welcome to our blog

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11th–17th May) is led by the Mental Health Foundation and focuses on a simple but powerful message: take action. This theme reflects a growing recognition that awareness alone is not enough. The Foundation highlights that even small actions can help us feel more hopeful, less overwhelmed, and better connected to others. At a time when many people understand the importance of mental health but struggle to prioritise it, the campaign encourage

Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of fostering. This year it runs from Monday 11th of May to Sunday 24th of May, with the theme ‘This is Fostering’. The theme invites us to pause and reflect on what fostering really looks like today. It brings together real experiences, recognises current pressures, and calls for change across the system. At its heart, this campaign is about people. the reality of everyday fostering Fostering is often descr

Recently, colleagues from across asphaleia came together for one of our HR forums. These sessions are designed to create a supportive and respectful space where staff can listen, reflect and share perspectives on issues that affect our working lives and the children and young people we serve. This particular forum touched on wider societal themes that many people encounter in their day-to-day lives, both inside and outside of work. While the subject matter was complex, the in

asphaleia training was pleased to welcome Emily, Claire and Jo from the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) for an engaging careers session with our Equip and Work group students. SPFT is a major mental health trust providing care across the South East, and the team introduced students to the wide range of clinical and non‑clinical career opportunities available within the NHS. The team shared insights into roles such as psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, f

We are delighted to share that asphaleia has achieved the We invest in people accreditation from Investors in People. This accreditation recognises that strong principles and practices are in place to support our people, and that everyone understands how to use them to make work better. Most importantly, this is a shared achievement. We want to say thank you to every member of our staff team for their contribution and dedication. staff feedback Our assessment gave us a valua

On 15th April 2026, staff accompanied nine students from the Equip and Work groups to Worthing Museum. The visit began with a warm welcome from Gerry, Head of Exhibitions, and Anna, the museum’s Education Coordinator. They delivered an informative presentation about starting a career in the museum sector, outlining the wide range of roles available. Entry‑level opportunities include retail and visitor‑service positions, while more specialist posts often require higher qualifi

Last month, asphaleia shared its annual staff awards with colleagues across the organisation. These awards are designed to recognise exceptional contributions and commitment shown over the past year. While the awards highlight individual staff achievements, we value the hard work and dedication of every member of our team. In January, staff were invited to nominate colleagues for two of the awards, guided by the asphaleia values and how those values are demonstrated in day‑to

Ofsted’s third key principle for supported accommodation focuses on the importance of young people receiving support from staff who are capable and consistent. Skilled staff create safer environments, build stronger relationships and help young people feel appropriately supported. Our approach is built on consistent learning, reflective practice, a commitment to safe and thoughtful care, and defined policy and practice. Below is an overview of how we demonstrate this standard

Recently, we were delighted to welcome an outreach worker from Brighton’s Sexual Health and Contraception Service (SHAC), to Liverpool Gardens. They visited our site to deliver an introductory session for staff, offering insights into their team’s work and the specialist sexual health support available to the young people we serve. Staff from across our training centre and supported houses were invited to join the session either in person or via Microsoft Teams. It proved to