Celebrating Shipa: Progress Long Service Award Winner

At the recent Progress Annual Conference, Shipa was honoured with a Long Service Award, marking her ten remarkable years with us. During a conversation at Wellcroft House, Shipa opened up about her journey, her unwavering commitment, and the impact of her role in her life and the lives of those she supports. 

Shipa’s journey with Progress began with community work and holiday clubs for children, which ignited her passion for helping young people. This saw her grow in experience and take on roles across multiple homes, each with its own unique challenges. Wellcroft House has become her second home, and although she works part-time, Shipa’s impact and presence are deeply felt by her colleagues and the young people. 

Reflecting on her role, Shipa describes it as a “motherly” one, where she balances professional boundaries with genuine care. “It’s about ensuring their daily needs are met and enhancing their life experiences,” she shared. For her, this includes everything from grocery shopping and menu planning to organising fun activities like bowling or music festivals that allow the young people to experience life to the fullest. Recently, she was thrilled to see one of the young people embark on a volunteering opportunity at a charity shop, a step towards greater independence and confidence. 

Over the years, Shipa has gained a deep understanding of each young person’s unique needs and preferences. She spoke with warmth about their individual personalities, from dietary preferences to how each person expresses their likes and dislikes. “You get to know them over time,” she said, describing the joy of building those connections and adapting care routines to honour each individual’s personality. 

Shipa also highlighted how the team’s strong dynamics contribute to the stability of the home. “There’s a lot of consistency now, even within the managerial department,” she noted. This consistency, she believes, has created a supportive environment where team members respect each other’s differences, communicate openly, and work together to overcome daily challenges. Her team’s camaraderie shines through in the small things, from sharing jokes to handling day-to-day issues with grace and maturity. 

For Shipa, working at Wellcroft House isn’t just a job. “It’s a part of my life,” she shared, adding that her part-time role allows her to balance her career with family life while remaining fully committed to the young people she cares for. Her dedication, humility, and ability to find joy in the small moments have made her an invaluable member of the Progress team. Her Long Service Award sits proudly on her mantelpiece at home, a reminder of her decade of service and the countless lives she’s touched along the way. 

Congratulations, Shipa, on this incredible milestone! Thank you for your compassion, resilience, and for embodying the heart of Progress every day. We look forward to many more years of shared purpose and continued impact.