manager Review

I am the manager of supported accommodation comprised of 7 two-bedroomed flats. We offer 24h care for the individual who needs that extra bit of support. This accommodation is created for people with mental health issues, learning difficulties and forensic risk history. We provide person-centred service that enables each individual to attain the best outcomes for them, promoting dignity and independence. My daily tasks are focused around running the service, supporting tenants, contacting professional partners who support our tenants. I lead meetings and staff supervision. My job is to cooperate with local authorities, organisations, community, and charities who provide education, emotional support, or activities for vulnerable people. I motivate tenants to take part in community or educational projects (Park in Minds or Ignite courses) to help them to be more independent and be ready for independent life in the future. I motivate and support tenants to take advantage of volunteering work, healthy diet, active lifestyle to help them build resilience for everyday challenges.

I am a former teacher from Poland. I use my knowledge and experience to work as a manager here in Methuen Court. I started my career in the UK as a care worker in 2015. I did several Level 2 trainings reg. mental health, challenging behaviour, personality disorder, supported accommodation etc. to be able to better understand people who I work with and the service. I was offered a manager position in 2017 and since then I have been improving my skills to lead the team and run the service. I am provided with support from my employer and I take part in regular managers' training sessions led by my company. I have started Care Leadership and Management L5, in January 2020. I improve my organisational skills and I'm learning how to be a good manager with Paragon Skills company. I do my best to be the manager I would like to have myself.

I enjoy working here in Methuen Court. I like to work with residents and staff to provide them with the support needed. I listen to people and help them to maximise their abilities and quality of life. I try to be a good manager, the one I want to have. Our company emphasis respect, dignity and the right to own choices in everyday practice.

I like my Paragon Skills training as I found it very helpful to build my confidence as a manager. I have a very supportive tutor who helps me when needed. I take part in functioning skills training meetings and improve my English, Maths, and ICT skills. I improve my excel/spreadsheet competences to use them with confidence in my daily work. Meetings with tutor and activities are equally divided for the period and it helps me to do constant progress to achieve my goal - to finish Care Leadership and Management L5 on time.

My employer Alexander's Supported Living supports me to gain the goal and finish the course. My operational manager contacts me on a regular basis and asks me if I need a help or encourages me to contact her whenever I feel I need it. I have other managers who also are willing to support me and help me with my daily tasks and training requirements. All people are kind and helpful, they share their knowledge with me very willingly.

I have constant and very regular contact with my tutor. I have contacted her several times regarding the tasks or other issues and she always was very supportive and helpful. We have an email and telephone contact. We keep at least monthly long conversations which are focused on my progress and needs. I have very good feedback and I really appreciate her support during my training.

In my opinion, I improve my confidence which was my weakness. I think that my knowledge is more coherent and full due to the training and all sets activities and tasks. Moreover, I am provided with support not only from my employer but also from my tutor. I use skills learnt during the functional skills session in my daily work ( spreadsheets, English, maths etc) and it helps me to be confident in my role.

My company holds a yearly Christmas Dinner, Diabetic Week, Mental Health Week, Kindness Day. In our service, we also take part in some local events like Park in Minds, Cancer day, Red Nose Day. We support the local community and raise money for the charity making cupcakes, lotteries or coffee and cakes mornings. We encourage our service users to swim, walk, play football with other tenants or staff members. We lead social events for our residents such as Easter, Christmas Dinner, Valentines Day, Women's Day, or by and having BBQs in our garden.

Yes

There is a very nice atmosphere, as a family. Everyone knows each other and people here are very supportive of each other. There is a stressless work culture based on personal skills rather than pressure. We work with people with different mental problems and it is very important to stay mentally balanced when facing challenging situations and listening to other people's problems.

The application process is quite simple and it is done in a friendly manner. Interviews are done by professional people who put the strength on people's skills, not lack of training which can be delivered at the beginning of the work. We have a good and thorough induction process and shadowing system which help people to find their place in the company and to know their obligations.