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National Compliment Day Revealed the Heart of The Hub

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“You are similar age as my son, but I don’t think my son can do what you are doing, you are a young and hardworking person.” 

In the care sector where outcomes are usually measured in care plans and progress reports, there exists an unseen architecture. It is built of small, human moments—the shared silence over a cup of tea after a difficult day, the infectious laugh that cuts through morning fatigue, the quiet nod that says, “I see you, and you’re not alone.” At The Hub, Progress’ Adult Supported Living Service, this architecture is their most vital asset. Recently, they paused to survey its blueprint.  

For National Compliment Day held over the weekend (on Saturday 24 January 2026), the staff put pen to paper to celebrate one another. What unfolded was a profound map of human connection—dozens of individual testaments to the kindness, strength, and humour that form their foundation. 

To read these pages is to step into the warm, bustling heart of the team. It is to understand that before a single young person is supported, the supporters themselves are engaged in a continuous, gentle practice of holding each other up. This is the story of that practice, told in their own words. 

Chapter 1: The Keepers of the Flame – Cultivating a Human Atmosphere 

Some people don’t just fill a room; they shape its very climate. Here, these individuals are acutely valued. They are the ones who make the space feel safe, warm, and genuinely welcoming, often simply through their presence. 

One colleague is celebrated in these terms: “You are such a genuinely kind and supportive person. Your positive attitude and willingness to help others never goes unnoticed, and you make the workplace a nicer place to be just by being you.” This is perhaps the ultimate compliment in a caring profession—to be told that your essence makes the environment better. It is a quiet, pervasive magic. 

This magic takes many forms. For one, it is a radiant consistency: “You always have a smile on your face and lovely things to say and have a positive attitude.” Their presence is described as “always happy, uplifting those around him and creating a welcoming atmosphere.” For another, it is in a simple greeting: “a lady who has always greeted me with the warmest smile and kind words.” These are not superficial traits; they are the bedrock of psychological safety. In an environment that regularly holds the weight of vulnerability, such consistent warmth is a beacon. It tells everyone who enters, from a nervous new staff member to a struggling young person, that they are in a place of goodwill. 

The role of the calm, steady presence is honoured with equal reverence. One is noted for a “calm and quiet demeanour, making him approachable and easy to learn from.” Another is “approachable, calm, and very helpful.” In the midst of potential chaos, these individuals are the still point. They are the deep breath in the room, their composure a silent reassurance that things can be handled. As one colleague observes, they possess a “reassuring and positive attitude” that makes working alongside them “a really enjoyable experience.” They are the anchors, ensuring the ship remains steady even in rough waters. 

Chapter 2: The Languages of Support – From Loud Laughter to Silent Strength 

If the atmosphere is the climate, then support is the daily weather—and here, it comes in every variety. The compliments celebrate this beautiful diversity, showing that there is no one right way to care. 

There are the architects of joy, those who wield humour as a tool of resilience. “You’re funny without even trying. I always end up laughing on a shift with you,” a colleague writes. Another earns affectionate bewilderment: “You are absolutely insane I never know if you’re being serious or not. Saying that you make shifts a lot of fun.” A third is called “such a lovely, friendly, welcoming and generous guy… you always make me laugh and are fun to be around.” This laughter is not an escape from the work; it is a vital part of it. It releases tension, forges bonds, and reminds everyone that joy and care can coexist. It is, as one note simply puts it, what makes a colleague “shine.” 

Then there are the pillars of practical action, those whose support is expressed in deeds, not just words. They are the “hardworking and dedicated” ones, who have “come on leaps and bounds” and are someone you can “always have a laugh with.” They are the “organised” one and the “handy maintenance guy, handles the shift very well.” They are the person of whom it is said: “You just know without a doubt that if you take over from him everything will be done.” This reliability is a profound form of respect. It communicates: You can rest; I will hold things here. 

