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Progress Connects with Future Talent at the National Apprenticeship Show Coventry

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress is proud to be exhibiting at the National Apprenticeship Show West Midlands, taking place on 10–11 March 2026 at the CBS Arena in Coventry.

The event brings together employers, training providers and thousands of young people exploring their next steps in education and employment. Over the two days, the Progress team will be speaking with students, jobseekers and career changers about opportunities to build meaningful careers in health and social care.

Visitors to Stand 16 will have the chance to learn more about the wide range of opportunities available within Progress, including apprenticeships, career pathways in care, and flexible roles within our casual workforce.

Our team will also be offering advice to those considering a career in care, sharing insights into the rewarding nature of the sector and the many ways people can develop their skills while making a real difference in the lives of others.

Events like the National Apprenticeship Show play an important role in helping people explore future pathways and connect directly with employers. For Progress, it is an opportunity not only to promote careers in care but also to inspire the next generation of professionals who are passionate about supporting people to live independent and fulfilling lives.

If you are attending the event, we would love to meet you. Come and speak to the team at Stand 16 to find out more about how you could start your journey with Progress.

Progress Celebrates International Women’s Day by Honouring Women’s Leadership and Resilience

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Care Solutions mark International Women’s Day this week with celebrations at head office and a powerful reflection from Founder and CEO, Bal Dhanoa MBE, on her journey as a woman, leader and pioneer in the care sector.

Colleagues gathered at the Progress head office on Monday to celebrate the occasion with colourful decorations, balloons and cupcakes, creating a vibrant atmosphere to recognise the contributions of women across the organisation. The moment provided an opportunity to celebrate the impact women have had in shaping Progress over the past 25 years.

To mark the day, Bal Dhanoa MBE shared a personal article reflecting on her remarkable journey, from growing up in Britain as part of the first generation of British-born children of Indian heritage to building Progress into a leading care provider supporting children, young people and families.

In her reflection, Bal speaks about growing up between two cultures and balancing family traditions with her own ambitions. She recalls a childhood shaped by the music and culture of the 1970s alongside the responsibilities placed on young women within her community.

Education became a turning point in her life. It opened doors to a career in social care where she discovered a deep passion for supporting vulnerable children and families. Over time, that passion grew into a vision that would lead to the founding of Progress.

The early years of building the organisation were challenging. Bal balanced family responsibilities, a full-time career and significant personal risk to establish specialist fostering services and children’s homes at a time when opportunities for women in leadership were limited.

Despite the challenges, her determination to provide the highest standards of care never wavered. Over the years, that vision has grown into the organisation Progress is today, built on compassion, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on her journey, Bal highlighted the importance of resilience, education and believing in one’s own potential.

“If my journey inspires even one woman to believe in herself and pursue her ambitions without boundaries, then every challenge along the way has been worthwhile,” she said.

Women continue to play a vital role across every part of Progress, from frontline care teams and managers to senior leadership. Their dedication and professionalism remain central to the organisation’s mission of supporting children, young people and families.

International Women’s Day offered colleagues the chance to celebrate those contributions and recognise the many women whose work continues to shape the future of Progress.

Bal’s full International Women’s Day reflection can be read here on the Progress website.

The Journey That Shaped the Woman I Became

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

This International Women’s Day, Progress’ Founder and CEO, Bal Dhanoa MBE, shares the story of her journey, traversing the long Road between duty and dream… 

My story is one I hope will inspire the next generation of women to pursue their goals without boundaries.

Born in the early 1960s and growing up in the 1970s, I often reflect on what felt like one of the most vibrant eras of our time. My memories are filled with music and culture that shaped my teenage years. I remember listening to my favourite pop icons—The Osmonds, the Bay City Rollers—and watching John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and Grease. There were discos, flared trousers, Charlie’s Angels–inspired jumpsuits, retro television sets, and dial phones. As a young teenager, I felt completely in tune with that colourful world.

