Fostering is my way of making a positive difference in the world. If you can offer a child a home and the support they need at a difficult time in their life, then you must get involved.
At Progress, we are committed to making a difference not only in the lives of the children, young people, and adults we support, but also in our wider community. This year, we are proud to take part in National Food Bank Day on Friday, 5 September 2025.
Observed on the first Friday of September, National Food Bank Day raises awareness about hunger and encourages people across the UK to donate food, time, or resources to their local food banks. Food banks play a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing hardship due to illness, job loss, or financial challenges. They ensure no one has to go to bed hungry.
As part of our contribution, Progress will be collecting donations for Good Shepherd Wolverhampton. From 1–5 September, donation boxes will be available at our Head Office. Every donation, no matter how small, will help provide vital support to families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
We encourage everyone to get involved, spread the word, and support this important cause.
At Wellcroft House, independence comes with a side of belonging…
The first thing you notice at Wellcroft House is not the building. It is the energy. Somewhere between the gentle bustle of the kitchen and the sound of laughter from the lounge, you get the sense that this is a place where life is happening, not just being lived.
Manager Sabrina calls it “a welcoming, homely, family-orientated place,” but the truth is, Wellcroft is more than that. It is where milestones are reached quietly, where change is measured not in dramatic leaps but in the steady accumulation of small victories.
Like Jodie’s.
When she first arrived at Progress, Jodie had an unhealthy relationship with food. Staff worked with her patiently, introducing healthy routines and encouraging movement, until the transformation was visible not just on the scales but in her confidence.
Now, she travels weekly to her job at a Barnardo’s shop in Wednesbury town centre. She moves through the stockroom with the precision of someone who knows exactly where everything belongs. Size labels, children’s racks, adult racks — it is all second nature to her. Her autism makes her meticulous, and here, that is a strength. On breaks, she sips tea with colleagues who call her by name. After her shift, she stops by the supermarket to buy a healthy lunch. Soon, she will be moving into her own home.
Jodie diligently at work
“It is just so warming to see how independent she has become,” Sabrina says. “She even led me around her workplace the first time I visited — she knew exactly what to do.”
Life at Wellcroft is rarely still. The young people here have routines, but they are never confined by them. One day it is a trip to the zoo, another it is a coffee morning at the town hall. Partnerships with places like Sense in Smethwick and Catherine Care in Cannock offer chances to learn, socialise and surprise even the staff.
Cultural celebrations are as much a part of the calendar as care plans. Recently, Pakistan Independence Day meant handmade flags and traditional food. Jamaican Independence Day brought a tram ride to Birmingham’s Victoria Square for music and dancing. Pride was marked with the same enthusiasm.
Beyond the celebrations is a quiet but fierce advocacy. When a local park installed barriers too narrow for wheelchairs, staff did not shrug and move on. They talked about contacting the council, even the local MP, to have them removed. “Our staff are strong advocates for our young people,” Sabrina says simply.
Wellcroft House manager Sabrina (left) during Progress’ 25th anniversary event
Who is perfect for Wellcroft?
The people who work here share a certain quality. Sabrina does not hesitate when asked what makes a good fit for Wellcroft House. “Motivated. Proactive. Caring. Someone who will go above and beyond,” she says, leaning into each word as if it is a promise.
This is not a role for someone content to clock in and out. Life here moves fast. One moment you are helping a resident get ready for work, the next you are joining in a cultural festival or solving a last-minute transport challenge for a day trip. The people who thrive at Wellcroft see those moments not as interruptions but as the very heart of the job.
The work is active and hands-on. Staff here do not just support — they teach, encourage, and sometimes advocate fiercely on behalf of the people they work with. It is about noticing the small opportunities that can lead to big changes, whether that is introducing a new activity, spotting a skill a resident did not know they had, or speaking up when a community space is not accessible.
Team spirit is non-negotiable. “We are high-functioning as a team,” Sabrina says. “If someone is not willing to match that energy and commitment, it does not sit well.” But for those who do, Wellcroft offers something rare: a workplace where you are part of a close-knit group working toward something profoundly meaningful every single day.
In a small town like Wednesbury, it is easy to imagine Wellcroft blending into the background. But for those who pass through its doors — residents, families, staff — it is anything but invisible. It is a place where independence is nurtured, where community is celebrated, and where, in ways big and small, lives are quietly transformed.