The nurturing instinct runs deep, often expressed in beautifully familial terms. One is thanked for looking out for a colleague “like a big sister.” Another is called a “mother hen” who provides comfort. A third is seen to “look after the colleagues like a big brother.” Another is appreciated for looking after the team “like a dad.” These are not casual metaphors. They speak to a bond that transcends professional courtesy, entering the realm of chosen family. It is a bond where one colleague can gently chide another to “please control eating cakes. Start doing exercise. No carb No sugar”—a comment only possible with deep affection and shared history. 

Chapter 3: The Tapestry of Relationship – Colleague, Mentor, Friend 

The most striking theme woven through every page is the seamless blend of roles. Here, a colleague is often also a mentor, a confidant, and a friend. The learning flows in all directions. 

Wisdom and experience are held in high esteem. One is “full of knowledge,” and their lived experience makes them “an invaluable member of the team.” A leader’s approach is praised because “she is also very much on our level, approachable, and relatable – exactly the kind of management that earns respect.” Another sets “a great example for the team and makes it easy to learn from her.” This guidance is not top-down; it is shared, offered with patience. “Thank you for always being so willing to help, your support and kind gestures means a lot,” one note reads. 

Yet, there is equal celebration of the fresh perspective and eagerness of newer members. One person’s “eagerness to learn and adapt makes him an invaluable asset to the team.” A colleague tells another, “I’m also learning lots from you.” The culture is one of mutual growth, where a younger colleague can be told, “you are similar age as my son, but I don’t think my son can do what you are doing, you are young and hardworking person.” 

Beneath the professional respect flows a deep current of personal friendship. The notes are peppered with heartfelt declarations: “You are my colleague and a friend. You are a special person with the heart of gold.” “I really want to say thank you for always being there as a friend and colleague. It means a lot to me my brother.” “Hey you are funny, talkative, thoughtful, very caring, kind and helpful, I am very lucky to have you in my life as a friend and as a colleague.” This is the extraordinary alchemy of the team—the transformation of a workforce into a community, where work relationships are underpinned by genuine love and care. 

Epilogue: The Collective Heartbeat 

Perhaps the most powerful summary comes not in a compliment to one person, but to all. One note reflects on the team as a whole, describing them as “welcoming, collaborative, and consistently supportive.” It observes: “Everyone brings something unique to the table, combining their skills, experience, and personalities in a way that makes the team stronger. They approach their work with genuine compassion… Above all, they are a pleasure to work alongside, making it easy to feel comfortable, learn quickly, and enjoy being part of the team.” 

This is the ultimate result of all those individual acts of kindness, all that shared laughter, and all that quiet reliability. For the young people they serve, this is the environment they enter. They are not met by a system, but by a living, breathing community that is already practising what it preaches. They are met by a group that has learned, through caring for each other, how to better care for others. 

The story told in these dozens of compliments is a masterclass in humanity. It reveals that the foundation of exceptional support work is not found in a manual, but in the daily, conscious choice to see the best in one another, to lift each other up, and to build, together, a home for the heart. Here, they haven’t just built a service. They have built a sanctuary, for themselves and, in turn, for every young person who walks through their door. 

This Thursday, Progress will be holding its first recruitment event for the year, and it is for The Hub. If you know anyone that will thrive in the service, encourage them to apply to participate. They can register here: progresscare.co.uk/events/jan29  

Spring Meadows: Designed for the Next Step

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

When Dawn and Amanda talk about Spring Meadows, they keep coming back to one idea. This is not a place where life pauses. It is a place designed to help young people move forward. Spring Meadows is the newest short breaks service from Progress, and for its deputy manager and registered manager, it represents a clear shift in what support can look like when a home is built with purpose from the ground up. 

The journey to get here has not been quick. For nearly a year, plans changed, dates moved and expectations had to be carefully managed. Staff were shown images, talked through ideas and asked to be patient while the building slowly took shape. Dawn and Amanda describe it as a lesson in persistence, but also in trust. Trust that the wait would be worth it. 

Now that Spring Meadows is finally opening its doors, the focus is firmly on what comes next for the young people who will live there. 

At the heart of the service is independence. Not independence as a buzzword, but independence in the small, everyday moments that shape adult life. Cooking meals. Cleaning. Doing laundry. Taking responsibility for shared spaces. Being part of a household, rather than simply living in a building. 