Yet alongside this joyful backdrop, my upbringing carried its own complexities. As a British-born girl of Indian heritage in the first generation raised in the UK, I grew up balancing two strong cultures with very different expectations. At school, I was a typical teenager enjoying music, friendships, and discos. At home, however, I had significant responsibilities—helping my mother with household chores, caring for younger siblings, and learning the skills expected of a young woman.

In our household, girls were expected to master domestic responsibilities—cooking, sewing, and caring for family—so that one day they would make suitable wives. My own dreams as a teenager were quite different. I wanted to train as an athlete and represent Britain at the Olympics. Unfortunately, that dream was short-lived. At that time, Indian girls simply were not encouraged—nor permitted—to pursue such ambitions.

Looking back, I also recognise that our parents were navigating their own struggles. They faced racism, threats in the streets, and worked long hours in foundries and factories just to make a living. Their sacrifices were real, and their experiences shaped many of the expectations placed on us.

Marriage for me was arranged from a young age, which was common for many women at the time. It was often presented as something glamorous—an opportunity to dress up, wear makeup, and gain independence. In reality, it was very different. Becoming a young bride, living within an extended family, brought its own challenges and responsibilities that were far from the freedom I had imagined.

Education became my true path to independence. It opened doors that allowed me to pursue a career aligned with my values. Helping others had always felt natural to me, so entering the social care sector felt like the right calling.

Over the next two decades, I built my career while raising a family and navigating the cultural expectations of extended family and community. Those years taught me resilience, adaptability, and determination—skills that would shape my journey over the next four decades.

Yet having a stable career in social care was never enough for me. I wanted to make a bigger difference. I wanted to change lives and provide better support for families struggling with poverty and limited services for their children. My first step was to set up school holiday provisions for children, giving parents support while offering young people a safe space where they could simply be themselves.

Alongside my full-time work as a social worker, I took on many voluntary roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s, supporting families and communities. During this time, I held several positions within the care sector and was fortunate to be supported by strong female managers and leaders who believed in me and encouraged my growth.

Through my voluntary work, I gained real insight into the lack of resources across local authorities. At the same time, my university research and thesis provided evidence of the gaps that needed addressing. With the Children Act 1989 providing a new framework for change, I began to shape a clear vision of what could be done.

After completing university, my vision became clearer—but the challenges ahead were even greater. In my mid-thirties, with young children and a full-time career, I began planning the next step of my journey. I decided to establish my own specialist fostering provision. To make it happen, I took a huge financial risk, even putting my own home on the line.

I had a clear focus, a vision, and a plan—and failure was not an option.

My days and nights merged as I balanced family life, career responsibilities, and financial pressures. I recruited, trained, and assessed my first group of foster carers. Looking back, that moment remains one of the proudest of my life. Despite the doubts, the challenges, and the negativity I encountered, I had created something meaningful.

Late nights were spent writing policies and procedures, ensuring our services met the standards required by regulatory authorities. At the same time, I faced another challenge: being a woman in what was very much a man’s world. In meetings with directors, I was often dismissed as “the social worker,” despite having the qualifications, skills, and leadership required to stand as their equal.

The first decade of building Progress brought enormous challenges—but it also strengthened my determination.

During those years, I was balancing many roles: professional, mother, wife, and carer to a disabled sibling. The demands were relentless, and I learned the art of multitasking at a completely new level. There was simply no turning back—too much had been invested, and too much was at stake. As Margaret Thatcher once said, “This lady’s not for turning.”

Looking back over more than forty years, I recognise that resilience and determination have been the driving forces behind my journey. My mission has always been to build services that deliver excellence in care while empowering other women to step into leadership roles. I have always believed in supporting women to gain education, qualifications, and meaningful careers.

While setting up services came naturally to me, running a business brought its own lessons. In those early years, I was often so focused on the work ahead that I rarely stopped to look up and reflect. Leadership required constant learning, navigation, and resilience.

