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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

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

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

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

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

The 18th March 2026 is national child exploitation awareness day, #CEADay26. It is a day to highlight the issues surrounding child exploitation and encourage everyone to think, spot, and speak out against abuse and adopt a zero tolerance to child exploitation. CE Day is led by the NWG charity CCE or CSE can happen to any child or young person. We encourage you to speak to children and young people you live or work with to discuss these topics, to educate them to recognise pos

We now know that the human brain continues developing well into our mid‑twenties, and some research even suggests that people don’t fully reach adulthood until their thirties. Yet our ideas about “being an adult” vary wildly. For some, it’s paying bills, raising children, or taking on responsibilities their parents once held. Others never quite feel like adults at all. So why do we draw such firm legal lines? At 18, you’re considered an adult in the eyes of the law. You can

At the heart of our work with young people is a simple belief: think their world . Everyone deserves to feel welcomed, understood, and supported from the very start. For many of the young people who join our supported accommodation services, English isn’t their first language, and we know that navigating new systems, services, and expectations can feel overwhelming when information isn’t easily accessible. That’s why we’re excited to share that we’ve now created translated ve

On 10th February 2026, people and organisations across the UK and around the world are coming together to mark Safer Internet Day , an annual campaign that champions the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology. This year’s theme is “Smart tech, safe choices: Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI” and it feels more relevant than ever as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life for young people. AI tools are now being used for learning, cre

In our organisation, safeguarding forums play a vital role in ensuring that young people feel safe, supported and empowered to share their experiences, ideas and concerns. These forums are more than just a place for discussion; they are a commitment to listening carefully, acting responsibly and putting the wellbeing of young people at the heart of everything we do. Towards the end of last year, our Health, Safety and Safeguarding Director held four safeguarding forums with y

This festive season was full of warmth, laughter, and shared moments across all our accommodations. Every young person received a Christmas present bag, bringing a little extra joy to the end of the year. Because each house has its own rhythm and routines, not all young people chose to take part or to celebrate in the same way. Activities were arranged around staff and young people’s availability, meaning some festivities took place before Christmas and New Year, ensuring eve

Across 2025, we’re celebrating 25 years of asphaleia through many activities and through stories on our blog. This story features an interview with Carol Ann, a member of staff who has worked at asphaleia for many years and has recently become our training manager. How long have you worked for asphaleia and what role/s have you done? I started working for asphaleia in Uxbridge in 2006 as an outreach worker. I came to work with asphaleia when I saw an advert in a newspaper

Across 2025, we’re celebrating 25 years of asphaleia through many activities and through stories on our blog. This story features an interview with a member of staff who has worked at asphaleia previously, and continues to support the organisation through their current work. How long did you work or have you worked for asphaleia and what role/s have you done? I worked for asphaleia for around three years as a finance administrator and as a care worker in the houses over c

The festive season has officially arrived, and what a joyful start it’s been! Across our community, young people have been busy spreading holiday magic by decorating beautiful Christmas trees in our learning centre and our supported accommodation houses. christmas in asphaleia care Not all of our young people celebrate Christmas, but most have entered into the spirit of togetherness by joining in with opening a Christmas hamper of treats that was sent to every property. Trees

Christmas is coming and for some it is a time for celebrating and having fun. However, Christmas can also bring up a lot of negative feelings. December can be a difficult time for people due to things like past trauma and family problems. Also, a lot of places you would usually go to for support are closed for the holidays and you may not know where to turn to. However, there are still some services open or partially open over Christmas where you can go to get support with yo

On the first Friday of every month we run an open day event. Book an appointment and find out about all the services we offer children and young people , including further education and training for 16-18 year-olds, supported accommodation for 16+, and our fostering agency. Feel free to come down if you're interested in being a foster carer and meet our agency manager who can answer any questions you have. next open day Friday 9th January, 9:30am-12:30pm The next three open

Supported accommodation plays a critical role in helping young people build stability, confidence, and independence. With Ofsted now overseeing this sector, providers are expected to work to a clear set of principles that define what good care looks like and how young people should be supported. These principles set the tone for safe environments, consistent support, and strong relationships. ofsted key principle one; young people should feel safe The first principle is simp

This November, across the UK we mark National Care Leavers Month (NCLM), a dedicated time to recognise, celebrate and support young people who are care experienced. what is national care leavers month? Originally the UK marked a one-week event called National Care Leavers’ Week, but in 2025 the week formally became a full month. NCLM is organised by and with care-experienced young people, supported by the Alliance for Children in Care and Care Leavers. It exists for the publi

In recent years, the importance of listening to the voices of children and young people has gained significant recognition. The UK Children’s Commissioner has launched an initiative known as "The Big Conversation" aimed at engaging with children and young people across the country. This initiative seeks to understand their views, experiences, and aspirations, ensuring that their voices are heard in discussions that affect their lives. The Big Conversation is not just a one-o

Our Independent Visiting service had a busy summer and autumn of visits and activities! asphaleia delivers the Independent Visiting Service for East Sussex County Council and it's a service that provides a volunteer befriender to children and young people in care. The Independent Visitors are matched to their YP and they arrange monthly visits to take the young person out into the community to do something fun and spend time together. The service enables the child to have an