Transitioning to Success at Vyrnwy Academy

We believe everyone can do amazing things…..

At Consensus, our aim is to help individuals achieve greater independence. We are passionate about the work we do and are proud of the support we deliver and the difference it makes to an individual’s life.

Vyrnwy Academy:

Level of Learning Disability: Moderate to Severe
Specialism: Autistic Spectrum Condition
Location: Llansantffraid, Powys
Number of Bedrooms: 5 and an additional self-contained flat

Vyrnwy Academy offers a specialist transition service for young adults with autistic spectrum condition and learning disabilities. This large detached property is situated in a small rural village over-looking the river Vyrnwy. As well as providing 24 hour residential support, Vyrnwy is also registered as an accredited learning centre with AgoredCymru.

Billy’s* story:

*Names have been changed to protect privacy

“Billy’s life has been transformed since he moved to Vyrnwy. He is much happier, calmer and is a real pleasure to have around”

Billy has autistic spectrum condition and severe learning disabilities. Before Billy made the transition to Vyrnwy, he displayed extreme physical challenging behaviours with limited Makaton vocabulary and relied heavily on his family for all his support needs. Billy also had an unpredictable sleeping pattern.

Billy’s challenging behaviour came from his frustration in not being able to communicate effectively. When Billy arrived at Vyrnwy, he would use one sign which was an adapted version of the Makaton sign for ‘please’. Billy was able to communicate that he wanted something but he could not communicate what it was.

Through initial needs assessments and consultations with family, friends and previous staff teams, support staff at Vyrnwy determined that initially it would be beneficial to work on helping Billy achieve a predictable sleeping pattern as fluctuating energy levels would be a further obstacle to learning and a catalyst for his challenging behaviours.  To do this, a sleeping plan was confirmed including set times for recreation, bathing, supper and bedtime. Lights were turned down at set times throughout the evening so Billy could prepare for sleep and he was encouraged to turn the television off at the same time each evening. Eventually, Billy established a regular sleeping pattern which had a positive impact.

Support staff at Vyrnwy worked with Billy and his family and put together a learning programme accredited by the Open College Network: this enabled Billy to understand a picture and symbol communication system which support staff used to communicate with him. This new level of understanding has reduced Billy’s frustrated and he is much happier.

By working with Billy and his family, the programmes the staff team created have enabled Billy to overcome obstacles he previously faced when he first moved to Vyrnwy. Billy has gained independent living skills which he can take with him when he makes the transition to supported living accommodation next Summer.

Support worker Sarah * says;

“Billy’s life has been transformed since he moved to Vyrnwy. He is much happier, calmer and is a real pleasure to have around.

We are all delighted by his progress and, even though we will be sad to see him leave, we are delighted that next summer he will make the transition to supported living”