He had become fixated on coffee and cigarettes and would demand them at all hours. He had also developed an obsession with just a few items of clothing, which could lead to stress, anxiety and confrontational behaviour when they were not available. When demands were not met Mike could exhibit very challenging behaviour or become depressed and this could also impact on the lives of the other people being supported.

The staff team at Deansbrook Farm discussed the issues around his behaviour with Mike and worked closely with a behavioural specialist to overcome communication barriers associated with his level of understanding and ability to concentrate.

A structured plan was gradually put in place to help him manage obsessions and establish agreed boundaries. Support staff worked with Mike to create a rota, limiting the time and frequency of access to coffee and other hot drinks; access to the kitchen was also restricted to facilitate this. A designated smoking area was set out in Mike’s garden and access to his wardrobe was supervised to help reduce anxiety around clothing.

In order to help Mike broaden his horizon of interests a range of positive activities were also established. Outdoor activities with friends and support staff have become a much more regular part of Mike’s life and he now regularly accesses the community with shopping trips, bowling, country walks and visits to the zoo. In 2011 Mike reached a significant milestone, enjoying a holiday away from home with staff and friends.

Mike continues to make significant progress managing his obsessive behaviours and his quality of life is now much-improved. With the support of his care team and friends, Mike is looking forward to expanding his horizons in the future.

For more information on Deansbook click here

Freephone 0808 166 1420

Amy’s open and trusting nature put her at risk of exploitation and financial abuse. She struggled to manage her medication and personal hygiene, putting her at risk of serious illness. She also had trouble maintaining positive relationships with family and friends, as she did not have strategies in place to manage anger and anxiety when communicating. Before moving to Aldeburgh House, the home’s Manager met with Amy, her family and her existing support network to discuss and agree upon the positive outcomes she wanted to achieve. Amy was then supported by her new team to apply a range of measures to help achieve her goals.

Amy is supported to create a healthy menu plan every week and to make shopping lists with healthier options for her to stick to when shopping. Visual aids and prompts have been developed to assist with meal preparation, with a focus on reducing sugar content and introducing more fruit and vegetables. Amy is always accompanied when in the kitchen to help with the choice of healthy ingredients.

Regular exercise now plays a key role in Amy’s life. Working with her support team, Amy is able to understand her broader health needs, including regularly taking medication and improving personal hygiene. All of these measures have contributed to a substantially improved sense of wellbeing, which has led to improved relationships with family and friends. She has worked diligently to put coping strategies in place for when she feels stressed or upset, which has had a similar positive impact on personal communication.

After only six months at Aldeburgh House, Amy is making strong progress. Milestone achievements have included losing over a stone in weight and seeing a real improvement in family relationships. With the support of her care team, family and friends Amy is looking forward to the future with real confidence.

For more information on Aldeburgh click here

Paul suffers from spastic quadriplegia, is tube fed, he communicates by eye pointing and he is not continent. Paul needs constant care, uses a supportive seat in a wheelchair and is dependent on others for every aspect of his life. He is bright, intelligent, full of life and always ‘up for fun’. As Paul’s mother, I had long believed that Paul’s access to life experiences would be severely restricted by his disabilities and his dependence would be on others to facilitate his life. I do not know all the details of Paul’s holiday. What lad of 24 would want his mum to know what he got up to on holiday?!! I do know that Paul had a wonderful, memorable experience.

Chad and Majiec went as two young men who made sure that another young man had a real ‘adult’ experience which his parents or family would simply not have been able to provide. In doing this for Paul both of them went far beyond what might reasonably be expected of carers. They were full of enthusiasm and energy, undertaking a long journey by car and rail, looking after Paul night and day whilst far from home. They made sure he had the holiday of a lifetime and they took great care of him too.

Paul’s father and I cannot find the words to express our admiration and gratitude to Chad and Majiec. They have done something marvellous for our beloved boy and we will never be able to thank them enough. Paul got to enjoy a ‘lads’ holiday and that is just marvellous. These two young men helped Paul to overcome the barriers which his disabilities put in his path. They both deserve reward and recognition for having made a remarkable and profound difference to a young man’s life. Paul has had a holiday he will never forget.

I have no hesitation in recommending Chad, Majiec and Moor Lane for the highest award or accolade available. They are an asset to their employers and make an extraordinary effort to care for the service users in their charge.”

To contact us for more information click here

To find out more about Moor Lane click here

Alternatively, email enquiries@consensussupport.com or freephone 0808 166 1420 to find out more

Prader-Willi Syndrome Outcomes 

Gretton Homes has been providing support for people with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) since 1982. We now support over 70 adults from across the UK and beyond.

PWS is a condition that is often poorly understood and over simplified. Gretton Homes provides unique, comprehensive and tailored support that caters for each aspect of PWS to ensure the highest quality possible.

