This October, Catalyst Care Group’s PBS coach and Multimedia specialist, Ben Andrew, had the privilege of presenting at the Loddon PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Conference, representing the organization and its transformative approach to “Multimedia Advocacy” within Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) frameworks. His presentation highlighted Catalyst Care Group’s innovative methods to support people creatively and inclusively, earning enthusiastic reception from care professionals and providers.
Embracing Communication as Core to Support and Advocacy
At the heart of Catalyst Care Group’s approach is the understanding that effective communication is foundational to behaviour and essential for providing meaningful care. The presentation emphasized this by underscoring the need to dismantle communication barriers, often leading to misunderstanding and stigma. When caregivers focus on clear, inclusive communication, they’re better equipped to understand and support each person’s unique needs. This shift can not only improve the quality of care but also promote well-being among both those receiving and providing support.
Key Objectives: Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Empowerment
Catalyst Care Group’s approach to multimedia advocacy integrates accessibility and inclusivity by using various media forms to bridge communication gaps and foster understanding. The use of visual aids, videos, and digital tools enables individuals to express their preferences regarding their own care and gain a voice in their support structure. With a focus on creating a consistent, person-centred approach, multimedia advocacy empowers individuals and enhances the overall caregiving experience.
Practical Implementation: Integrating Multimedia Advocacy into Daily Practice
For over a decade, Ben Andrew has championed multimedia advocacy, working alongside esteemed institutions such as the University of East London and organizations like Atempo in Graz. His efforts focus on equipping individuals with skills and tools that allow them to communicate their support needs effectively. Multimedia resources—such as video-based support plans, social stories delivered through animations, and avatars—provide support teams with engaging, accessible methods for understanding and implementing each person’s unique care plan. The approach has proven especially effective in the health and social care sectors, as demonstrated during Catalyst’s CQC inspection. Ben’s multimedia advocacy work contributed to an “outstanding” rating in three out of five areas.
Bringing Advocacy into the 21st Century
The conference presentation, “Pushing Care into the 21st Century with Multimedia Advocacy,” underscored the use of multimedia to drive change and improve care outcomes. Through the power of video, images, music, and digital platforms, multimedia advocacy allows individuals and support teams to engage with essential support concepts in an emotionally resonant and highly practical way. It’s a forward-thinking approach that makes complex care needs more understandable and accessible for all involved, including patients, healthcare providers, and even policymakers.
Ben’s multimedia advocacy doesn’t only highlight best practices; it also serves as a vehicle for widespread, systemic change. By sharing practical case studies and actionable steps, Catalyst Care Group continues to inspire others in the sector to adopt and expand upon these 21st-century support methods.
About Benjamin Andrew
Ben Andrew brings over 15 years of experience in the health and social care sector, having held roles from Support Worker to Registered Manager, Performance Coach, PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructor, and PBS Lead & Multimedia Specialist. His pioneering efforts in multimedia advocacy have led to stronger, more consistent support frameworks and set a new standard for person-centered care. Ben’s work continues to be a model for how multimedia can transform support, improve lives, and enable individuals to take an active role in shaping their own care.
For those interested in exploring the materials from Ben Andrew’s presentation on Multimedia Advocacy at the Loddon PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Conference: Access Multimedia Advocacy Materials Here.