Today, when I reflect on my journey, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had—and for the people who stood beside me, encouraging and supporting me along the way.

To women considering starting a business in their chosen field, my advice is simple: develop the right skills, create a clear plan, and surround yourself with people who share your passion and vision. Leadership can sometimes feel lonely, but resilience and teamwork make all the difference.

As I conclude my story, I reflect on the many challenges I have faced—balancing family life, cultural expectations, and the pressures of leadership. Like many women, I have lived with “mum guilt” while striving to achieve professional goals.

Yet today, I feel a deep sense of purpose. If my journey can inspire even one young woman to believe in her potential, then every challenge has been worthwhile.

I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve those I care deeply about in our society and to provide meaningful careers for so many women who have joined us on the Progress journey over the years.

Above all, I believe this: anything is possible if you trust in yourself.

Happy International Women’s Day

How James Found His Place in Care at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

I never thought I’d be in care. But if you don’t give it a go, you won’t know. 

When James talks about work, he doesn’t start with job titles. He starts with people.  For 25 years, his career lived in sales and customer service—banks, telesales, property management, social media. Roles that demanded patience, persuasion and, above all, an ability to read the person in front of him. Trustworthiness mattered. Reliability mattered. Treating people as individuals mattered most of all. What didn’t seem to fit, at least not on paper, was care. 

“For years, people kept saying to me, ‘You’d be good in care,’” James says. He always brushed it off. Sales suited him. Customer service felt familiar. And there was one thing he couldn’t quite get past: personal care. “That was the massive thing for me,” he admits. It felt like a line he wasn’t sure he could cross.  So he kept going. Long hours. New roles. Same people-facing work. Then, at a job fair in Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, something shifted. 

James wasn’t there looking for career opportunities in care. He wandered past stalls on internet security, imagining himself there quite comfortably. And then he turned and saw Progress. Louise and the rest of the team from Progress were standing there. Care, again. It seemed to keep appearing at moments of change in his life. 

“I must have looked puzzled,” he laughs. Louise noticed and asked the question James had been dodging for years: had he ever thought about working in care? 

He was honest. Kind of. But the personal care aspect had always put him off.  Louise didn’t push. She simply suggested he give it a go.  That was it. No grand speech. No pressure. Just permission to try. James wanted something different. After decades in customer service and sales, he was ready for a new challenge—one that still involved people, but in a more meaningful way. He wanted flexibility. He wanted something he could stay with. Something that felt rewarding, not just financially, but personally.  Care, he realised, might be that thing. 

His first day at Progress came with nerves. He started on 8 December, walking into induction at the Head Office apprehensive, unsure what to expect. Those nerves didn’t last long. “The staff were lovely,” he says simply. “The building is great. Such a nice place to have.” What stood out most was how visible leadership was. Claire, the Managing Director, was there delivering parts of the training herself. It made an impression. This wasn’t a distant organisation. It felt present. The very next day, James was in someone’s home. 

“That was intimidating,” he admits. “But it happened.” 

He wasn’t thrown in at the deep end. The first shifts were about watching, listening, learning the environment, understanding the person he was supporting and the colleagues alongside him. He learned how behaviours could shift, what might trigger them, what might soothe them. He learned that care isn’t just about tasks—it’s about awareness. One of the young adults James supports has complex needs. At first, the complexity felt like a lot to process. But then James reframed it, the way he always has with people. 

“You start thinking about what issues they’ve had in their life,” he says. “And then you think, how can I help?” 

James and Phil, head of Adult Services, Progress

That question now guides him into every shift. “How can I make this person’s day better?” Sometimes that looks like supporting daily activities. Sometimes it’s going out—to Dudley, for example—trying to keep up with someone who moves much faster than you do. Sometimes it’s snowball fights. Sometimes it’s simply being present. 

