Latest news - Avenues Group
30 - 1993-2023

Latest news

 
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Avenues tackles cost of living crisis for disabled people

Wednesday 15th November 2023

Avenues has added its support to the #SupportCantWait campaign which aims to pressure the UK government to tackle how the…

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Latest News: Autism Hampshire joins Avenues Group

Wednesday 1st November 2023

Autism Hampshire, a leading charity dedicated to providing support and services to autistic people and their families, is merging with…

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Nick celebrates milestone with Mum and Dad

Tuesday 31st October 2023

Nick Walker has been supported by Avenues for over 20 years. We first told his story in 2021 when, after…

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CQC rating for Emily Jackson Close

Tuesday 31st October 2023

Avenues is carrying out a detailed action plan to improve its service at 1-3 Emily Jackson Close in Kent after…

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Avenues comes together to discuss supporting the Menopause at work

Wednesday 18th October 2023

Around 75% of Avenues employees are female with more than 50% of those over 45 years old. This is just…

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Avenues introduces its first Mental Health Champions

Wednesday 11th October 2023

Around 1 in 7 people experience a mental health difficulty at work. With this in mind Avenues has recruited its…

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Autism Hampshire to join Avenues (easy read)

Tuesday 26th September 2023

On the 1st of November we will welcome Autism Hampshire into the Avenues Group. Please see the link below for…

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Autism Hampshire to join Avenues Group 

Friday 22nd September 2023

Avenues Group and Autism Hampshire have agreed to merge. From 1 November 2023, Autism Hampshire will be part of Avenues…

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Avenues South supported living celebrates ‘Outstanding’ rating for a second time

Friday 25th August 2023

Avenues South supported living services have been given a prestigious ‘Outstanding’ rating by industry watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC)…

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Charlie bids John a fond farewell

Wednesday 28th June 2023

From the moment John met Charlie they were inseparable. When John, who was supported by Avenues in Surrey, passed away…

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Co-production project shines light on health needs

Wednesday 28th June 2023

People we support have been sharing their pandemic experiences to help health professionals improve their understanding of the needs of…

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Cream teas and karaoke: Avenues celebrates 30 years in style

Cream teas and karaoke: Avenues celebrates 30 years in style

Thursday 22nd June 2023

It was an afternoon of boat rides and barbecues, Karaoke and cream teas as Avenues employees, people supported by the…

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30 years logo

Celebrating 30 years of Avenues

Friday 9th June 2023

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Avenues, and this summer we’re celebrating all we have achieved together over the last…

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CQC praises ‘caring and kind’ support at Avenues Supported Living in Hampshire

Thursday 1st June 2023

We are pleased that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded our supported living service in Hampshire a ‘Good’ rating…

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Sarah with Aminata

Health scare brings new skills for Sarah

Tuesday 30th May 2023

The people we work with count on their support teams. They give them confidence to live their lives knowing that…

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Improvements continue at Webb Road after CQC visit

Improvements continue at Webb Road after CQC visit

Friday 19th May 2023

Avenues is fulfilling a detailed action plan to improve its service at Webb Road in London after its latest Care…

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My Vote My Voice: Supporting the right to vote in 2024

Friday 5th May 2023

In preparation for the general election in 2024 Avenues has signed up to the My Vote My Voice campaign. The…

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Mayor puts Avenues on the map

Friday 28th April 2023

The Mayor of Bexley has vowed to give Avenues ‘the recognition it deserves’ after visiting one of its’ supported living…

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2022

Gender Pay Gap Data 2022

Monday 27th February 2023

Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs. Our…

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Celebrating ‘Outstanding’ care every day in podcast series

Tuesday 14th February 2023

Avenues’  Director of Operations Dan Gower-Smith and Senior Operations Manager Hayley Taylor recently took part in Skills for Care ‘The…

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Portrait shot of Rich Hodgson, sat in cathedral

Volunteering as a trustee – Rich’s story

Tuesday 14th February 2023

All charities rely on their trustees who make sure the organisation is doing what it promises for society. Rich Hodgson…

