Bryn Melyn Care recently appointed Alan Challinor as Head of Care (Commissioning) who has joined the organisation to develop further their growing portfolio of residential children’s homes. Alan will work with local authority customers throughout the UK to match appropriate placements for looked after children and young people with multiple, complex and enduring needs. A qualified social worker and fluent Welsh speaker, Alan comes with over 30 years’ experience, most of which is in residential care, in varied roles including Registered Home Manager, Head of Care in a residential school, and Deputy Head of a school. Alan has spent the last sixteen years at Nugent Care where he was instrumental in developing their therapeutic services and centralised referral system.
Joining in advance of the launch of BMC’s new eight-bed home for girls, Alan can continue his success in making the right placement for children and young people where they can prosper, socially and educationally working towards a successful transition to adulthood and independent living with a clear pathway and assistance in meeting their aspirations into further education or work. Alan joins BMC as part of the senior management team with overall responsibility for referrals and placements to continue BMC’s recent growth.
Alan comments, “I am excited to start a new challenge within BMC and look forward to working closely with and developing my direct team. I will also be working closely with the wider Senior Management Team to build on their already exceptional service offer. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on a high-quality service and positive outcomes for young people.”
Bob Yetzes, Bryn Melyn Care’s Chief Executive Officer said, “Alan’s wealth of experience and sector knowledge has already made him a key addition to the BMC team. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being a leading service of specialist therapeutic residential care and education in our sector. Our recent growth is in response to the increasing demand for specialist residential placements, which led us to look for an addition to our team who will fit in with our ethos of innovation and exceptional service. It is very fortunate that we were able to find someone of Alan’s calibre to fulfil this role. I’m confident that Alan will play a key role in providing and implementing child focused placement solutions for our customers.”
On his first eight weeks in the role, Alan says, “I have loved it so far, everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I consider myself to be a people person and I relate well to people;” Alan believes that his success rests on his ability to build strong relationships with young people and adults alike. Alan suggests he is astute at recognising, understanding and meeting the needs of others. Alan says; “I want to know what makes everyone tick, I love to communicate and relate to people, the more awkward the better, I enjoy the challenge.”
To unwind, Alan is an avid reader of the Jack Reacher series of books and his taste in music varies from Irish folk to Welsh rock. Alan shares that his running tune is the Manic Street Preacher’s Design for Life and the Foo Fighters are his motivation in the gym. However, on sunny days it is more likely you will find him enjoying country pursuits such as angling. Alan has also represented Wales and GB in Clay Pidgeon shooting. On sport, “I dislike football but love rugby” – spoken like a proud Welshman!
BMC provides residential care to children and young people aged 11-18 in small to medium sized homes. The fully integrated service is inclusive of care, education and clinical services. The DfE registered independent school provides courses up to and including Key Stage 5 offering the full national curriculum with alternative education options to engage reluctant learners through vocational training courses and through their close working relationships with external providers. All staff, in the homes and school, receive training in their evidence-based model of care and therapeutic intervention. Clinicians work with the teams around the young person in addition to providing individual therapy for young people, as appropriate. BMC has over 30 years’ understanding and experience, unparalleled in the sector; you can find out more information on the company services and history at www.brynmelyncare.com.
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