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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.

      There are career opportunities at The Hub. Click here to register to attend their forthcoming recruitment day.

      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.

      Progress celebrates Learning Disability week 2025

      Posted on by Paul Adepoju

      “Do you see me?” is the theme for the 2025 National Learning Disability Week. It is about making sure that people with a learning disability are seen, heard, included, and valued in all aspects of life. The goal is to celebrate what people with a learning disability bring to the society.

      Annually, the third week of June is Learning Disability Week.  It is when we make sure the world hears what life is like if you have a learning disability.

      People with a learning disability want what everyone wants, to be heard, seen and included.  No more prejudice. No more being left out. Just equal opportunities and the right to live a full, brilliant life. The goal is to celebrate what people with a learning disability bring to society.

      But, for now, here are the important numbers:

      “Do you see me?” is a powerful reminder that people with a learning disability deserve to be seen, heard, included, and valued in every part of life — not just during this week, but always.

      At Progress, this theme is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just see the young people we support, we celebrate them. We champion their voices, we advocate for their rights, and we work every day to ensure they are included, empowered, and given the tools they need to live full, brilliant lives.

      While the annual National Learning Disability Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of what life is like for people with a learning disability. At Progress, we live this mission every day. Through our tailored support services, specialists, dedicated carers, and strong values of trust, respect, and progress, we aim to break down barriers and challenge prejudice.

      People with a learning disability want what everyone wants: to be heard, to be seen, and to be included. And at Progress, we are committed to making that a reality.

      We have exciting careers in supporting young people with learning disabilities. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs

      Are you passionate about caring for young people with learning disabilities? Inquire about our outstanding fostering service. Visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering

      The Vital Role of Support Workers at Christmas

      Posted on by Paul Adepoju

      The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and reflection. While many of us spend Christmas surrounded by loved ones, indulging in festive traditions, there are those whose dedication ensures others can experience the warmth of the season, no matter their circumstances. At Progress, our support workers embody this spirit of care and compassion, even on Christmas Day. 

      For support workers like Harninder Singh, the festive period is an opportunity to create special moments for the individuals they support. This Christmas, Harninder will be on duty, ensuring that young individuals being supported by The Hub experience the magic of the season in a way that is meaningful and memorable for them. “One of our residents, Adam, will have his family visiting for a few hours on Christmas Day,” he shares. “After that, we’ll plan some activities in the evening to keep the festive spirit alive. I’ll even be wearing my Christmas hat!” 

      Harninder’s commitment highlights the importance of the role support workers play—not just in providing essential care but in creating an environment of joy and community. At The Hub, and across Progress, this means going beyond the practicalities of care to ensure residents feel included in the season’s celebrations. From organising festive activities to sharing meals and laughter, the focus is on fostering a sense of belonging and cheer. 

      For many of our young adults, these moments are deeply significant. “Christmas is about more than decorations or presents,” Harninder explains. “It’s about ensuring that everyone feels warm, valued, and cared for, especially during the colder months when many people face challenges like staying warm or affording heating.” 

      At Progress, we recognise and deeply appreciate the dedication of our staff who work during the holidays. Their efforts ensure that the people we support continue to receive the care they need while also enjoying the festivities in a way that brings joy and comfort. To every support worker who gives their time and energy during this season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. 

      Harninder’s Christmas wish is simple yet poignant: “Live in peace, stay warm, and have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.” It’s a sentiment that reflects the very essence of Progress’ mission—providing care that goes beyond the expected to touch lives in meaningful ways. 

      As we celebrate this season, let us not only enjoy the festivities but also take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work of our support workers. Their dedication ensures that every resident, no matter their situation, can share in the warmth and joy of Christmas. To all our staff on duty this Christmas: thank you for the invaluable role you play in making the season brighter for so many. 

      The Role of a Support Worker at The Hub: Empowering Lives with Compassion and Care – Harninder

      Posted on by Paul Adepoju

      Support workers at The Hub play an instrumental role in enabling the people supported to achieve their fullest potential while living as independently as possible. The Hub, part of Progress’ supported living services, is a unique space where individuals currently aged 18 to 29 receive tailored support to navigate their lives and grow in confidence. For support workers, the role goes beyond simply providing care—it’s about fostering dignity, independence, and meaningful connections in an environment where every day brings new opportunities and challenges.  

