing support to children and young people.

The event, held in an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation, brought together foster carers, social workers, and senior leadership to commemorate milestones, acknowledge achievements, and reinforce the importance of their shared mission.

“This has been a really nice day celebrating foster carers on their journey,” said Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. “We have foster carers who’ve reached incredible milestones—five years, ten years, fifteen years—so it was important to pause and recognise their achievements and the hard work they’ve put in.”

The event also served as a rare opportunity for carers, staff, and leadership to connect in person. “It’s a chance for people to dress up, have a day out, and feel special,” Tina added. “And more importantly, it reminds us all why we do what we do.”

A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the speech delivered by Serena Richards, a former foster child who has since transitioned to independent adulthood. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that foster carers have on young lives, especially during challenging moments.

“I think my hope for foster carers is that they take home that they’re doing a fabulous job. It’s an amazing career path to go down, and yes, it is a job, but it’s more than parenting. It’s more than finances,” she said. “Hopefully, they will take away that they are needed, they’re loved, and we appreciate them.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, she shared how becoming a mother at a young age reshaped her perspective. “I think when I became a mum, as a teenager, I started thinking, actually, there’s more to this. What can I bring to the table that’s going to help people instead of just being the person that’s been helped?” she said.

For Michelle Earp, Fostering Manager, the gathering was particularly meaningful. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged how the past six months in her role had been shaped by both challenges and positive feedback from carers.

“I think it’s been a great success,” she said. “It’s lovely to see all the foster carers together, to celebrate our greatness, and to honour Gail, who meant so much to many of us.” Gail, a long-serving carer, was remembered fondly for her kindness and generosity, leaving a lasting legacy within the Progress community.

As part of the event, foster carers were invited to share feedback on their experiences, with Michelle keen to ensure that their insights shape the future of the service. “The proof will be in the pudding,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the feedback and making sure we continue to address what carers need.”

Gemma Dugmore, Lead Support Worker, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the importance of consistency in the fostering service. “There’s been a lot of positive feedback today,” she noted.

“With Michelle stepping up as Registered Manager and new social workers coming on board, there’s a stronger sense of stability. The carers are forming connections, and that’s critical for the children we support.”

Looking ahead, Progress Fostering Service remains committed to strengthening its support structures for carers while also addressing the national foster carer shortage. Tina emphasised the importance of recruitment and training to ensure that every child in need has access to a stable and caring home.

“We need more foster carers,” she said. “There are so many children coming into the care system, and our priority is to find and support the best possible carers for them.”

Among the key initiatives moving forward will be the development of structured training pathways and greater opportunities for professional growth within the fostering community. Gemma highlighted plans to introduce training sessions led by social workers to, among other things, enhance peer support.

“It’s all about building connections and ensuring that carers have the tools they need,” she said.

As the event came to a close, the sentiment shared among attendees was one of pride, gratitude, and renewed commitment. For those who dedicate their lives to fostering, the ceremony was more than just an awards event—it was a reaffirmation of the vital role they play in shaping brighter futures.

With another year ahead, Progress Fostering Service stands poised to continue its mission, fuelled by the dedication of its carers and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a home where they can thrive.

Progress’ Stourbridge House Achieves Outstanding Ofsted Rating

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Children’s Services is celebrating a significant milestone as Stourbridge House, its residential short breaks home, has been awarded an outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. Conducted on January 21 and 22, 2025, the inspection highlighted the home’s dedication to providing high-quality care and exceptional outcomes for children with learning and physical disabilities.

The report praised the outstanding overall experiences and progress of children at Stourbridge House, noting that the home consistently exceeds good practice standards. Staff were commended for their dedication, nurturing approach, and commitment to creating a warm and inclusive environment where children feel valued and supported.

Key Highlights from the Inspection:

Outstanding Care and Progress: Children at Stourbridge House receive personalised, well-planned care that enhances their independence and life skills. The report highlighted how children are encouraged to make small but significant progress, such as preparing meals and engaging in community activities.

Effective Safeguarding Measures: Rated good, the home ensures children are well-protected through tailored risk assessments and vigilant supervision. While two isolated incidents of delayed reporting were noted, the management team responded swiftly with improved staff training and reinforcement of safeguarding protocols.

Exceptional Leadership and Management: Stourbridge House’s leadership was praised as outstanding, with inspectors highlighting the strong management structure, diligent oversight, and commitment to continuous improvement. The home’s use of research-based care approaches and sensory-based support strategies was particularly commended.

Meaningful Community Engagement: The home fosters strong connections between children and the community through participation in local events, outings, and initiatives that promote social inclusion. A notable example was a former resident returning to perform a magic show for staff as part of a charity fundraiser.

