Always Having Somewhere to Turn

“We’d got into a rut,” Sylvia reflects. “You get older, you’re on your iPad and he’s on his. Fostering pulled us back together. We’ve had to work as a team again.”   When Sylvia first thought about fostering, she was barely 18. Life carried her in different directions, but the idea never really went away. Years…

This month, our foster carer in the spotlight is Linda. Watch her videos here. “Linda has been a foster carer with us for over 10 years,” says Progress Fostering Manager, Michelle Earp. “Throughout that time, she has given her young person, placed with her at just five years old, an incredible sense of stability and…

For many families, the start of a new school year carries a mix of excitement and nerves. Fresh uniforms, sharpened pencils and the promise of a new chapter can be uplifting. Yet for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), that transition often feels heavier. The return to structure, new classrooms, unfamiliar…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, Progress Care Solutions was proud to host an unforgettable evening that honoured our journey, our people, and the communities we serve. Among the many highlights of the event was a stunning performance by Bollywood Dreams Dance — a troupe that brought rhythm, colour, and joy to the stage….

At Nightingale House, where twelve lives intertwine in complex ways, Fletch, a resident turned Expert by Experience, has become a strong force shaping the service and beyond. At Nightingale House in Derby, something inspiring is happening. The 12-bed home, part of Progress’ adult services, supports people with complex needs, many of whom are non-verbal, require…

Fostering can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. When people ask, “What’s the hardest part of fostering?”, there’s no single answer. Every carer, child, and situation is different. But there are a few common challenges that many foster carers experience, especially in those…

When people talk about fostering, they usually mean something very simple but powerful. It is about opening your home to care for a child or young person who, for one reason or another, cannot live with their own family.  But fostering is much more than just offering a bed and meals. It is about giving…

Can I foster and work full-time?  One of the most common concerns people have when thinking about fostering is how it fits around work. Many people ask, “Can I foster and still keep my full-time job?” The answer is yes, it is possible, but it depends on a few key factors.   It depends on the…