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Joe

Sharing our PBS skills and knowledge

Monday 16th January 2023

Avenues’ growing reputation for sector-leading Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is allowing us to share our expertise with other providers. Recently…

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Photo of John moving int his new home

John’s journey to independence

Monday 2nd January 2023

“Some might feel that 13 is an unlucky number but I am so happy to be moving into flat number…

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Emerton Close – case study

Monday 2nd January 2023

People with profound and multiple disabilities need extensive support in all aspects of everyday life, from movement, to eating, personal…

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Westhall Park service update

Westhall Park service update

Thursday 29th December 2022

Westhall Park in Surrey is a residential care home providing accommodation and personal care for up to six people with…

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Guidance for visitors to our services

Guidance for visitors to our services

Wednesday 21st December 2022

This information for visitors to our services was updated on 01/06/23 to reflect Government guidance on coronavirus infection control. The…

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CQC outstanding banner

Record-breaking CQC ‘hat-trick’ for Avenues

Monday 21st November 2022

Avenues has become the first ever Supported Living provider to achieve an Outstanding CQC rating three times in a row….

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CQC rating for Glebe House

CQC rating for Glebe House

Monday 21st November 2022

Avenues is fulfilling a detailed action plan to improve its service at Glebe House in London after its latest Care…

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Queen Elizabeth II

Friday 9th September 2022

Our sympathies are with those across our communities who are mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth, a truly extraordinary monarch…

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Picture of Hampshire service

Avenues now supporting people in Hampshire

Monday 18th July 2022

Avenues is now supporting people in Hampshire for the first time, after being selected to take over and turn around…

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Photo of Daniel

Case study – supporting better health through PBS

Wednesday 25th May 2022

When we started supporting Daniel, the greatest challenges he faced were his anxiety levels, and the distressed behaviour which this…

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2021

Gender Pay Gap Data 2021

Thursday 17th March 2022

Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs. Our…

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Autism – Holly Lodge case study

Tuesday 15th March 2022

The Holly Lodge project began in 2013 to meet the needs of five people with autism and complex needs for…

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Skills for Care logo

Quality mark for Avenues training is renewed

Monday 28th February 2022

Great support relies on great training, so we’re delighted to hear that we’ve met Skills for Care’s new higher standards…

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People enjoying the exhibition

New exhibition celebrates people’s creativity

Thursday 11th November 2021

Neurodiversity has produced some incredible art throughout history, and plays a big part in the lives of many people Avenues…

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2020

Gender Pay Gap Data 2020

Friday 22nd October 2021

Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs. Our…

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Joe on holiday

Life turns around for Joe

Thursday 30th September 2021

At Avenues we know that creating the right environment for people is fundamental to their health and wellbeing, and the…

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Madame Tussauds London seek out Avenues’ experts

Wednesday 22nd September 2021

One of the UK’s top tourist attractions, Madame Tussauds London, has sought Avenues expert help in improving it’s guest experience for…

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Jo Land

Better lives depend on better funding

Monday 13th September 2021

Avenues has collaborated with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other providers on a new report which agrees the key…

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Michael and Monim fulfill their time-travelling dream

Tuesday 7th September 2021

It was a case of travelling to Dorset rather than another galaxy recently as Doctor Who fans Michael and Monim…

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Switching support brings parents new peace of mind

Monday 9th August 2021

“As parents you always have this worry about the future, but for us that feeling’s finally been replaced with peace…

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UK government publishes the National Disability Strategy – Avenues Response

UK government publishes the National Disability Strategy – Avenues Response

Thursday 29th July 2021

This strategy begins to address the unfairness that faces so many people in their day to day lives. However, if…

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Avenues’ Positive Behaviour Support Training highlighted by Health Education England

Tuesday 6th July 2021

Avenues approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training is being shared with the sector nationally. A report on Avenues’ comprehensive training…

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Charlotte with aunt Joanne at Neave Crescent

‘Incredible’ support is life changing for grieving family

Friday 21st May 2021

A family hit by tragedy during the pandemic are building a bright new future with Avenues support. When Charlotte Pocock…

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Charley relaxes on a trampoline