Food security is the cornerstone which underpins the support at each service. Each person has a ‘Healthy Eating Plan’ which provides a balanced and nutritional menu and all of our services have secure kitchens and a range of environmental measures to ensure food security

As well as ‘Healthy Eating Plans’, everyone at Gretton Homes has a personalised exercise programme which includes activities such as swimming, visits to the gym and walking.

All of our Staff at Gretton Homes receive specialist training to support people with PWS and manage the more challenging aspects of the condition, as well as all basic support training. To enable Gretton Homes to continually improve the standard of care we provide, each of our Service Managers takes part in the National Open College course, ‘Understanding the Needs of Individuals with PWS’. This course is the first of its kind in the UK and just one example of how we are constantly raising the quality of support at our services.

The excellence of the support provided by the Gretton Homes services is evidenced in our ability to enable people, not only to lose weight, but to enjoy the social and emotional benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 ‘Michael’s Journey’ – Positive Outcomes for People Living with PWS

 At 28 years of age Michael felt like he had so many goals left to achieve in life.  He weighed over 30 stone (200+ kilos) and had numerous physical conditions as a result – including leg ulcers, sleep apnoea and a dependence on oxygen when sleeping, which he needed to do sitting upright in an armchair.  He was also dependent on insulin. Following an unsuccessful supported living placement, Michael was back at home and his relationship with his family was becoming strained.  He needed help with most daily activities, was losing his motivation and did not want support on a weight loss programme.  His dreams of a home of his own and to find a girlfriend seemed practically unachievable.

When Michael came to Gretton Homes, the Support Team worked closely with him to construct a programme that would help him to achieve his aspirations over a period of time.  His support took very close account of his current limitations, but made it clear that these could be overcome as he worked to meet his goals.  He was provided with accommodation on the ground floor, as stairs were too difficult to negotiate safely and received 2:1 support for personal care.  Support workers accompanied Michael on all outside activities and helped him to make friends with other residents – a process that was difficult at times as Michael’s frustration with his weight led to occasionally challenging behaviour.

Inspired by the continuous support and encouragement of his team, Michael embarked upon a healthy eating plan and began to take light exercise.  Within six months his weight had reduced by six stone and he was confident enough to go to the local gym, although he would not yet go swimming.  Michael was able to sleep in a bed for the first time in many years and his insulin requirement was reduced.  Perhaps the clearest sign of his growing self-confidence was that Michael now had a girlfriend!

After one year at Gretton Homes, Michael’s life has been transformed.  His weight has come down to 20 stone and he has set himself the goal of further reducing it to 14 stone, the target he needs to achieve in order to go horse-riding.  He no longer needs assistance with showering and personal care and in keeping with his improved self-image, enjoys wearing trendy clothes!  Michael is a regular at the gym and enjoys swimming and ten-pin bowling with friends and support workers.  His leg ulcers are gone and he is no longer dependent on insulin. 

His improved mobility has enabled a move to a larger first-floor room and Michael can also go to the local shops unaccompanied.  Plans for the future include a fishing trip with his brother and Michael has recently become engaged to his girlfriend.

Michael’s Quote: “The support I’ve received has helped me to realise that I can achieve great things if I really put my mind to it.  My life has changed so much for the better.”

 A Support Worker’s Perspective

“Michael’s story sums up why I do this job.  Being able to help someone to meet and overcome the challenges posed by PWS and to really turn their lives around is immensely rewarding.

“Michael’s journey was not an easy one.  His physical condition when he first arrived with us had to be really closely monitored and taken into account with his programme.  He also exhibited some challenging behaviours, which required careful handling.  However, this is exactly the sort of thing we are trained for at Gretton Homes and we never lost sight of the great person that Michael is.  I’m so proud of him and all the people we support.  It’s not everyone who can say that they look forward to each and every day at work, but that’s what it’s like here.  We’re passionate about what we do and the people we support respond really positively to that.”

For more information on Gretton Homes and the support we provide to individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome click here

Heatherington House

Established in 1982, the Gretton Homes Group is renowned worldwide for its success in supporting people with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).

Gretton Homes is owned and operated by Consensus Support Services, a national award winning, quality accredited specialist provider of residential and supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and associated complex health needs.

Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that requires in-depth understanding and support to enable the delivery of positive outcomes to those with the condition.

Our philosophy is to recognise individual needs whilst understanding the challenges that an individual with PWS experiences daily. For some, PWS is considered an eating condition where sufferers are restricted in their daily life through their insatiable appetites: At Gretton Homes we recognise all the other challenges that this condition presents to individuals; emotionally, physically, cognitively, behaviourally and socially.

This in-depth understanding enables us to deliver a person-centred approach that is appropriate to each individual whilst addressing their specific needs and supporting positive outcomes for them.