      Supporting Independence and Building Confidence 

      The primary goal of a support worker at The Hub is to help people develop the skills they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives. From personal care to household tasks, every activity is an opportunity to build confidence and autonomy. “Even the smallest tasks, like guiding an individual to make a cup of tea or helping them organise their shopping, can be transformative,” explains Harninder Singh, a support worker at The Hub. “It’s about celebrating every achievement, no matter how small it seems.” 

      Daily routines are designed to encourage people to participate actively in their care and activities, fostering a sense of responsibility. These routines range from physiotherapy sessions to community outings and rehabilitation exercises, all tailored to the individual’s abilities and interests. For the people supported, this personalised approach creates a sense of purpose, while for support workers, it offers the rewarding experience of seeing progress unfold. 

      The focus on independence also involves empowering people to make choices and take control of their lives. Support workers serve as guides and mentors, ensuring they feel capable and supported as they navigate new experiences. This collaborative approach underpins the success of The Hub’s services, ensuring individuals feel valued and capable in their journey towards independence. 

      Adaptability: Meeting Diverse Needs 

      The Hub’s supported living environment caters to individuals with a wide range of needs, requiring support workers to be highly adaptable. Some individuals require intensive one-to-one care, including assistance with complex medical conditions such as epilepsy management or PEG feeding. Others are more independent, needing only guidance and encouragement to achieve their goals. “Each day is different,” says Harninder . “You might be supporting someone with personal care in the morning and helping another resident work on their confidence during a community outing in the afternoon.” 

      This diversity demands flexibility and creativity from support workers, who must tailor their approach to suit each individual’s unique circumstances. Technology also plays a vital role in delivering consistent care. At The Hub, tools like One Touch streamline communication and documentation, allowing support workers to access care plans, record activities, and share updates efficiently. Harninder admits that adjusting to digital systems was initially challenging but acknowledges their benefits: “Once you get the hang of it, everything is right there on your phone or tablet, which makes it so much easier to stay organised and provide the best support.” 

      The role also requires quick thinking and the ability to handle unexpected situations with poise. Whether it’s finding indoor activities during bad weather or managing behavioural challenges, support workers must remain calm and resourceful, always keeping the well-being of the person supported at the forefront. 

      Building Trust and Fostering Relationships 

      The success of The Hub’s services relies heavily on the strong relationships support workers build with the people supported. These relationships are rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to personal growth. “When I first started working with one of the individuals, I was nervous about how to approach him,” Harninder reflects. “But over time, we built trust, and now we work together with confidence and understanding.” 

      Trust is fostered through consistent communication and empathy, allowing people to feel secure and supported. Professional boundaries are maintained, but the atmosphere at The Hub is warm and collaborative, with a focus on creating a sense of community. “The Hub feels less like a workplace and more like a family,” Harninder says. “Everyone is approachable, from the management team to the staff, which makes a huge difference in how we work together to support the people in our service.” 

      By prioritising trust and respect, support workers create an environment where residents feel valued and capable. This foundation not only enhances the quality of care but also empowers residents to engage fully with the opportunities available to them. 

      Rewards and Challenges 

      While the role of a support worker is deeply rewarding, it also comes with its challenges. The demands of the job can be both physical and emotional, requiring resilience and dedication. “It’s not always easy,” Harninder admits. “But when you see a individual achieve something they never thought possible, it makes everything worth it.” 

      One of Harninder’s most memorable moments involved helping an individual navigate a shopping trip independently. “Watching him pick out items, load them onto the conveyor belt, and pack his shopping bags—it was such a proud moment for both of us,” he recalls. “It’s those little victories that remind you why this work is so important.” 

      The role also requires a proactive mindset, as support workers are often responsible for planning activities and finding ways to keep the people they support engaged. Creativity and enthusiasm are essential traits for anyone considering this career, as is a genuine passion for making a difference. “You have to want to do this job for the right reasons,” Harninder emphasises. “It’s not about the pay—it’s about helping people live their best lives.” 

      For support workers at The Hub, the role is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to create meaningful change, one day at a time. Through their dedication and compassion, they help residents build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to thrive, making The Hub a truly transformative place.