Linden House: supporting independence, growth and happiness

Tuesday 18th May 2021

Avenues’ new service in London is proving its worth, as the people living there thrive in an environment which supports…

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Supporting Nick back to health

Thursday 22nd April 2021

When Nick suffered a severe stroke in 2019, consultants said that he was fortunate to be alive. The future looked…

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The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report – Avenues response

Thursday 22nd April 2021

On 31st March the Commission on Race Equalities and Ethnic Disparities published their report in the UK. The research and…

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Welmede name will change to Avenues South

Welmede name will change to Avenues South

Wednesday 31st March 2021

From the 1st April 2021 our Welmede subsidiary will change its name to Avenues South, in line with other regional…

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Supreme Court ruling on ‘sleep-in’ payments – Avenues response

Supreme Court ruling on ‘sleep-in’ payments – Avenues response

Friday 19th March 2021

Today, the Supreme Court concluded that National Minimum Wage does not apply to ‘sleep-in’ shifts for periods when a worker…

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syringe

Coronavirus vaccine – overcoming needle phobia

Monday 8th March 2021

Needle phobia is a common issue for people with learning disability, and is currently creating real jeopardy for their health…

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Co-Production with Avenues – Have your say! Wednesday 16th December

Wednesday 9th December 2020

Are you interested in impacting the future of Avenues and the way the organisation supports people? Avenues are committed to improving people’s lives and co-production is a huge part of how we can achieve positive outcomes for the people we support. Our Co-production and Active Support Partner, Nikki Hollands is currently looking at…

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Young people’s service take over Avenues social media

Friday 4th December 2020

Young people from one of Avenues’ Surrey services will take over Avenues’ Facebook and Instagram pages from the 7th December for one week. Francesca, James, Jack, Jenny and Ankush are part of a transition service in Surrey which equips young people with the skills they need for independent living from managing money to cooking meals.

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Perseverance pays off for Claude’s happiness

Friday 20th November 2020

When the Mayor of Bromley visited Avenues service Amplio House recently, one man made a big impact on her companion, Counsellor Colin Hitchins. He had met resident Claude many years previously, and was delighted to see the dramatic, visible change in Claude’s wellbeing with Avenues support

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Housing complaints process review

Housing complaints process review

Monday 16th November 2020

As part of our commitment to customer services we have reviewed our complaints process against the Housing Ombudsman’s complaints code. This work will inform our new procedure for making a complaints, which will also be published on this website in Spring 2021.

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PHE report on Covid-19 learning disability death rate – Avenues response

PHE report on Covid-19 learning disability death rate – Avenues response

Friday 13th November 2020

It is no surprise that people with learning disabilities had a higher mortality rate during the first wave of the pandemic; they are commonly faced with complex health conditions that make them more vulnerable to secondary illnesses. But given that this vulnerability is well-established, we should all be asking why more wasn’t done to protect this group of people.

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Global recognition for Avenues governance

Tuesday 10th November 2020

We’re delighted that one of our amazing staff has been recognised with an international award for her work in making the charity stronger, and more able to deliver its vision for people. Lauren Osman is now a Modern Governance 100 Recipient; a prestigious award given by global governance specialists.

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2019

Gender Pay Gap Data 2019

Friday 30th October 2020

Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs. Our mission is to reduce the disadvantage people face through their disability, illness or injury, and we are opposed to discrimination of any kind. This includes gender inequality, and we undertake an internal monitoring programme…

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Caroline Neal

New group director appointed

Thursday 15th October 2020

Avenues has confirmed Caroline Neal as its new Group Director of People. The new post will develop and lead the strategy to ensure the organisation continues to offer sector- leading careers. Caroline was previously Head of Human Resources, and was appointed following a rigorous recruitment process by the Group’s trustees.

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Photo of Terry Rich

Avenues trustees commit to Charity Governance Code

Tuesday 13th October 2020

The Avenues Group Boards have signed up to the Charity Governance Code as part of our commitment to further strengthening all parts of the organisation – including the skills of our trustees. The code supports our compliance with the law and regulations, and a culture where everything works towards fulfilling the charity’s vision.

