Workshops on how others do it 1st Session

Facilitating loving relationships for people with learning

disabilities

Melanie Shad, Regional DirectorNatasha Theobald, Head of MarketingCarr-Gomm

• Introduction • Developing a project

to meet clients’ aspirations for relationships

• Project planning• Clients’ training • Rolling out this

approach • Learning points and

recommendations

Supporting service users to develop lasting and loving relationships

• National charity and RSL• 42 years’ experience of offering housing and

support to disadvantaged people • Individual at the heart of support planning• Strong commitment to client involvement• Aim to include people’s needs & desires into

the policy and legislative frameworks within which we work

Introducing Carr-Gomm

• We introduced Person Centred Planning (PCP) into our support planning

• PCP is a process to identify abilities, goals and dreams: use these to develop a plan

• Outcome is a plan owned by the individual that addresses their needs and aspirations

Carr-Gomm’s approach to support

Feedback from clients using PCP is they want 3 things

from life:1. Somewhere to live2. Something to do3. Someone to share life with

What people want

• 1 and 2 met by government agenda and statutory sector

• Loving relationships not seen as fundamental to support or housing services

• BUT: this is what people said they wanted• How could we support people to achieve this?• Part of our mission and founding principles• Strong, loving relationships are integral to

personal strength and confidence

Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships

With funding from Esmee Fairbairn and Northern Rock

Foundations we developed a plan to:• Survey clients about relationships • Develop courses to build people’s confidence

and self-esteem• Create opportunities for people to test out

social skills• Report on what we found and how we did it• Guide staff on how to do this

Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships

• Client survey identified a clear need for support

• Confidence: key issue• 84% NOT in relationship• 62% DON’T find it easy to meet people or have

a relationship

Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 1)

Loving & Lasting Relationships (phase 1) cont’d

• Barriers = lack of confidence and self-esteem, anxiety, safety, health, money

• Clients wanted help with confidence, social activities, appearance

• No chat rooms required!

What clients said:“I feel left on the shelf

and different to everyone else”

“When you are single so long, you get no feelings”

“I’ve had a terrible time on the streets. I’d love someone to share good times with”

• Created self development courses• Piloted approach at events • Used events to gather feedback and refine

approach • Delivered 3 x 4-day training courses on

communication, confidence, self image, relationship and dating

Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 2)

Training courses - results

Clients’ achievements:• Lynn complained

about poor service• Steve put a personal

ad in the local paper• Natalie said no to

abusive relationships• John gained the

courage to speak to a colleague

• 94% of clients enjoyed the course

• 83% said it increased their confidence

• 78% felt their assertiveness improved

• All felt good length of time to address their issues

Training doesn’t reach everyone so widen access by:– Offering courses nearer to people’s homes– Linking to PCP and ISP– Developing materials for clients – DVD,

booklet– Offering opportunities to gain confidence

and socialise– Info on clients’ website and other sites

Rolling this out to all clients

• Incorporate into policies and procedures• Part of staff induction, job descriptions and

training • Guidance for mangers from the top• Launch at Staff Day• Information and guidance for clients –DVD,

booklet, materials• Guidance for staff on facilitating ‘chat time’ at

meetings and events

Implementing this approach across Carr-Gomm

Staff Clients

• Get staff on side: don’t over complicate or seem like another job to do!

• Integrate into existing structures and delivery of support

• Message:– We do this already– Part of our

approach to support

– Tools to make it easier

• Take the cue from them

• Make it a client driven campaign

• Tailor to each individual

• Use feedback to promote and encourage in the future

• Confidence is critical• Clients want support in different ways and at

different times• No chat rooms or dating agencies• Some issues have always been there• Training has huge impact - but embed into

support plans to be effective• It takes time to get it right • We’re still learning and refining

Learning points

• Ask clients what they want and work with them to deliver the right thing

• Build on existing opportunities for social contact

• Integrate into work to show corporate commitment

• Trust building is key• Manager’s role in making this happen• Resources out there to help

Recommendations

The last word

“I have waited years for this course, I’ve benefited from it so much.”

Over to you!