Not everyone James works with is verbal. That brings a different challenge: learning how to communicate care without words. A gentle touch on the shoulder. A calm presence. Small gestures that say, I’m here, you’re safe. There are moments that stay with him. One service user, in a wheelchair, greets him loudly and joyfully—“Hi! Hello, trouble!”—and dances whenever music comes on. At Progress Christmas Party, the joy was infectious. Another moment caught James off guard more quietly: after only three visits, that same person greeted him by name. 

“That touched me,” he says. “He knows my name already.” 

It’s in those moments that James feels the difference he’s making—and the difference the job is making to him. Care isn’t easy. The hours can be difficult. The needs are complex. Patience is essential. There’s repetition, unpredictability, emotional weight. But James doesn’t shy away from that.  “You’ve got to be focused on the individual,” he says. “You’ve got to be patient. Loyal. Respectful.” 

He sees care as an extension of everything he’s done before. Managing people’s lives, in many ways, isn’t so different from managing teams or handling complaints—it just carries far greater responsibility. The skills transfer. The stakes are higher. Training has been intense, but James welcomes it. He’s tech-savvy, comfortable with computer-based learning, and he understands why the foundation matters. Safeguarding. Medication. Fire safety. Epilepsy. Autism. Each course adds another layer of confidence. 

Recently, he was signed off to administer medication. The first time doing it alone was daunting. “You’ve got to be on your game,” he says. “A tiny mistake can have a massive effect.” He’s developed his own careful process, backed by the knowledge and support of colleagues, mentors and managers who encourage questions rather than discourage them. 

“I ask loads of questions,” he laughs. “And they always reply.” 

That support has made all the difference. James feels trusted, prepared, and backed to succeed. 

One month in, he doesn’t see this as a stopgap or a trial run. He sees a future. He wants to progress within Progress—maybe into a team leader role, maybe into management. He wants to build a career that matters.  Not just for the pay, but for the reward of knowing he’s helped give someone a better life. 

“I never thought I’d be in care,” James says. “But if you don’t give it a go, you don’t know.” 

Now he does. And he’s glad he stopped at that stall.

Progress has rewarding career opportunities. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for the latest career opportunities.

Children’s Mental Health Activities Through Storytelling

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

In many care environments, routines provide structure and stability. But it is often the moments that invite imagination, curiosity and shared participation that leave the deepest impact. Over the past three weeks, activities at The Bridge reflected this in practice. National Storytelling Week and Children’s Mental Health Week unfolded, creating a natural opportunity to explore creativity, connection and emotional wellbeing through shared experiences.

Rather than treating these observances as separate calendar entries, staff used them as complementary themes. Storytelling became a way to build confidence and communication. Mental health focused activities offered space to reflect, connect and regulate. Together, they reinforced a simple principle: emotional wellbeing thrives in environments where young people feel engaged, supported and included.

The team went all out with the crafts

As part of National Storytelling Week, young people gathered for a sensory storytelling session inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Instead of passively listening, they experienced the story through multiple senses. As the caterpillar journeyed through the days of the week, visual prompts were introduced and children were invited to taste the foods featured in the story.

The responses were wonderfully unpredictable. Some embraced every flavour. Others rejected unfamiliar textures or tastes with theatrical determination. But the purpose was not compliance. It was exposure and exploration. Trying something new in a supportive setting builds resilience and confidence, both key contributors to emotional development.

The environment itself reflected collective effort and creativity. Staff collaborated to design visual materials and artistic displays, while young people helped produce artwork used during the session. A hand-crafted caterpillar, a painted butterfly, and a calendar representing the days of the week transformed storytelling into something immersive and shared. Creativity became a vehicle for participation and belonging.

These moments of shared creation carry quiet psychological benefits. Collaborative activity builds trust, reduces isolation and strengthens self expression. When young people see their contributions valued, their sense of identity and self worth grows.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Why Shared Activities Matter

Planning activities around national and global observances is part of an intentional approach to engagement. Staff maintain a calendar of events that allows young people to feel connected to wider society while exploring new themes in meaningful ways. Yet the importance of these sessions extends beyond topical relevance.

