Transforming Lives and Rewarding Careers: A Deep Dive into Progress’ Adult Respite Service

Empowering lives and building careers. Take a look inside the unique world of Progress’ adult respite service in Wolverhampton. 

At Progress’ unique adult respite service, Amanda and Dawn, the Manager and Deputy Manager respectively, shed light on the exceptional work they do — the distinctive features, challenges, and heartwarming moments that make the service a shining star, a beacon of hope and an indispensable part of Progress.  

The adult respite service offers support to individuals with diverse needs and challenges. Amanda, the manager, proudly emphasises its uniqueness and vastness, “We work with many local authorities, spreading our services widely.”  

The service caters to individuals ranging from those working towards independence in adulthood to those needing specialised care due to their complex needs. Dawn explains, “We look at each person independently, developing plans for each person, treating them as an individual rather than just a respite service user.”  

What sets this service apart is its commitment to viewing the young adults as individuals, each with unique needs. Amanda stresses, “We’re all about making sure that, in a nutshell, the young person is living their life with the adaptations, equipment, staff skill set, and guidance they need.”  

The team prides itself on looking beyond the standard respite care model. Amanda explains, “Our skill set is unique because we specialise. We provide training tailored to individual needs, ensuring that no one is left out or faces barriers to support.”  

A day in the life  

The managers paint a vivid picture of the service’s fast-paced nature. Dawn notes, “No two days are the same. We can have emergency respite, urgent care meetings, or changes that alter our plans instantly.” The unpredictability challenges staff to stay flexible and think on their feet.  

Despite the challenges, Amanda and Dawn express their enjoyment of the service’s dynamic nature. Amanda adds, “It’s the unknown that excites me. I like the challenge, putting my skills to the test, and learning more. Every day is different, and that’s what I enjoy.”  

Success in this unique service demands a specific set of qualities. Dawn lists them: “Flexibility, adaptability, initiative, care, passion, and being energetic. You need to be creative and patient, adjusting to each individual’s pace and needs.”  

Motivation amidst challenges  

When asked about what keeps them motivated, both managers highlight the difference they make in individuals’ lives. Amanda expresses, “We’re here to make that difference and help them progress. That’s what puts a smile on my face going forward.” Dawn echoes this sentiment, emphasising the impact on young people’s lives.  

Reflecting on memorable moments, Amanda and Dawn share their joy in being part of a growing team and witnessing positive changes every day. 

Phil Mcdonald, Progress’ Head of Adult Services, adds that what is rewarding are the little moments “when we help someone to be more independent, manage their emotions in more positive way or taking someone on an activity that they’ve never done before”. 

Excitement looms on the horizon as the team looks forward to further growth and improvement. Amanda acknowledges, “We’ve got a lot of exciting things to come.” Dawn shares the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for being part of ongoing positive changes.  

A fulfilling career path and a vibrant work environment   

They described working at the service as an immersive experience filled with challenges, rewards, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Amanda and Dawn, with their extensive backgrounds, provide insight into the unique atmosphere that sets this service apart.  

 Amanda describes the service as a fast-paced, ever-changing environment where adaptability and initiative are crucial. She expresses her love for the unknown, highlighting the service’s unpredictability as a driving force that keeps her engaged. 

Dawn adds the days are marked by diversity, where no two days look the same. The service’s fluidity demands staff to be on their toes, ready to navigate through emergencies and urgent situations, making every day unique. 

Who thrives there?  

Success in this dynamic setting requires a specific set of qualities. Dawn points out that staff members need to be flexible, adaptable, and able to use their initiative. Being caring, passionate, and energetic is essential. Amanda underscores the importance of a genuine desire to make a difference. “We look for someone who wants to join the service because they want to care and make a difference, not just for the sake of the money,” she notes.  

The ideal candidate is someone who can balance the fast-paced nature of the service, from running around in high-energy situations to slowing down when needed, all while maintaining patience and creativity. The ability to treat everyone as unique is paramount.  

Career, not job  

One of the remarkable aspects of working at Progress is the opportunity for career progression. Amanda, for instance, has traversed various roles within Progress, showcasing the potential for growth and development.  

Amanda, who joined in 2015, shares her journey from a flexible support worker to managing different homes within Progress. She said the service has allowed her to express her abilities in unconventional ways, showcasing the Progress’ adaptability and commitment to recognising and rewarding individual and collective strengths.  

Dawn, relatively newer (18 months) to the respite service, attests to the sense of achievement she derives from being a deputy manager. They agree that Progress’ supportive atmosphere and a good rapport with the management team contribute to a positive work experience. The prospect of being part of ongoing exciting developments adds to the motivation. 

Working at the adult respite service is not just a job but an immersive experience where individuals with a passion for care and a penchant for adaptability can thrive. The service’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent ensures that employees can embark on a fulfilling career path. 

