We have decided to write our Great Interactions blog using Great Interactions moments captured on two different occasions: the reason why we have called it ‘Two days at The Haven’
Day 1 – by Blessing Obiamago
One of the young men was getting really agitated and anxious; he was starting to challenge staff and not listening to prompts. Nothing staff did to distract him or re-direct him was working. Suddenly l remembered that when he is happy he listens to a particular track on his CD and even hums or dances to it, so l decided to give this a go. I turned the music on in his bedroom, left his bedroom door open and started dancing, jumping and signing to the song to the best of my ability, although it was not a song l knew very well!
The young man was startled, he looked at me confused, probably trying to work out was wrong with me, however l had his attention. He slowly moved towards me and then stood in front of his bedroom door. Slowly he began to rock from side to side and then began humming. I offered him my hand, he took it and we started to jump up and down, screaming to the music. He became very excited and happy, smiling and giggling. He totally forgot about his anxiety.
That was the best day I have had since l joined MacIntyre; to be able to support the young man to calm down and at the same time enjoy an amazing interaction.
After that day, music has been used to support him to relax whenever he is getting anxious.
Day 2 – by Kate Mulligan
I joined MacIntyre in August this year and during my induction period I shadowed experienced members of staff to observe how they interact with the young people by using their facilitation skills. One example of a Great Interaction I experienced at The Haven was when Godfrey and James were in the kitchen. Usually James will initiate sounds and staff respond with similar noises as a way of communication and engagement. However, on this occasion, Godfrey began the communication by making different sounds and noises to James. It took James a moment to adjust to this change but he then began moving his ears alternatively to Godfrey’s mouth to listen and take in the new noises and then started copying these sounds back to Godfrey. This to me was a great example of Intensive Interaction as it showed James exploring and developing his repertoire of communication with staff, and Godfrey giving James the time to explore this at his own pace.
Olubunmi Fabusuyi
Registered Manager
The Haven, No Limits