Ricky and Hamish getting ready to cycle

Sofa to Finland

Well, after many delays due to Covid here it is, finally. From Sofa to Finland is the sequel to from Sofa to Sweden and the idea was to cycle around the Turku Archipelago. For those of you that have been following the story, you will know that Ricky is blind but he doesn’t let that stop him from having a great life.

Ricky never had the opportunities in life that most of us take for granted. He never learnt to ride a bike as a child and up until about 5 years ago, he wouldn’t even sit on a bike. He started like most of do, just sitting and getting comfortable and then progressed to getting pushed around.

With his team encouraging him he finally managed to ride tandem and so of course, it was time to plan a challenge. They cycled over 200kms round one of the oldest archipelago trails. A momentous effort, especially in the searing heat. I wonder where Ricky’s adventures will take him next.

Thanks to Ryan for organising the trip, Hamish for his stubborn determination and believing anything is possible for people and David Bray for supporting and making Ricky comfortable with his first bike.

See the whole route on the trail website: The Archipelago Trail | Visit Pargas (visitparainen.fi)

We Stand Against Racism

Standing Strong Against Racism

At Beyond Limits, we know that equality, diversity, and inclusion are more than just words, they are the principles that guide every aspect of our work. We are committed to creating communities and workplaces where everyone is respected, valued, and supported to thrive, no matter their race, background, or identity.

Our Values in Action

At Beyond Limits, we work alongside people with learning disabilities and other support needs every day. We see firsthand the difference that respect, understanding, and inclusion can make. Everyone deserves to be valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, regardless of race, background, or identity.

Racism is harmful, destructive, and has no place in our communities, workplaces, or society. As an organisation, we are committed to taking a clear and active stance against discrimination, and we aim to create spaces where everyone can feel safe, respected, and heard.

What We Strive for in Championing Inclusion

Our commitment goes beyond words. At Beyond Limits, we are dedicated to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do:

Promoting diversity across our work, from the way we recruit and support staff to the programmes we deliver for the people we serve.
Listening to voices with lived experience so that the perspectives of those we support help shape our decisions and approach.
Challenging discrimination and prejudice whenever and wherever it arises.
Continuing to learn and reflect to ensure our actions remain aligned with our values.

This Is a Journey, Not a Moment

We recognise that tackling racism is not achieved through a single statement or action. It requires ongoing commitment, reflection, and effort. At Beyond Limits, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture where equality, respect, and inclusion are actively practiced every day.

Celebrating the People Who Bring Our Values to Life

We want to thank all our staff. Every day, through your dedication, care, and commitment, you bring our values of equality, diversity, and inclusion to life. It is because of your actions that Beyond Limits is such a special and welcoming place.

Together, we stand for these values not just in words, but in everything we do. In a world where discrimination still exists, our values guide us. By living them each day, we continue to build communities where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to thrive.

Stay safe from flu this winter with a flu jab

This is not a normal year! We all want to protect ourselves and those close to us. This year, the double dangers of flu and COVID-19 mean it’s especially important to protect ourselves from the flu.

The flu virus spreads from person-to-person and as frontline workers, you are at an increased risk of contracting flu. Sometimes you can get flu without symptoms which makes it very easy for you to pass it on without knowing.

There’s lots of myths about flu and the flu vaccination which is why we have put together a page of Frequently Asked Questions.

Even if we are healthy, we can still get flu and spread it to the people we care about and care for. Getting a flu jab is easy, you can access it through your GP, a practice nurse or your local pharmacy. It is free to all frontline workers, just be sure to take your ID badge with you.

The NHS and Lloyds Pharmacy websites have more information about the vaccination:

Stay Safe Online – protect yourself and the people you support from cyber-attacks

Cyber security might seem scary and complicated but it doesn’t have to be, it is really just about protecting the devices that we all use on a daily basis (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers) and the services we access both at home and at work from theft or damage. We must make sure that we are protecting ourselves and the people we support from cyber-attacks by following some simple rules.

Here’s a great video that helps you understand Cyber Security.

Limit your personal information

Not everyone needs to know your relationship status or your home address. You wouldn’t hand out personal information to strangers so don’t hand it out to millions online.

Here’s some Internet Privacy Tips from ‘TechSafety.org‘.

Be careful what you download

Criminals will try and trick you into downloading malware (malicious software) apps or programs that carry malware can steal your personal information. Do not download apps that look suspicious or come from a site you don’t trust.

Here’s a good guide to help you work out what’s safe to download produced by wikiHow.

Choose strong passwords

Select passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to demystify. A strong password is one that is unique and complex – at least 15 characters long, mixing letters and unique characters. Use a password manager tool to help you manage your passwords so you don’t forget them.