Will you or someone you know be perfect for Wellcroft House? Fill the form below to attend our forthcoming recruitment day on September 2.
From a nervous first day to leading the team, Megan’s story is what Progress is all about.
When Megan walked into Progress’ Oak Cottage for the first time on Monday 19 February 2024, she carried a mix of nerves and quiet determination. At just 21, she was stepping into her first official role as a Residential Support Worker (RSW). It wasn’t her first job, but it was her first experience with a structured company, clear responsibilities and visible paths for progression.
“I was looking for something new, something challenging, but still with children,” Megan recalls. “My previous job just wasn’t pushing me anymore. I needed a fresh start, something that would stretch me.”
Those first few days were a whirlwind. Oak Cottage was in a period of transition with interim managers in place, but Megan remembers the welcome she received. “Even with the changes, it felt calm. The team supported me from day one. I didn’t feel like ‘the new person’ for long because they trusted me quickly and gave me opportunities I never expected at my age.”
One of those moments came early on: being trusted to drive a young person with complex needs. “I’d been driving friends and family for years, but this was different. The responsibility felt huge. Then we put Disney music on, and the young person’s face just lit up. My nerves melted away at that moment. It reminded me exactly why I wanted to work with children in the first place.”
Megan during her induction at the head office on her first official day at Progress
Spotting potential
It wasn’t just Megan who was learning; her colleagues were watching her adapt and grow. Bethany Jordan, Oak Cottage’s manager, remembers seeing something special early on.
“Her people skills stood out straight away,” Bethany says. “Moving from support worker to Team Leader so quickly isn’t something everyone can do, but Megan has this natural way of mentoring others and managing shifts. Staff feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about how well she supports them through training, supervision and day-to-day challenges. She’s grown massively in confidence and knows exactly who to call and what to ask if I’m not around.”
Despite that promise, Megan didn’t immediately see herself as leadership material. “I honestly didn’t have much confidence in myself. I’d never been given opportunities like this before. It was the staff team who told me to aim higher. They saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself yet.”
Encouraged by her colleagues, Megan applied for the Team Leader role. What followed was a smooth but intense transition. “From day one, Beth was my wing woman,” Megan laughs. “I had my Team Leader induction, and within hours there was a plan for what I needed to learn, develop and take on. The support I had was incredible, but there was also a clear expectation — this was my role now, and I had to grow into it.”
Growing into leadership
The shift from RSW to Team Leader wasn’t just a change in title; it was a change in perspective. “As a support worker, my focus was entirely on the children. As a Team Leader, I still focus on them, but now I also have to make sure the staff are okay. If they’re not supported, they can’t give the best care to the kids. It’s a new balance — caring for the carers so they can care for the children.”
One of Megan’s biggest lessons has been learning to delegate. “When I first started, I wanted to do everything myself. I thought that’s what being a good leader meant. But with seven young people and 14 staff, that just isn’t sustainable. I had to learn to trust others the way Beth and the team trusted me when I started.”
She has developed her own style of delegation, rooted in explanation and development rather than instruction. “I don’t just hand out tasks. I explain why they matter. If I ask someone to prepare something, it’s because a social worker visit is coming up and we need everything ready. I want staff to see the bigger picture and grow in their roles. Not everyone will want to be a Team Leader, and that’s fine. But they can still progress, develop and take pride in what they do.”
Bethany has watched that evolution closely. “Megan has learned to balance doing with leading. She has realised leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself but about lifting others up so the whole team thrives. That’s a hard lesson to learn early in a career, but she’s done it brilliantly.”
Building a family at Oak Cottage
Ask Megan to describe Oak Cottage now, and her answer is immediate: “It’s one big family. We might have two buildings, but we’re one team. You feel that as soon as you walk through the door. The kids are like family, and so are the staff. That sense of togetherness is what makes this place special.”
For Megan, that family spirit comes with responsibility. “Our kids have been through so much. Anyone who works here has to be nurturing and genuinely care. They need to have energy when it’s needed but also know when to be calm and grounded. Sometimes that means dancing around the living room to make a child smile, and sometimes it means holding steady through a difficult meeting. It’s about having that balance.”
