In previous years we have had concerns as to whether Phil really enjoyed the experience of being on holiday as he has frequently said ‘home’ while away. We had reflected on this, thinking of the noisy funfairs and his companions, and this time we were ensuring that everything was absolutely centred on Phil’s choices and he was fully involved.
The feedback from Jessica was that the Phil and Mark were really well suited and seemed to enjoy each others company. Jessica and Katrina (another Support Worker) used the bright colourful leaflets in the cabin to ask the men what they wanted to do each day, and they added in some of their own ideas to offer opportunities to try new things. One of the most popular activities was the bingo. Mark needed support to fill in the bingo card, but he had been before and was able to use the experience to talk about other times he had been to bingo and liked the familiarity of it all. Phil had never been but he liked the lively atmosphere and people calling out, and he clapped and laughed all the way through it.
Jessica was delighted that Phil had hardly said ‘home’ and how he seemed much more comfortable and confident with this more relaxed holiday. He even went onto the beach and enjoyed running along and laughing as everyone stumbled over the pebbles. Mark seemed equally amused by the staff being silly and pretending to fall over.
They all visited an aquarium, which initially was a strange and unfamiliar environment for Phil, who has sight and hearing difficulties. At first Phil pointed to the door and said ‘home’, but Katrina talked to him softly, and coaxed him towards the water pool. Once Phil put his hand in the pool, he liked it and he cautiously explored the glass tanks eventually putting his face up to the glass to see the sharks and fish. The patience the staff showed resulted in both men thoroughly enjoying this new sensory environment.
I’m delighted this was such a successful holiday, made possible by staff who reflected well on what had previously not worked, and responded to that with creativity, warmth and patience ensuring a great time was had by both men.
Kirsty McNally
Head of Service,Buckinghamshire