Read about what password managers offer in Wired magazine.

Here’s a link to a password generator, there are lots of others to choose from on the web.

Make online purchases from secure sites

Cybercriminals are keen to get their hands on your credit card and bank details. Only supply this information to sites that provide secure, encrypted connections. Always check that the address starts with https: (the S stands for secure) and look out for the padlock icon next to the address bar.

Keep your antivirus program up to date

It’s impossible to protect against every threat but internet security software will detect and remove most malware. Make sure it is up to date.

shark apple

Staying safe and Staying healthy

We have added a new section to our website called Useful information.

We think part of providing good support is giving the people we support information to help them stay safe and stay healthy. We have started the Useful information by adding some pages about bad people who pretend to be friends. Soon we will be having pages about health checks, healthy food with recipes and activities to keep you fit.

Follow this link to visit Useful information

Our first pages are:

Keeping safe from loan sharks

Mate crime – how to spot it

Information about Cuckooing and County Lines

How to deal with cold callers

What to tell the police when calling 101 or 999

Stuck for accessible activity ideas?

If your mind has gone blank and you just cannot think of something accessible to do in and around Plymouth, take a look at the AccessAble website.

Working with Plymouth City Council, AccessAble have put together a list of accessible Cafes and Coffee Shops, Leisure Centres, Libraries, Parks and Gardens, Pubs and Bars, Restaurants, Sports Grounds and Stadiums, Swimming Pools, Theatres and Tourist Attractions.

You can choose from any of the list above and each activity has a set of accessibility symbols.

Who would have thought there were so many accessible things to do!

Follow this link to visit the AccessAble Plymouth website.

Support Worker for Anna

Support Worker for Mike

With Mike, work doesn’t need to feel like work. One day you might be pottering around the garden sowing seeds, the next you might be off looking for pirate treasures and bottles washed up onshore.

Photo of Susannah Caunter, a Beyond Limits Support Worker

Susannah’s “Reasons to become a support worker”

We were really pleased when Susannah Caunter, one of our support workers, sent us her 10 reasons to become a support worker. We hope you find them inspiring.

You’ll get a huge sense of job satisfaction

Being a Support worker is incredibly rewarding. For many, the relationships they form with the people they work with and the sense of personal achievement from helping them live their life to the full is the reason they get up in the morning.

You’ll make a difference

Being a care worker means making a difference. Making a difference to the lives of the people you provide care for and your community. Making a difference to yourself and leading a fuller, more compassionate life.

What You Do Really Does Count

Working for us is far more than just a job it gives you a sense of purpose as your work is important and you are valued by the people you support and their families.

No day is the same

Being a Support worker requires you to work in the home of the person you are supporting (not in a care home). Much of what a support worker does depends very much on the person you are supporting, its individualised. Not only could you be supporting them with their daily needs, you have the opportunity to support them to achieve any goals and ambitions they have and where possible we try to match people up if you have the same or similar interests…it makes it so much more fun!

It’s Fun!

This job is so much FUN! When working with a wide variety of people you’ll hear tons of interesting & heart wrenching stories.

The work is flexible

You can work the hours that suit you best. With full-time and part-time roles available, we can offer block hours or shifts depending on your availability.

You’ll have job security

With a demand for support workers that’s set to increase as Britain’s population ages, the social care sector offers good job security.

You’ll better yourself

As a support worker, you’ll learn a huge amount. Not just from the training but from the people you work with and the people you work for. Being a support worker is an eye-opening experience, and with the chance to work with people from all walks of life with varying needs of support.

Career path and progression

Social care is a rapidly growing sector, and the opportunities for career progression are varied. You’ll have the chance to build a career and by becoming a support worker that would be the first step to a rewarding career in social care. You’ll learn transferrable skills and gain training, and with ambition, you can go right to the top. With experience, you could take on more responsibility as a senior support worker or manager. You could also train as a social worker. With the right attitude and motivation, you can choose where to go next!

Why be a Support Worker

WHY NOT ???

Sign in a shop window that says open

Team Leader for Lou

Side view of the Terra Nova cafe with red chairs and wooden tables outside

Terra Nova, the new café on the block

If you haven’t found it already, this a great little café which has recently opened in Devonport. Terra Nova, named after local man Robert Falcon Scott and his Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. Anyway, if that leaves you cold but you love a great flat white, then this place comes highly recommended.

Much needed in Devonport, it offers great food which focuses on wraps and salads and there are a range of smoothies available as well. Terra Nova also has a licence so there is the option of a glass of wine with your superfood salad if you so desire. Best thing for me though is the range of cakes, it’s a lovely place to pop in on an afternoon for a flat white and the biggest piece of cake which usually includes a delicious banana bread and an assortment of brownies and blondies.

