Aligned with the launch of our new manifesto, Fulfilling Lives for All, a selection of our specialist services have received visits from their local MPs over the past 12 months.

Our vision is for a social care system that enables each individual to receive the support they need. The influential support of policy makers and politicians is key to unlocking the gate of delivering a system that provides high-quality care and support that people deserve.

Each visit provided an opportunity for the people we support and those who support them to express their opinions on the measures needed to improve the social care sector, so we can empower independence and support individuals to live enriched lives.

A number of key issues were discussed, such as funding, inequality, recruitment, and the ever increasing cost of living. Public transport was also raised, detailing specifically how people in rural areas are effected where transport links aren’t easily accessible. 

Rachel Reeves MP – Summerfield Court

April 2024 saw Rachel Reeves, former local MP for Leeds West visit Summerfield Court, one of our specialist brain injury rehabilitation services located in the heart of Leeds.

During her visit, she met with the people we support and their dedicated support team to discuss how the care provided enables them to live fulfilling lives. Beaming with pride, the team shared news of their Headway accreditation – an achievement perfectly showcasing the incredible support they provide.

Mrs Reeves was then taken on a tour of the service by Gary Franklin, Service Manager. She was shown how the excellent facilities are helping the people we support thrive.

Across the sector, many people are unable to access the support they need to live happy and enjoyable lives. For Summerfield Court, the expert care and support they provide should be accessible to everyone who needs it – and they remain hopeful that visits from local MPs will pave way for this to happen. 

Grahame Morris MP – Belchford Residential Care Home

In March 2024 we welcomed Easington MP, Grahame Morris, to our residential care home, Belchford, based in Hartlepool. Mr Morris met the people we support and their support teams to discuss the importance of living with independence, and the improvements needed across the sector to ensure people, like those living at Belchford, can live the life they choose.

Mr Morris was then introduced to Registered Manager, David Davison. David and Mr Morris discussed how we’re using our manifesto as a charter for change.

Jacob Young MP and Councillor Paul McInnes – Bridge Court

At the end of 2023, Jacob Young, former MP for Redcar, and Councillor Paul McInnes visited Bridge Court, one of our residential care homes in Middlesbrough. On a clear autumn day, they took a look around the home, and met the people we support and their support team along the way. They were also treated to some homemade cheesecake by one of the residents living at Bridge Court!

Both guests concluded their visit with an introduction to Operations Director, Beverley Pearson, and Registered Manager, Diane Croves.

Lee Rowley MP – Cecil Road

In October 2023, Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, met members of the Voyage Care team and some of the people we support at Cecil Road, one of our National Autistic Society accredited services in Derbyshire.

During his visit, they explored the challenges of living with autism and how the service has adapted it’s care to meet the individual needs of those who live there.

The people we support at Cecil Road had an opportunity to voice their valuable opinions on the improvements required to resolve barriers faced by many autistic people.

Mr Rowley gained a great insight into the homely environment surrounding the people we support, and how we’re supporting them achieve their goals.

Jeremy Hunt MP – Supported Living Apartments

In October 2023, Jeremy Hunt MP for South West Surrey, opened ten new supported living apartments in Hindhead. Mr Hunt took an exclusive tour of the apartments that are providing the people we support with their next steps toward living independently in their local community.

Mr Hunt was privileged to meet some of the people we support and their families. He discussed the improvements needed in the social care sector to help them, and other vulnerable people in the UK, live more independently.

He concluded his visit by meeting members of the Voyage Care team, learning how our manifesto aims to provide solutions to key issues in the social care sector.

Tom Pursglove MP – Redmond House and Welland House

Tom Pursglove, MP for Corby and Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work, visited two Voyage Care services in September 2023 to meet some of the people we support and their dedicated support teams.

Mr Pursglove ventured to both Redmond House and Welland House in Northamptonshire. Warmly welcomed into the homes, Mr Pursgrove enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn more about the care and support they offer to vulnerable people in the area.

Alex Norris MP – Arnold Road

One of our residential care homes in Bestwood welcomed a special guest in September 2023. Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, made the trip to Arnold Road to meet some of the people we support and their support team.

Mr Norris explored the key features of the home, and how each person living there has imprinted their own personal touch.

While on his visit, he also met Operations Director Hayley Evans and Operations Manager Gemma Wain, to discuss how we are empowering the people at Arnold Road to live their best lives, and some of the key issues that need addressing in adult social care.

Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE MP – Westwood House

Our residential care home, Westwood House, warmly welcomed Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE for a visit in August 2023. Sir Robert, MP for Swindon South, is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism and Learning Disabilities. Sir Robert has previously campaigned for the rights of people with autism and other learning disabilities, demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of those who need additional support.

Meeting some of the people we support, Sir Robert discovered exactly how our expert team are supporting residents at Westwood to live vibrant, meaningful lives. The team explained how the key to our success lies in our person-centred approach, ensuring each person we support is at the heart of their care, with a plan tailored to their individual needs.

Following this, Sir Robert met Carole Laurelli, Registered Manager at Westwood House, where they discussed how our manifesto will work to influence change, so we can start to overcome some of the hurdles the social care sector faces.

Fulfilling lives for all!

Our ‘Fulfilling Lives for All’ manifesto, sets out practical measures that, with the support of policy makers and politicians, will greatly benefit the social care sector. Our mission is to improve outcomes for vulnerable people by delivering high-quality person-centred care and support, so people can live the fulfilling lives they deserve.

To learn more about our new manifesto, read our news story!

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