There are career opportunities for experienced Support Workers at our residential home for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities, in Penn, Wolverhampton.
Shifts Available: Earlies and Lates OR Long Days – Full Time Hours

Contact us to book your space.
Send your CV to recruitment@progresscare.co.uk
Or call 01902 561 066 

Embracing The Uncertainties: A Day in The Life of Cosmos

Our priority is to make sure they enjoy their stay with us.

The Making of a Deputy Manager

 

In the heart of Progress Children’s Services, a pivotal figure shapes the daily experiences of the children at one of the homes. Cosmos has spent a year in this demanding role, steering through challenges and celebrating victories. In an exclusive interview, Cosmos provides a candid glimpse into his responsibilities, the daily routine, and the profound impact he seeks to make. 

As Cosmos commutes home after a long day, the mood in his car is often upbeat and celebratory. Reflecting on his post-work rituals, he shares, “Once you finish, you just don’t give yourself time to process a lot of things. It’s that one-hour drive where I have some conversation with my family. When I get home, I have my own time to cook, watch TV, and unwind.” 

While he now has a full grasp of the tasks expected of him as a Deputy Manager, Cosmos did not start in care.

Originally from the beautiful and peaceful city of Kumasi in Ghana, Cosmos studied pharmacology at the University of Wolverhampton. His journey, however, took an unexpected turn that set the stage for his current role at Progress. A stint as a waiter in a restaurant marked his post-university phase, a period driven by the need to pay the bills.

“When you finish university, reality hits,” Cosmos recalls. It was during this phase that he found himself working as an autism tutor, a role that would set the stage for his impactful career at Progress.

Embracing the Unpredictability

 

Every day is different, and that’s what makes it interesting.

Describing an incident at a hospital, Cosmos reflects on the unpredictability of the job. “It was fairly complex, but amidst the challenges, we found ourselves laughing at some of the things that were happening. The excitement in the fact that every day is different is what brings me back every single day.” 

In his role as Deputy Manager, Cosmos is not confined to a fixed routine. “You can’t really have a daily routine in this home,” he explains. “Some Mondays, I’ll come in with a plan, but circumstances like sick calls or staff shortages can change everything. Flexibility is crucial.” 

Cosmos emphasizes the importance of ensuring the well-being of both the staff and the children. “Our priority is to make sure they enjoy their stay with us. If we have staff shortages, as managers, we step in to ensure the young people are supported and engaged in activities.” 

The excitement in the fact that every day is different—that’s what brings me back every single day. Always happy to be here with the people I work with.

Proudest moment and future ambitions

 

Cosmos and his colleague and old friend, Steve, having chat
Cosmos and Steve

As he reflects on the impact of his work, Cosmos shares a proud moment. “Seeing the progress of the young people is the biggest achievement. One of them is now in full-time education, which seemed impossible initially. It feels like our efforts are making a difference.”

Looking to the future, Cosmos envisions becoming a registered manager but acknowledges the timing must be right. “It’s a career path you can build for yourself. I’ve seen the progression of people who’ve achieved what they set out to do. It’s about putting in the effort.”

Despite the challenges, Cosmos finds joy in his work. “The excitement in the fact that every day is different—that’s what brings me back every single day. Always happy to be here with the people I work with.”

As Cosmos steps into his second year at Progress Children’s Services, his focus remains on achieving a full house of young people, upgrading Ofsted ratings, and ensuring the right people and support are in place. Reflecting on his journey thus far, Cosmos acknowledges the supportive environment at the home and the opportunities for growth.

Danielle, Cosmos and Steve: A Harmonious Partnership

 

Dani, the Registered Manager for the home, sheds light on the integral role played by Cosmos in creating a supportive and homely atmosphere within the home.

“Cosmos is very calm and very collected in stressful situations,” Dani notes. She highlights Cosmos’s ability to assess situations calmly and thoughtfully before taking action—a crucial skill in dealing with the unpredictable nature of the young people under their care.

Cosmos’s upbeat demeanour radiates positivity throughout the staff and children, contributing to the creation of a homely atmosphere. Dani praises his happy-go-lucky nature, stating, “He’s always happy. You know, he’s a very happy guy, and that transmits to the staff and the children, creating quite a homely atmosphere just from his own nature.”

Having worked together for a significant period, Dani recognizes the complementary nature of their traits. She sees their partnership as a balancing act, with Cosmos’s experience in handling challenging children being a valuable asset. “His experience really role models down to the newer staff,” Dani acknowledges. 

When the opportunity for the Deputy Manager position arose, Dani didn’t hesitate to recommend Cosmos for the role. “I felt that because of our past and the partnership that we’ve got, that he would have just settled into that role very well,” she explains. Dani appreciates Cosmos’s willingness to embrace challenging situations, a quality that aligns with their shared ethos of reaching out to children who face difficulties finding a home. 

Despite the demanding nature of their work, Dani emphasizes the importance of assisting children who may not have other options. “We don’t just want to help the children that have options, but the ones that don’t sometimes,” she says. In this aspect, Dani sees a natural alignment between herself and Cosmos, as well as with Steve, another key team member. 