There is outside sitting for when the sun shines, it is very dog friendly and they offer plenty of veggie options. Access is straight in off the road, no steps, just a little lip so wheelchair friendly as well and the toilets are on the same level. If you are in the area, pop in and give them a try, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Terra Nova website terranovacafe.uk where you can see their range of food and drinks and even place an order.

Thank you for all your hard work

As a Central Team, we wanted to show our immense gratitude and recognise how hard you have all been working during this very unsettling time.

We wanted to find some small way of showing our appreciation for all that you do every single day, a way of saying “thank you” to each and every one of you.

And so we came up with an idea that has taken us a couple of weeks to put together, please watch our thank you video, from us to you, we had fun making it and we hope it puts a smile on your face.

We need to give a special shout out to Claire Bennett for her artistic creation of the poster we have used and to Val Alekseenko-Simpson for taking the time to create the video.

Thank you all and please stay safe.

Photo of the Gribbon Head near Fowey in Cornwall

Thank you for applying

We will process your application and get back to you as quickly as possible.

We are currently experiencing problems sending confirmations to gmail addresses. If you do not hear from us in one working week, please get in touch.

For information about your application and privacy please see our policy document: BL (PP) Job Applicant Privacy Statement.

You may be interested in ‘How Beyond Limits works’

What out staff have to say:

Life as a support worker by Darren Simmons

Susannah’s “Reasons to become a support worker”

And how we make a difference:

Transforming Care: Louise’s Story

Photo of a pile of envelopes

Thank you for getting in touch

We will get back to you as soon as possible.

All correspondence with Beyond Limits is held in the strictest confidence.

Thank You NHS

12th May is International Nurses Day, we think this is a very fitting tribute to all Nurses and indeed everyone who works in our NHS.

For more information about the day please visit the International Council of Nurses page.

The Chiefs and The Hawks

An inspirational and informative day was had by Rich and team members Martin and Keith at the European and English Champions, The Exeter Chiefs. Rich was granted a personal tour by Aron Struminski, the Senior Community Manager for the Exeter Chiefs.

Rich plays for the Westcountry Hawks so this was a great opportunity for him to chat to Aron, explore the grounds and the team areas including the gym, rehabilitation area and the winners’ cups.

The attention to detail was fabulous, no wonder the Exeter Chiefs are champs.

Visit West Country Hawks – Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby

Before the fantastic tour, Rich, Martin and Keith visited the House of Marbles for some Christmas shopping and to play some games before having a spot of lunch.

Visit The House of Marbles website

They ended the trip with a visit to Jolly Rogers life size resin models, a must-see attraction if you haven’t been already. It was a great day out for all, and they are looking forward to the next one.

Visit The Jolly Roger – Life Size Figure Models website

Mental Health Matters

The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

By Esther, Mental Health First Aider at Beyond Limits

As a Mental Health First Aider at Beyond Limits, I see every day how crucial mental health is, not just for those we support, but also for the people who work alongside them. Our work can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and mentally demanding. That is why taking care of your mental health at work is so important.

Good mental health does not just help us feel more balanced and resilient, it also plays a big role in our physical health. When we are in a positive state of mind, we can lower the risk of long-term conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, improve sleep, and even boost our immune system. On the other hand, poor mental health, such as prolonged stress or depression, can lead to fatigue, headaches and insomnia, and may worsen existing health issues. All of this can have a knock-on effect on how we feel and perform at work.

Mental health is not just about avoiding stress or anxiety. It is about creating an environment where everyone feels supported, understood and able to do their best. When we look after our own mental well-being, we are better equipped to support others, handle challenges and maintain a positive and productive workplace.

Here are a few things I encourage everyone to keep in mind:

Check in with yourself regularly. Take a moment each day to notice how you are feeling. Ask yourself whether you are stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step in managing them.
Talk about it. There is no shame in reaching out. Whether it is a colleague, a manager or a trained professional, talking about how you feel can make a huge difference.
Take breaks and set boundaries. Even short breaks during the day can help you recharge. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is vital to avoid burnout.
Support others. Sometimes simply listening and showing understanding can have a meaningful impact. Mental health is a shared responsibility, and we all play a part in creating a supportive workplace.

At Beyond Limits, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone’s mental health matters. By prioritising our well-being, we not only take care of ourselves but also strengthen our team and the people we support.

Remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. Looking after it every day is not a luxury, it is essential.

Time for a change?

If you’ve found yourself at a turning point in your career we may be able to help. Without the need for government quizzes and assessments, Beyond Limits could retrain and retain you. We’d love to hear from you if you’re someone who…

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo F. Buscaglia

Drop us a line and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.