When Clive said he wanted to go swimming but hadn’t been in a long time and wasn’t comfortable going, Craig pulled out all the stops to make it the best experience possible. Firstly, Craig spent time explaining he would be more than happy to support Clive swimming. He suggested they could spend time together looking at different swimming pools in the area which Clive would feel comfortable visiting.
After looking at different leisure centres, Clive chose a swimming pool in Cardiff. Although very nervous on the first swim Clive felt comfortable to get into the water to his waist to walk around. Back home, Craig asked Clive whether he would like to go again. He explained that it was Clive’s decision and if he chose not to return, they could look at another swimming pool or a completely different activity.
Clive did want to swim again and now looks forward to going each week. He packs his swimming bag as soon as he is awake! Little by little he has become more confident and is now using a float to swim widths of the pool.
Choices and communication
The Home Manager at Clive’s supported living accommodation, Victoria Browning, nominated Craig. She said: “I have spoken with Clive who has said Craig is the best person because he makes him feel safe and he loves every Thursday now when he goes swimming. Clive did explain to me that Craig is not as good a swimmer as he is because Clive beat him in a width race!”
Victoria continued: “This is amazing person-centred support. Craig has ensured all choices and decisions have been made completely by Clive. He has ensured that all information has been understood by communicating in a way which Clive will understand. He’s shown respect for the way Clive was feeling, listened to his feelings and spent time researching with Clive to achieve this goal.”
The support Craig has provided will support Clive with both positive physical and mental health. Clive is now feeling more confident in himself which has been a boost to his self-esteem. It fits with all of the Achieve together values of Being brave, Having fun, Making things happen and Valuing everyone.
Craig said: “This award is Clive’s as well as mine. I am thankful to my manager Victoria Browning and the whole team, with a big thank you to Clive. Seeing him so happy makes me happy.”
Runners up
Our runners up for October are Jo-Anne Butts, Deputy Manager at Educational Day Service in Bath and Amelia Connors, Support Worker at Maldon House in East Sussex.
“Jo is the definition of a superstar!” says her nominator, who also applauds Jo’s ability to build community connections that open doors for the service and people supported there.
In October, months of Jo’s hard work came together in an amazing evening trip to Stonehenge for 16 people supported at EDS Bath. With nine team members, they enjoyed a BSL guided tour of the stones including a BSL story of the stones and a star gazing experience.
Amelia is new to Achieve together and support work, yet she constantly has the needs of people we support as a priority. She has settled into her role well, building strong relationships and making sure to use our four values every day in her work and how she supports people.
