The UN has observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December each year since 1992. It was devised to promote awareness of the issues experienced by those with physical and mental health disabilities and support their dignity, rights, and wellbeing. The day also aims to draw attention to the benefits to society of including people with a disability in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

Now in its 29th year of observation, the theme for 2023 is: “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.”

Inclusive development lies at the heart of National Care Group's purpose; to unlock the potential of the people we support and our colleagues. We are passionate about putting the people we support at the centre of what we do, not only empowering their voices to be heard and promoting greater control of their lives but gaining their valuable feedback and insights to ensure our continuous improvement in all that we do.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is the perfect opportunity to promote the valuable roles of some new additions to the National Care Group Quality Team and how they contribute to inclusive development.

Our colleagues Christine, Elliot, Shaun, Aaron, Ellie, Steve, and Charlotte, work with the NCG Quality Team as Quality Checkers. They are all people supported by National Care Group who applied and were successful in interviews for their positions.

They all completed the necessary training to prepare themselves with the skills, knowledge, and real-life implementation needed for the role.

Shaun from Highlea Care in the north east recently traveled to NCG's Primrose Neurological Centre to carry out an audit. We have recently covered Shaun's personal story of achievement and progression in our Get To Know Us section linked here.

Steve from Endurance Care Kent also recently travelled to NCG's Norfolk based services, 8 Acres and The Willows. Steve took time out from his schedule including his job working in the security team at his local football club to carry out his inspection.

Their findings, following lots of interviews with the people living at the services, were positive - reporting that people are happy and feeling safe and well in their homes.

Please join in celebrating their achievements by reading a little more about these brilliant colleagues advocating for others in our Get To Know us stories linked here.