What Makes Voyage Different

At Voyage we constantly work to ensure we provide the highest standards of support. On this page you will see some of our latest initiatives and achievements.

Quality Drive 

The southern division’s Quality Drive was developed as a way to enhance the lives of all service users, in a consistent way throughout the services. In the first three years this focussed on food, gardens and social lives, with fantastic results. During the last few months we have moved on to ‘for the very first time’, an initiative aimed at giving each individual the opportunity to choose an activity or event they would like to take part in which they have not done before, then working towards this in partnership with the service user and their family, with a commitment to making it happen. Activities which have taken place so far include watching Wales play rugby, camping, holidays abroad, going to night clubs, travelling by train, visiting the dentist, flying in a light aircraft, driving a go kart and starting college. You will find lots of ‘for the first time’ stories in the ‘Creating New Opportunities’ section of this website.

Voyage Staff Achievement Awards

These awards, held annually, recognise the contribution made to the lives of the people we support by staff at all levels. Last year the winners were announced at an exciting ceremony, which was co-presented by one of our service users, following a celebratory lunch for the nominees and service users and staff from their services. This year sees the introduction of three new categories, Manager of the Year, Staff Member of the Year and Team of the Year, in addition to the annual Sade Abayomi Memorial Award for Sustained Best Practice. All staff within the company are encouraged to make nominations, along with service users, their families and professionals from outside the company.

Investors in People Award

Voyage are proud to have been awarded the Investor in People standard. The company received a glowing report from the assessor, who commented on the enthusiasm and team spirit he saw in the services he visited, Voyage’s commitment to training and staff development and the mutual respect that existed between employees at all levels. You can click on the links below to read a summary of the report, or the full length version.

Click here to read the full report

Click here to read a summary of the report

Voyage Bird and Animal Centres

Research has shown the therapeutic benefits of working with animals. The reasons why are still not completely clear, but it would appear to lead to marked improvements in mood, increased motivation and reduction in emotional and physical pain. In addition to the natural calming influence exerted by birds and animals, we see regular, sometimes dramatic, improvements in communication, self confidence, empathy, acceptance and a willingness to take responsibility. We employ a number of animal specialists who are also very skilled in working and communicating with people with a learning disability and other complex needs. Work with animals is not for everyone, but for some it becomes a very important part of day to day life. 

Voyage has two well established farms, situated in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, as well as a separate centre for birds of prey in Lincolnshire. These offer classes in various subjects. Voyage recently opened its first wildlife project near Taunton, where individuals who live at services in the local area will have the opportunity to work with the rescued small mammals, become involved in the running of the project or simply enjoy the countryside.

Click here for more information on Voyage Bird and Animal Centres

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