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Tag: Portland House

Welcoming Evanka: A New Chapter for Portland House

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Children’s Services is excited to welcome Evanka as the new Deputy Manager at Portland House. With her wealth of experience and passion for children’s welfare, Evanka brings a fresh perspective to the service, positioning it firmly on the path toward excellence. 

Evanka’s journey with Progress began as a bank staff member for over two years ago. Her dedication and commitment were evident as she navigated various roles, always prioritising the children’s needs. When asked why she stayed, Evanka highlighted the supportive environment and her deep connection with the service’s mission. “I have learned from different managers, and I have always kept my focus on the children. I am here to help my colleagues and go the extra mile,” she shared. 

Evanka’s approach is grounded in consistency and a genuine love for her work. She is known for her no-nonsense attitude and ability to bring structure and calm to even the most challenging situations. Her leadership style is marked by a hands-on approach, always willing to step in and support her team. 

Portland House: A Place Where Children Thrive 

Portland House is not just another service; it is a home where the wellbeing of each child is the top priority. Under Evanka’s leadership, the goal is clear: to elevate the home to an “Outstanding” rating. She acknowledges the work done by previous managers and is determined to continue their legacy by addressing “the little things” that make a significant difference. 

Evanka’s experience with managing challenging behaviours and her ability to create a safe, structured environment are key assets that will drive Portland House forward. “We are not just managing a home; we are nurturing lives. I want Portland House to be a place where every child feels valued and supported,” she emphasises. 

A Great Place to Work 

Evanka’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her arrival has already had a positive impact on the team. Portland House is known not only for its commitment to children but also as a fantastic place to work. Staff members feel supported, and there is a sense of camaraderie that makes working here fulfilling. 

Evanka is undeterred, ensuring everything is up to standard. She is driven by a desire to see Portland House thrive. Her work ethic and passion have already inspired her colleagues. 

Looking Ahead 

As Evanka settles into her role, she is excited about the future. She plans to bring fresh ideas, streamline operations, and, most importantly, keep the children’s needs at the heart of everything she does. Evanka’s journey is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. 

Portland House is on the right path, and this is further reinforced with Evanka on board. Together with the home manager Cosmos, the team’s vision and drive will undoubtedly lead to new heights, making it not only a haven for children but also a rewarding place for staff to grow and make an impact. Welcome, Evanka—your journey with Portland House has just begun, and we are thrilled to have you on board! 

 

There are career opportunities at Portland House and across Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs

A Day with Uncle Ray, a Support Worker with Progress Children’s Services

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Rilford, known affectionately as Uncle Ray, is a residential support worker at Portland House. Just a few months into the role, he has seamlessly integrated into the team, contributing significantly to the daily activities, and positively impacting the young people. 

With decades of experience working with children and adults with severe learning disabilities, complex needs, and challenging behaviours,  

Rilford’s journey to Progress began decades earlier in the southern African country of Zimbabwe where he trained as a teacher, a profession he also practised for a while after moving to the UK. He then transitioned to the care sector, applying his skills with young people to support individuals of various age groups, providing a wide array of care. Since joining Progress, Uncle Ray has demonstrated impressive competence, significant maturity and extensive experience working with children with severe learning disabilities, complex needs, and challenging behaviours. 

Starting his shift at Portland House, Rilford quickly dives into sorting out groceries. With meticulous care, he organises the items to cater to the preferences of the young residents, such as placing eggs in a secure drawer to prevent breakage and storing apples both in the fridge and at room temperature to suit different tastes. 

After handling the groceries, Rilford cleans the kitchen, and arranges the dishes in the dishwasher. His attention to detail and consideration for the children’s needs are evident in every task he undertakes. 

Rilford’s role keeps him active, as he often clocks over 14,000 steps a day while engaging with the children, both indoors and outdoors. He emphasizes the importance of staying active and the positive impact it has on his health. 

Having undergone induction at Progress’s head office, Rilford was eager to join the team. He fondly recalls playing on the swings during his initial weeks. His natural rapport with the children earned him the nickname “Uncle Ray,” and he is well-liked by everyone at Portland House. 

His approach to support work is based on understanding and respecting the intellectual capacities of the young people. “They are intelligent, and you must respect that. A good approach makes day-to-day activities smooth for everyone,” Rilford says. 

Manager Cosmos commends Rilford’s willingness to learn and adapt quickly. “He has fit in well and is always ready to learn,” Cosmos notes. 

As the school runs begin, Rilford is ready to focus on the young person staying behind. They discuss activities for the afternoon, ensuring everything they do is safe and enjoyable. Rilford believes in offering choices and explaining decisions, fostering a respectful and supportive environment. 

Rilford is committed to making each moment special for the children and hopes to continue earning the trust and support of his team members. 

If you are passionate about support work and want to make a difference, consider joining the team at Portland House. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for our latest career opportunities across Progress. 

It’s Coming Home: Progress’ Young People Celebrate England’s Euro Victory

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

England secured a dramatic last-minute victory over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final, earning a spot in the final against Spain. Ollie Watkins’ brilliant strike sealed the win for England, setting up an era-defining showdown with Spain as they aim to be crowned the Champions of Europe, bring the trophy home and end years of hurt. The Three Lions’ fans are eagerly awaiting the final match to see if England can clinch their first European Championship title.

