Happy Halloween, Progress.
Halloween is a big deal in the United Kingdom with spending in the UK alone originally estimated to total £777 million in 2023, up 13% from a projected £687 million in 2022 and £607 million in 2021. At Progress, homes and services have been adorned with Halloween decorations and here are some of them:
When it comes to interior design, the goal is often to create spaces that are visually appealing and stylish. However, at Progress Care Solutions (widely referred to as Progress), interior design serves a more profound purpose. It’s about crafting environments that cater to the unique sensory needs of children in care, and Preet Anand, the interior designer behind it all, is passionate about making a difference.
Preet Anand, founder of Mood Interiors, has been instrumental in redefining the role of interior design at Progress’ homes. She believes that inhabited spaces should empower and enable individuals, especially children with special needs. “Interior design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about improving lives,” says Preet.
Progress, an organisation dedicated to providing top-tier care for children, especially those with special needs, has long adopted an approach that goes beyond mere functionality. The philosophy is clear: it’s not the children who are disabled; it’s the environment that can be disabling. And that’s where Preet and her expertise come into play.
In their research on the effect of light and colours in the built environment on autistic children’s behaviour, Ashwini Sunil Nair and colleagues reported that different hues have varying effects on autistic children, with many neutral tones and mellow shades proven to be autistic-friendly with their calming and soothing effect, while bright, bold, and intense colours are refreshing and stimulating. They also reported that the stimulus of bright-lighting causes behavioural changes in autistic children prone to light sensitivity. You can access the study here.
Preet, noted that the autistic spectrum is sometimes/typically sensitive to colours with deeper tones which is why she always keep to pastels when designing these types of homes. “I always avoid red and pink where possible, due to the adverse (triggering) effect. Other than that, the colours used are calming and positive.”
She noted Progress’ newest home, Hilton House’s “harmonising” colour selection, is based on blue to evoke a sense of serenity in the home.
Blue is calming; green is encouraging (growth), yellow increases appetite, so works well in the dining room.
“Blue is calming; green is encouraging (growth), yellow increases appetite, so works well in the dining room. Lilac is said to help reduce aggression (but was mainly for the consistency of cool colour tones),” says Preet.
At the core of Progress’ approach to interior design is the concept of sensory design. The organisation utilises principles such as space, colour, texture, form, and light to create spaces that meet the unique sensory requirements of the children they care for. These principles are not just about aesthetics; they are fundamental in addressing the sensory needs of the children.
Preet and her team approach each project by understanding the specific needs of the children. She described it as a comprehensive process that takes into account the individual requirements of each child. “When it comes to space,” Preet explains, “we need to make sure the environment accommodates high-energy situations, as well as rapid movement for those with mobility challenges.”
In sensory design, colour plays a pivotal role. Preet says, “Colours can have a profound impact, especially for children with autism. We strive to create adaptable spaces where colours can be changed to suit individual preferences, ensuring the environment remains stimulating and comforting.”
The materials used in sensory design are chosen with care. Furniture materials must be durable and easy to clean, as children in these environments may interact with them differently than in mainstream settings.
Preet notes, “Furniture needs to be both functional and safe, taking into account the possibility of challenging behaviours.”
Sound, too, is carefully managed. Acoustics and sound regulation are paramount, creating a comforting auditory environment for children. “Good sound-bouncing practises are essential to ensure that children can have conversations without unnecessary distractions,” says Preet.
The exposure to natural light is vital in creating a sensory-rich environment. It helps regulate the body’s systems and is particularly significant in homes where children may not always have the opportunity to be outdoors.
“We ensure that the exposure to natural light is optimised to help children connect with their surroundings and understand the time of day,” Preet explains.
One of the key elements in Progress’ design philosophy is personalisation. Each child should have the freedom to personalise their living space, just like any other child. Even if they require specialised furniture or equipment, their personal touches, whether it’s a favourite colour or a beloved theme, can make the space uniquely theirs.
In a space that is carefully designed to meet the sensory needs of children, personalisation remains a significant aspect. It’s about creating an environment that can become a home, a place of comfort and familiarity.
For children with special needs, personalisation extends to the ability to make the space uniquely theirs. From a favourite colour on the walls to beloved themes or characters, Progress ensures that each child can add their personal touches to their living spaces. The goal is to create an environment that is not just functional but comforting and inviting.
But durability is also a crucial consideration.
Furniture and materials are chosen not just for their visual appeal but also for their ability to withstand the rigours of daily use in a care environment. Progress believes in making the right investments in high-quality, durable furniture that ensures the safety and comfort of the children they serve.
