Following the sad and untimely death of the manager at supported living accommodation in Newport (248) last year, Victoria Browning bravely took on the role. She already knew the people supported there and the team members well. However, stepping into the shoes of a much-loved manager and close colleague who has passed away is a tall order.
Victoria is a long- standing ‘fixture’ at the home, having worked there for 9 years. Starting as a Support Worker, she became Deputy Manager in 2020. She is known for her person-centred style and lives by the motto of ‘I wouldn’t ask anyone to do what I wouldn’t do myself’. Her career journey has shown a high degree of dedication to working in social care. Nonetheless, this move required sensitivity, diplomacy and leadership.
Through this very emotional time for all, Victoria guided the team and people who live there. When it was needed most, she provided consistent, dependable support.
From strength to strength
Eamon, one of the people Victoria supports, powerfully explains how he feels: “After the tragic loss of our manager, Helen, we had an empty gap and Victoria has stepped in and been an excellent manager. She was an excellent keyworker. We’re all so proud of her. She’s doing so well and I can’t find any fault with her – she’s going from strength to strength. No matter how high up she goes she never forgets she’s a Support Worker and still supports us all.”
Although now a manager, Victoria still makes time to support people individually, such as accompanying one person on holiday. She has taught the same person how to book a taxi to get to college, increasing her independence.
Happy, safe and valued
With seeming ease, Victoria always ensures that people feel happy, safe and valued. She ensures that they are leading meaningful lives and involved in opportunities they enjoy or learning important life skills such as managing personal finances. She will always listen to problems and makes sure she greets people each morning and wishes them ‘goodnight’.
Team members also feel well-led by Victoria, who supports them in seizing opportunities to further their skills. Her kind, caring and thoughtful nature go a long way to fostering the ethos of supported living.
Outstanding contribution award
In the 2024 Heroes Awards, Victoria Browning won the Outstanding contribution award which is designed to recognise a team member who has been consistently brilliant over five years or more in enabling people we support to lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Judges were looking for nominations for someone who has inspired positive change in both people supported and team members, demonstrating a true dedication to high quality support. Of Victoria’s five nominations, four were from people she supports.
On receiving the award, Victoria said: “I would like to thank each and every person for my nominations as this means a lot to me. I am overwhelmed and all I can say is I have a job which I am passionate about and love. If all people who I support are happy and healthy this is the greatest achievement for me.
“I have an amazing team without whom none of this would have been possible so I would like to thank each and every person I support and team member for their support and passion. We are one amazing team.
“I am extremely fortunate that I had the direction and support of an amazing lady called Helen Smith who is sadly no longer with us. She always encouraged me and told me I could achieve and I know she would be smiling down saying ‘You did it!’
