Latest news


0 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…	0
1 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…	1
2 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…	2
3 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…	3
4 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.	4
5 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	5
6 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.	6
7 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.	7
8 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.	8
9 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…	9
10 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.	10
11 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.	11
12 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.	12
13 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.	13
14 Guidance for visiting people at our services Friday 21st August 2020 Important Update 21.12.2020: The advice stated below now applies to visiting/outward visits for people located in Tiers 1-3 only. We are currently waiting for government advice around visiting those resident in Tier 4 areas and will update the guidance shortly.	14
15 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.	15
16 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…	16
17 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.	17
18 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.	18
19 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.	19
20 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.	20
21 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.	21
22 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…	22
23 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.	23
24 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.	24
25 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.	25
26 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.	26
27 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.	27
28 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…	28
29 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.	29
30 National Apprenticeship Week – Brendan’s story; from football to Avenues 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.	30
31 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…	31
32 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.	32
33 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…	33
34 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…	34
35 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…	35
36 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…	36
37 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 consume and constrict…	37
38 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…	38
39 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…	39
40 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…	40
41 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…	41
42 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…	42
43 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…	43
44 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…	44
45 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…	45
46 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…	46
47 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…	47
48 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…	48
49 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…	49
50 A job for the boys Thursday 13th June 2019 (l/r) Ethan with fellow support worker Oliver and Kai Effective support services have to be built around the needs of…	50
51 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…	51
52 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…	52
53 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…	53
54 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…	54
55 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….	55
56 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….	56
57 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…	57
58 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…	58
59 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…	59
60 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…	60
61 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…	61
62 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…	62
63 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…	63
64 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…	64
65 ‘It Takes 2’ tropical party brings people together Monday 10th September 2018 It was another successful event for the Avenues’ Lottery-funded ‘It Takes 2’ (IT2) project recently as they teamed up with…	65
66 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…	66
67 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…	67
68 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…	68
69 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…	69
70 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…	70
71 Supporting Charley – a Transforming Care case study Friday 1st June 2018 Avenues has supported a young woman with autism to end nine years of medication and depression in a psychiatric hospital…	71
72 Video: Supporting Lynda Tuesday 29th May 2018 At Avenues, sometimes because of the complex nature of what we do, we often hear the phrase ‘small steps are…	72
73 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…	73
74 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…	74
75 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…	75
76 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…	76
77 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…	77
78 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…	78
79 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…	79
80 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…	80
81 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…	81
82 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…	82
83 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…	83
84 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…	84
85 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…	85
86 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…	86
87 ‘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…	87
88 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…	88
89 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…	89
90 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…	90
91 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…	91
92 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…	92
93 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…	93
94 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…	94
95 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…	95
96 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…	96
97 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…	97
98 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…	98
99 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…	99
100 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…	100
101 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…	101
102 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…	102