What sets Progress’ homes apart is the dedication and passion of its staff. As Preet observes, “Progress is not just about providing care; it’s about making a difference in the lives of children. The staff sees this as a passion, not just a job.”
She noted that the care provided at Progress is unmatched, and the commitment of its staff is evident in the way they maintain the spaces. “A well-designed environment can empower and enrich the lives of children with special needs,” says Preet. “The passion and dedication of the staff play a crucial role in making this vision a reality.”
Interior design at Progress’ services is more than aesthetics; it’s about enriching lives and enabling children to thrive. The sensory design philosophy, crafted by Preet, has transformed the way these homes are experienced. Progress recognises that well-designed spaces can create environments where children feel safe, comfortable, and empowered.
Progress, working with Preet, are redefining the role of interior design in the care sector. The redefinition is based on the understanding that a well-designed environment can empower and enrich the lives of children with special needs. By carefully considering space, colour, texture, form, and light, Progress has created spaces that cater to the unique sensory needs of the children, making their homes truly enabling and empowering.
Preet acknowledges the passion and dedication of Progress’ staff. “These individuals don’t just see it as a job; they see it as a calling,” she explains. The caring and empathetic approach of the staff plays a crucial role in creating an environment where children feel safe, comfortable, and empowered.
The impact of interior design in a care setting goes beyond the aesthetics; it extends to the emotional well-being of the children. Progress recognises that providing care isn’t just about meeting physical needs; it’s about creating a holistic environment where children can thrive emotionally and psychologically.
Preet elaborates, “We design spaces to provide comfort, a sense of belonging, and an environment where children can express themselves.” This houlistic approach includes the intentional use of soft furnishings, personalisation, and adaptable spaces, enabling children to find solace and engage with their surroundings in their own unique way.
Preet believes that a well-designed environment fosters a sense of empowerment. Progress understands that children with special needs can thrive when they are in spaces that allow them to express themselves and feel in control.
“An empowered child is a confident child,” says Preet. The empowering environment created by Progress allows children to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of ownership over their spaces.
From its head office on Millfields Road, Wolverhampton, to its services and homes spread across West Midlands, the environment within Progress serves as a safe haven for children who often face a world that can be overwhelming. The dedication of staff in maintaining the spaces and creating an inviting atmosphere plays a vital role in this.
Staff members are not just caregivers; they are keepers of the space. Their commitment to keeping the environment clean, well-maintained, and inviting is evident in the way children feel comfortable within these homes. In return, the spaces created at Progress foster a sense of belonging and trust.
One of the finest examples of Progress sensory design is Hilton House. A vivid illustration of how thoughtful design can transform a space into a sensory-rich environment. Hilton House is a testament to the careful consideration of sensory needs. Its exterior may be minimally colourful but it’s once you step inside that the magic truly unfolds.
The Mood Interiors team, led by Preet, created a space that is more than just a home for the children at Hilton House. It’s a canvas of sensory experiences, a tapestry of comfort and engagement, designed with the children’s unique needs in mind.
The sensory richness extends beyond colours. Hilton House boasts a multitude of seating options, including chairs of different kinds and shapes, mood lights, among others. These options provide children with a range of choices in their seating, relaxation and activities arrangements, catering to their individual preferences and comfort.
The rooms at Hilton House are also adorned with sensory-rich elements, enabling children to engage with their environment and express themselves. From colour-changing lights to a thoughtfully selected colour palette, every detail contributes to the sensory experience.
Progress’ approach to interior design is a testament to its commitment to the well-being and growth of the children it serves. The role of Preet Anand and her team from Mood Interiors in shaping these spaces cannot be overstated.
By considering sensory design, personalisation, and a holistic approach to creating empowering environments, Progress stands as a beacon in the care sector. Its dedicated staff, who are passionate about their mission, are at the heart of this endeavour.
The synergy between the thoughtful design of spaces and the dedication of the staff is where the magic happens. Children in Progress’ care are given more than a home; they are offered spaces where they can flourish, express themselves, and grow in confidence.
Celebrating Black History Month
While Black History Month began in the United States of America in the 1920s, it was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean, and happens every October.
As we commemorate Black History Month, it is essential to recognise and celebrate the incredible individuals who have made a profound impact on the lives of others. Claudia, a foster carer with Progress, is one such remarkable individual whose journey into foster caring has not only transformed the lives of countless children but also shattered preconceived notions about who can be a foster parent.
