Celebrating 40 years of positive changes in supporting people with PWS
On 5th January 1982, Gretton House first opened as a service supporting people with learning disabilities. The first individual with the rare genetic condition Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) was welcomed in 1983. Over the past 40 years, Consensus Gretton has supported hundreds of adults with PWS including those who also have learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.
Our dedicated teams of support workers, key workers and service managers now care for individuals with PWS in 22 residential and supported living services across the UK, including 12 specialist services in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Stirlingshire.
Every year during the month of May we launch a campaign to support Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month to help raise awareness of the condition. This year our campaign focuses on how care and support for PWS has evolved in so many ways over the years; the milestones reached, the emotive changes for people living with PWS bought about through increased understanding and tried and tested support strategies which help them manage their condition. So much has changed (for the better) over four decades – it’s been a journey…
Watch our ‘What is PWS?’ animation to learn more
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is characterised by an excessive appetite and a range of cognitive, behavioural and emotional challenges; but with the right support, individuals with PWS can lead a happy, fulfilling life.
WHAT IS PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME (PWS)
In a year when Consensus Gretton celebrates 40 years of supporting people with PWS, with the opening of Gretton House in 1982, we look back at how care and support has truly evolved and been transformed.
This could not have been achieved without our amazing support teams in all of our PWS services over that period and indeed today. Every single day, they go the extra mile in ensuring that every individual who they support has the best possible quality of life, where their PWS does not define them and their goals and aspirations can be realised.
Three of those specialist colleagues, who have themselves worked in the sector for the best part of four decades, share their stories of the life-changing improvements they have seen. Between them, they have well over 100 years of knowledge and experience and each has a well-deserved reputation for ensuring high standards and best practice in Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) support over many years.
Two more colleagues who have also had an important part to play in the Consensus Gretton journey are colleagues in our Learning and Development Team. Carol, our Head of Learning and Organisational Development and Karina, our Specialist Trainer tell us about the transformations in care and support that they have both seen and enabled others to achieve for Consensus.
. 
| 
Sally celebrates some wonderful achievements as she reaches age 54
Arriving at Gretton House in Northamptonshire in 1995, Sally now lives at Bannigans, another of the 12 specialist PWS residential services that are provided by the dedicated support teams of Consensus Gretton. Sadly, life expectancy for individuals with PWS can be around 30-35 years of age due to the complexities of the condition.
At age 54, whilst Sally is one of the oldest people we support with PWS, she has led an interesting life and achieved many goals over the years.
Success Stories
In this booklet you will find a selection of success stories about the people we support and how they have overcome the challenges they face every day. They are testimony to the fact that when the right support and structure is in place in the right setting and where their mental wellbeing is a top priority, people with PWS can live a meaningful, independent life and achieve their goals and dreams.
Our PWSandme Campaigns
We’re passionate about continually raising awareness and understanding of this rare genetic condition. Our PWSandme campaigns are helping to do this and each year focus on a different theme.
From what it’s like Living, Parenting and Working with PWS, to telling the story ‘through the eyes’ of individuals who have PWS, our campaigns cover not only the challenges but the good times and moments of joy and pride.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK
PWSA UK provides support, mediation and a dedicated helpline to the PWS community, they have a wealth of knowledge and resources to help people know everything they need to know about PWS.
Like all charities, they rely on donations and fundraising to enable them to continue the important work supporting the PWS community whether this is through a programme of family events, training, conferences or funds for research.
This Awareness Month, the PWSA UK is going to Get Active in May and would like you to join them on a virtual European Adventure using the World walking app, anyone can can get involved in raising valuable funds for PWSA UK.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PWSA UK READ ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Foundation for Prader-Willi Research UK
Established in 2003 by a small group of parents who saw the need to foster research that would help their children with Prader-Willi syndrome to lead more healthy and fulfilling lives.
FPWR UK is a charity and works closely with their sister organisation the FPWR in the United States. FPWR UK raises money through donations and fundraising for the sole purpose of research to help improve the lives of individuals with PWS
This Awareness Month, the FPWR UK are encouraging people to go ORANGE on Friday 27th May, their challenge MOVE IT MAY is for all ages and abilities, the challenge is to get people moving throughout the month – raising valuable funds for FPWR UK.
Our current referrals process during the pandemic
Read about how we are supporting people to move into our services during the pandemic and the procedures we have put in place to keep everyone safe, including the individuals we support and our colleagues.
Our current PWS services rated Outstanding
We constantly strive to deliver best practise and quality across all areas of the business to make a real difference to the lives of the people we support with learning disabilities and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).
Our PWS services with placements available
Our homely and supportive services are in attractive rural and town locations and are close to a range of local facilities, so the individuals we support can lead a meaningful and fulfilling life in their local community.