At Progress, our young people believe that it is coming home.

At Portland House, the young people joined in the celebration of the qualification for the final match as they joined the rest of the country in celebrating the national team’s win over the Netherlands, setting the stage for a monumental showdown with Spain.

With branded flags, table covers, “glasses,” plates, banners, stickers, and paper cups, the home came alive with excitement throughout the football match. At the blast of the final whistle, the young people and other team members who watched the match shared the sentiments of football fans across the country. It might actually be coming home this time around.

Football has a profoundly positive impact on young people, especially those with special needs and those in care. It encourages teamwork, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of belonging and achievement. It also helps young people to develop social skills, build friendships, and experience the joy of collective celebration.

At Progress, we understand the power of teamwork and shared goals, just like in football. We provide outstanding care and support, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential.

If you’re a football fan who is passionate about support work, consider joining our team at Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for our latest career opportunities. Together, we can make a difference.

Portland House: Join Us on Our Journey to Outstanding Care

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Portland House, a standout within the Progress network, is on an inspiring journey towards achieving an outstanding rating from Ofsted. Under the dynamic leadership of Dani, the registered manager, the team at Portland House embraces a philosophy of individualised care, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the children they serve. 

Dani emphasises the unique approach of Portland House, where challenging cases are not shied away from, but embraced with a steadfast commitment to each child’s journey. “We don’t shy away from difficult cases,” Dani explains. “Here, we take on those challenges and remain committed to the journey with each child.” 

The strength of Portland House lies in its cohesive team spirit, especially during tough days. Dani reflects on the collective resilience of the staff, highlighting how they unite to navigate challenges. “Even on the hardest days, our team comes together, shares a laugh, and supports each other,” Dani remarks. This camaraderie among staff ensures that young people receive a consistently high level of care, even in the face of adversity. 

Looking to the Future 

Looking towards the future, Dani envisions building on the solid foundation laid over the past 12 months. The goal is clear: to demonstrate outstanding elements of care for even the most challenging cases. “We aim to continue what we’ve been doing—showing outstanding care for very difficult children,” Dani states optimistically. 

Dani also emphasises the impact of this outstanding care on the children’s lives, citing instances where Portland House provides opportunities that may not be available elsewhere. “Ofsted recognises that we offer experiences like going to the beach or the fire park, which might seem simple but are profound for these children,” Dani explains. 

Why Join Portland House? 

Portland House’s vision is to push boundaries further, demonstrating how the team’s approach achieves exceptional outcomes safely and consistently. “I would like to see an outstanding rating,” Dani declares, highlighting the commitment to evidencing the remarkable progress made by the team. 

Working at Portland House is not just about meeting standards; it’s about surpassing them and showcasing what exceptional care truly looks like. With Dani’s leadership and the dedicated team’s unwavering support, Portland House is poised to continue its transformative work, ensuring that every child receives the care and opportunities they deserve. 

Career Opportunities at Progress 

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values compassion, resilience, and unity, Portland House is the place for you. We are looking for dedicated individuals who are eager to join us on our journey towards outstanding care. 

Explore the latest career opportunities at Progress and join us in making a real impact. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs to apply today and be part of something truly exceptional. 

Celebrating Outstanding Achievements: Heartwarming Updates and Recognitions

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

We are delighted to share the remarkable acknowledgements recently received by two of our residential homes, Regis House and Portland House, in recognition of the exceptional efforts of our team members.

During a recent visit, Martina, a family links worker with the Birmingham Children’s Trust, expressed her admiration for Regis House, describing it as a welcoming family environment that surpasses typical expectations of a children’s home. Annette, our Registered Manager, extended her gratitude to Martina and highlighted the home’s commitment to embodying a family-like atmosphere.

Martina commended the calm and welcoming atmosphere she experienced, underscoring the positive impact Regis House has on its residents. Notably, one of our young individuals at Regis House has achieved significant personal growth by independently managing tasks such as ordering and paying for meals and tickets. We applaud their achievements and ongoing progress.

Similarly, the team at Portland House has received high praise for their dedication and impact on the lives of the young individuals in their care. Feedback specifically highlighted Dani’s (Registered Manager) extraordinary commitment and compassion towards the young people, underscoring the profound positive influence she and her team have on their well-being.

“I did cry, and I’ve not stopped after my visit to Portland House. The passion of Dani, and the way she cares for her young people, was incredibly inspiring. In a world where so many people turn their backs on challenging young persons, people like Dani are saving them, loving them and showing whole hearted commitment to improving their lives. WOW. She really did make an impact on me and I hope my praises can be passed on to her.”

Such testimonials reaffirm our collective dedication to improving lives and making a lasting difference.

New Additions to Progress

This week, four amazing persons officially joined Progress. Libby has joined the fostering team as an administrator, Nsan joined our Adult Services as a Residential Support Worker while Tadie, a Residential Support Worker, has joined Progress Children’s Services.

We also have a new addition to our Corporate and Commercial Team. Susan is the Digital Learning Designer. In a statement, Angeline Freer, Progress’ Head of Corporate and Commercial Services, said Susan brings a wealth of experience of developing e-learning.

“I am really excited to see how Susan’s career progresses and have no doubt her contributions will help the organisation to continue improving lives,” Angeline said.

Welcome to Progress.