Peter’s Story – Courtwick Park

Peter’s Success at Courtwick Park

Located in Littlehampton, West Sussex, Courtwick Park offers accommodation for 11 individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. The service has its very own day centre, Stepping Stones; staffed by a specialist activity support team who deliver a range of internal and external activity programs. The centre is equipped with its own trampoline, computer room with touch screen facilities and a sensory room.

Transitions to Courtwick Park are gradual for some, a visit for dinner or an overnight stay. Once an individual has settled through the transition period and is starting to enjoy their life at Courtwick Park, an appropriate person centred support plan is developed in agreement with the individual to reflect their needs and aspirations. The support team is committed to delivering quality services and continuous improvement.

Before moving to Courtwick Park, Peter displayed a variety of challenging behaviours and wasn’t eating properly. He would abscond at various opportunities and display erratic mood swings. Peter would refuse to sit down at mealtimes preferring to quietly help himself to food rather than eat what was on offer and which led him to be underweight. In addition Peter was experiencing an irregular sleep pattern and painful migraines.

The team at Courtwick Park have supported and encouraged Peter to turn his life around and as a result he is much healthier and happier. The support team worked with Peter on a personalised food plan which included encouraging him to help himself to food from the kitchen and make himself nutritious snacks. Peter’s migraines reduced as he replaced chocolate with exotic fruits and is he has become keen to try different types.

Peter now goes shopping in the local supermarket where he is supported to choose his own food. As a result of the support he is receiving at Courtwick Park, he now has a much healthier relationship with food.

The team at Courtwick Park knew it was important to provide Peter with an environment where he felt safe and calm. Peter was supported by the team to create his own lounge; he chose the paint, rugs and beanbags and he enjoyed personalising the rooms with his belongings. Peter regularly spends time in his lounge, reading magazines and relaxing.

In any healthy lifestyle exercise is important so Peter also has a personal activities programme, which includes much to his enjoyment swimming, cycling and walking.

Through careful and continued person centred planning Peter has his own personal space, stimulation and exercise. This has had an extremely positive impact on the challenging behaviours he exhibited when he first arrived. His support worker Brian is very proud to share; “Peter has made wonderful progress since he first arrived at Courtwick Park. He is calmer, sleeps better and communicates much more. It’s so wonderful to see Peter making friends with others supported at Courtwick. We are all delighted with his progress and enjoy seeing him flourish”.