Joining the Community Catalysts Community Micro-enterprise Programme came at exactly the right time for Jade. She already had the vision and values behind Aspire Support — a deep desire to provide genuine, person-centred support that helps people with learning disabilities live meaningful, independent lives within their communities.
The structure and guidance of the programme provided the framework to bring that vision to life in a professional and sustainable way.
Completing the ‘Doing It Right Standards’ and receiving mentorship from Anita Wingad, the Project Coordinator, were instrumental in shaping Aspire into what it is. The support Jade received was practical and empowering, helping her translate her experience and passion into clear systems, policies and a professional portfolio that truly reflect Aspire’s ethos. Completing the standards strengthened her confidence that Aspire is not only values-led, but robust, credible and built to grow. Jade was able to build a strong foundation for delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred support.
“Jade completed the Doing It Right Standards within six weeks and her portfolio represents a truly professional support ethos. Working with Jade to set up herself as a self-employed support worker, has been a pleasure.”
For Jade, direct payments have played a key role in how Aspire Support has developed and how she supports people. Direct payments give individuals the opportunity to get support that fits around their life, interests and goals, rather than having to ‘fit services’ available.
“For me, direct payments are not just about funding care and support. They are about enabling people to live meaningful, independent lives in a way that feels right for them.”
Through direct payments, Jade has been able to support people in ways that are genuinely person-centred, whether it’s accessing community activities, building independence, or trying new experiences that wouldn’t typically be available through traditional support models. In Jade’s words, ‘the approach gives people real choice and control over how their support looks and feels. It enables flexible, creative support that evolves with them, not something fixed or restricted’.
Millie Lee uses Aspire and has seen the real benefits of using her direct payment to get Jade’s support.
“I use my direct payment to help me live my life the way I want to. It supports me to take part in activities I enjoy like yoga, an art weekend away and lots more.
Jade helps me enjoy new activities and helps me find things near me. Having this support from Jade helps me build my confidence and make my own choices.
I like my saying of ‘my life, my choice’.”
Millie Lee
The value of what community micro-enterprises bring to the lives of people in local areas has been recognised by Oxfordshire County Council.
“Community micro‑enterprises add real value to the Oxfordshire care market by offering flexible, personalised and locally rooted support, helping people using direct payments to achieve outcomes that matter to them.”
Louisa Colella, Direct Payment Advice Team Leader
If you’re looking for micro-enterprise care and support in an area of the UK, visit our Small Good Stuff directory.