We spoke with the Home Manager of Rhyme House to find out what life is really like at Rhyme House Residential Home.
Charles is an enthusiastic individual who puts people supported and living at Rhyme House at the centre of the work he does. Charles explained to us his career journey to date has been extensive and provided him with valuable experience and skills to help him excel at delivering exceptional support. Charles has been involved in many projects within Achieve together including our Driving up Quality Events, health and safety planning, and the launch of the Positive Active Support Program.
“I started my career in the social care sector in 2005 as a support worker. I always knew I wanted to progress and help people. I swiftly moved from a support worker role to a senior, then a Deputy Manager, and then a Home Manager.”
We asked Charles what his career at Achieve together looked like he said…
“I have had the pleasure and honour of managing Avenue Road, Birdhurst Rise, Warminster, and Smitham Downs. Managing a variety of homes has really helped me to develop my skills when working with people who have a learning disability, autism, mental health, and behaviours others may find challenging. I have also worked with teams from many different backgrounds and cultures.”
We asked Charles what he is most looking forward to at Rhyme House…
“My biggest aim right now is to get Rhyme House to an outstanding CQC rating. I know this is completely achievable as our last inspection rated our home good in all areas. They advised us we were extremely close to achieving the outstanding rating. I have no doubts we will achieve this in the next rating with the incredible support team I am working with.”
Charles said there were many reasons why he enjoyed his role…
“I love variety and this role certainly delivers on this! Every day is different. For me, it is the satisfaction I get from supporting people to be more independent, and the results are in their smiles. I receive plenty of positive feedback from families of people we support at Rhyme House and this just reinforces the amazing work we are doing.”
Charles described building the right team can sometimes be the most challenging element of the role.
“The social care sector is known for team movement. It is always sad to see team members leave when I have invested time and training into them. I know this is something every support provider struggles with. I am thankful for my current solid team though.”
We asked Charles what motivates him in his role…
“This is a simple answer. Watching people we support live happier, healthier and more meaningful lives. Supporting people to be active in the community, and witnessing their independence growing. My team are also a huge motivator for me, watching them grow and progress with their training and experience, and supporting those who want to step into more senior roles to do so.”
Charles said that his greatest achievements included supporting someone to move from a Supported Living setting into their own flat, and supporting someone to be discharged from mental health services and be given a permanent home he managed at the time.
Charles spoke about how collaboration with people and parties who are involved in the lives of people we support was fundamental to effective support plans. He believes that the family should be updated continually and involved in decision making where people we support want it.
Charles explained he hopes to see many people currently living at Rhyme House progress into more independent living settings. He hopes to help many of his team members also progress into more senior roles. Charles has his personal ambitions too and hopes to progress into a senior Home Manager position, and has already begun to support other Managers in the area.
Outside of work Charles enjoys a spot gardening, and loves to get his head stuck in a good book!
Find out more
To find out more about Rhyme House click here.
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