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Team bonding and building at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, fostering strong team bonds and collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of our culture. Whether it’s through team meetings, bootcamps, or retreats, we prioritise activities that bring our team members closer together. 

Every month, the Corporate and Commercial Team dedicates an entire day at the head office to discuss their respective team’s activities, successes, and challenges. They also set aside time for cross-team collaborations, where new ideas are suggested and considered for implementation. 

Similar meetings occur across our various services. These gatherings bring all team members together to discuss operations, share updates, and collectively tackle challenges. These sessions are integral to maintaining a cohesive and effective working environment. 

Claire Rogers, Progress’ Managing Director, emphasised the importance of these regular activities. “The various meetings were intentionally instituted to enable the team members to interact more and collaboratively solve challenges they may face in their service. We know the importance of creating a safe and relaxed environment for our staff members to connect with one another. The sector is very busy, and we are very intentional about ensuring that we support our workforce to achieve a safe and conducive working environment for everyone,” Claire said. 

If working in a conducive environment with open communication and freedom of expression is a top priority for you, consider applying for a role at Progress today. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for our latest career opportunities. 

The impact of Progress’ support groups for foster carers

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Are you considering becoming a foster carer? At Progress, we understand the journey can be both rewarding and challenging. Amanda, one of our dedicated foster carers, shares how the support groups at Progress have been invaluable to her and can be for you too. 

“I’ve really enjoyed coming along to the support groups,” Amanda begins. “I find it really insightful. Sometimes people explain the challenges they’re having, and even though you might not be living that challenge, hearing the tools to overcome them absolutely could benefit me. You never know when you might come across that yourself.” 

Amanda highlights the importance of community and support in fostering. “It’s really important to come along and support others. As a foster carer now, I’ve got hints and tips that I can share with people with less experience. Meeting people face to face is brilliant. If you need anything, it’s great to come into the offices and speak to someone. Everyone’s so welcoming and supportive. There’s always somebody to speak to.” 

The sense of camaraderie and shared experience is something Amanda deeply values. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, to share ideas and challenges, and get other people’s perspectives on overcoming obstacles. Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes. Sharing success is a massive reason to come to the support groups—to celebrate success with everybody else at Progress.” 

Amanda’s experience shows that with the right support, fostering can be a fulfilling and enriching experience. If you’re interested in becoming a foster carer and want to learn more about the benefits of our support groups, visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or call 01902 561066. Join us and become part of a community that values support, learning, and shared success. 

Bootcamp for Progress’ team leaders

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

One of the familiar activities at Progress is training and sharing learning. Various cadres of team members have regular training sessions and late May 2024, it was the turn of team leaders from across the various services to participate in a bootcamp that featured sessions that were led by Progress’ Managing Director, Claire Rogers, and Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. 

Team leaders are critical to the smooth running of Progress’ services. While the training enables team leaders to further improve their capabilities, it is also preparing them for the next stages of their career development. 

During the bootcamp, Claire and Tina extensively spoke on the responsibilities of a manager and how to be an effective at it.  

At Progress, we are proud of our team leaders and our entire workforce who we are actively supporting, training and equipping to succeed in their current roles, and to be prepared for the journeys ahead. 

If you consider support in your career journey a top priority for you, we welcome you to be part of us at Progress. We have career roles that you can apply for here: progrescare.co.uk/jobs  

At Progress, we value respect. Here’s what that means.

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, respect isn’t just a value—it’s a cornerstone of our diverse and inclusive environment. Managing Director Claire Rogers emphasises, “Respect is crucial at Progress. We work with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures, and it’s vital to listen, hear, and value these differences.” 

Our commitment to respect enriches our community and enhances the support we provide. Differences make society vibrant and rich, and recognising this allows us to foster a more inclusive environment. 

If you prioritise respect and seek a workplace that values diversity, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us at progresscare.co.uk/jobs. Join us in making a difference through respect and understanding. 

