A care co-ordinator for local disability charity Aspens was chosen to mingle with other charity professionals and a Government minister at 10 Downing Street earlier this month, in one of a number of recent events recognising the Pembury-based organisation.
Megan Bruce, the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Transition Coordinator, took up an invitation issued to Aspens through the Voluntary Organisations for Disability Group (VODG).
Aspens cares for and supports people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities.
The charity uses the PBS framework to support those who are vulnerable, using a person-centred approach to enhance all areas of an individual’s life.
Megan helps people aged 16 and over to transition to supported living services at Aspens, after placements which have broken down, or after transferring from mental health facilities or live-in school placements.
While at the Downing Street event on August 17, Megan said: “It was a great opportunity to meet other people working in the sector, and to not only learn about what they do, but also pass on information about what we do at Aspens.”
At the garden event, she networked with other invitees including care workers, registered managers, carers, social workers and personal assistants, all sharing information about their work.
Megan added: “I also spent some time speaking with Helen Whately [Minister for Health and Social Care], and it was great to have been given the opportunity to represent Aspens, and highlight the positive difference that everyone makes to the people we support.”
Megan is also a finalist for the Kent Care Awards (KiCA) 2023 in the PBS Champion category, alongside her Aspens colleagues Ollie Payne, a PBS specialist, the team at Aspens’ PBS Supported Living service Rosewood, and the Aspens People Department.
Also up for an award is Senior Horticultural Support Worker Mike Giles. Having spent over 30 years helping the people Aspens supports to enjoy gardening and learn about horticulture, he has made the final shortlist in this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards, in the Carer category.
