Celebrating learning, achievement and partnership with United Response

There are some days that remind you exactly why we do what we do, and United Response’s Annual Staff Celebration Day was definitely one of them.

The Realise team was delighted to join colleagues from across United Response, alongside some of the people they support, for a brilliant day celebrating the people who make the organisation what it is.

From recognising UR Stars and long-serving colleagues to inspiring speeches and a fantastic performance from the United Voices choir, the whole day had a real sense of pride and celebration.

But for us, one of the biggest highlights was seeing United Response colleagues receive their qualifications and celebrating our Realise graduates.

A huge congratulations to Abigail, Simon, Deborah, Sally, Senayt, Daniel, Lauren, Regina, Donna, Dawn, John and Joy, who marked their achievements in some suitably unmissable orange graduation caps and gowns!

Completing a qualification alongside a busy role takes commitment. It was wonderful to see that hard work recognised and to celebrate alongside the learners themselves, their colleagues and the wider United Response team.

Becca Lloyd, Learning & Development Business Partner at United Response, said: "Our Celebration Day is always such a special occasion, bringing people together from across United Response to celebrate their achievements and recognise the amazing work they do every day. It’s a real privilege to see our colleagues celebrated for their hard work and dedication. We’re so grateful for the support of Realise in making this event happen." 

Celebrating more than qualifications

What made the day particularly special was the sense of purpose behind it.

United Response was founded 50 years ago in response to a very real need: to create alternatives to long-stay institutions for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, supporting people instead to build lives, homes and connections within their communities.

That spirit of supporting people to live the lives they choose continues today, with United Response working with young people and adults with a range of disabilities and mental health needs.

Learning and development has an important part to play in that. Investing in the people providing support helps them build their knowledge and confidence, develop their careers and continue making a difference to the people they work alongside every day.

A partnership we’re proud of

At Realise, we’re incredibly proud of our partnership with United Response and, most importantly, of every learner who has put in the work to achieve their qualification.

Celebration days like this are a chance to step back from the day-to-day and recognise just how much has been achieved.

Thank you to the United Response team for inviting us to be part of such a special day, and congratulations again to all the graduates and award winners.

We’re already looking forward to next year and hopefully seeing even more orange caps and gowns in the room!

Julie Taylor