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New director will drive growth of Avenues Group

Friday 25th September 2020

Avenues has appointed a new director of business development to support its commitment to expand into new regions, and support more people to enjoy better lives. Karina Hourd will take up her new post on Monday 28 September. She joins Avenues from Dimensions, where she was head of business development.

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Doors open on new £1.3m transition service

Monday 24th August 2020

The first young person to move into our new specialist service is settling in well, enjoying the freedom and independence of community-based life. The service in Tottenham has been developed in partnership with Haringey Council, and was previously an eight-bedded residential home.

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Mayor ‘inspired and uplifted’ by Avenues service

Saturday 8th August 2020

Avenues’ Amplio House service in Bromley, London, recently received a visit from the borough’s Mayor who attended a fundraising barbecue. The Mayor chose the service for her first post-lockdown official outing and spoke to staff, people supported at the service and Avenues’ CEO Jo Land.

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The calming effect of a swing

Thursday 6th August 2020

After a two year quest one of Avenues London services has finally been able to have an adapted garden swing fitted for one of the people they support and it was well worth the wait. The whole family turned out to see Margaret, who is supported by Avenues London, debut on her new swing…

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Avenues East hits a high note

Wednesday 29th July 2020

We know how important music is to many of the people we support at Avenues and musicians are frequent visitors to our services. Our Community Support Service in Avenues East regularly works with the music charity Musica, who provide workshops to people with disabilities and mental health issues, amongst others.

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COVID-19 office risk assessment

COVID-19 office risk assessment

Tuesday 30th June 2020

In line with best practice and Government advice, we have published our risk assessment for people using the the group’s offices. The risk is the spread of Covid-19  and would affect all staff, visitors, cleaners, contractors, more vulnerable groups and anyone who physically comes into contact with the business environment. 

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Black Lives Matter

Friday 19th June 2020

The tragedy and distress that we have witnessed in communities within US, UK and across the world over recent weeks has been appalling, and we at Avenues fully support the call for the urgent and systemic change. Black lives matter.

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CQC report on COVID-19 deaths – Avenues response

CQC report on COVID-19 deaths – Avenues response

Tuesday 2nd June 2020

The CQC’s findings are a tragic demonstration of the consequences of the current COVID testing arrangements for people with learning disability and autism. The current prioritisation of elderly people in care homes neglects the risks faced by younger vulnerable people who live in our communities, whose lives are equally valuable.

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New Covid-19 testing plan urgently needed

New Covid-19 testing plan urgently needed

Wednesday 27th May 2020

Avenues is concerned that the lives of the people the organisation supports are being put at risk through their omission from the Government’s current Covid-19 testing programme. The majority of our service users have multiple or complex health needs, which put them at heightened susceptibility to the disease.

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Behind the Mask

Friday 22nd May 2020

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focuses on kindness, which is fundamental to how we do things at Avenues. For one employee what began as a kind gesture towards a family member has snowballed into an extraordinary personal project to help her colleagues and even local businesses…

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Matthew’s creativity helps him understand life under Covid lockdown

Thursday 7th May 2020

Life under lockdown and the impact of COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone but for people with a learning disability and those that support them there can be an added level of challenge. For many not being able to attend the usual activities can be confusing.

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Government release COVID-19 ‘action plan for adult social care’, Jo Land comments

Thursday 16th April 2020

This action plan could not have come soon enough; alongside NHS colleagues, Avenues staff and those in the wider care sector are doing a truly exceptional job during these most testing of times, showing huge professionalism, composure and dedication to ensure the safety of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

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Egg hunts, tasty treats and a floral surprise: Easter at Avenues

Wednesday 15th April 2020

Despite a UK-wide lock down people across Avenues services spent an active weekend celebrating Easter. Although a difficult time for many, having to be away from family and loved ones, staff rose to the challenge and organised everything from Easter egg hunts to making innovative decorations.

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Avenues’ needs you! COVID-19 and Fast-Track recruitment

Tuesday 7th April 2020

Have you ever thought of supporting someone with a learning disability? During the COVID-19 pandemic we are operating an Fast-Track recruitment process. This includes video interviewing and e-learning before you start, which means we can get you supporting people that need you as soon as possible.