Bethany agrees. “What Megan has helped foster is that mix of professionalism and warmth. The team sees her leading by example, and the young people see consistency and care. That combination builds trust, and trust is everything in this job.”
Looking back — and forward
Reflecting on her journey, Megan admits the changes have been bigger than she expected. “I’ve definitely grown, not just at work but as a person. The role has opened my eyes to so much. I treasure my time with the kids more now because I don’t get as much direct time with them as before. That makes those moments even more special.”
As summer unfolds, Oak Cottage is buzzing with activity — safari park visits, bake-offs, paddling pools and beach trips. For Megan, these moments are a reminder of why the job matters. “It’s hard work, but when you see the joy on their faces, you know it’s worth every bit of effort.”
Bethany sees Megan’s journey as a reflection of Progress’s values. “We’re here to nurture potential, whether that’s in our young people or our staff. Megan’s story is proof of what can happen when you invest in both. She has gone from a nervous first day to leading a team in just over a year, and she’s only getting started.”
Start Your Own Journey at Oak Cottage
Megan’s story is just one example of how far you can go with the right support and opportunities. At Oak Cottage, we’re always looking for caring, dedicated people who want to make a real difference in children’s lives – and grow in their own careers along the way.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a rewarding role in children’s residential care, we’d love to hear from you. Fill in the form below to start your journey with us.
When Rachael, Kim and Abby are asked to describe The Hub without a script, something remarkable happens.
At Progress, there is a belief that the way a service is described should reflect how it is delivered: collaboratively, thoughtfully, and with people at its centre. Instead of drafting a service description in isolation, the team held a spontaneous and open creative session to co-create the narrative of The Hub, one of Progress’s uniquely dynamic and person-centred support services.
Before writing about The Hub, the team began by talking about it.
In the service’s operations room at the head office, the registered manager (Rachael), service lead (Kim), and team leader (Abby) gathered to share their reflections. Not from policy documents or prepared notes, but through conversation, laughter, reflection and honest dialogue. What emerged was a vibrant tapestry of perspectives, grounded in lived experience and deep insight into what The Hub truly represents.
One particularly resonant moment came when Kim summarised the scope of outcomes The Hub supports:
“We support anyone from making their own cup of tea to volunteering placements, and everything in between.”
This simple phrase captured the flexibility and breadth of The Hub’s support model, which empowers young adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, build confidence and grow in independence at their own pace.
The Hub is designed for individuals transitioning into adulthood, often following their first adult placement. It bridges the gap between structured care and independent living, providing a safe, supportive and aspirational environment. Whether prompting daily routines or delivering complex care, support is shaped entirely around the individual.
“Tailored. Person-centred. Aspirational.”
During the session, the team brainstormed keywords that best reflected their values. The list grew quickly: independence, freedom, choice, development, tailored, innovative, aspiration. Each word captured not just what they do, but how they do it and why it matters.
Rachael noted:
“The support is tailored to each person, very person-centred. But we’re also growing, as a team, as a service, and with the people we support.”
Abby offered a simple but powerful expression of the outcomes the team strives for:
“Having the best day, every day.”
Whether that means joining a football team, creating a model museum in the garden, or choosing a new hairstyle, the team celebrates each individual’s goals and helps them make them a reality.
So, what is The Hub?
Here is the collaboratively written service description, shaped directly by the voices in the room:
The Hub offers tailored, person-centred support for young adults with learning disabilities transitioning into adulthood, helping them live independently and confidently. From prompting with daily tasks to complex care support, The Hub empowers individuals to make choices, gain new experiences, and lead their best lives. At its core, The Hub is about freedom, aspiration and development. It enables people to thrive, connect with their community, and achieve preferred outcomes such as volunteering, joining teams, or simply enjoying everyday moments.
Building More Than a Description
What made this session truly special was not just the words that emerged, but the way they emerged. Amid laughter, shared memories, and a few light-hearted jokes (including one about “working for chocolate”), the team reconnected with the heart of their work. They were reminded that each person they support deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated, not only in the care they receive, but in how that care is described.
As the team reflected together, one sentiment stood out:
“Every day is new.”
That is the essence of The Hub, a place of growth, joy, challenge and new beginnings. The team is proud of what they have built, and even prouder of the people who bring it to life every single day.
