On the 3rd and 4th of December, Lesley Robins, our Community Mental Health Nurse, and Ben Andrew, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Coach and Multimedia Specialist, attended the Health and Adult Social Care Commissioners’ Conference.
During the event, they spoke about our approach to supporting people as they transition out of hospital settings. Their discussion focused on the importance of person-centred strategies that promote independence, emotional well-being, and long-term stability.
The Journey Home- A Case Study
Lesley and Ben shared an inspiring case study about a person we supported transitioning to their own home after spending 27 years in a mental health unit. They explained the compassionate and collaborative approach taken to guide them through this life-changing process.
Highlighting the practices and strategies employed, they also discussed the challenges the person faced, including the deep impact of past trauma. With the dedicated support of an internal multidisciplinary team (MDT), they worked together to address their needs, enabling them to build trust, regain confidence, and navigate this significant transition.
They also spoke about the importance of providing the right support to people with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as these events can leave a life-long consequence to a person’s emotional and physical well-being.
This story not only reflected the complexity of their journey but also demonstrated the importance of tailored care and teamwork in helping people rebuild their lives and embrace a future of independence and stability.
The Impact of Positive Risk-Taking
Our team also shared how positive risk-taking can create powerful opportunities for people to reconnect with everyday activities that may have once felt challenging. Whether it’s going to the supermarket, enjoying a coffee at a local café, or attending social events-either independently or with support-these moments can mark important milestones in their journey.
For some, it’s about taking small, steady steps toward bigger dreams, gradually building confidence and discovering the satisfaction of achieving what once seemed out of reach. These personal moments of progress can make a profound impact, transforming lives in meaningful ways.
The Impact of Multimedia Support
At the heart of our approach to supporting transitions is the use of multimedia, a concept Ben Andrew discussed in detail at the conference. Multimedia tools are designed to ease anxiety and foster a smoother journey for people facing change. We wanted to go beyond creating a simple social story by developing a dynamic multimedia transition plan to help people navigate the uncertainty of future events and planned changes.
A central component is the Validating Responses Video Support Plan, which emphasizes the importance of validating the person’s feelings and statements. Ben highlighted the creation of bespoke training videos that include both validating and invalidating scripts, tailored to topics the person engages with on a daily basis.
In addition, the Working Towards My Voice PBS Plan focuses on respecting a person’s history and challenges, recognising these as integral parts of their identity. Consistency is key to ensuring their story is upheld and valued throughout their journey.
Outcomes Achieved
During the conference, Lesley and Ben shared the outcomes achieved since supporting the transition. While the journey has had its ups and downs, it has led to several impactful changes:
- Sustained Independence at Home: Over a year has passed since the person moved to their own home, demonstrating the success of the transition and their ability to adapt with the right support.
- Reduced Staff Support: Support levels have been reduced from 4:1 to 3:1, reflecting their growing confidence and independence.
- Fewer Restrictive Practices: A significant decrease in restrictive practices showcases the focus on person-centred and empowering care.
- Improved Quality of Life: Through small, meaningful steps, their quality of life has steadily improved, creating a foundation for further positive changes.
These achievements highlight how personalised, consistent support can help people rebuild their lives and embrace independence after years in a hospital setting.