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Steve James retires

Friday 27th March 2020

Today we bid a fond farewell to our ex-Chief Executive Steve James who is officially leaving Avenues after over 25 years. Steve founded Avenues, which was previously Kelsey Care, in 1999 and proudly shaped it into the person-centred organisation it is today, consistently putting people we support first.

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COVID-19: Coronavirus: Avenues response

COVID-19: Coronavirus: Avenues response

Friday 13th March 2020

The Avenues Group is committed to taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus), in order to protect both the people we support, employees and visitors. This is a rapidly developing situation and in line with current advice from Public Health England and World Health Organisation…

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Michael’s gardening experience – Part 2

Wednesday 12th February 2020

As part of his Avenues support plan Michael works regularly in a horticulture project in Kent. In this film he shows us around the project, gives an insight into his work and tells us why the project and support is so beneficial for him.

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Avenues Apprenticeships – Brendan’s story

Friday 7th February 2020

An apprenticeship helped Brendan Owusu-Ansah move from the football field to the Avenues office. Between 2010 and 2016 Brendan Owusu-Ansah’s daily routine consisted of several hours of morning training on a football field, lunch with team-mates and a rigorous gym workout in the afternoon.

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Michael’s gardening experience bears fruit

Wednesday 22nd January 2020

“I like to get my hands dirty, the feeling of soil on my hands” says Michael, rubbing his palms. Walking around a greenhouse filled with seedlings and saplings, Michael has no problem enthusiastically identifying plant types “We grow lots of plants in here”, he says. He looks inquisitively at one with varying coloured leaves…

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New Group CEO for Avenues

Wednesday 15th January 2020

Jo Land has been appointed by trustees as the new Group Chief Executive of Avenues. Jo has worked for Avenues since October 2000, and was previously Group Deputy Chief Executive, in addition to her role as Director of Organisational Development. She had been leading the organisation on an interim basis since the departure of previous CEO Steve James in 2019. 

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David, Andrew and Daniel

Keeping the brothers together – Video

Monday 30th December 2019

When three brothers were in danger of losing support the local council asked Avenues to help. Little by little the…

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A Makaton Christmas Celebration

Thursday 19th December 2019

19/12/2019 Staff in one of Avenues’ Kent services have been using their skills to create a Christmas Advent Calendar with…

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Avenues launches Podcast

Wednesday 18th December 2019

Avenues recently debuted its first Podcast. The podcast, available though Soundcloud, will be an audio downloadable platform to discuss topical…

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Avenues supports Movember

Friday 15th November 2019

As an organisation where the male ratio of people we support is over 60%, Avenues has been showing it’s support…

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A life beyond her label – Christina’s story

Friday 8th November 2019

People with autism typically need strong routine and order to feel comfortable. But without regulation, this can dominate their lives,…

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The Mulett family

New training package to support working with families

Monday 7th October 2019

Avenues has developed a new training package to support the wider adult social care sector to work more effectively with…

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David, Andrew and Daniel

Keeping the brothers together

Thursday 3rd October 2019

Three brothers with learning disabilities, who were struggling to find support, are now enjoying better lives together. Avenues was approached…

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Teams respond to food bank shortage

Monday 30th September 2019

Avenues staff dug deep after hearing their local food bank was running low on supplies. Employees donated more than 100…

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Living a good life – Roger’s story

Thursday 26th September 2019

Having the chance to contribute to the community plays an important role in people’s wellbeing, and it’s no different if…

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New Podcast! Relationships, Sex and Disability

Wednesday 18th September 2019

Avenues has a brand new podcast episode! This month in support of Sexual Health Week 2019 we look at relationships, sex…

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Recruitment open day

Thursday 12th September 2019

Have you ever considered supporting someone with a learning disability to enjoy life? One of our Avenues services in Kingston-Upon-Thames…

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Avenues full of surprises for student police recruit

Monday 19th August 2019

A number of Avenues Services have been playing host to Kent student police officers as they undertake community placements as…

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All Avenues support ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, says CQC

All Avenues support ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, says CQC

