What we can achieve by working together

At Oak Cottage, the festive season is more than just a time of the year — it’s an opportunity to bring the magic of Christmas to life for the young people and staff alike. For Tony Marsden, a residential support worker who has spent the last decade at Oak Cottage, the holiday period is a...

Oak Cottage isn’t just a residential facility—it’s a home where young people with complex needs are supported by a dedicated team that fosters their growth and wellbeing. Through the perspectives of Tony, Kelly, and Mandy, we see how empathy, teamwork, and resilience create a nurturing environment that transforms lives.  For Tony Marsden, a residential support...

At Oak Cottage, a Progress home for young people with complex needs, the role of a residential support worker goes far beyond a traditional job description. It’s a dynamic and deeply rewarding position, requiring a balance of compassion, adaptability, and dedication. Tony, who recently celebrated ten years in the role, offers a glimpse into what...

At the Progress Annual Conference 2024, Steven Russell delivered a compelling speech that resonated deeply with the audience, emphasising the vital importance of building connections with young people. Through personal anecdotes, powerful media references, and insightful reflections, he outlined the challenges and responsibilities that come with fostering and supporting children in care.  The Challenge of...

Standing Up to Bullying: Voices from Progress  For Anti-Bullying Week 2024, the young people at Progress opened their hearts and shared their thoughts on the many faces of bullying and the possibility of change. Their voices are raw, real, and deeply moving, painting a picture of both the harm caused by bullying and the hope...

Kathryn’s move from Oak Cottage to Wellcroft House marks a heartwarming chapter in her career with Progress, one filled with new connections, personal growth, and renewed purpose. After working night shifts at Oak Cottage for a year, Kathryn recognised an opportunity to bring her caring spirit closer to home, as Wellcroft House is only a...

At the recent Progress Annual Conference, Shipa was honoured with a Long Service Award, marking her ten remarkable years with us. During a conversation at Wellcroft House, Shipa opened up about her journey, her unwavering commitment, and the impact of her role in her life and the lives of those she supports.  Shipa’s journey with...

Fostering can be very hard work…but the heart and soul you put into it can truly transform lives. Hello! We’re Julie and David, and we want to share our journey as foster carers with you. It’s been a path filled with challenges and rewards, and we’re excited to offer a glimpse into our lives as...

When I joined Wellcroft House as a student social worker in September, I knew Black History Month was just around the corner, and I wanted to create something truly meaningful. Together with Denise, one of our dedicated staff members, we brainstormed ways to make this celebration impactful for everyone. We felt that Black History Month...

Stourbridge House: A Lifeline for Families  Navigating the challenges of raising a child with complex needs can be daunting. For one mother, Progress Children’s Services’ Stourbridge House has been a transformative support system, providing respite care for her son, Ryan, and significantly enhancing their quality of life.  “I don’t know what I would have done...