It is amazing to see just how skilled our support workers are, when supporting people to communicate in their day to day lives. Some areas really stood out to me for personalised communication.
On a visit to Brookes Road I observed staff using a communication ‘Pecs’ board to identify the needs of the person they were supporting. The gentleman was pointing into an area that appeared to have nothing there. With the use of the ‘Pecs’ board he was able to choose a picture of his own iPad. On close inspection staff could see the iPad tucked just out of sight on top of a wardrobe. Staff used their communication and listening skills to identify the need instead of blindly picking up everything in the area until they hit the jackpot. When the iPad was handed to the gentleman, his face lit up whilst he skilfully found ‘Mr Tumble’ on YouTube, closely followed by an uproar of laughter and happy waving arms. The use of a simple communication device clearly makes a huge difference to his life and ability to express his needs.
On a visit to Station Road, I observed the Senior Support Worker liaising with the person he was supporting to organise his day. The senior staff member was responsive and observant: observing changes in the person’s body language and facial expression that re-enforced his verbal communication, and responding appropriately to the person’s wishes. The staff member was able to support the person to choose the day’s activities. What was nice about this service was the subtle background music. The gentleman had chosen ‘Kerrang’ radio and it was clear throughout the presentation of his flat that he was a huge rock fan. The gentleman was keen to tell me about his experiences at concerts, and concerts he had upcoming. Brilliant!
I also found myself using my own facilitation skills as I went from service to service.
As far as Big Respect visits go, quiet observation is the name of the game. Sitting quietly in one corner of a room, studiously observing ‘naturals’ at work supporting people to increase the choice and control they have over their own lives. Big Respect visits are a brilliant tool to shine a beacon on successful interactions and to support staff to make improvements and understand the positive benefits of person centred interactions.
All that’s left to say is big respect to Big Respect.
Daniel Simmonds
Frontline Manager
On-Track Bedfordshire & Luton