“This is a home,” Amanda explains. “Not a three-storey block shared with others, but a proper house where young people can contribute to all aspects of daily life. That sense of belonging makes a huge difference.” 

Space plays a big role in that. At Spring Meadows, the environment works with the support, not against it. Adaptations are built in. Rooms are purposeful. Young people can choose calm or activity, privacy or connection. 

For Dawn, that difference is transformative. “The space alone reduces triggers,” she says. “Young people do not have to be on top of each other. They can step away, regulate themselves and come back when they are ready.” 

The garden has become a symbol of what Spring Meadows stands for. There are plans to grow fruit and vegetables, bring them into the kitchen and prepare meals together. It is about understanding where food comes from, making healthy choices and taking pride in something you have helped to create. 

But the thinking goes further. Dawn and Amanda talk about future possibilities. Small enterprise ideas like sharing produce with other services. Building confidence that could lead to volunteering or work placements. Each step is designed to gently prepare young people for supported living and life beyond the service. 

“It is about the next destination,” Dawn says. “Helping them feel ready for whatever comes after this.” 

Location matters too. Spring Meadows sits in a quieter, greener area, away from heavy traffic and constant noise. Windows can be opened to fresh air and birdsong instead of engines. For young people with complex health needs, that calmer environment is more than pleasant. It supports wellbeing in a very real way. 

At the same time, the service is not isolated. Shops, buses and transport links are still close by, giving young people access to the wider community while enjoying the benefits of a peaceful setting. Dawn describes it as the best of both worlds. 

The team is also thinking carefully about culture and identity. With more space comes the ability to celebrate properly. Not just Christmas, but different religions, cultures and traditions throughout the year. Food, music and decorations will be shaped around the young people who live there, with families involved where needed. For Dawn and Amanda, these moments are not extras. They are part of preparing young people for adult life. Learning about each other. Sharing experiences. Feeling seen and respected. 

Staff preparation has been just as deliberate. A detailed service manual, walkthroughs, short videos and phased inductions are all part of helping the team feel confident in a new and much larger environment. The expectation is not perfection from day one, but curiosity, creativity and a willingness to support young people to take their next steps. 

“It will feel overwhelming at first,” Amanda admits. “But once staff see the young people thriving, they will thrive too.” Spring Meadows is ready. Ready to support a wider range of needs. Ready to remove barriers. Ready to help young people move forward with confidence.  

When asked to sum it up, Amanda calls it holistic, calming and beautiful. Dawn chooses a simpler word. 

“Magical,” she says. “Because in this home, we really can make a difference.” 

Designed for the next step, Spring Meadows is exactly that. A place where growing up is supported, independence is nurtured, and the future feels a little closer than before. 

Inquire about our short break offerings today. Send an email to our Placements Team: referral@progresscare.co.uk

Spring Meadow Opens a New Chapter in Short Breaks and Adult Support

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress is set to open Spring Meadow, a purpose-built service created to support young people and adults who need stability, space and meaningful opportunities to grow. 

Spring Meadow represents the next chapter in Progress’ short breaks and adult services. After years of growing demand at Stourbridge House, where the organisation now supports more than 50 families each month and delivers between 150 and 180 nights of short breaks, the need for a larger, bespoke home became clear. 

For Managing Director Claire Rogers, Spring Meadow reflects both perseverance and purpose. 

“Spring Meadow shows our commitment to developing services properly, learning from experience and creating environments that genuinely support people to thrive,” Claire said. 

Built with calm, light and flexibility in mind, Spring Meadow has been shaped by the voices of the people who will use it. Young people and families who already access Progress short breaks were involved in decisions around colour schemes, furniture and how communal spaces should feel and function. 

Phil McDonald, Head of Adult Services, describes the new service as a natural evolution. 

“Our short breaks are a lifeline for families,” Phil said. “They give carers room to breathe and young people a safe place to build confidence and explore independence. Spring Meadow gives us the space to continue doing that at the level of quality we believe in.” 

The service has been designed to feel like a home rather than an institution. Open plan communal areas flow into the garden, with thoughtfully created zones that allow people to come together or find quieter corners when they need space. 

