Last year, we announced plans to expand our portfolio of specialist brain injury rehabilitation services across the North of England. Delighted by the prospect of widening the reach of our life-changing brain injury support, our excitement bubbled over when we first visited the site of Cleadon Court.

Tucked away in a cosy seaside community in South Shields, we embraced the salty sea air as we took our first steps on the construction site. From the moment our steel-toe capped boots hit the ground, we knew we were on to something special. Over the following months, we watched construction unfold and our widening brain injury rehabilitation provision took shape.

Championing the future of active brain injury rehabilitation, we couldn’t wait to show off our state-of-the-art service and plans for reinforcing a sense of community in the local area for the people we support.

We recently welcomed South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck to Cleadon Court. Met by our esteemed brain injury rehabilitation operations team, including Cleadon Court Service Manager June Smith, Mrs Lewell-Buck enjoyed an exclusive tour of our residential home – guided by an extra special guest.

Brian, a person we support with a brain injury, beamed with pride as he gallantly guided Mrs Lewell-Buck through Cleadon Court.

Involved with Cleadon Court’s renovations since day one, Brian, a former Chartered Surveyor, has watched the renovations unravel with a keen eye. Formerly a respected professional in his field, Brian provided key insights from a unique, blended perspective – as both a construction expert and as a person with a brain injury.

Governing the future of social care

Welcoming Mrs Lewell-Buck to Cleadon Court last month paved way for a wider conversation about the future of social care in South Shields and beyond. A former Social Worker, Mrs Lewell-Buck’s visit occurred shortly after we launched our social care reform manifesto, ‘Fulfilling Lives for All’.

Eager to hear more about our manifesto, which was presented to parliament earlier this year, our esteemed brain injury rehabilitation team discussed with Mrs Lewell-Buck about our proposal for streamlined policies and essential changes to the commissioning and governance of adult social care in the UK.

Our commitment to expanding our brain injury rehabilitation provision is just one way we’re embodying our manifesto, advocating for positive outcomes for the people we support and demonstrating our sincere belief in this cause.

Dedicated to breaking down barriers with innovative solutions and unwavering compassion, residential homes like Cleadon Court aim to enhance the quality of life and independence of the people we support through consistent expert care and support and essential social integration.

Practicing purpose and advocacy

Keen to actively demonstrate the value of effective care and support, our brain injury rehabilitation operations team, with the help of Brian, exhibited important insights into daily life at a brain injury rehabilitation service.

Witnessing exactly how specialist care and support changes the lives of those who have suffered brain injuries, Vicki Bennett chatted with Mrs Lewell-Buck about our approach to brain injury rehabilitation – outlining why we continue to advocate for those whose voices are often muted.

When asked about the value of demonstrating our services to local authority figures, like Mrs Lewell-Buck, Vicki Bennett, Operations Director said:

We were delighted to welcome Mrs Lewell-Buck [MP] to Cleadon Court. The visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase the life-changing support we provide and the dedication of our highly skilled team. At Voyage Care, we are passionate about empowering the people we support to lead fulfilling lives, and Cleadon Court is a clear showcase of our commitment to delivering person-centred, high-quality care as part of a clear pathway to independence. We remain committed to our mission to advocate for those we support and to drive positive change in the adult social care sector.

Meeting Cleadon Court’s newest residents, the reality of life after brain injury provided an emotive framework for Mrs Lewell Buck’s visit. Taking time to chat with the people we support, Mrs Lewell Buck gained insights into the efficacy of bespoke, person-centred support and the positive impact it has on individual outcomes.

Chatting with Brian, she saw first-hand the possibilities and positive outcomes from tailored support. Currently transitioning to one of Cleadon Court’s independent living suites, Brian is a shining example of the benefits of our approach to brain injury rehabilitation.

Engaging Brian in the process of remodelling Cleadon Court boosted his wellbeing and progress along his rehabilitation pathway. Understanding that his insights would contribute to supporting people who have experienced life-changing events, just like he did, delivered a renewed sense of purpose. Honoured to show Mrs Lewell-Buck the fruits of labour, Brian said:

Cleadon Court fits into the vision of helping those in need the most. A solid ground to move on with their lives and participate in the local community, which I feel privileged to be part of. Having a background in building projects as a Chartered Building Surveyor, I felt included as a valid member of the delivery team throughout the renovation of Cleadon Court. My experience was made even more special when I was asked to show Mrs Lewell-Buck around our new service – and my new home.

Discovering purposeful design

Armed with information on the intimate design details, Brian led Mrs Lewell-Buck on a private tour of Cleadon Court, which provides life-changing support for up to 13 individuals with brain injuries. On her tour, Mrs Lewell-Buck was guided through the full complement of carefully considered features installed throughout Cleadon Court.

From exclusively ground-floor accommodation – ensuring ease of access for those with additional mobility needs – to a colour palette designed to support mental health needs, and abundant accessibility features, every inch of the property has been designed to support the extensive needs of people with brain injuries.

Understanding the importance of re-establishing relationships and building new connections, Cleadon Court features spacious communal areas in a warm, homely atmosphere. Located within a close-knit community, Cleadon Court is wrapped with neighbouring amenities and places of interest, allowing the people we support to practice and expand their skills in everyday, functional settings.

Mrs Lewell-Buck also saw key features that will reinforce the independence of the people we support, including five self-contained apartments. Acting as a stepping-stone to greater autonomy, these flats promote independent living with added reassurance of expert staff in a residential setting.

A profound partnership

From meeting the people we support, to hearing about Brian’s involvement in the remodelling of Cleadon Court, Mrs Lewell Buck saw first-hand how our sector leading support is changing the lives of those who have suffered brain injuries. Previously aware of the challenges faced by vulnerable people in the social care community, Mrs Lewell-Buck’s enthusiasm for advocacy was reinforced by her visit to Cleadon Court.

Following the visit, Emma Lewell-Buck MP, said:

I was delighted to meet the diligent and attentive Voyage Care team at Cleadon Court and to learn a little bit more about the vital role that specialist care plays in rehabilitation, especially after something as life-altering as a brain injury. It was a privilege to spend time with patients and staff and, as a former social worker, it has further reinforced my steadfast commitment to stand up for care services in South Shields.

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