A deeper dive on respect 

Respect is more than just a polite gesture; it’s a fundamental principle that underpins healthy relationships, effective collaboration, and personal growth. At its core, respect acknowledges that every person has inherent value and the potential to contribute. It goes beyond surface-level politeness and recognises the uniqueness of everyone. 

When we treat everyone with respect, we create an inclusive environment. This means embracing different perspectives, experiences, aptitudes, knowledge, and skills. In a diverse workplace, these differences become powerful tools for innovation and growth. Respect involves seeing people as individuals rather than making assumptions based on group identity. It’s essential to recognise that no one characteristic defines a person entirely. Avoiding an “I’m better than you” attitude fosters a culture of openness and understanding. 

While it’s natural to gravitate toward people who are like us, intentionally building relationships with those outside our usual circles broadens our horizons. It enriches our experiences and enhances our ability to learn and contribute. 

At Progress, our leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone. By demonstrating respect in their interactions, it sends a powerful message to the entire team. Truly hearing and valuing others’ perspectives is a sign of respect. At Progress, we encourage open dialogue and create spaces where everyone feels heard.  

We intentionally address unconscious biases that can affect behaviour through training and retraining. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, we celebrate them. We recognise the richness that diversity brings to problem-solving and creativity. We also teach effective conflict resolution techniques—respectful disagreement leads to better outcomes, whereas disrespect can escalate tensions. 

We believe that embracing respect isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for human progress. By treating each other with dignity, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. We remain committed in our resolve to continue to prioritise respect and build a more inclusive world together!  

If you’re seeking a workplace that values diversity, consider exploring career opportunities at Progress. 

Amanda’s Inspiring Journey into Fostering with Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different.” 

Fostering is more than just a vocation; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Amanda, one of Progress’s dedicated foster carers, recently shared her journey into fostering, shedding light on the profound impact it has had on her life and the exceptional support she has received from Progress. 

Amanda’s interest in fostering was ignited by a Facebook advertisement specifically highlighting parent and child foster care. “Fostering is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Amanda reminisces. Although she initially explored fostering several years ago, the demands of raising three young children led her to put her plans on hold. When she saw the recent advertisement, she felt it was the perfect time to revisit her fostering aspirations. 

Upon reaching out to Progress, Amanda was immediately impressed by their responsiveness and support. “They offered me loads of information, answered all of my questions, and supported me completely through the application process,” she says. Progress addressed her concerns about balancing work, home life, and the specific requirements for fostering, ensuring she felt confident in her decision. 

The journey through the application process was smoother than Amanda anticipated. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about how long it might take and some of the apprehensions I might have, but that didn’t play out. The journey was great,” Amanda shares. With the support of Progress’ Fostering Service team members, Amanda found the process manageable and even fulfilling. 

Training was a crucial part of Amanda’s preparation. “We had lots of training, lots of online learning, but it was never too much, and it was at our pace,” she recalls. Progress ensured that Amanda and her family were well-prepared, offering flexibility and continuous support throughout the training period. 

The support didn’t end there. Amanda speaks highly of the extensive network and community foster carers have at Progress. “I never felt that I was alone, which was really important,” she emphasises. This sense of community is reinforced by regular support group meetings where foster carers can share experiences, challenges, and successes. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, get ideas on how to overcome obstacles, and share and celebrate successes,” Amanda explains. 

Amanda’s first young person came six weeks after approval, a learning experience that was both challenging and rewarding. “It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different,” Amanda reflects. The continuous support from Progress and other foster carers helped her navigate this journey. 

Currently, Amanda is on another, a parent and child, and is finding it completely different but equally rewarding. “I’ve learned loads again on this journey and look forward to seeing where it brings me in the rest of my fostering journey,” she says enthusiastically. 

Amanda’s story is a testament to the support and community that foster carers receive at Progress. “Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes, and it’s important to share those and support each other,” Amanda concludes. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, and you’re looking for a supportive community to join, consider starting your fostering journey with Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to learn more and apply today. 

A Day in the Life of Priya: Team Leader at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

As a team leader at Progress Children’s Services, Priya has a busy but rewarding day overseeing the care of the young people. “I run all the shifts that I’m on. I do all the allocations and then I’m in charge of the other support workers making sure that they’re doing their job,” Priya explains of her responsibilities. 

