Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together: Kay’s interview

What first attracted you to join Achieve together, and what made you stay for so many years?  

I first joined The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) in 1998 because it was a local support organisation that worked with people who were D/deaf, which really stood out to me. I was drawn to the chance to be part of a service that made a real difference in people’s lives and helped people feel understood, included and supported in the way that was right for them. In 2021, when RNID became part of Achieve together, I was able to continue the work I cared so much about. What has made me stay for so many years is the people, the strong sense of purpose, and the opportunity to keep supporting positive change for the people we support. 

What roles have you moved through?  

My journey began in 1998 when I joined Poolemead House as a receptionist. This gave me a wonderful introduction to the organisation, the people supported, their families and the team members who worked so hard to make a difference every day. In 2001, I moved into communication support services, where I helped organise support for people who were D/deaf, including British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and lip speakers. In 2004, I began managing the admin, maintenance and gardening teams at the Poolemead site, which gave me the chance to support the wider running of the service. Since 2011, I have been in my current role as the Educational Day Service (EDS) Manager, where I continue to support people to build skills, be involved, and have meaningful opportunities through Achieve together.

What is one moment in your career with Achieve together, that you will never forget?  

One moment I will never forget is supporting people attending Educational Day Service in Bath to be part of the Unity Group and being there when they presented at the 2026 Heroes Awards in Swindon. It was a really proud moment, because it showed just how powerful it is when people supported are given the opportunity to share their voices, ideas, and experiences. Seeing them speak with confidence and be recognised by Achieve together was incredibly special. It reminded me why this work matters so much and how important it is that people are supported to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

What do you think has been the biggest achievement of the organisation over the past 30 years?   

I think one of Achieve together’s biggest achievements over the past 30 years has been the way it has created real opportunities for people supported to have a voice and influence change. The Unity Group and Campaign 4 Change are brilliant examples of this, as they show how Achieve together listens to people supported and supports them to speak up about the things that matter to them. It is not just about providing support, it is about working alongside people, recognising their skills and experiences, and making sure they are part of shaping the future of the organisation. 

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, what are your hopes for the future of Achieve together over the next 30 years?   

My hope for the future is that Achieve together continues to build on the inclusive opportunities already in place, so that people supported can keep being involved in decisions, campaigns and projects that matter to them. I would love to see even more people supported feeling confident to share their views, take part in groups like Unity and Campaign 4 Change, and help shape the way services develop. Over the next 30 years, I hope Achieve together continues to champion people’s independence, confidence and voices, while making sure every person is supported in a way that feels right for them.

What inspired you to start a career in care and support work?    

I first started working at Poolemead House because it was local to me, and at the time my children were at school nearby. The organisation was considerate and flexible around family commitments, which made a real difference and helped me feel supported from the very beginning. What started as a practical decision quickly became much more meaningful. I was inspired by the people, the purpose of the work, and the chance to be part of a team that was focused on supporting people to live well, be included and have more choice in their day-to-day lives. That same sense of purpose has stayed with me throughout my journey with Achieve together.

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this profession?

Empathy, patience, understanding, flexibility, and resilience are all important qualities in care and support work. You need to be able to listen properly, understand what matters to each person, and adapt your approach so people feel respected and supported in the way that works best for them. At Achieve together, it is also important to believe in people’s abilities and to focus on what they can do, rather than making assumptions. Effective communication, kindness, and a positive attitude can make such a difference, especially when supporting people to build confidence, make choices and be more involved in their own lives.

How has the care sector changed since you first began your career?

The care sector has changed so much since I first began my career, especially in the move from doing things for people to supporting people to do things with as much independence and choice as possible. In the past, people’s days could be very structured, with everyone expected to follow the same routine, be in the same place and do the same things at set times. For example, meals were once provided in one large dining room with little or no choice. Now, the focus is much more person-centred. People are supported to live in their own homes, choose and cook their own meals, plan menus, go shopping and make decisions about their everyday lives. Achieve together continues to play an important role in this positive change by promoting independence, choice and involvement for the people it supports.

What has working at Achieve together taught you about yourself? 

Working at Achieve together has taught me just how adaptable and flexible I can be. Over the years, I have worked in different roles, seen many changes across the care sector, and transitioned into Achieve together five years ago as part of the RNID Deaf support service. Through all of that, I have learned that I enjoy being part of positive change and seeing how new ideas and approaches can improve people’s lives. It has also shown me how important it is to keep listening, learning and working alongside people supported, because their voices and experiences should always be at the heart of what we do.

As Achieve together celebrates 30 years, what makes you most proud to still be part of the journey? 

What makes me most proud to still be part of Achieve together’s journey is the positive way people supported are truly placed at the centre of their own planning and support. Achieve together recognises the skills, strengths and capabilities of the people it supports, and finds meaningful ways for them to be involved in decision-making, sharing feedback, shaping ideas and helping influence positive change across the organisation. I am also proud of the way Achieve together supports Educational Day Services to take part in local events and groups, helping the people we support to build confidence, make connections and be more visible in their communities. It means a lot that the organisation recognises the work the service does with people supported and values its importance as part of Achieve together’s wider purpose.