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Workshops on how others do it 1st Session
Facilitating loving relationships for people with learning
disabilities
Melanie Shad, Regional DirectorNatasha Theobald, Head of MarketingCarr-Gomm
• Introduction • Developing a project
to meet clients’ aspirations for relationships
• Project planning• Clients’ training • Rolling out this
approach • Learning points and
recommendations
Supporting service users to develop lasting and loving relationships
• National charity and RSL• 42 years’ experience of offering housing and
support to disadvantaged people • Individual at the heart of support planning• Strong commitment to client involvement• Aim to include people’s needs & desires into
the policy and legislative frameworks within which we work
Introducing Carr-Gomm
• We introduced Person Centred Planning (PCP) into our support planning
• PCP is a process to identify abilities, goals and dreams: use these to develop a plan
• Outcome is a plan owned by the individual that addresses their needs and aspirations
Carr-Gomm’s approach to support
Feedback from clients using PCP is they want 3 things
from life:1. Somewhere to live2. Something to do3. Someone to share life with
What people want
• 1 and 2 met by government agenda and statutory sector
• Loving relationships not seen as fundamental to support or housing services
• BUT: this is what people said they wanted• How could we support people to achieve this?• Part of our mission and founding principles• Strong, loving relationships are integral to
personal strength and confidence
Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships
With funding from Esmee Fairbairn and Northern Rock
Foundations we developed a plan to:• Survey clients about relationships • Develop courses to build people’s confidence
and self-esteem• Create opportunities for people to test out
social skills• Report on what we found and how we did it• Guide staff on how to do this
Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships
• Client survey identified a clear need for support
• Confidence: key issue• 84% NOT in relationship• 62% DON’T find it easy to meet people or have
a relationship
Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 1)
Loving & Lasting Relationships (phase 1) cont’d
• Barriers = lack of confidence and self-esteem, anxiety, safety, health, money
• Clients wanted help with confidence, social activities, appearance
• No chat rooms required!
What clients said:“I feel left on the shelf
and different to everyone else”
“When you are single so long, you get no feelings”
“I’ve had a terrible time on the streets. I’d love someone to share good times with”
• Created self development courses• Piloted approach at events • Used events to gather feedback and refine
approach • Delivered 3 x 4-day training courses on
communication, confidence, self image, relationship and dating
Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 2)
Training courses - results
Clients’ achievements:• Lynn complained
about poor service• Steve put a personal
ad in the local paper• Natalie said no to
abusive relationships• John gained the
courage to speak to a colleague
• 94% of clients enjoyed the course
• 83% said it increased their confidence
• 78% felt their assertiveness improved
• All felt good length of time to address their issues
Training doesn’t reach everyone so widen access by:– Offering courses nearer to people’s homes– Linking to PCP and ISP– Developing materials for clients – DVD,
booklet– Offering opportunities to gain confidence
and socialise– Info on clients’ website and other sites
Rolling this out to all clients
• Incorporate into policies and procedures• Part of staff induction, job descriptions and
training • Guidance for mangers from the top• Launch at Staff Day• Information and guidance for clients –DVD,
booklet, materials• Guidance for staff on facilitating ‘chat time’ at
meetings and events
Implementing this approach across Carr-Gomm
Staff Clients
• Get staff on side: don’t over complicate or seem like another job to do!
• Integrate into existing structures and delivery of support
• Message:– We do this already– Part of our
approach to support
– Tools to make it easier
• Take the cue from them
• Make it a client driven campaign
• Tailor to each individual
• Use feedback to promote and encourage in the future
• Confidence is critical• Clients want support in different ways and at
different times• No chat rooms or dating agencies• Some issues have always been there• Training has huge impact - but embed into
support plans to be effective• It takes time to get it right • We’re still learning and refining
Learning points
• Ask clients what they want and work with them to deliver the right thing
• Build on existing opportunities for social contact
• Integrate into work to show corporate commitment
• Trust building is key• Manager’s role in making this happen• Resources out there to help
Recommendations
The last word
“I have waited years for this course, I’ve benefited from it so much.”
Over to you!