Alan's Lifeways Memories
To celebrate our 25th birthday, we asked Regional Director, Alan Smith to share his thoughts on 16 years with Lifeways.
Alan Smith joined Lifeways in 2004 and has been with the business for 16 years. He joined Lifeways as an Area Manager and he has since worked his way up to Regional Director.
What initially drew you to Lifeways?
"What drew me to Lifeways was the person-centred approach to each and every person supported and the passion of everyone at all levels to take ownership of ensuring we were a provider of choice. There was also a very open, listening and supportive management structure, that thankfully still exists today".
What has changed during your time at Lifeways?
"Definitely the size of the company. When I joined Lifeways, the business was nowhere near as big as it is today. It was just a small family-run business - but over the years we have built the business on our reputation, prior to acquiring other organisations, that have made Lifeways the company it is today. Each company has brought something that has shaped Lifeways and improved our services whilst keeping the same person-centred approach that our organisation was built on".
What will you be celebrating about Lifeways 25th birthday?
"Even now, whilst the company has grown to be one of the largest providers of supported living in the UK, Lifeways has retained its value base and person-centred approach. This reminds us constantly of why we do what we do and keeps the focus on each individual we support. Lifeways grew its reputation for being a leader in supported living, with individuals having their own tenancy agreement for their own home for the first time, and focusing on one individual’s outcomes within his or her own home".
What’s your favourite Lifeways memory?
"In 2005, developing our first services in the North East of England and winning our first contract with South Tyneside Council that allowed us to support 11 individuals to move out of Monkton Hall Hospital into their own homes in the community for the very first time, a very fondly remembered time".