From balancing spreadsheets to balancing emotional needs, Tom’s career change was less about numbers and more about nurturing. Tom’s journey into fostering didn’t start with a formal qualification or a long-term plan. It started with something much simpler — a desire to give back. Having been in care himself, Tom always knew what it meant...
Read MoreBig News on the Horizon – Our 25th Anniversary Celebration!
In June 2025, Progress will mark an incredible 25 years of supporting children and young adults. We’re planning a special event to celebrate our journey so far—and the next steps we’ll take together. Stay tuned for more details, including highlights from our early days, stories from our amazing staff, and how you can join in...
Read MoreWhy Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Need Foster Families – and How Progress is Bridging the Gap
At Progress Fostering Service, there is a growing concern that reflects a national challenge: young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are entering residential care, not necessarily because it’s the best setting for them, but because there simply aren’t enough specialist foster carers available. “Some of the young people we have would be...
Read MoreFostering Love, One Challenge at a Time
Fostering isn’t merely about providing a roof over a child’s head. It’s about creating a nurturing, loving environment where a child can grow, heal, and thrive. For Sally Tinkler, fostering is a journey of love, patience, and resilience—one that has profoundly shaped her life and that of her family. Sally and her husband are foster...
Read MoreProgress Welcomes Serena Richards to Fostering Panel
Progress Fostering Service is delighted to announce the appointment of Serena Richards as a new member of its fostering panel. Serena brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to her new role, having journeyed from being an ex care-leaver and young mother to becoming a dedicated advocate for fostering. Her inspiring story and heartfelt...
Read MoreBanking on Progress, Landing on Purpose
On Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025, Olubukola clocked out for the last time as a casual worker at Progress. She will return—not as a temporary staff member, but as a full-time employee that, in her words, “gave me the wings to fly.” It has been a journey of quiet resilience. When Olubukola first walked through...
Read MoreFoster Carers Honoured at Progress Annual Awards Ceremony
In a celebration marked by warmth, reflection, and gratitude, Progress Fostering Service hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony and Lunch last Friday, honouring the unwavering dedication of foster carers who continue to provide life-changing support to children and young people. The event, held in an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation, brought together foster carers, social workers,...
Read MoreProgress’ Stourbridge House Achieves Outstanding Ofsted Rating
Progress Children’s Services is celebrating a significant milestone as Stourbridge House, its residential short breaks home, has been awarded an outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. Conducted on January 21 and 22, 2025, the inspection highlighted the home’s dedication to providing high-quality care and exceptional outcomes for children with learning and physical disabilities. The...
Read MoreProgress Young Person Honoured at City of Wolverhampton’s I Awards for Remarkable Achievement
At Progress, every achievement—big or small—is a testament to the resilience and potential of the young people we support. Recently, a particularly heartwarming milestone was reached, as one of the young people in our care was recognised at an awards ceremony for his outstanding progress in school and personal development. This young boy’s journey has...
Read MoreCervical Cancer Prevention Week: Early Detection Saves Lives
This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (21st – 28th January), Progress is joining the effort to raise awareness about the importance of regular cervical screening and early detection. Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, with around 3,200 women diagnosed each year in the UK. However, regular screening can help prevent up to 75% of cases...
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