May is a very special month for Potens as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary!
To mark the beginning of our 30 year celebrations we will be showcasing stories from across our wonderful organisation every day throughout May. This will include stories from all areas of Potens – from the people we support, our team members, our services, and the unsung heroes – demonstrating personal achievement, success, expertise and what makes Potens so special.
This month also sees the start of our 30 celebrations with events taking place across the UK within our services and localities. More information about these events will be shared and celebrated over the coming weeks.
But – to kick start our month of celebration who better to showcase today than John Farragher – Potens founder and Chairman.
John’s Story
A Learning Disability Nurse, John has a career spanning over 40 years in the sector. So how did it all begin?
John’s nursing career began in the early 80’s after working in various jobs, including joinery! He explains, “I spotted an advert in the Liverpool Echo and travelled down to the South of England to train as a nursing assistant. It was there that I met my wife Rachel who was in the same class. At this time long-stay hospitals were closing down, and as a Charge Nurse at the time, I was looking for alternative accommodation for our service users and I thought ‘ Hang on, we could do this!’ So my wife, Rachel and I bought 7/9 Park Road South – Potens first ever service. We renovated it, registered it and it all commenced in May 1989! It filled quite quickly on the back of the reputation established for success in working with more challenging clients. Not that surprising, as it was very much our area of practice in the NHS.”
Following this success Potens was born opening new services across the next decade in response to commissioning and individual demand for good quality care in the community. From that first service in 1989 Potens has grown to where it is today – now supporting 800 people within 80 services nationwide. The original aims and values of John and Rachel now embody Potens values of Trust; Positive Regard; Shared learning and Equality.
John adds: “I am very proud to be celebrating 30 years! Training as a learning disability nurse all those years ago has led me on an incredible journey leading to the privileged position I am at today. Thank you to all the staff and people supported at Potens – here’s to a great 30 year celebration!”
#Potens30 #Celebrating30 #Challenge30
