Crafting the Narrative of The Hub
When Rachael, Kim and Abby are asked to describe The Hub without a script, something remarkable happens.
At Progress, there is a belief that the way a service is described should reflect how it is delivered: collaboratively, thoughtfully, and with people at its centre. Instead of drafting a service description in isolation, the team held a spontaneous and open creative session to co-create the narrative of The Hub, one of Progress’s uniquely dynamic and person-centred support services.
Before writing about The Hub, the team began by talking about it.
In the service’s operations room at the head office, the registered manager (Rachael), service lead (Kim), and team leader (Abby) gathered to share their reflections. Not from policy documents or prepared notes, but through conversation, laughter, reflection and honest dialogue. What emerged was a vibrant tapestry of perspectives, grounded in lived experience and deep insight into what The Hub truly represents.
One particularly resonant moment came when Kim summarised the scope of outcomes The Hub supports:
“We support anyone from making their own cup of tea to volunteering placements, and everything in between.”
This simple phrase captured the flexibility and breadth of The Hub’s support model, which empowers young adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, build confidence and grow in independence at their own pace.
The Hub is designed for individuals transitioning into adulthood, often following their first adult placement. It bridges the gap between structured care and independent living, providing a safe, supportive and aspirational environment. Whether prompting daily routines or delivering complex care, support is shaped entirely around the individual.
“Tailored. Person-centred. Aspirational.”
During the session, the team brainstormed keywords that best reflected their values. The list grew quickly: independence, freedom, choice, development, tailored, innovative, aspiration. Each word captured not just what they do, but how they do it and why it matters.
Rachael noted:
“The support is tailored to each person, very person-centred. But we’re also growing, as a team, as a service, and with the people we support.”
Abby offered a simple but powerful expression of the outcomes the team strives for:
“Having the best day, every day.”
Whether that means joining a football team, creating a model museum in the garden, or choosing a new hairstyle, the team celebrates each individual’s goals and helps them make them a reality.
So, what is The Hub?
Here is the collaboratively written service description, shaped directly by the voices in the room:
The Hub offers tailored, person-centred support for young adults with learning disabilities transitioning into adulthood, helping them live independently and confidently. From prompting with daily tasks to complex care support, The Hub empowers individuals to make choices, gain new experiences, and lead their best lives. At its core, The Hub is about freedom, aspiration and development. It enables people to thrive, connect with their community, and achieve preferred outcomes such as volunteering, joining teams, or simply enjoying everyday moments.
Building More Than a Description
What made this session truly special was not just the words that emerged, but the way they emerged. Amid laughter, shared memories, and a few light-hearted jokes (including one about “working for chocolate”), the team reconnected with the heart of their work. They were reminded that each person they support deserves to be seen, heard and celebrated, not only in the care they receive, but in how that care is described.
As the team reflected together, one sentiment stood out:
“Every day is new.”
That is the essence of The Hub, a place of growth, joy, challenge and new beginnings. The team is proud of what they have built, and even prouder of the people who bring it to life every single day.
There are career opportunities at The Hub. Click here to register to attend their forthcoming recruitment day.