In settings where individual living arrangements can sometimes encourage solitary routines, group activities provide vital opportunities for connection. They encourage interaction, laughter and shared learning. They also invite young people to try unfamiliar experiences without pressure, helping them develop coping strategies, curiosity and adaptability.

These qualities align closely with the goals of Children’s Mental Health Week, which emphasises emotional awareness, resilience and supportive relationships. Engagement through creativity and storytelling supports emotional literacy in ways that feel natural rather than instructional.

Throughout the week, activities were structured around themes that encouraged reflection and emotional development. Sessions focused on understanding feelings, recognising personal strengths, identifying emotions in others, and learning techniques to calm the body and regulate responses. Mindfulness, kindness and connection were also explored, culminating in reflective storytelling activities that allowed young people to process experiences in their own way.

By embedding these themes into daily engagement, the approach moves beyond awareness raising. It becomes lived practice. Young people are not only introduced to emotional wellbeing concepts but given practical tools and safe spaces to explore them.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s daily itinerary

What emerges from these initiatives is a philosophy grounded in empathy and participation. Activities are not treated as standalone diversions but as opportunities to strengthen relationships, encourage expression and nurture confidence. Whether painting props, tasting unfamiliar foods, discussing feelings or simply laughing together, each interaction contributes to an environment where young people can feel secure and valued.

National Storytelling Week illustrated the power of shared imagination. Children’s Mental Health Week has highlighted the importance of emotional understanding and support. Together, they demonstrated how creative engagement and wellbeing awareness are deeply interconnected.

Sometimes, supporting mental health begins with something simple. Sitting together. Listening to a story. Trying something new. Feeling heard. Feeling included. And discovering that growth often starts in those shared moments.

Congratulations to The Bridge’s Registered Manager, Nicole, Team Leader, Emily, the entire team and young persons there, for their successful activities that went beyond checking boxes to actually being intentionally impactful.

How Apprenticeship Shaped My Leadership Path

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

I have always believed that development should be intentional. For me, progressing in my career wasn’t just about stepping into new roles, it was about making sure I had the knowledge, qualifications, and confidence to lead effectively and support others to grow. 

I joined Progress Care Solutions as a Deputy Manager, having already completed my Level 3 qualification. From that point, pursuing Leadership and Management training felt like a natural next step. Whether or not a management role came immediately, I knew achieving my Level 5 was important, both for my professional growth and for my ability to contribute meaningfully to the service. Supporting a manager requires more than experience alone; it requires understanding, reflection, and the right tools to lead. 

The apprenticeship journey provided exactly that. Starting from the foundation level and building knowledge over time allowed me to measure my progress and see how far I had developed. Through reflective exercises, competency assessments, and personal development planning, I was able to identify my strengths, recognise areas for improvement, and set clear goals for growth. These structured milestones made the learning practical and relevant to my day-to-day role. 

 

One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the support network around it. Having access to assessors and mentors—individuals who had completed the programme themselves—created a strong system of guidance and accountability. That support ensured I stayed on track and could apply what I was learning directly into practice. 

The impact on my leadership has been significant. The training strengthened my professional capabilities, deepened my understanding of leadership theory, and equipped me with tools for managing teams and navigating complex situations. I now embed reflective approaches into daily practice, encouraging teams to learn from incidents, resolve challenges constructively, and continually improve. It has also broadened my awareness of legislation, safeguarding expectations, and sector developments, ensuring that my decision-making is informed and responsible. 

Today, as Manager at Portland House, I apply these insights every day; whether managing conflict, supporting staff development, or guiding the team through complex care situations. The apprenticeship helped bridge research and practice, allowing me to translate theory into meaningful action that benefits both staff and the young people we support. 

