Trust, Respect, Care, Progress
Here at Progress, our company values extend beyond our staff and the young people we work with. Collectively, we genuinely care about everyone we come into contact with and are passionate about proactively seeking positive experiences with all.
We acknowledge our responsibility to the communities we work within and nurture strong links that enable us to gain valuable feedback and provide responsive services.
Charitable giving
We are passionate, not only about the good work that we do but also about supporting other companies that have dedicated themselves to positive change.
In the past, we’ve helped local charities and events such as Magic of Milly, Macmillan Coffee Mornings, and Christmas Jumper day. One of our recent highlights was the team hiking up Snowdon, raising over £400 in memory of a young person we supported that lost his struggle with a life-limiting condition. The money went to the school he attended which will now be able to purchase more specialised equipment that will improve the lives of other young people.
In order to maximise the impact of fundraising, our staff voted for Acorns Children’s Hospice to be our charity of the year and thus, be the primary focus of our efforts. Alongside this is the Progress Fund, enabling us to still commit smaller amounts to other local projects.
Environment
From the light bulbs and appliances we use, to the way we recycle our rubbish, we ensure that our actions are environmentally friendly. It’s not just people we care about, but our local environment too. We are passionate about investing in green schemes where we can, growing our own herbs and vegetables, and educating our people on consciously making better lifestyle decisions so that together, we can make our local area a slightly better place.
Our local community
Our newest development; Stourbridge House is a testament to our belief in using local trades people and businesses to promote a sustainable community. We carry this into our day-to-day operations by enjoying local shops, cafés and clubs with those we support. We deliver our services in a way that removes barriers and allows young people to be integrated into their local communities, accessing universal leisure and social facilities and building strong friendships and circles of support.
Our people
Our people are at the forefront of everything we do. From wanting to support the development of our staff for them to be the best they can be, to enabling those in our care to learn the life skills they need for a quality future; their needs are our priority. We couldn’t be prouder of holding gold status with Investors in People for over a decade. If a staff member wants to excel and grow within the business, we’re more than happy to support their training and development to help propel them along their career paths.
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….
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…
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…
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…
The lockdown has been challenging for all of us. With our daily routines changing – and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future – we are now living different lives. We spoke to two young people on their lockdown experiences, how they have coped and their hopes for the future. “I have felt I…
The Support Worker at Nightingale House, on working in mental health, training, and why team work is important. I used to work for Derby Mental Health Trust as a health care assistant. My job was to support people who had different mental health issues. I learned very quickly that at the beginning of each shift,…
“The young people I support are the reason why I am a support worker.” We love to hear about the success and achievements of our young people. In their own way, they all make us proud of them. It’s also important to note the hard work our Support Workers do working with young people. They help…
The Progress supported living service helps you to move into your own accommodation, giving you the chance to live independently. But why choose supported living? Here are 7 ways you can benefit with support from Progress. Greater independence Supported living gives you the chance to live as ordinary a life as possible. It could mean…
Kim is a Team Leader at Progress’s Children’s Short Breaks service, Stourbridge House. This is her story. It was Kim Williams’ younger brother who inspired her to work in care. ‘He is autistic and I grew up caring for him,’ she says. ‘I love him to bits, he is such a character and I wanted to help…
It was 7am on a cold January morning in 2012 when Adam arrived for his first day as a support worker. He stepped inside what looked like any other house, to a new career and a new life. Within minutes he was answering questions from curious teenagers, finding his way amongst young people whizzing around…
We want to be able to share with your the amazing things Progress carers experience in their job every day. Mark is a Progress carer and has been supporting Jay for nearly three years. This is his story: Jay is very high on the spectrum of autism and has minimal vocabulary. Despite this, Jay’s Mum really wanted…
Lola is currently going through an assessment to become foster carer. Having been through the process before, we spoke to her about her experiences and the big question: why foster care? What is your day job? I currently work as a senior social work assistant in a ‘Child in Care’ team in the West Midlands. As part of…