“I come home proud”: Sean’s first months at Henley Lodge
When Sean applied to work at Progress’ children’s residential service in Coventry, Henley Lodge, he wasn’t chasing a lifelong ambition to work in care. He was looking for something simpler, and harder to find — a job that felt meaningful, supportive, and worth the emotional energy it asked of him. Just a few months in, he says he’s found exactly that.
“I come home proud,” Sean says. “I haven’t felt that in a long time.”
Henley Lodge is Progress’ warm, homely children’s home based in Coventry, in the heart of the West Midlands. Set within a well-connected residential area, the service is easy to reach for staff commuting from nearby places like Bedworth, Nuneaton, and Birmingham.
From the moment Sean stepped inside, the environment stood out. “It doesn’t feel like an institution,” he says. “It feels like a home.”
The layout is calm and thoughtfully designed, with spaces that support everyday routines, play, and learning. Toys and resources are purposeful rather than overwhelming, and everything feels intentional, created with children’s needs in mind. Upstairs, management is close by and visible, but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming.
One of the features Sean is most excited about is the outdoor space. With gardens that come into their own in the warmer months, children have room to explore, play, and unwind. Ongoing refurbishments are continuing to improve the home, creating an environment that feels fresh, comfortable, and genuinely child-centered.
A career change that made sense
Before joining Progress, Sean worked in a completely different sector. Like many people, he didn’t come with years of experience in children’s care, but he did bring patience, curiosity, and a genuine interest in working with people.
“What surprised me most was how supported you are from the start,” he explains. “You’re never made to feel like you should already know everything. People take the time to explain things properly.”
From shadowing colleagues to asking questions without judgement, Sean says the learning curve felt challenging but manageable because the team around him made it that way.
Life at Henley Lodge is busy, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding at times. Sean is honest about that. But it’s also what makes the role rewarding. “Every day is different,” he says. “You might be helping with routines one minute, then dealing with something completely unexpected the next. But you’re never doing it on your own.”
Some of the most meaningful moments are the quiet ones — building trust, noticing small changes, and seeing children begin to feel safe.
“When a young person starts to trust you, that’s huge,” Sean says. “Even small steps, like a word or a smile, feel like real progress.”
Ask Sean what really makes Henley Lodge special, and he doesn’t hesitate: the people. “It feels more like a family than a workplace,” he says. “People genuinely care about the children, and about each other.”
The team brings together different ages, backgrounds, and experiences, but works closely and collaboratively. Managers are visible and approachable, support is offered without being asked for, and no one is left to struggle alone.
“If you’re having a hard day, someone notices,” Sean says. “That makes a massive difference in this kind of work.”
Pride, purpose, and looking ahead
Perhaps the biggest change for Sean is how he now feels when he finishes a shift.
“This job gives you a sense of purpose,” he says. “It’s challenging, but it feels worthwhile. You can actually see why what you do matters.”
As he continues to grow in the role, Sean is focused on learning, training, and becoming the best support he can be, not because he’s being pushed, but because he feels encouraged.
“I feel like I’m in the right place,” he says. “And that’s not something I’ve always been able to say about work.”
Thinking about joining Henley Lodge?
To work at Henley Lodge. What matters most is compassion, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
As Sean’s story shows, with the right environment, strong leadership, and a supportive team around you, this can be a role you feel proud of — every single day. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs to apply to join Henley Lodge today.