Our five key outcomes for the people we support focus on the elements of life that we all rely on, that give us joy, keep us healthy and well, keep us learning and ensure we live fulfilling lives. It is how we make every moment matter.
My communication
How I spend my time
People important to me
My health, safety and wellbeing
My independence
Each person we support has a personalised support plan that sets out what they would like to achieve in any of the outcome areas. For some people it might be as simple as a making themselves their own cup of tea, or going to a football match, for others it might be meeting new people and having a relationship, or eating more healthily and being more active.
My communication
The people we support may be autistic, or have a learning disability, acquired brain injury or a mental health need – any of which could affect the way they communicate with and are understood by our staff and the people around them. Many of the people we support do not use speech to communicate – we really need to get to know them, their expressions and gestures or how they vocalise, to be able to understand them, and to make sure they are able to understand us.
Assistive technology has made a huge difference as it has enabled us to increase the ways that Adam can communicate and be understood. We have seen him become much more independent.
How I spend my time
Having purpose and opportunities make such a difference to the people we support. Spending time enjoying hobbies and interests, as well as completing necessary jobs about their home, enables each person we support to have choice and ownership of the support their receive.
John has become a much more sociable person since living with us, he is constantly thriving in his day to day life. If we don’t encourage John to try new things, we are missing opportunities for him to find things he loves. Last year he was supported to go swimming for the first time in 30 years, and he absolutely loved it.
People important to me
Covid taught us how important it was to keep in contact with loved ones, and spend quality time with family and friends – making our homes welcoming for families to visit, as well as supporting people to spend time with their family.
Greg has family who live in Kefalonia and we have been trying to get him there to see his family for three years. Obviously, because of covid, the trip got cancelled several times, so he was overjoyed when he was finally able to go. Greg had such a great time and has been so relaxed since he’s got back.
My health, safety and wellbeing
People with learning disabilities, autism and complex mental health needs can often need extra support to have independence, but also to keep safe and well. That is where our support really can transform lives.
Gary used to live with his fiancée Christine but he was struggling to manage, causing problems for their relationship. It became clear that Gary needed extra support. Gary moved into Pelham Road, where he could get more support with his day to day living. His health problems deteriorated and he became housebound. The team put a plan in place to support Gary to turn his life around. They encouraged him to improve his personal care and helped him to enhance his mobility with exercises. With his mobility improved, Gary started going out and visiting places that he had not been to in years, and he was able to go on holiday. After hearing about Gary’s progress, his fiancée got in touch and started to visit him frequently, and Gary would stay with her at weekends.
My independence
Our aim is to provide opportunities for each person we support to develop their skills, promote their independence and have choice and control over their own lives. Doing things that many of us take for granted, such as choosing what we eat and when, learning something new, or going out independently and building friendships in the local community.
After struggling with anxiety in busy public places for a long time, Niels has embraced his independence and found a new sense of enjoyment for trips out thanks to the support of the team at Vernon Close, our supported living service in East Sussex.