A Day with Uncle Ray, a Support Worker with Progress Children’s Services
Rilford, known affectionately as Uncle Ray, is a residential support worker at Portland House. Just a few months into the role, he has seamlessly integrated into the team, contributing significantly to the daily activities, and positively impacting the young people.
With decades of experience working with children and adults with severe learning disabilities, complex needs, and challenging behaviours,
Rilford’s journey to Progress began decades earlier in the southern African country of Zimbabwe where he trained as a teacher, a profession he also practised for a while after moving to the UK. He then transitioned to the care sector, applying his skills with young people to support individuals of various age groups, providing a wide array of care. Since joining Progress, Uncle Ray has demonstrated impressive competence, significant maturity and extensive experience working with children with severe learning disabilities, complex needs, and challenging behaviours.
Starting his shift at Portland House, Rilford quickly dives into sorting out groceries. With meticulous care, he organises the items to cater to the preferences of the young residents, such as placing eggs in a secure drawer to prevent breakage and storing apples both in the fridge and at room temperature to suit different tastes.
After handling the groceries, Rilford cleans the kitchen, and arranges the dishes in the dishwasher. His attention to detail and consideration for the children’s needs are evident in every task he undertakes.
Rilford’s role keeps him active, as he often clocks over 14,000 steps a day while engaging with the children, both indoors and outdoors. He emphasizes the importance of staying active and the positive impact it has on his health.
Having undergone induction at Progress’s head office, Rilford was eager to join the team. He fondly recalls playing on the swings during his initial weeks. His natural rapport with the children earned him the nickname “Uncle Ray,” and he is well-liked by everyone at Portland House.
His approach to support work is based on understanding and respecting the intellectual capacities of the young people. “They are intelligent, and you must respect that. A good approach makes day-to-day activities smooth for everyone,” Rilford says.
Manager Cosmos commends Rilford’s willingness to learn and adapt quickly. “He has fit in well and is always ready to learn,” Cosmos notes.
As the school runs begin, Rilford is ready to focus on the young person staying behind. They discuss activities for the afternoon, ensuring everything they do is safe and enjoyable. Rilford believes in offering choices and explaining decisions, fostering a respectful and supportive environment.
Rilford is committed to making each moment special for the children and hopes to continue earning the trust and support of his team members.
If you are passionate about support work and want to make a difference, consider joining the team at Portland House. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for our latest career opportunities across Progress.