Heatherington House – Kettering, Northamptonshire

Located within minutes of Kettering town centre, Heatherington House offers a range of local facilities and amenities many of which are incorporated into each person’s support plan. Heatherington House is a spacious Edwardian property offering en-suite accommodation for eight individuals with PWS. The service has been supporting adults with PWS since 2000.

James* Story:

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

Before James moved into Heatherington House he resided at a boarding school for individuals with learning disabilities in Brighton for almost nine years; two of which were spent receiving speech therapy. When the time came for James to leave his boarding school it was crucial to find a secure, predictable and structured environment delivered by an experienced provider of Prader-Willi Syndrome services.

In October 1999 James made the transition into Hetherington House. Staff at Heatherington spent time really understanding James as an individual and ensuring his support was person-centred. They recognised James’ potential from an early stage and have always encouraged him to achieve the best out of life by guiding and actively listening to his goals and dreams in order to support him to reach his full potential.

James never found it easy to communicate his needs and wishes but by spending quality time with him, support staff were able to understand and give him the confidence and reassurance he needed in order to express himself.

By building a trusting relationship with him, providing a safe environment and having a very specific understanding of the complex myriad of challenges presented by Prader-Willi Syndrome, Heatherington House and its staff has enabled James to participate as an active member of his community.

Through the support provided, James received the confidence to go out and visit the local charity shops and look for voluntary employment which he secured at the British Heart Foundation. James volunteered there every day and sometimes at weekends; to this day James is a valued volunteer and has progressed really well within the role from serving customers to using the till to process financial transactions.

James has come a long way over the last 13 years and it was agreed by support staff, his key worker and James himself that he would like to find paid employment in the local community. Gretton Homes has established networks with Travis Perkins in Kettering, one of the UK’s largest builder’s merchants. Support staff began making enquiries into the possibility of James working at a site close to Heatherington House. Staff explained what PWS is, gave Travis Perkins some background on James, surveyed the environment, spoke with staff both senior and junior staff and prepared James to work alongside another PWS co-worker in another branch before commencing employment.

Lisa Keenan, service manager of Heatherington said after visiting the branch “I can honestly say that the staff at Travis Perkins have taken on board the information about PWS and I had a genuine sense that they are looking forward to James starting work. They were so accommodating and helpful which was so refreshing and put both James’ and myself minds at rest. One chap even said ‘I am sure James will be an asset to the branch’. What was especially reassuring was that we spoke to them about food security, crucial to managing PWS and I identified a couple of potential problem areas and they were addressed almost on the spot. James is very excited as am I about this great opportunity!”.

This will be the second occasion that Gretton Homes will have worked with colleagues at Travis Perkins to provide employment for individuals with PWS. Shaun* from Perrywood, another Service operated by Gretton Homes has been successfully employed at the Northampton branch for almost two years. With over 600 branches throughout the UK there is still a possibility that other work opportunities may arise for individuals at Gretton Homes.

James has recently started employment two days a week at Travis Perkins and is still conscientious enough to continue with the voluntary placement at the British Heart Foundation. James manages to combine the two roles and maintain all his other commitments and activities and leads a wonderful fulfilled life.

Lisa continues “this has meant everything to James and he is the happiest I have seen him; he feels empowered and keeps telling me he is on cloud nine. It has really proved to him that all his hard work and dedication has paid off. The first time he arrived at my office door wearing his new Travis Perkins uniform I was filled with pride; we are all immensely proud of him”.

The team at Heatherington have provided James with ongoing specialist support that without, he would not have been empowered enough to achieve everything he has to date.

For more information on Gretton Homes and the support we provide to individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome click here

Stepping Stones Resource Centre is a modern, purpose built centre that provides meaningful activities for individuals living in Consensus services in the surrounding areas. The building has a large arena, separate kitchen with wheelchair accessible work surfaces, a sensory room, an arts and crafts room and also boasts a small computer site with an interactive white board to enable people with complex support needs to use IT based educational and creative programmes. The centre offers activities to support individuals with a wide range of support needs including behaviours that are considered challenging and sensory support needs.

To contact us for more information, click here

Freephone 0808 166 1420 or email enquiries@consensussupport.com

Links Day Centre provides day care for adults with learning disabilities who may also have challenging behaviours. At ‘Links’ individuals can come and meet new friends, gain new skills and participate in a wide range of activities. Individuals can actively participate in looking after the service’s allotment whilst planting vegetables and learning about horticulture. Links runs a ‘transport training group’ enabling individuals using the service to become more independent and confident when using public transport as well as teaching individuals about being safe in the community.