In their collaboration, Dani and Cosmos bounce ideas and energies off each other seamlessly, creating a harmonious working relationship. “I think we just bounce off each other quite well,” Dani concludes, emphasizing the strength of their partnership in navigating the challenges and pursuing their shared mission of providing a nurturing environment for the children at the home.

There is a similar career opportunity for a Deputy Manager. Find the details here. For other available positions at Progress, click here.

5 minutes with…Julian

The community support worker on the importance of mentors, giving back, and listening.

I am a head of the year in a mainstream secondary school and have been doing this for the last thirteen years. Some of the children in the school are in care or have SEN (special education needs). I wanted to gain a deep understanding of where the young people were coming from for my professional development. If I can understand them and their feelings, I could support them.

I was involved in sports as a youngster. I played a lot of basketball and got mentored by world-class coaches. There was also a Headteacher who supported me at school. I learned about dedication, discipline and working hard in my formative years. These experiences inspired me as an adult to share the knowledge they gave me with other young people.

Looking at mental health provision is under my remit in school. I want to understand the behaviours the children were showing. Why is a young person sad or anxious? Some research led me to find out about Progress and a community support worker role. By becoming a support worker, I knew that I would understand how to support young people effectively.

It is important to listen to young people and allow them to talk. I try to find solutions for their problems. There was a pupil (in care) that arrived at school upset. Within half an hour of the start of the first lesson, he was in detention because he had forgotten his PE kit and missed the class. The young person was upset that he had lost the timetable, and the care home he was in knew nothing about this. I contacted his support workers and emailed the timetable to the home. The support workers placed the sheet on his bedroom wall. If the tools are there, a young person can take responsibility for themselves.

The first session with young person in community care is a challenge. You are entering a young person’s life, and they do not want to let go of their home setting or meet anyone new. The key is to listen and engage. Find their interest. For example, I know nothing about gaming. The young person in my care educates me about a game that he is playing. That conversation will lead to other things in life.

I like to give back. I do not want to see people stuck in a rut. If I can support and change a life, I will. I want to think that if I were in the same situation, someone would do the same for me. My coaches, parents, grandparents, friendship group, have all played a part in me being able to give back.

There must be role models for young people. Social media can easily influence young people by having someone look out for them, it can change their lives.

If you want to make difference in the lives of others, visit our recruitment page and apply for a role at Progress today.

5 minutes with…Tom

The Team Leader at Oak Cottage, on the benefits of working together, his life experience, and being yourself at Progress.

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.

If you want to make difference in the lives of others, visit our recruitment page and apply for a role at Progress today.

 

Progress turns 21!

As we begin our year long festivities celebrating 21 years of supporting children and young people, Progress Chief Executive Bal Dhanoa and Chief Financial Officer Raj Dhanoa have a special message for our staff.

“Thank you all for your continued support, commitment, and dedication to Progress.

  • We are proud of our journey so far, we continue to make happy memories for our young people, so when they reach ‘adulthood’ they can reflect back and think of their time at Progress and what that means for them
  • We are proud to give stability to those needing long term care
  • We are proud to provide a range of amazing support services and care options to so many in our communities through our Hub teams
  • We are proud to expand our residential care portfolio across the Midlands – each home have their own unique offerings
  • We are proud of our foster carers, some whom have been with us right from the start of our journey and all those joining us now and, in the future

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

My Progress experience: Harry

My name is Harry.

I am a teenager with Autism.

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!

Working in Care Stories: Deana

My name is Deana, and I am a residential manager for Progress. I have been working with children and young people in residential care for approximately 13 years. 
I have seen a lot of young people come and go, but one young person will remain in my thoughts and heart for a long time.  

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 recognised with award for Covid work

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.

Working in Care Stories: Marie

Marie is a support worker at Progress’ children’s residential home, Henley Lodge in Coventry.
What led her to apply and work for Progress? This is her story.

I have been working for Progress since March 2020 – my first job in 15 years.

“15 years?” you say? Let me take you back to the beginning of my story.

In 2004 I gave birth to my first child, my little boy. However, things did not go to plan, and there were complications. My son was born with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, and by the time he was seven months old, he had to have a peg fitted to enable him to take food. He was also doubly incontinent, so I became his full-time carer.

Sadly, in April 2019, my son passed away.

I struggled with the loss of my son as well as losing my identity. All I’d known for the past 15 years had gone with him, but I knew I still had the desire to help children and young people.

So, when I saw the Support Worker’s job at Progress advertised, I wondered if this was something I could do. I had no care qualifications, but I did have 15 years of experience looking after my son.

Despite the uncertainty, I attended a Progress recruitment day. This gave me the chance to learn more about the organisation and the role. I applied, and after an interview, I was offered a job as a support worker.

At first, it was scary, but as the weeks went on, I felt relaxed in what I was doing.

Looking back at things, having this new job has helped me with my grief. I am busy doing what I know and love – supporting children and putting a smile on their faces.

Working for Progress has been the best thing I have done.

Are you inspired by Marie’s story? A career in care awaits you. Start your journey by clicking here to apply for a job at Progress.