Claudia’s journey into foster care began with her profound love for children. From a young age, she was the go-to person for her cousins and their children, and children always seemed to gravitate toward her. In her own words, she shares, “I love kids. Ever since I was young, all my cousins would always bring their kids over, and the kids always basically love me and they just stick to me.”
However, her official journey as a foster carer began while she was working as the Deputy Manager for a residential home catering to individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. Claudia recalls this pivotal moment: “My journey started when I was a manager, Deputy Manager for a residential home for people with learning disability and challenges with mental health. I worked there for 11 years.”
During her tenure at the residential home, Claudia encountered two young ladies who were struggling with severe self-harm and emotional issues. They made a heartfelt plea to Claudia, suggesting she adopt them or provide them with a nurturing home. Claudia shares their request, saying, “One of them said to me, ‘Why don’t you adopt me? I don’t have a place to live.’ And it resonated with me.”
Claudia’s next step toward foster care began when her daughter left for university, leaving her with a three-bedroom house. Claudia’s response to this newfound space and her love for children was straightforward: “I was online looking for jobs, and I saw a pop-up about fostering. I just put in a message to say, ‘Can you tell me more about this? I always have kids. I’m a mother, I would say I am a carer, a giver and I’ve been working in care settings for kids or teens.”
Over the years, Claudia has cared for numerous children, many of whom have stayed in contact with her and seek her guidance and support. In her own words, she acknowledges the lasting impact of her work: “I’ve got 12 of them, still in contact with a couple of them. They keep me busy, keep me occupied. I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
When asked about her remarkable success as a foster carer, Claudia humbly attributes it to her upbringing and values. She cites her mother as a significant influence: “My mom has always taken in relatives’ children and looked after them. And even after we left, she was still having kids at the house. Maybe that’s something because I’ve grown up in that sort of environment.”
Claudia’s dedication to fostering is even more impressive when considering her academic pursuits. She managed to complete her studies, obtaining a degree in psychology while working two days a week at a university. In her own words, Claudia explains her drive: “I like to stay busy because once your mind is busy, you’re learning, and I think you’re never too old to learn.”
Claudia’s journey as a foster carer is a testament to the power of a single individual’s dedication and love to make a difference in the lives of children in need.
As we celebrate Black History Month, her story serves as an inspiration to challenge stereotypes, embrace diversity, and open our hearts and homes to those who need it most. Claudia has not only given countless children a better future but has also enriched our collective history with her remarkable journey as a single Black foster carer.
Inquire about foster caring today, click here.
This year’s World Mental Health Day reminded us of the importance of mental health and well-being. It was a day to reflect on mental health and the challenges faced by individuals. It was also an opportunity to draw attention to innovative and holistic approaches such as animal-assisted therapy (AAT).
AAT which is an increasingly recognised method for enhancing mental well-being, plays a crucial role in this context. This article delves into the profound impact of alpacas in AAT, and it all started with a recent visit by some young adults at Progress’ Nightingale House to Etwell Alpacas.
AAT is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the companionship and skills of animals to improve the well-being of individuals facing various physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Alpacas, with their gentle and non-judgmental nature, have proven to be exceptional partners in this therapeutic endeavour. On World Mental Health Day, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of AAT in promoting mental wellness.
Alpacas, a close relative of llamas, are renowned for their intelligence, curiosity, and direct yet non-judgmental nature. These qualities make them ideal partners in AAT, especially for individuals who may feel overwhelmed or threatened by human interactions. The presence of alpacas often creates a safe and nurturing environment, offering numerous psychological, emotional, social, and physical benefits. Some of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy are as follows:
We were able to get close to the alpacas, stroke them and feed them. The staff at Etwell Alpacas were very accommodating and gave lots of information about the alpacas. – Jacqueline Beer (Registered Manager, Nightingale House)
Describing the young adults’ visit to Etwell Alpacas, Jacqueline Beer, registered manager at Nightingale House , said the experience was great.
“We were able to get close to the alpacas, stroke them and feed them. The staff at Etwell Alpacas were very accommodating and gave lots of information about the alpacas,” Jacqueline said.
As an adult’s home, Jacqueline said the young adults that went to Etwell Alpacas enjoyed the experience. One of them, RF, was able to feed and stroke the alpacas while the second young adult on the trip, EE, enjoyed watching the alpacas.
According to Jacqueline, the visit to the alpacas is one of the ways that the service is supporting and encouraging all its young adults to access the community and take part in a variety of activities.
In the UK, the British Alpaca Society (BAS) plays a pivotal role in promoting the welfare of alpacas and educating their owners in the UK. With approximately 45,000 alpacas under their care, BAS said it is dedicated to providing resources and support to alpaca owners and breeders.
