Well that certainly came around quickly! Yes, it’s been two years since our first members joined us, and what a couple of years it’s been. Despite roughly half of that time being in lockdown, we’ve nonetheless managed to keep our doors open for almost the entirety of the last 24 months – and we continue to go from strength to strength.
With those doors officially opening all the way back in Spring, 2019, the way the centre has come together has been beyond all of our wildest dreams. Back then we were delighted to have secured the investment we needed to bring The Robin Centre to life, and since then we’ve been lucky to welcome so many new faces – both new members, and members of staff.
The experience behind the education
One person who’s been here since the very beginning, however, is our Senior Support Worker, Lorraine Brown, who had this to say of her time with us so far: “During this time I have seen the centre grow and develop into a day centre that’s focused on the individual needs of our members. So happy birthday to The Robin Centre – and here’s to many more!”
A more recent addition to our support team, Centre Manager Victoria Hubery added: “I think it’s a fantastic achievement that we have recently celebrated our two-year anniversary. Although I have not been on this journey from the beginning, I can honestly say the last 6 months, and all that we have achieved in that short time frame, has been amazing and extremely rewarding for all. We would not be where we are today without the ongoing support from our members and families alone. To be successful you must have your heart in the business, and here we most certainly do. So here’s to many more years and our centre going from strength to strength. Many minds, one heart!”
During the first national lockdown in 2020, Victoria and the team were able to ensure that we became the first day care centre in Middlesbrough to reopen. With the centre already blessed with good space, and set out in separate, dedicated zones, we were able to make social distanced learning possible – even within the four walls of the building. And although some of our members have continued to shield, and been unable to attend over the last few months, we’ll have no problem accommodating everyone as soon as restrictions are lifted.
Looking ahead to the next two years
The most recent addition to The Robin Centre, at the end of 2020, was Business Development Director, Leandra Smith. A key figure of our sister company, Tribe Recruitment, Leandra will be a driving force behind what we achieve this year, and beyond.
One this landmark day for the centre, she said: “What Vickie and the team have achieved during this last year, keeping the centre open and giving our members a comfortable, welcoming place to go, is wonderful. Together we’re looking forward, and see many more exciting things ahead for our members.”
Fulfilling our original intention then, of providing an essential educational aspect to day care, along with helping our members understand how to look after themselves, if the future of the centre is anything like as bright as its past – we’re in for another exciting couple of years ahead!
So, Happy Birthday to Us! And if you would like more information about our day care centre in Middlesbrough, don’t hesitate to give us a call on: 01642 433688.