“Not everybody wants to sit close to others,” Phil explained. “So we’ve created different areas where people can choose what feels right for them. Those insights come directly from years of learning at Stourbridge House.” 

Service leaders believe the new environment will make a meaningful difference to daily life. Dawn, Deputy Manager, sees Spring Meadow as a place where independence can grow naturally. 

“This is a proper home,” she said. “Not a shared building with lots of restrictions, but a house where people can be involved in everyday life. Cooking, caring for the garden, having quiet time when they need it. That sense of belonging really matters.” 

Amanda, Registered Manager, highlights the impact of space and calm. 

“The space alone reduces triggers,” she said. “People don’t have to be on top of each other. They can step away, regulate themselves and come back when they’re ready. That can make a huge difference, especially for young people with complex needs.” 

Team leaders preparing to work at Spring Meadow echo that view from the frontline. 

“It’s the same care we already deliver,” Chloe, one of the Team Leaders said, “just with more room to do it properly. More space for one-to-one time, more opportunities for independence and more choice for young people.” 

Spring Meadow will support up to eight people at a time and includes generous outdoor areas that will be developed into kitchen gardens and activity spaces. Plans include growing fruit and vegetables, bringing produce into the kitchen and using everyday activities to build skills, confidence and wellbeing. 

For Phil, the service is about far more than overnight breaks. 

“This can be a launch pad,” he said. “For some people, short breaks help them remain at home longer. For others, it’s the first step towards adulthood and independence. What matters is that people have the space to make informed choices about their future.” 

Located just minutes from Stourbridge House but within a new local authority area, Spring Meadow will extend access to Progress support for more families and communities. 

Final preparations are now underway, with teams completing checks, finishing touches and staff inductions. Progress will open the service only when everything feels right. 

“We want the first experience to be the right one,” Phil said. “People deserve that.” 

As Spring Meadow prepares to open its doors, it stands as more than a new building. It is a service shaped by experience, guided by leadership and built around the belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, supported and able to grow.

Soft light, calm sight, Spring Meadow feels right

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

There are buildings that hold people, and then there are buildings that hold space for people. Spring Meadow is the latter, and its gentle light tells you that the moment you step inside. 

The first thing you notice when you walk into Spring Meadow is the light. It pours in through the large skylights, settles softly across the open-plan living area and flows through to the garden outside. Even before the service officially opens, the space already feels lived in. It feels ready. 

Spring Meadow is Progress’ newest short breaks service, designed for young people and adults who need stability, meaningful support and a place to recharge. It is the next chapter for the extensively impactful Stourbridge House, which has long been the heart of Progress’ respite provision. But after years of growth, the demand for short breaks has outgrown the current building. Progress now supports upwards of 50 families each month and provides between 150 and 180 nights of support. The move to a larger, purpose-built home was no longer a future plan. It became a necessity. 

For Phil McDonald, Head of Adult Services, Spring Meadow is the natural next step in a journey shaped almost entirely by the people who use the service. 

“Our short breaks are a lifeline for families,” he said. “They give carers room to breathe. They give young people a safe and supportive environment to build confidence and explore independence. Spring Meadow gives us the space to continue doing that with the level of quality we believe in.” 

Designed by the people who will stay there 

Progress has long understood that the success of a service is built in the details. The shape of a room. The colour of a wall. The presence of a chair that allows someone to sit alone when they want quiet. These small choices can make a space feel welcoming or overwhelming. 

Because of that, the young people and families who currently use Progress short breaks have helped shape Spring Meadow from the start. They chose colour schemes, looked at furniture options and guided decisions about how communal areas should be laid out. Many of those choices are visible the moment you walk in. 

“Not everybody wants to sit close to others,” Phil said, looking around the main living space. “So we created zones. People can gather in the centre or find a corner that feels calmer. These are insights we learned over many years at Stourbridge House, and we brought all those lessons here.” 

The space is intentionally warm, not clinical. Every part of it has been planned with genuine use in mind. Even visiting managers from across Progress have reacted with a mix of admiration and playful jealousy. The natural light, the generous rooms and the sense of openness have created something that feels refreshing in a sector where many buildings struggle to offer that atmosphere. 