Thursday 8th August 2019

All Avenues support services are now rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ overall, according to social care regulator the Care Quality…

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Support worker uses poetry to get her message across

Friday 26th July 2019

An Avenues support worker is using her poetry as a way of strengthening her team’s connection with the people they…

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Rachel with Nettie

A sense of hope – Rachel’s story

Friday 19th July 2019

While ‘life-limiting’ illness must be recognised  and planned for, this medical diagnosis can have a greater impact on day-to-day life…

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Sophie hits the water

Thursday 18th July 2019

It’s been all about feeling the wind in her hair as Sophie, who is supported by Avenues in Kent, has recently been…

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Julian at party

It Takes 2 – final report published

Friday 14th June 2019

Our lottery-funded project to support people with learning disability to build meaningful social connections has been completed. Between 2016 and 2019…

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A job for the boys

Thursday 13th June 2019

(l/r) Ethan with fellow support workers Oliver and Kai Effective support services have to be built around the needs of…

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Panorama ‘Crisis in Care – Part 1’ – Avenues response

Panorama ‘Crisis in Care – Part 1’ – Avenues response

Thursday 30th May 2019

This statement relates to the findings of a BBC investigation, broadcast on 29 May 2019. Avenues Interim Chief Executive Jo…

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Panorama ‘Hospital Abuse Scandal’ – Avenues response

Panorama ‘Hospital Abuse Scandal’ – Avenues response

Wednesday 22nd May 2019

This statement relates to the findings of a BBC undercover investigation, broadcast on 22 May 2019. Avenues Interim Chief Executive…

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CQC report on the use of ATUs – Avenues response

CQC report on the use of ATUs – Avenues response

Tuesday 21st May 2019

Commenting on this morning’s release of the CQC’s interim report on the segregation of people with learning disability or autism…

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Jo Land appointed as interim CEO

Friday 3rd May 2019

  Jo Land has been appointed as Interim Group Chief Executive at Avenues, following the retirement of Steve James after…

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Tori and Emily; listening to Mum and Dad

Thursday 18th April 2019

Working with people’s families helps us understand what matters to them, and the way they want to live their life….

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2018

Gender Pay Gap Data 2018

Wednesday 20th March 2019

20/03/2019 Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs….

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Dancing together

It Takes 2 project reveals successes and limitations

Friday 22nd February 2019

The need for sustainable community engagement has been highlighted in the third discussion paper from the Avenues Big Lottery funded…

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Robert enjoys bowling

Robert’s story: Life without restraint

Friday 15th February 2019

“We all enjoy Robert’s visits– when we see the car pull up it makes us smile and we know to…

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Statement on JCHR findings: Time for actions which end “horrific” practices

Statement on JCHR findings: Time for actions which end “horrific” practices

Friday 11th January 2019

While we welcome the findings of the Human Rights Committee and are thankful for the attention they have given this…

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NHS Long Term Plan – “an integrated strategic response involving health and social care is required”, Avenues responds.

Tuesday 8th January 2019

This statement is a response to the recent publication of the NHS Long Term Plan and in particular the plans…

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Founding CEO to retire in 2019

Monday 17th December 2018

Steve James has announced he will retire as Chief Executive of Avenues Group on 31 March 2019. He said: “Having…

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Society gets a skewed view of social care – Steve James

Thursday 4th October 2018

It’s widely understood that our social care system is in ‘crisis’, particularly in terms of its workforce. But many people…

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Restraint of people with learning disability – Avenues response

Restraint of people with learning disability – Avenues response

Tuesday 2nd October 2018

This statement is our response to the news that the use of restraint on adults with learning disabilities in hospital units in…

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Support teams as extended family

Support teams as extended family

Tuesday 11th September 2018

Giving someone quality support depends on understanding them as an individual – their specific needs, what they like, what they…

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Julian at party

‘It Takes 2’ tropical party brings people together

Monday 10th September 2018

Avenues’ Lottery-funded ‘It Takes 2’ (IT2) project recently teamed up with Community Centre and Reach Out organisation Mycenae House to…

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The Mulett family

Kindness and understanding count

Friday 7th September 2018

Nigel and Mandy Mullett’s daughters, Tori and Emily, have been supported by Avenues for ten years. Nigel shared their insights…

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The effect of respect in support work

The effect of respect in support work

Thursday 23rd August 2018

The impact good support has on people’s lives can be extraordinary, and produce results that were never thought possible. The…

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RHS games

Schools understanding disability through sports partnership

Tuesday 21st August 2018

The annual Royal Hospital School (RHS) and Avenues Games in Ipswich, is a chance for those supported by Avenues in…

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Praise for ‘wonderful’ new transition service.