My journey reflects the value of continuous learning. Professional development is not just about achieving qualifications, it’s about building confidence, capability, and perspective. Through Progress Care Solutions’ commitment to training and support, I’ve been able to strengthen my leadership and continue growing in a role where I can make a lasting impact. 

Learning. Leading. Progressing.

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

For National Apprenticeship Week, Jade who is the Registered Manager of Progress’ Henley Lodge, a children’s residential service in Coventry, shares her journey trajectory.

I began my journey with Progress Care Solutions about six years ago, with a clear sense of purpose and an open heart. What started as a frontline role has grown into a career shaped by commitment, resilience, and a genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of children and young people. 

My journey is a true example of growth from within. Over the years, I have progressed through every role within the service, gaining invaluable experience and insight at each stage. From Support Worker to Key Worker, Shift Leader, Team Leader, Deputy Manager, Home Manager, and now Registered Manager of Henley Lodge, each step has strengthened my understanding of care and reinforced my dedication to excellence. 

At the heart of my work is a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care for children and young people with learning disabilities. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, understood, and supported to reach their full potential. This belief shapes every decision I make and every standard I set. 

Jade has won several awards at Progress

What matters most to me is developing both the children we support and the people who care for them. I am passionate about nurturing confidence, independence, and growth in young people, while also investing time and energy into supporting staff development. I firmly believe that empowered, skilled, and supported teams create the strongest foundations for exceptional care. 

As Registered Manager of Henley Lodge, I lead with authenticity, compassion, and vision. Having worked across every role, I understand the challenges staff face and the importance of strong, supportive leadership. I strive to be a leader who listens, supports, and inspires, and who leads by example every day. 

Alongside my role, I am nearing completion of my Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship, with my final exam pending. During Apprenticeship Week, my journey reflects the value of continuous learning and the opportunities Progress Care provides to grow, develop, and progress from within. 

My journey is more than a career story. It is proof that when dedication is matched with opportunity, meaningful growth follows — for individuals, teams, and, most importantly, for the children and young people we support. 

There are career opportunities at Jade’s service. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for current career opportunities in Coventry and elsewhere.

National Apprenticeship Week: Growing Careers, Strengthening Care

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

National Apprenticeship Week is ultimately about people, their progress, their potential, and the futures they are building.

National Apprenticeship Week begins today, and at Progress Care Solutions, it offers a moment to reflect on something that is embedded in everyday practice. Growth. Not just organisational growth, but personal growth. The kind that happens when people are given the space, encouragement, and opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and shape meaningful careers in care.

Apprenticeships are often spoken about in terms of qualifications, frameworks, or pathways, but in reality, they are about people. They are about individuals discovering what they are capable of, strengthening their knowledge through experience, and translating learning into better support for children, young people, and adults. When colleagues are supported to develop professionally, the impact extends far beyond the classroom or training session. It reaches into homes, services, and daily interactions, shaping the quality of care delivered every day.

That philosophy is reflected in Progress’ approach to development. As Managing Director Claire Rogers notes, “We’re proud to support our people to grow, progress and lead.” It is a simple sentiment, but one that underpins a culture where development is encouraged, supported, and valued. Across services, apprenticeships are enabling practitioners to deepen their understanding of care and leadership, while opening doors to progression that might otherwise have felt out of reach.

Jade’s journey captures this spirit particularly well. Joining Progress Care Solutions about six years ago with a strong sense of purpose, she began in a frontline role and progressed through each stage of responsibility within her service. From Support Worker to leadership positions and ultimately to Registered Manager of Henley Lodge in Coventry, her path has been shaped by commitment, learning, and reflection. Each role provided insight into different aspects of care and team leadership, strengthening both her confidence and perspective.

