Holidays Are Over. Let’s Get Back to What We Do Best!
Well, the sun has done its best, the suitcases are back in the loft, and the “out of office” replies are finally giving up. September has arrived and nearly everyone is back at work. (Except one team member who swears they’re “mentally still in Cornwall.” We’re giving them until Wednesday.)
At ubu, we’re not just returning to work, we’re returning to purpose. Our teams provide specialist support for the people we serve, and we do it with skill, compassion, and just the right amount of humour to keep things human.
Already this month, we’ve had:
Personal Empowerment and Pride
One afternoon, a person we support invited staff to a “grand opening” of their newly decorated bedroom. They had chosen every item themselves, from the calming blue walls to the glittery lamp and gave a heartfelt speech about how it now feels like “my space, my calm.”
Social Confidence and Inclusion
Someone who usually finds group settings overwhelming asked to help run the weekly film night. They chose the movie, made popcorn, and welcomed everyone with a handmade sign. At the end, they said, “I didn’t think I could do this, but I did.”
Emotional Expression and Growth
After months of support around emotional regulation, a person calmly asked for a break during a busy activity, saying, “I need quiet for my head.” It was a small moment, but a huge step in self-awareness and advocacy.
Creativity and Connection
During a music session, someone who rarely speaks began tapping rhythms on a table. Others joined in, and soon they were leading a spontaneous jam session. Later, they said, “It felt like everyone was listening to me.”
Community Engagement and Belonging
A person who had never been to the local café before asked to go for a hot chocolate. They greeted the staff, paid independently, and said, “I want to come here every week, they know my name now.”
These aren’t just anecdotes, they’re snapshots of the joy, creativity, and connection that define our work. Supporting people isn’t always predictable, but it’s always meaningful. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a new routine, celebrate a personal milestone, or simply feel safe and understood, our teams bring their whole hearts to the job.
So, let’s shake off the holiday haze and dive back in. September is our chance to reconnect, refocus, and remind ourselves why ubu is such a special place to be.
And let’s be honest, if you haven’t been a UN diplomat, and celebrate a tiny victory like it’s the Olympics before the end of each shift … are you even at ubu?
Here’s to a brilliant September, full of heart, humour, and the kind of magic only teams at ubu can deliver.