Praise for ‘wonderful’ new transition service.

Monday 6th August 2018

Commissioners and family members have praised a new Avenues transition service in Bexleyheath. The house, comprising three flats and separate…

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Evaluation of equality and diversity training demonstrates value at Avenues

Evaluation of equality and diversity training demonstrates value at Avenues

Thursday 2nd August 2018

New data, taken from managers’ feedback on our equality and diversity training demonstrates the value and positive impact it has…

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Supporting Charley – a Transforming Care case study

Supporting Charley – a Transforming Care case study

Friday 1st June 2018

Read our latest update on Charley’s progess. Charley was admitted to a psychiatric unit when her challenging behaviours escalated in…

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Video: Supporting Lynda

Tuesday 29th May 2018

At Avenues, because of the complex nature of what we do, we often hear the phrase ‘small steps are giant…

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Dancing together

Award-winning Avenues project continues to inspire and motivate

Tuesday 24th April 2018

‘Increased confidence’ and ‘being more connected in the community’ are just some of the participants comments reported in second year…

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Gender Pay Gap Data 2017

Gender Pay Gap Data 2017

Thursday 22nd March 2018

Avenues is a not-for profit organisation which works with people with autism, learning disability, and multiple or complex needs. Our…

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It Takes 2 study reveals successes and limitations

It Takes 2 study reveals successes and limitations

Thursday 22nd February 2018

The need for sustainable community engagement has been highlighted in the third discussion paper from the Avenues Big Lottery funded…

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Praise for development of complex service

Praise for development of complex service

Monday 6th November 2017

Our newly-developed property at Amis Avenue opened its doors to partners from Surrey County Council, NHS England and the Voluntary…

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Rob’s Blog: My trip to see Man United

Rob’s Blog: My trip to see Man United

Tuesday 15th August 2017

Rob, who is supported by Avenues, talks about his recent trip to Manchester, and how it gave him the chance…

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Jim’s blog: It Takes 2 – ‘All That Jazz’

Jim’s blog: It Takes 2 – ‘All That Jazz’

Tuesday 1st August 2017

As part of my list of ‘things to do’ in 2017 I rashly decided to sign up for a weekly…

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IiP recognises Avenues as great employer

IiP recognises Avenues as great employer

Wednesday 26th July 2017

Avenues has been awarded a silver accreditation against the Investors in People Standard demonstrating our commitment to high performance through…

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John Taylor, Avenues Trustee, commended for work in the community

John Taylor, Avenues Trustee, commended for work in the community

Tuesday 25th July 2017

John Taylor, Avenues Trustee received a commendation at Sevenoaks District Council’s Making it Happen Awards. Martin Chittell, Practice Development Lead…

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Luke’s story

Luke’s story

Thursday 13th July 2017

When Luke* first came to Avenues East he was suffering from depression and did not want to leave the security…

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A positive behaviour support approach to vision

A positive behaviour support approach to vision

Thursday 25th May 2017

Avenues Practice Development team are working in collaboration with The National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to raise awareness and…

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Sophie’s blog: It Takes 2

Sophie’s blog: It Takes 2

Thursday 11th May 2017

Sophie, ambassador for Avenues project It Takes 2, blogs about her experience of the project and what she enjoys about…

130
How we support people moving out of long-stay hospitals

How we support people moving out of long-stay hospitals

Wednesday 22nd March 2017

Andrea Wiggins, New Project Director at Avenues talks about how we work with people moving out of long-stay hospitals, and…