Alongside managing her service, Jade is completing her Level 5 Leadership and Management apprenticeship. For her, learning is closely connected to impact. She is deeply committed to ensuring children and young people feel safe, valued, and supported to achieve their potential. At the same time, she invests energy in nurturing the development of staff, recognising that confident and capable teams create the strongest foundations for exceptional care. Having experienced the realities of each role herself, she leads with empathy and authenticity, grounded in understanding rather than distance. Her story demonstrates what sustained opportunity and determination can achieve when they meet in the right environment.

A different but equally meaningful perspective can be seen in the experience of Cosmos Appau, Manager at Portland House. Development, for him, has always been a deliberate choice. After joining as Deputy Manager, pursuing Level 5 Leadership and Management training felt like a necessary step, regardless of whether immediate progression followed. Strengthening his knowledge and gaining tools to support others was the priority.

The apprenticeship structure provided space for reflection and self-assessment, allowing him to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. With guidance from mentors and assessors, the learning became practical and grounded, feeding directly into everyday leadership. It deepened his understanding of legislation, safeguarding responsibilities, and leadership theory, while also shaping how he manages conflict, supports staff development, and guides teams through complex situations. Today, the influence of that learning is evident in his approach, which emphasises reflection, informed decision-making, and continuous improvement. His experience highlights how apprenticeships contribute not only to career progression, but to the depth and quality of leadership within services.

These journeys are not isolated examples. Across Progress Care Solutions, colleagues are engaging in professional development that strengthens both their capabilities and their confidence. Managers are completing or working towards Level 5 diplomas in leadership and management. Practitioners are gaining sector-specific qualifications that deepen their expertise. Others are building foundations through adult care certifications that enable them to progress further. In some cases, qualifications have supported promotion into new roles. In others, they have reinforced knowledge that enhances daily practice. Collectively, they reflect an organisation-wide commitment to recognising potential and investing in people over the long term.

Care is a profession rooted in relationships and understanding. Technical knowledge matters, but so does empathy, awareness, and adaptability. Apprenticeships offer a unique bridge between theory and experience, ensuring learning is immediately relevant and grounded in real contexts. For individuals, they build confidence and create pathways forward. For teams, they strengthen collective capability. For those receiving support, they contribute to consistency, compassion, and quality.

National Apprenticeship Week is therefore not simply a celebration of achievement. It is also a reminder of possibility. It invites those considering a career in care to see development as part of the journey rather than something separate from it. It reassures those already within the sector that growth remains accessible and encouraged.

At Progress Care Solutions, the focus continues to rest on enabling people to learn, develop, and lead with confidence. Investing in individuals is never an abstract concept. It is visible in stronger teams, more thoughtful leadership, and more responsive care environments. Ultimately, it is reflected in better outcomes for the people at the heart of the organisation’s work.

Because when people are supported to grow, progress follows naturally, and the benefits are shared by everyone.

Do you know anyone that would thrive and grow within Progress? Refer them today. Send their details to: refer-a-friend@progresscare.co.uk

Spring Meadow according to its Team Leaders

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

When Chloe, Caitlyn and Mary talk about Spring Meadow, they don’t start with the building. They start with how it feels. 

They talk about space. Real space. The kind that gives people room to think, to calm down, to try things without feeling rushed or crowded. For them, Spring Meadow is not just a new service. It is a chance to do what they already believe in, but in a way that feels calmer, kinder and more intentional. 

Spring Meadow is the newest service from Progress, and for its team leaders, it feels like a fresh chapter built on familiar values. 

“It’s the same foundation of care we already have,” Chloe says. “Just on a bigger scale. There are more opportunities for staff, and more opportunities for young people. It really does feel bigger and better.” 

That word, space, keeps coming back. Where they are now, rooms are compact and privacy can be hard to find. One to one time sometimes means working around noise and movement. At Spring Meadow, there are breakout areas, quiet rooms and outdoor spaces that make those moments easier and more meaningful. 

Mary describes it as a clean slate. “We’ll have our own space and our own identity. Staff can step away when they need to. Young people can do the same. Everyone has room.” 

