Seeing things differently

So what does that look like in practice?

• Environment We provide flexible, large single occupancy homes that are designed to meet unique individual needs.
• Unwavering confidence There is no limit to the changes we will make to an environment to better suit a person. That is because we know the difference it can make to that person’s life.
• Experts by experience Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) underpins everything we do. Our team of behavioural experts have over 100 years of experience directly supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. That allows us to observe the details that other professionals can miss, and then develop a specific approach to meet that person’s needs.
• Decisions based on facts Opinions are like armpits – everyone has one! We base our decisions on the facts before us. Our behavioural team will review the evidence based on observations, review of information and data and formulation with our professional team. This will then lead and guide the responses we make.
• Regular formulation We complete regular formulation discussions to communicate, provide evidence and a framework to support our approach. Alongside our behavioural team this can involve our Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist and is led by our Positive Behavioural Support Lead Practitioner.
• Specialist training Alongside an extensive induction to The Bridge, we will provide bespoke individual training and get to know you sessions around individuals to ensure a full understanding of a person’s needs.
• Use of technology We use technology in a practical way to provide less intrusive support, proactive decision making and allow people as much freedom and independence as possible in their own homes. This includes use of two way audio CCTV in some areas that allows people to spend time on their own but also communicate their needs when necessary.
• Restrain yourself Staff are trained in delivering physical interventions in a safe way, while understanding the need to ensure they are only used when no other option is available. Staff are trained to recognise when they need to leave someone’s home, and not engage in support that a person does not need or want. In this way we avoid unnecessary restraint.
• Improving health and wellbeing We often find that the people we support have historically high doses of medication, sometimes with little explanation of the rationale. We actively seek to reduce medication through working closely with local medical practitioners. In doing so we help to reveal the true personality of the person, as well as improving a person’s health and long term prospects.
• Community living Everyone we support will access the community daily if they want to. What a person does is defined by a person’s wants and needs – and we will be innovative in our approach to ensure this is achievable for people in a safe way.
• A culture based on open and honest communication, being nice, kind, patient and resourceful. They’re simple but significant values in how we approach every day at The Bridge.