A Testament to Excellence

The latest Ofsted report underscores the unwavering commitment of Stourbridge House and its staff to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children. Since its last full inspection in January 2024, where it received a good rating, the home has demonstrated remarkable progress, earning its well-deserved outstanding status.

Kimberley Williams, the Registered Manager of Stourbridge House, expressed pride in the team’s efforts: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our staff. We are committed to continuing our work to ensure every child’s experience here is positive, fulfilling, and empowering.”

Progress Children’s Services remains steadfast in its mission to deliver the highest standards of care and support to children and families. Stourbridge House’s achievement sets a benchmark for excellence and reaffirms the organisation’s role as a leader in residential childcare services.

Congratulations to the outstanding team at Stourbridge House, Progress Children’s Services and All of Progress.

Progress Young Person Honoured at City of Wolverhampton’s I Awards for Remarkable Achievement

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, every achievement—big or small—is a testament to the resilience and potential of the young people we support. Recently, a particularly heartwarming milestone was reached, as one of the young people in our care was recognised at an awards ceremony for his outstanding progress in school and personal development.

This young boy’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Having been out of school for nearly two years, he faced significant challenges in reintegrating into a structured learning environment. However, with unwavering support from Progress Children’s Service, he not only returned to school but has since thrived, forming positive relationships and embracing new learning experiences.

His dedication and perseverance did not go unnoticed. His school and social worker nominated him for an award, recognising the enormous progress he has made. As service manager Netty shared, “The award ceremony that we went to on Friday was because he’d been nominated by his school and his social worker for his achievements of joining school, which he hadn’t been in for nearly two years.”

The transition back to school was carefully supported. The Progress team worked closely with his school to ensure he had the right structure in place, from completing his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) to organising transition visits. At home, a visual timetable was introduced to help him navigate the school routine. “He found going out to school on a school day challenging and confusing,” Netty explained, “so we put in a visual timetable as a reminder for him.” These personalised strategies made all the difference in helping him adapt.

Since returning to school, he has received ongoing recognition for his achievements, including certificates and postcards from teachers celebrating his progress. “Since he’s been at school, he’s been getting nothing but praise,” Progress residential support worker, Anita, proudly shared.

The award he received was part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s I Awards, an annual event that celebrates the resilience, hard work, and achievements of children and young people in care. Held at Grand Station, this prestigious event recognises accomplishments in a range of areas, from academic success to personal development and community involvement. This year, children and young people were invited to receive awards, a testament to the incredible determination and perseverance of those in care. The ceremony also honoured care leavers who have made significant strides in their adult lives, showcasing their resilience and ambition.

Attending the awards ceremony was a significant moment for him and the Progress team. While he may not fully understand the depth of his achievement, his actions spoke volumes. “Even though we can say to him, ‘It’s because you’ve done really well at school,’ he hasn’t got the capability to understand exactly what it’s for,” Anita reflected. “But we encourage celebrations in a meaningful way for him—whether that be through high fives, signing, or simply praising him.”

One particularly touching moment was when he received his medal. “He wouldn’t wear the medal,” Netty recalled, “but him looking at it just for a brief couple of seconds is him demonstrating to us that he’s recognising he’s got something special.”

Beyond his educational achievements, his personal growth has been profound. His communication skills have improved dramatically—from being largely non-verbal to now using Makaton sign language consistently and even vocalising some words. His independence is also developing, as he learns essential life skills like preparing his own toast or drink. “He’s a very intelligent little boy,” Anita noted. “He’s definitely learning and has learned a lot, but he’s also got a lot of potential ahead of him.”

While the ultimate goal remains to find him a loving foster family, his time at Regis House has provided him with stability and security, enabling him to flourish. “His health and well-being have become extremely stable,” Netty shared. “His life experiences are really stable, and I think we’ve offered him the security he needed. Because of that, he’s able to take on new challenges.”

One of the most heartening aspects of his journey has been watching him experience the joys of childhood that many take for granted. “Simple things, like bouncing on a trampoline or going to a soft play area, were things he had never done before,” Anita said. “It’s those sorts of experiences that are now helping build his dexterity and confidence.”

The team continues to introduce him to ways of expressing his emotions and understanding his feelings. A small but powerful moment occurred when he was feeling angry, and a staff member read him a book about emotions. “He actually sat down and wanted to read it,” Netty recalled. “It was almost like he recognised that what was in the book was what he was feeling.”

The I Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating the successes of children and young people in care, acknowledging their efforts and the support provided by foster carers and key workers. Seeing this young person recognised for his achievements reinforces the power of patience, support, and belief in a child’s potential.

His journey is still unfolding, but his story is already one of resilience, transformation, and hope. At Progress, we are incredibly proud to support him every step of the way. His achievements remind us why we do what we do—to provide children and young people with the stability, encouragement, and belief that they can achieve anything.

And this is just the beginning.