Testimonials
Stephanie – Community Support Facilitator
“I started working on the Staff Bank in February 2008 as a Support Worker. I had wanted to do this type of work for so long but nobody would give me the break I needed, until I came to Milestones Trust. They saw the potential in me and I haven’t looked back since! Whilst working on the Staff Bank I travelled from home to home picking up a wealth of experience along the way. I learnt about the varying needs people have, such as cerebral palsy, deafness, epilepsy and mental health needs.
In November 2008, I was encouraged by some of the managers to apply for a full-time post and I was successful for a secondment post at Mayo House as a Community Support Facilitator. This can be a very complex (but rewarding) environment to work in, but the manager and deputy believed I was capable. I have been thoroughly supported by the whole of the staff team and could not ask for more!
I have a wonderful relationship with a service user at Mayo House who has very complex needs. I have encouraged him to develop his abilities and have supported him with everyday life skills such as hoovering and using a washing machine etc. I have learnt that you don’t have to be an academic to achieve your full potential, and that patience, understanding and a willingness to learn goes a long way in this industry.
I have recently begun to work towards the NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care, with the support of Mayo House and the HR and Staff Development Department. This means that I can achieve this qualification – ticking off my goals as I go along”
Rachel – Acting Home Manager
“My name is Rachel and I started working for Milestones Trust in 2000, as a Support Worker working in a home with eight service users. I was supported by my Home Manager to complete an NVQ level 3 in Promoting Independence, which I really enjoyed! From this, I wanted to progress further and was encouraged and supported by my Line Manager to complete the A1 Assessors Award. The support I received doing this was great! My assessor for this was always available for when I needed help or advice. Once I had completed my A1 I was able to help other colleagues to complete their NVQ.
Three years ago, an opportunity came up within another home for a job as an Assistant Team Leader (ATL). I applied and was successful. During my time as an ATL, I progressed even further and was able to complete my NVQ level 4 in Management. Again, I was supported by my Manager and the Trust’s Staff Development Department. I have in the last year been supported to study at UWE to work towards an Empowering Practice Course, which I finish at the end of this summer. Finally, I have recently taken on the opportunity to temporarily act as a Home Manager”.
Paul – Trust Office
“I joined the trust as the Staff Bank Office Administrator in July 2006. This involved inputting request forms and authorising timesheets. After a reshuffle within the department I was appointed as the Staff Bank Co-ordinator in October 2006.
Learning from my colleagues I worked hard to become a friendly and approachable member of staff and built up a strong rapport with staff and homes alike.
In January 2008, I was asked to ‘Act up’ as the Senior Staff Bank Co-ordinator to supervise the department for three months. After this, I applied for the new Team Leading role that had become vacant and was successful. Late April 2008, I took on my new role. For the first six months I was given a lot of ‘Job Coaching’ from the Staff Bank Manager, but also received a lot of support from all other managers and our HR advisory team.
I am still in this role, which provides me with great job satisfaction. I have been given constant support and development to the extent I have been studying for an NVQ in Team Leading. This has already allowed me to support my team even further.
Milestones Trust is an excellent employer. The Trust always strives to improve itself via its staff, which I feel is the key to the great services we provide. I have enjoyed working for the Trust in all capacities throughout the three years. The Trust has always been friendly and relaxed but has a strong professional atmosphere which allows staff to support everyone in anyway they can thus having a positive effect on the services provided by the Trust”.