Preparing for the opening has been as thoughtful as the building itself. Staff have been talked through what the new service will look like and shown photos. Young people have been asking questions, lots of them, and the team is taking time to make sure transitions feel safe and familiar. 

“We’re thinking about it from their point of view,” Chloe explains. “How do we make this feel like home from day one?” 

Caitlyn adds that they are even creating a simple guide to the service, explaining the rooms, equipment and daily routines. “It’s about confidence,” she says. “We want staff and young people to walk in and feel comfortable straight away.” 

A typical day at Spring Meadow will look different from what they are used to. With more indoor and outdoor space, activities can happen naturally instead of being squeezed in. There are plans for gardening and small allotments where young people can plant seeds, watch them grow and bring produce into the kitchen. 

“It’s about everyday life,” Chloe says. “Seeing food grow, preparing it, understanding healthy choices. But also having the time to sit with someone and really talk.” 

One to one sessions will be easier too. The team leaders talk about having proper space for key worker conversations, without distractions, and without other young people feeling crowded out. 

Celebrations will also change. At their current service, decorations have to be limited and carefully placed. At Spring Meadow, the team is already imagining something bigger. Decorating inside and outside. Personalising bedrooms. Even creating a Christmas grotto. 

“It’s about making it an experience,” Caitlyn says. “Not just putting decorations up, but creating memories.” 

Spring Meadow is also being shaped as a place that connects with others. With more room comes the chance to host events, welcome other services and build stronger links with the local community. 

Looking back on 2025, they describe a year full of change. Young people moving on to supported living or college. New young people arriving. New staff joining. The team growing quickly and learning together. 

“It’s been busy,” Chloe says. “But it’s also been a year of learning and adapting.” 

Spring Meadow feels like the natural next step after all that movement. A place designed around the people who will use it. A place where support can be shaped around interests, goals and everyday moments, whether that is learning to cook, spending quiet time in a relaxation room, or simply planting seeds and watching them grow. 

For Chloe, Caitlyn and Mary, Spring Meadow is not just fit for purpose. It feels right. 

“It really is a fresh start,” Caitlyn says. “For the young people, and for us too.” 

Come and meet us – no pressure, no application required

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Sometimes, the hardest part of applying for a new job isn’t the form or the interview.
It’s figuring out whether a place actually feels right. 

That’s why, this Friday, our adult supported living service, The Hub, is opening its doors for something a little different. We are kickstarting an informal drop-in session for anyone who’s curious about working at The Hub. No presentations. No pressure. Just a chance to come in, meet the people behind the roles, and ask whatever questions you might have. 

Whether you’re actively job-hunting, thinking about a change, or simply want to understand what working in care at Progress is really like, you’re welcome. 

Why we’re doing this 

We know that applying for a role in care is a big decision. Many people want to understand the culture, the support, and the day-to-day reality before they commit to an application. Some want to talk things through first. Others just want to get a feel for the place. 

As Rachael, registered manager for The Hub, put it during planning: sometimes people don’t want to “start the job journey” straight away, they just want to find out a bit more. This drop-in is designed for exactly that. 

What to expect on the day 

If you come along, you’ll be able to: 

  • Meet members of the team and team leads 
  • Ask honest questions about roles, shifts, pay, and progression 
  • Learn more about our services and how we support staff 
  • Get a feel for whether Progress might be right for you 

You don’t need to bring a CV. You don’t need to prepare anything. You don’t even need to decide whether you want to apply. This is simply about conversation. 

We’ve found that some of the best conversations and strongest potential candidates are people who just walk in and start talking 

If you’re curious, that’s enough 

You don’t have to be sure.
You don’t have to be ready.
You just have to be curious. 

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Progress different, what support really looks like behind the scenes, or whether a role in care could be right for you, we’d love to meet you this Friday. 

Sometimes, the best first step isn’t an application, it’s a conversation.