A favourite room and a heart of the home 

Phil’s favourite part of Spring Meadow is the main communal room. It is the first room you see when you step inside and will become the hub of daily life once the service opens. It has enough space for activity, creativity and quiet moments, and it opens straight onto the garden. 

“It feels like the heart of the home,” he said. “I can already picture people cooking, relaxing, playing games and spending time outdoors. It is a space that will evolve with the people who use it.” 

Spring Meadow is built for eight people at a time, with large communal areas and a wide outdoor space that will grow into something even more meaningful. Plans include a kitchen garden and workshop-style activities that support sensory engagement, wellbeing and hands-on learning. It is not just a larger service. It is a service with room to evolve. 

“It is a base for more than overnight breaks,” Phil explained. “In the long run, this space will allow different types of support to run from here, inside and outside. It will give people room to explore skills that help them build independence.” 

That focus on independence is central to adult services at Progress. Short breaks are often the first step in a young person’s journey toward adulthood. For some, it marks the beginning of decisions about living arrangements, daily routines or future goals. For others, it provides the stability needed to remain at home. Many families describe short breaks as the reason they can continue caring safely and sustainably. 

“It can be a launch pad,” Phil said. “Everyone’s journey looks different, but what is consistent is that short breaks give people space to make informed choices about their life.” 

A new area, new opportunities 

Spring Meadow sits just five minutes from Stourbridge House, but it crosses into a new local authority area. That small shift matters. It opens the door for more families to access Progress support and introduces a modern, bespoke service in a community that has not had this type of provision before. 

Staff are now completing the final round of checks and finishing touches. Progress will not open the doors until everything is exactly as it should be. The snagging lists are still active, the final pieces of furniture are being positioned and the team is making sure the environment feels perfect before any young person stays overnight. “We want it to feel right from the very first moment,” Phil said. “People deserve that.”

Spring Meadow is nearly ready. When the doors open, families, carers and professionals will walk into a space that has been shaped by their voices, informed by their experiences and designed with the future in mind. 

It is more than a new building. It is the next chapter in a service built on warmth, creativity and the belief that everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, supported and able to grow. 

The Smith’s Team Honoured with Supportive Colleague Award at Superstar Awards 2025

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At this year’s Progress Superstar Awards, The Smith’s Team, part of The Hub Service within Progress Adult Services, received the Supportive Colleague Award for their compassion, strength and togetherness during a truly challenging year.

The award was presented by Phil McDonald, Head of Adult Services at Progress, who praised the team for the way they supported each other through loss while continuing to care for the people they support every day.

“Rather than one person, this is going to a team of people,” Phil said. “A young person they support passed away this year, and the team around that situation have kept each other going while continuing to care for the people they support.”

The room was filled with emotion as colleagues applauded The Smith’s Team. Their award recognised not only their professionalism but also their compassion and ability to stand by one another through difficult times.

Phil spoke about how their strength and unity reflect the heart of Progress and what it means to truly care for one another.

“What you’ve done for each other this year speaks volumes about who you are as a team,” Phil said. “You’ve shown what real support looks like.”

The Smith’s Team are part of The Hub Service within Progress Adult Services, where teamwork, empathy and resilience are at the centre of everything they do. Their award is a celebration of the quiet, consistent kindness that defines the Progress community.

Congratulations to everyone in The Smith’s Team for showing what it really means to look out for one another.

If their story inspires you and you’d like to be part of a team that values care and connection, we’d love to meet you at one of our upcoming recruitment events:

Children’s Services Recruitment Day – Progress Head Office, 11 November

Fill in the form below to let us know you’re coming and start your own Progress journey:

    Jackie Recognised for Inspirational Leadership at Superstar Awards 2025

    Posted on by Paul Adepoju

    At this year’s Progress Superstar Awards, Jackie, Registered Manager at Nightingale House, Progress Adult Services, received the Inspirational Leadership Award.

