We are proud to announce that our Steps2Work service has been awarded the prestigious MATRIX Standard for Information, Advice and Guidance, in relation to Education, Training and Employment.

The feedback was generally very positive, and we were graded as excellent for evidenced based outcomes for service users and volunteers.

Choice Support will now be included on the register as a MATRIX accredited provider.

For further information go to:

www.matrixstandard.com

Choice Support Director wins National Care Award

On Saturday 28th  November Charan Singh, Regional Director, was recognised at the 2009 National Care Awards.

He won the Life Time of Achievement category at the awards ceremony at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel

The event, run by Caring Times, now in its 11^th year was attended by 800 people.

This is a wonderful achievement for Charan and we congratulate him. Steven Rose, Chief Executive, said “I have known Charan as a professional colleague for over 18 years and employed him as a Regional Director for over 10 years, so know a lot about his achievements and I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this award”

Charan Singh receiving the 'Lifetime Achievement in Care' award at the national care awards 2009.

Choice Support has embarked on an exciting new venture, working in partnership with Skills For People (http://www.skillsforpeople.org.uk) in Newcastle to create a national network of Quality Checkers. Quality Checkers are teams of people with learning disabilities that monitor services. Choice Support launched its own Quality Checkers group in 2008.

Skills For People originally developed the Quality Checkers concept, and came up with the idea of developing a national network. The idea is to ensure that Quality Checker teams around the country, include the one at Choice Support, work to the same values and standards, and that teams from one service or organisation can monitor services in another, therefore avoiding any conflicts of interest.

The venture is at an early stage. The funding applications have gone in, we have a slot at the Association for Supported Living conference (November 26th), and we are full of ideas and enthusiasm.

Watch this space for regular updates on our progress.

For further information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The second Boundless – Connecting Artists exhibition, featuring work by artists with learning disabilities, opened at the Grant Bradley Gallery in Bristol on 4th November. Supported by Choice Support, United Response and Artists First, it features a selection of work by more than 20 artists. The exhibition is featured in this gallery on the Guardian website:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/gallery/2009/nov/02/boundless-learning-disability-artists

Pictures and a review to follow shortly.

Boundless – Connecting Artists

November 4th – 28th 2009

Admission: free 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday

The Grant Bradley Gallery

Number One St Peter's Court,

Bedminster Parade, Bristol BS3 4AQ

http://www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk