New Work Wise Employment Support Programme
Ten years. It’s a milestone that invites reflection, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. For Surrey Choices, it’s a decade marked by extraordinary growth, innovation and most importantly, a profound impact on the lives we serve.
When we first opened our doors, our services were primarily centred around traditional day centres and supported employment programs. While these services were valuable, it became clear that we needed to adapt to meet the evolving needs of our community. We embarked on a journey of transformation, challenging the status quo and exploring new ways to support individuals to reach their full potential.
Empowering Individuals and Building Communities
A cornerstone of our approach has been a commitment to person-centred care. We believe that every person has unique strengths, aspirations and challenges. Our goal is to empower individuals to live fulfilling lives, contributing actively to their communities.
To achieve this, we’ve diversified our services, moving away from large, institutional settings to a more community-based model. This shift has allowed us to provide tailored support that respects individual choices and preferences. Our day support services now focus on building independence, fostering social connections and developing life skills.
From Strength to Strength: The Evolution of Surrey Choices’ Services
Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed the evolution of our services into a comprehensive suite of support options. Our EmployAbility program has expanded to include innovative initiatives like Supported Internships and Future Choices, helping young people and adults develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
We’ve also expanded our respite care services, providing vital breaks for families and carers. Our double award-winning Shared Lives scheme continues to thrive, offering individuals the opportunity to live in a loving, family-like environment.
One of our proudest achievements has been the introduction of our own transport fleet. This has made a significant difference in the lives of our customers, enabling them to access our services and participate in community activities with greater independence and confidence.
Inspiring Stories of Change
The true measure of our success lies in the stories of the individuals we support. Their journeys are a testament to the power of human connection, perseverance and the transformative impact of our services.
Sean, a highly skilled carpenter, faced challenges with interview anxiety due to his autism. With our support, he developed the confidence to overcome these obstacles and secure a fulfilling job in the construction industry. His story is a shining example of how tailored support can unlock someone’s full potential.
Ralph, who had tragically experienced abuse, withdrew from the world and stopped speaking. Through patient and compassionate care, our staff helped Ralph to rebuild his trust and find his voice again. His journey is a powerful reminder of the healing power of human connection.
And then there’s the inspiring story of a young student with complex needs who, with the support of our Travel Choices program, learned to travel independently to school. This achievement not only boosted the student’s confidence but also inspired other students to follow in their footsteps.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by Surrey Choices. Their stories fuel our passion and drive us to continue making a difference.
We Believe Our Team Is The Heart of Surrey Choices
Behind every success story is a dedicated team of professionals. Our staff members are the heart and soul of Surrey Choices. Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our clients are the foundation of our organisation.
We’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of many of our team members. Individuals like Paul Dawson, who joined us on our first day and has since become a registered manager, and Denise Hardwick, who progressed from Support Worker to Transport Manager, exemplify the talent and dedication within our ranks.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we express our sincere gratitude to our staff for their invaluable contributions. Their hard work and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and excitement about the future. The past decade has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. We are committed to evolving our services to meet the changing needs of our community and to creating a brighter future for everyone we support.
We believe that every life has value and every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. As we embark on the next chapter of Surrey Choices, we are dedicated to building on our successes and creating even more positive change.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Remember, you can keep up to date with all of our stories on social media:
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