Her day starts early, arriving at the house to check in with the overnight staff and get briefed on how the night went. “I write reports covering issues including the petty cash, logging in all the receipts,” Priya notes of her morning tasks. She then ensures the young people are up and getting ready for their day activities. 

Throughout the morning, Priya is checking in on the different staff members and young people. “Making sure everything gets done,” she says. This may involve resolving any conflicts, addressing any issues that arose overnight, or providing guidance to staff on caring for young people with complex needs. 

In the afternoon, Priya focuses on training and mentoring new staff members. “When people start here, I tend to be the one to mentor them. And tell them how to do things,” she says. She enjoys forming close bonds with her colleagues and helping them learn. 

Evenings bring more responsibilities like handling medications and doing evening checks on the residents. “We just do like the handles in the evening and just make sure the shifts go well,” Priya notes. She works to ensure a smooth transition to the overnight staff. 

By the end of her long day, Priya feels a sense of pride and accomplishment in her role. “I’ve worked very, very hard to get where I am,” she says. Sometimes tiring, she finds the work rewarding knowing she’s making a positive difference in the lives of the young people at the service. 

Finding fulfilment in fostering: Pervina and Manoj

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Pervina and Manoj are a vibrant couple whose hearts are filled with the hope of providing a loving home to a child in need. Pervina first harboured the desire to foster, and one day, while scrolling through Facebook, she stumbled upon an advertisement that sparked the idea into reality. 

“It started off as mine,” Pervina shared, “and then Manoj tagged along with it.” 

Their journey into fostering was not without its questions and uncertainties. Pervina reflected, “I’ve always wanted to be a foster carer, but I didn’t quite know what you had to do to become one.” 

Manoj explained that after seeing the advertisement, they discussed it, feeling compelled to share their love and nurture a child who needed their support. 

The couple embarked on the process of becoming foster carers, which Pervina described as “lengthy but needed.” They navigated interviews, background checks, and panels with remarkable dedication and honesty. 

“We just answered everything, whatever they asked,” Manoj explained. “We were just ourselves.” 

Their commitment was met with swift results. Within a few weeks, they were approved and eagerly prepared their home for their first child. Pervina recalled the preparations, making their house safe and welcoming, ensuring it was ready for the child who would soon fill it with laughter and love. 

Their first child arrived promptly, and the couple embraced their new roles with open hearts. Despite the initial challenges, they felt supported by their social workers and Progress. 

“The support there was amazing,” Pervina recalled. “Honestly, fostering has changed our lives.” 

As they adjusted to their new family dynamics, Pervina and Manoj found joy in the chaos of their bustling household. 

“At first, it was just me and Manoj,” Pervina laughed. “Now, the house is messier… but it feels like a family.” 

Their fostering journey was not without its unique challenges. The young person they cared for had specific needs due to a brain injury. Still, Pervina and Manoj found creative ways to communicate and connect, ensuring the child felt at home. 

Looking ahead, Pervina and Manoj shared their aspirations. They hope to support their young person through school and beyond, empowering her to pursue her dreams despite the challenges she faced. 

“My expectations are to help encourage her to get the right apprenticeship, the right college,” Pervina shared, “to make that kind of dream possible and see what our options are.” 

Manoj added, “We’re always there for her… always.” 

In their cosy home, filled with love and laughter, Pervina and Manoj have found fulfilment in fostering. Their hearts expanded as they witnessed the transformation of their house into a home—a place where a child found solace, support, and the promise of a brighter future. 

As they shared their story, Pervina and Manoj’s words echoed with warmth and sincerity, a testament to the profound impact of fostering on their lives and the lives of the children they welcomed into their hearts. 

To learn more about fostering with Progress Fostering Service and how you can become a foster carer, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or contact us directly at 01902 561066. 

Second Chances: A Journey Through Foster Care

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

This heartfelt poem was written by an 11-year-old under the care of Progress Fostering Service. This young poet beautifully captures their journey and the transformative power of foster care.