Etwall Alpacas that hosted young adults from Progress, is a small family and friends run alpaca farm set in 56 acres situated on the outskirts of the village of Etwall in the South Derbyshire countryside. Formed in 2022, it started trading 2023 and is now a fully licensed business. The farm consists of a variety of grass and tarmac paths with a woodland area.
If interested, please email recruitment@progresscare.co.uk or call us on 01902 561066 for more information!
We are holding a number of recruitment days over the next couple of months, where there will be a chance to meet the team and find out more about the rewarding work we do!
Below you can see our current dates for the Recruitment Days and also find out more information by clicking on the events below:
Wolverhampton Recruitment Day Flyer:
Thursday 24th November 2022
Derby Recruitment Day Flyer:
Thursday 1st December 2022
I grew up in challenging circumstances. I was brought up in care and was in foster care too. So, I can relate to the young people I care for and empathise with them.
I can be myself at Progress. Working in care is better than working in an office. I have done both, and I can honestly say that working in care has allowed me to be myself. You will not be thrown into the deep end at Progress. I was given plenty of time to do all my training and got to shadow senior staff too.
Working collaboratively is important. One of the things that I love about Progress is that all the staff are open and accessible. I am pretty curious by nature, and I ask many questions because I want to do well. When I first started working here, the staff helped me gain more confidence in my role.
I have experience to share. For example, if a young person has sensory overload, I can show my colleagues what triggers they need to avoid or what activities they should engage the young person in. If someone is unsure, I am there to help. Providing support is what we do.
Supporting my team is part of my job. As Team Leader I make sure a proper handover has been done. This means the night staff know what has happened in the day with the young people and what they need to look out for. I can then relax knowing the young people are safe and happy, and I have made sure all staff know what they are doing.
This is a career for life. I have a lot to learn, but I would love to be a manager or foster carer. So many children across the UK need some extra support. If you want to change a child’s life – this is for you.
“Thank you all for your continued support, commitment, and dedication to Progress.
Reflecting on the time when this journey started for me, it was just a vision of what can be achieved. We started from humble beginnings and I am so blessed and proud of how the family of Progress has grown over the 21 years. Our journey has been incredible with many ripples and mountains to climb along the way. I am so proud to have such amazing people, who have been part of this journey and truly make a difference and uphold strong values as we continue to make memories.
During this journey we have had so many wonderful staff that have worked with us and developed their career paths – some moving on to achieve their own journeys and even retuning back to us. There are many of our staff who have worked with us for several years and developed their skills and moved on to senior positions within Progress. To all of you our heartfelt thank you.
There are those angels in our journey who have truly understood my vision, my passion, and have put up with my madness, in good and bad times, and have enabled my deepest desire to provide the best that we can to all vulnerable young people in our care. They remain constant, focused, always protecting us, and have been there from the start. A special thank you to our MD Claire. Without you this journey would not have been possible.
As we continue to prosper we hope and pray that we can continue to serve and make a difference in people’s lives, and continue to improve career opportunities for you all as you go through this wonderful journey with us. Always look to the future and learn from the past!
Happy 21st birthday to Progress as we all look forward to celebrating many more in years to come”.
Bal & Raj.
Keep visiting Progresscare.co.uk for further 21st celebration updates. #progress21
After suffering several losses within my close family, I could not understand and control my feelings, which led to my behaviours hurting those closest to me. I lacked confidence and did not like leaving the house. My home is where I feel comfortable and safe. The thought of any activities outside gave me anxiety, and it would take 30 minutes to coax me out of the house.
Progress matched me with a Support Worker, Julian. We clicked and talked about working together to explore ways of increasing my confidence.
Julian and I
As Julian started to visit me once a week, I felt my confidence grow. I was able to open up to Julian about gaming and other things that are important to me. We would go for a walk down the canal and talk about things in my life. I could use these conversations and create scenarios in my head that would help me overcome personal hurdles.
I love gaming, but Julian knew nothing about PlayStation or Xbox. I took it upon myself to educate Julian about the games I play. Julian is getting better, but I still win every time we play!
Julian is not just my ‘carer’; he is somebody I can talk to and take guidance from.
Getting out of my comfort zone
I now do activities I had never regularly done before. For example, for the first time, I went out to eat and paid the bill myself. A year ago, I would never have had the confidence to speak to someone and ask for anything.
Remember when I said it used to take 30 minutes to coax me out of the house? Now I am happy to leave straight away.