To contact us for more information, click here

Freephone 0808 166 1420 or email enquiries@consensussupport.com

To find out more about The Gables click here

To contact us for more information click here 

Smugglers Barn is set within four acres of land where gardening, animal husbandry and general outdoor pursuits are actively supported and encouraged. Additionally there is an on-site Activity Centre where individuals can enjoy various pastimes including art, karaoke, reading and more.

Below is an example of how the work we do at Consensus enables individuals to achieve positive outcomes and personal fulfillment.

At Consensus, our philosophy is to support every individual to achieve Opportunity, Choice and Success.

Harry’s Story:
* names have been changed to protect privacy

In 2004 Harry moved into Smugglers Barn with a variety of challenging behaviours and diagnosed Epilepsy. Since the age of six Harry had either been in hospital or special needs schools and had grown up with tendencies towards violence; these outbursts were aimed towards his mother and generally anybody who came into close contact with him. Harry has always been very verbal and would often verbally abuse individuals through frustration. Aside from the physical and verbal abuse Harry was extremely challenging in that he would not do what was asked of him; he would refuse to get up to take his medications, would not take part in any of the organised activities and when going out into the community he required 1:1 support at all times.

A support package was created to ensure Harry’s various needs were met and since Harry is very articulate he was able to contribute to his support plan, along with his mother and the support staff at Smugglers Barn. Harry’s main goal was to be able to go out into the community on his own. This was a big undertaking for all concerned, however, a relevant support plan was put in place to enable Harry to gain the confidence, understanding and the awareness required for him to achieve this level of independence.

Harry was involved in the entire process which included putting together a risk assessment for both himself and staff to follow. It was agreed that the local garden centre was an ideal location for Harry to visit and support staff began talking with him about the route and how to get there, road safety, developing his knowledge of using his mobile phone and educating him with the skills required to manage a small amount of money to spend at the garden centre. Harry also assisted with the development of an information card for him to carry on him with his relevant personal details should he have a seizure whilst out on his own.

Harry’s first successful journey to and from the garden centre was two years ago: He followed all the guidance -even bought himself craft materials and enjoyed refreshments in the café. On this route to the garden centre Harry met a friend; to this day they remain friends and regularly visit eachother offering him fulfillment and independence away from the service.

Harry now aspires to visit the local pub on his own without support staff and we are currently in the process of drawing up a support plan and risk assessment in order for us to assist Harry in achieving his new goal. This will involve negotiating a busy road with other obstacles but with the correct support from the team at Smugglers Barn we are sure that Harry will achieve his goal and gain further independence in order to achieve his positive outcomes.

To contact us for more information click here

To find out more about Smugglers Barn click here

Alternatively, email enquiries@consensussupport.com or freephone 0808 166 1420 to find out more

This supported living service offers individuals appropriate personalised support in order to gain control over their lives and greater access to opportunities for inclusion within their community. Direct support at home and in the community is offered along with access to our “Resource Centres” enabling a comprehensive and flexible support package aimed at helping individuals achieve their personal aspirations.

At Consensus, our philosophy is to support every individual to achieve Opportunity, Choice and Success.

Below is an example of how the work we do at Consensus enables individuals to achieve positive outcomes and personal fulfilment.

 Norman’s Story:
* names have been changed to protect privacy

Norman has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome which is a difficult-to-treat form of childhood epilepsy and is characterised by frequent and different seizure types. As is often the case, Norman’s disability is accompanied by developmental delay with psychological and behavioral problems.

Norman arrived at Norwich Road having become withdrawn and unhappy in his previous accommodation to which he was unsuited. Norman had suffered weight loss and muscle degradation as a result of his previous environment. Requiring full support, the team at Norwich Road were keen to support him to improve his independence and quality of life whilst supporting him to put on some weight and increase his muscle strength.

Although Norman is non-verbal he is able to point at things he wants and he can indicate when he is happy, sad or angry.

Staff worked with information from past plans and assessments at Norman’s previous placement and communicated with Norman and his family to develop a comprehensive support plan that was put in place. Over time, these plans have been modified and developed in order to give Norman the confidence and independence he so desires.

Staff carried out intensive interactive training with Norman to assist with his communication. Norman responded well to this interaction and this positively enhanced his relationship with the support team. In addition, Norman was encouraged to walk in his flat for short distances on a daily basis and to move around in his room. In order for Norman to be able to do this in a safe environment, the Service Manager organised for his room to be padded. Norman now appears to have become stronger and enjoys the freedom he has within his room. Importantly, Norman has also gained a little weight!

Feedback from both Norman’s parents and his Occupational Therapist confirm Norman’s personality has returned and he is now much happier within himself.

Norman will always need full support however he now has more independence and is able to make decisions. Consensus has given Norman his own space which allows him the freedom to be himself and to make the most of his environment.

To contact us for more information click here

Alternatively email enquiries@consensussupport.com or freephone 0808 166 1420 to find out more