Enthusiasm followed the two days of initial training at the start of our involvement with the project.
This was primarily from those who had attended the training. For those who had not been able to the response was slower. The message was spread as effectively as possible. Reference books and learning materials were purchased.
Staff behaviour in general took some time to change as some people were slow to be convinced of its effectiveness. When some simple results were witnessed through consistency of approach the message began to seep through.
Changes to the recruitment process did not occur save for discussion about principles of active support. Whilst there has continued to be a natural turnover in staffing, reasons are felt to be for those other than having to manage difficult and aggressive behaviours on an ongoing basis.
The number of safeguarding notifications for service user to service user aggression has dropped from unacceptably frequent to zero.
The number of safeguarding notifications for service user to service user aggression has dropped from unacceptably frequent to zero. Due to the improved atmosphere generated over the last year or so and the reduction in distressed behaviours we have moved ahead in filling a service user vacancy which we would not have considered before.
People are doing a little more now than they were, and in a much happier and safer way.
One individual was regularly distressed for reasons it was difficult to ascertain, is no longer distressed to the point where he would smash furniture in his room. Through observation and developing measured and consistent approach to activity, he is able and willing to join in activity and no longer becomes anxious and aggressive to his environment.
We will continue to use the principles of active support in the future. We feel that communication with service users and staff is key and is paramount in offering choice and promoting responsibility.
Colin Casling
Chescombe Trust