    This award celebrates people who lead not just with skill, but with heart. It honours those who support others, build trust and quietly help their teams to shine. For Managing Director Claire Rogers, who judged this year’s category, it was a particularly powerful moment.

    “We had a ridiculous number of nominations for Inspirational Leadership this year,” Claire said as she introduced the award. “Some people got a lot of nominations, but one person really stood out. Their team said amazing things about them. They lead from the back, they give others the opportunity to shine, they encourage, support and empower. They’re always there when someone needs them.”

    Claire spoke about how Jackie’s leadership truly came through during one of the most difficult moments the team at Nightingale House has faced.

    “This particular year has been challenging because they lost a member of staff. Their leadership through that moment was extraordinary. They moved from the back to the front and stood there for their team, putting their own emotions aside to hold everyone together.”

    “Jackie, you got so many nominations from your team. They appreciate you so much. What you did at that time when your team needed your support made all the difference.”

    Jackie’s award reflects the quiet strength that so many of her colleagues recognise in her. She leads with care, compassion and courage — often putting others before herself. Her impact goes far beyond her job title. She inspires those around her, and in the process, lifts her whole team.

    Congratulations, Jackie. Your leadership is seen, felt and celebrated.

    Jackie is currently recruiting support workers for her adult residential care service in Derby. Click here to apply.

    Independence with a Side of Belonging

    Posted on by Paul Adepoju

    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.

      Here is the link for more information about the recruitment event: progresscare.co.uk/events/sept2 

      Crafting the Narrative of The Hub

      Posted on by Paul Adepoju

      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.

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        The House That Fletch Helps Run

        Posted on by Paul Adepoju

        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 hoisting, or live with profound disabilities. But even in such a specialist environment, leadership doesn’t just come from staff. Increasingly, it comes from within. From a resident named Fletch.

        With sharp instincts, an assistive tablet, and a generous smile, Fletch has emerged not only as a valued member of the household but as one of its most trusted voices. His official title, Expert by Experience, belies the gravity of what he is doing: influencing and shaping the way care is delivered, recruitment decisions are made, and voices are heard. He’s not simply receiving support anymore. He’s influencing it.

        This role has seen him check in on the wellbeing of fellow residents, spot safety issues in the home, and even sit in on staff interviews. “He’s got his own set of questions,” said Jackie, the Registered Manager. “And if someone doesn’t make eye contact with him, he clocks that. It matters to him.” Fletch takes the work seriously, “He gets rewards, yes,” his support worker explained. “But it’s not just about that. He wants to be involved.”

        When asked what prepared him for the role, Fletch didn’t hesitate, he started listing names: Shannon, Georgia, Jackie, and others who had encouraged and guided him. It wasn’t a solo journey. It was built on trust and belief from those around him. That belief, paired with his lived experience and quiet resolve, helped him transform from a new resident finding his feet to a key contributor whose opinion carries weight.

        Eleanor who started at Nightingale the same week Fletch moved in, has seen that transformation first-hand. “He was shy, a bit lost. Now he’s cheeky, confident, a real presence,” she said. “He’s gone from thinking about himself to actually saying, ‘That needs to change.’ He even helped interview Shannon, who’s now one of our strongest team members.”

        This evolution has not gone unnoticed by Chantelle, another longtime staff member. “He was already lovely, but now he’s really growing into a confident young man,” she said. “He brings the vibes. If something’s off—laundry, kitchen, a bit of mess—he’s on it. Keeps us all in check.”

        A young adult male looks at a tablet while seating with a drink cup on the table and another iPad beside it.
        Fletch on duty at Nightingale House

        When Fletch isn’t monitoring the goings-on at Nightingale, he’s out in the community, often on outings that combine leisure with learning: museums, historical tours, new cities. He loves these excursions, especially when they end with a visit to the pub. But it’s not all pints and sightseeing. Fletch is thinking about the future. His ambitions? Possibly another job, maybe even paid, beyond Nightingale House. He’s also got his sights set on going to the shop independently and, as he shyly admitted, perhaps finding a relationship. “Everyone wants love, don’t they?” his support worker said with a smile. Fletch grinned.