My life was no fun

My fears would make me run.

Until out of the blue

I met you.

 

I became a foster child not once but twice

When I hurt myself you gave me ice.

You helped me learn

Everything I get I earn.

 

I am a little bit sad

Sometimes I get a little bit mad.

Me and my brothers would hit and hit

Until one day we got split.

 

We see each other often

We all need a correction.

I’ve learnt a lot of things

And my foster carer says

Teamwork makes the dream work.

 

I do much better now in foster care

I smile most days

I hope you can do a favour

And help people to become more able

And children who have lost hope

And start believing

Bring them in and give them a second chance in life.

 

As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we invite individuals and families in the Midlands who are interested in fostering to join us. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children and young people in need of stability and care.

To learn more about fostering with Progress Fostering Service and how you can become a foster carer, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or contact us directly at 01902 561066.

Celebrating Foster Care Fortnight 2024: Recognising Our Exceptional Foster Carers

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

As Foster Care Fortnight 2024 officially kicks off today, Progress Fostering Service, an outstanding division of Progress Children’s Services, takes immense pride in celebrating the dedication and impact of our remarkable foster carers. This significant event, running from May 13th to May 26th, is a testament to the profound role foster carers play in transforming the lives of vulnerable children and young people across and beyond the Midlands. 

At Progress Fostering Service, fostering isn’t just a service; it’s our passion and commitment to providing safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive. We are honoured to recognise the outstanding contributions of our foster carers who embody compassion, resilience, and unwavering support for the children in their care. 

Phil O’Brien, Registered Manager of the Fostering Service at Progress Children’s Services, emphasised the significance of Foster Care Fortnight: “This fortnight is a special occasion to shine a light on the incredible work of our foster carers. They truly are unsung heroes, offering stability and love to children who need it the most.” 

Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress, added, “Foster Care Fortnight allows us to showcase the critical importance of fostering and the positive impact it has on vulnerable young people. Our foster carers exemplify the values we hold dearly at Progress: care, trust, respect and progress, and the belief that every child deserves a nurturing home.” 

Bal Dhanoa, CEO of Progress, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are immensely proud of our Ofsted-rated outstanding fostering service. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of care and support to both our foster carers and the children entrusted to us.” 

As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we invite individuals and families in the Midlands who are interested in fostering to join us. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children and young people in need of stability and care.

To learn more about fostering with Progress Fostering Service and how you can become a foster carer, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or contact us directly at 01902 561066.

Let us continue to champion the extraordinary efforts of our foster carers and advocate for the transformative power of fostering in our communities.

Unlocking Learning Power: Progress celebrates Learning at Work Week

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, we believe that learning is not just an event but a continuous journey, an ongoing exploration of knowledge and skills that empowers individuals and enriches our collective capabilities. As we kick off Learning at Work Week, we’re excited to delve into this year’s theme: Learning Power. 

This year’s theme, “Learning Power,” resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering a culture of continual learning and development. Learning is more than just acquiring information; it’s about embracing the power to change, grow, and achieve our goals, both personally and professionally. 

At Progress, we’re proud to champion learning at work, providing our employees with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. From on-the-job training to professional qualifications, we’re dedicated to helping our team members reach their full potential and pursue their aspirations. 

As part of Learning at Work Week, we’re thrilled to announce a series of bite-sized modules designed to enhance skills and promote well-being. These modules, along with our ongoing commitment to learning and development, underscore our belief in unlocking our workforce’s full potential and supporting our team members to continually deliver industry-leading service quality. 

Learning isn’t just an individual endeavour; it’s a collective experience that brings us together, fosters innovation, and builds stronger connections. Through collaborative learning initiatives and knowledge-sharing sessions, Progress has grown to become a community where everyone can grow and learn from each other. 

As we embark on this week-long celebration of learning, we recommit ourselves to embracing the power of education to inspire, motivate, and empower. Together, we’ll continue to unlock new possibilities, fuelling our growth and driving progress in all that we do.