131
Using systematic desensitisation with people we support

Using systematic desensitisation with people we support

Thursday 9th March 2017

Sarah Kean, Practice Development Lead at Avenues talks about systematic desensitisation and its value when working with people with learning…

132
My placement at Avenues

My placement at Avenues

Thursday 26th January 2017

Jazzmin Robinson, trainee police officer, blogs about her placement at one of our residential services in Kent. As part of…

133
‘It takes 2’ wins Community Cohesion Award in Greenwich

‘It takes 2’ wins Community Cohesion Award in Greenwich

Monday 19th December 2016

In October, Avenues project, ‘It takes 2’, won the Greenwich Action for Voluntary Service (GAVS) Community Cohesion Award in recognition…

134
Aisha’s blog: getting to know people we support at a new service

Aisha’s blog: getting to know people we support at a new service

Friday 25th November 2016

Aisha Byamugisha, Service Manager at Amplio House talks about getting to know the tenants at her new service and why…

135
Welmede and Avenues have merged

Welmede and Avenues have merged

Tuesday 8th November 2016

Avenues Group and Welmede announce today that they have merged. Welmede has become an operating subsidiary of Avenues Group. Our…

136
Transforming Care for Children and Young People: Mindfulness, Positive Behaviour Support and Active Support training for parents.

Transforming Care for Children and Young People: Mindfulness, Positive Behaviour Support and Active Support training for parents.

Thursday 6th October 2016

Earlier this year, Avenues was awarded a Transforming Care grant by NHS England. The grant funded project in Greenwich worked…

137
The Pines: our new supported living service in Tunbridge Wells

The Pines: our new supported living service in Tunbridge Wells

Friday 12th August 2016

Over the past two and a half years Chris Crees, Service Manager at one of our supported living services for…

138
New chair appointed

New chair appointed

Tuesday 9th August 2016

Terry Rich has been appointed Group Board Chair of Avenues Group. As chair, he will be responsible for the overall…

139
Team from Avenues completes London to Brighton 100km challenge

Team from Avenues completes London to Brighton 100km challenge

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Over the May bank holiday weekend a group of Avenues employees, some people we support, plus friends and family members attempted…

140
Six quick ways to practice mindfulness during your day

Six quick ways to practice mindfulness during your day

Thursday 5th May 2016

Mindfulness is an approach that helps people to manage their thoughts and feelings. Chris Gregory, Learning and Development Manager at…

141
Avenues achieves HSCIC compliance

Avenues achieves HSCIC compliance

Friday 8th April 2016

Avenues has recently achieved compliance with the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) Information Governance toolkit (level two). Protecting…

142
Common misconceptions about autism

Common misconceptions about autism

Wednesday 23rd March 2016

To mark World Autism Awareness Day, Regional Director Mickey Gray dispels five false ideas about the condition …     The rainbow-colored…

143
Optua UK name changes to Avenues

Optua UK name changes to Avenues

Monday 1st February 2016

Optua UK, the specialist provider of case management and support for people with an acquired brain injury, will now be…

144
Avenues chosen to run Bromley support services

Avenues chosen to run Bromley support services

Thursday 26th November 2015

Avenues London has been successful in securing a contract to manage five support services in the south east London borough…

145
Avenues secures Big Lottery grant to launch new project ‘It Takes 2’

Avenues secures Big Lottery grant to launch new project ‘It Takes 2’

Friday 13th November 2015

Avenues has been granted £300,000 by the Big Lottery to launch our new project, It Takes 2, which aims to…

146
CQC rates Avenues supported living service outstanding in all areas – a first in England

CQC rates Avenues supported living service outstanding in all areas – a first in England

Monday 7th September 2015

An Avenues supported living service is the first of its kind to be rated outstanding in all five areas inspected…

147
Avenues tender success in borough of Bexley

Avenues tender success in borough of Bexley

Thursday 21st May 2015

Avenues London has been successful in securing a contract to manage two Learning Disability support services in the London Borough…

148
Avenues service wins award for outstanding end of life care

Avenues service wins award for outstanding end of life care

Thursday 5th February 2015

Avenues is proud to announce that Hope House, a supported living service in Suffolk, has been commended for outstanding support…