Happier than I have ever been
I recently made the transition from secondary school to college, and I enjoy learning.
I have also started going to the gym and have taken an interest in health & nutrition. Progress has helped me gain further knowledge about health & nutrition with online training to stay fit and eat well.
Being able to manage my feelings has now helped me become a happier and more active person!
I remember going to visit David, at school, in 2014. He was taking part in a school play rehearsal where the song ‘Running Bear’ was being played. I was introduced, by name, to the class and over he came to me with a feather in his hand, placed it in my hair and then stroked my cheek and chin saying, ‘nice beard’.
I just knew from that moment on I could work with David and make a difference in his life.
The care package started off with help in the community, then onto shared care over the weekends and then with him finally coming into residential care full time.
Don’t get me wrong things were not always easy and routines and schedules didn’t always go to plan. We had our up’s, which there were many and we also had our down’s.
Days out with the family were very difficult and so did not happen often. I remember taking David to the theatre to see his first live musical, Mamma Mia. He absolutely loved it. David was standing up in the audience singing and dancing. I remember crying that day! He then went on to see many theatre productions. He used to love going to the cinema, shopping, bowling, and eating out. I remember taking him to a local restaurant and his favourite pudding was chocolate fudge cake. No matter how many dinners David had there was always room for pudding.
David was introduced to the local church, where he would attend the monthly coffee mornings. He would go and have his breakfast, buy cakes, and raffle tickets and always managed to win. He won the hearts of all those that attended. I would sometimes meet him down there on my days off and he would sit with my baby holding him and once asked for a photo of them together. Did I get too close I can hear you saying, probably yes, I did, but then I would not be doing my job if I didn’t.
He made such progression with us at Progress and grew up into a lovely young man. David made me proud to want to take him out. He was a funny, caring and an entertaining young man when he was having a good day. Like I said, things didn’t always go to plan and he would display behaviours that challenged but this was part of the progression for him.
David turned 18 in 2020 and moved into an adult living provision which would help to further his progression. He will be missed by a lot of staff as well as myself. David made some terrific memories not only for himself but the staff that worked with him. Especially those who took him out on activities, on holidays or those who cared for him in the house, he was something special.
I always said when I first came into the care sector, if I can help just one person then my job is done. The only problem is you never stop at just one, its infectious to continue helping the young people that come into our homes.
I have always said that for me, working with children and young people in residential care is not a job it’s a vocation.
Inspired by Deana’s experiences? Why not apply for a role at Progress today!
Progress was named winner of Outstanding Support During Covid-19 category at the 2020 Best Business Awards.
We have been recognised for our approach to the nationwide lockdown caused by Covid-19 in March 2020.
As lockdown came into force, Progress prioritised the care of those that relied on us for critical support. We assigned drivers, offering a ring-and-ride service to our workforce to eliminate the use of public transport and minimise the exposure risks. Progress also offered a triage service to families, to deal with any crisis that might arise and made available some flats as isolation units (and offered that resource to local authority partners).
Progress has been able to keep all residents and staff safe; continue to provide essential services to families and challenge our creativity. Our community team started digital support sessions with young people, engaging in online training on anything from e-safety to managing anxiety, providing families with support and young people with consistency. Progress staff and young people have engaged with the measures we put in place and coped exceptionally well through what has been an uncertain and anxious time, adapting and responding to the constantly shifting sands.
The BBAs pride themselves on having a large panel of independent expert judges who select winners according to strict criteria for each category and sector.
Commenting on Progress, the winner in the Outstanding Support During Covid-19 category, the chairman of the judges said: “After seeing the devastation Coronavirus was causing in Italy earlier in 2020, Progress was quick to lock down earlier than other care homes to protect its vulnerable residents both young and old. Non-essential visitors were asked not to attend care homes, virtual forms of communication were set up so residents could keep in touch with loved ones, and community staff were reassigned to other roles such as drivers, helping staff to avoid public transport. Congratulations to Progress for having the foresight to act quickly and keep people safe.”
Upon receiving the Award, Claire Rogers, Managing Director of Progress said:
“We always pride ourselves on providing high quality care and support, but this has been even more important throughout the Pandemic, with the additional challenges this presented. Keeping our core values at the heart of our decision making has been our strength, providing a fixed point from which to navigate. It is wonderful to have been recognised for the outstanding support we have provided during this difficult time.”
The Best Business Awards are one of the UK’s highest profile awards. Due to its high profile, the Awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from large international PLCs and public sector organisations to dynamic and innovative SMEs.