        That emotional openness is one of his strongest qualities. He speaks often and fondly of his mother, who visits weekly. “You love your mum so much, don’t you?” he was asked during a chat. Fletch nodded, then added his grandmother, who calls him “an angel,” and cousins who come during the summer. Family is his anchor, his cheer section, and one of the reasons he walks with so much quiet pride.

        It’s not hard to see why the staff at Nightingale House are so invested in him as they invest in other residents at the home. “He’s not just helping us run the service, he’s helping us improve it,” Jackie said. “He does homely audits, advocates for other residents, flags issues when things are broken. He sees things we don’t.”

        And he does it with a style all his own. When his powered wheelchair temporarily broke down, he hated being pushed. “It wasn’t good for him,” one staff member recalled. “His wheelchair is his freedom. That independence, being able to move and ask for a drink when he wants, it makes a big difference.”

        For Phil McDonald, who leads Progress Adult Services, the goal is to scale this kind of involvement. “Eventually, we want broader representation—people with autism, those who have experienced trauma. Co-production isn’t just a buzzword for us. It’s the goal.”

        Jackie echoed the vision. “We hope Fletch might get the opportunity to go and visit other homes and do some audits or help with recruitment there if needed.”

        For now, Fletch remains a quiet force at Nightingale House, greeting visitors with a grin, keeping an eye on standards, speaking up when something isn’t right. He’s still Fletch, after all. But he’s also something more: a living example of what’s possible when we trust those we support to shape the support they receive.

        Happy National Co-production Week.

        At CQC Headquarters, Progress’ Caroline Speaks Up for Care Workers

        Posted on by Paul Adepoju

        When people hear ‘CQC is coming,’ everyone panics – even when we’re doing everything right.”

        That was the honest reflection from Caroline, a support worker with Nightingale House (Progress Adult Services), who recently visited the CQC headquarters in London as part of her role on The Care Workers’ Charity Champions Board. There, she helped challenge common fears and misconceptions about inspections and spoke up for care workers across the country.

        Caroline from Progress Adult Services’ Nightingale House recently took part in a key conversation at the headquarters of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), where she represented care workers as a member of The Care Workers’ Charity Champions Board. The meeting brought together frontline staff and CQC representatives to have an open discussion about what inspections feel like from the perspective of care workers. Caroline said the topic that kept coming up was the pressure people feel when they hear that CQC is visiting.

        “Everyone goes into panic mode, even though we’re doing things properly every day. But CQC told us they’re not there to catch us out. They’re there to support us too,” she said. For Caroline, taking part helped shift how she views inspections. “It made me feel more relaxed. It helped to bust some of the myths. I definitely gained something from it.”

        Caroline joined the Champions Board after seeing a call for applications from The Care Workers’ Charity shared internally by Progress.

        “I put my name forward when the opportunity came up. I had a phone call where they asked me lots of questions, and after that, they invited me to join. We meet regularly on Zoom, and we’ve also had a roundtable event in London.”

        In September 2024, The Care Workers’ Charity launched The Care Workers Advisory Board and Care Worker Champions Project. The Advisory Board and Champions Project is groundbreaking, aiming to embed care workers’ voices into mainstream policy, research and practice discussions and decision making. Through the board, Caroline said she has heard a wide range of stories from other care workers across the country.

        “My favourite part is listening to people’s stories. Some of them are honestly like horror stories. I know I’m lucky because Progress looks after us. I don’t feel afraid to speak to management if I’m struggling. They even allowed me to reduce my hours when I needed to.”

        She also spoke about wider issues affecting people working in care, especially around recognition, and the perception that care workers are unskilled. “I’ve had more training at Progress than I had anywhere else. We’re trained in manual handling, hoisting, meds, first aid, and so much more.”

        Caroline said she is proud to be part of a group working to challenge these perceptions and push for better treatment of care workers. “We are highly skilled which is why we are trying to change the way care workers are seen and treated. I’m proud to be a voice for the sector.”

        Her contribution shows how Progress staff are helping shape the future of social care through action, experience and advocacy.

        Progress is a Supporter Member of The Care Workers Charity. Learn more about our support for the charity here.