Tom has been working with a volunteer Mike on a project to build a new wood store at Flower Pod. The idea was for Mike to be a mentor for Tom so that he could realise more of his potential, participate more fully at Flower Pod and increase his confidence.

This has proved to be hugely successful - Tom has completely taken ownership of this project from the planning stage to completion and he is clearly proud of his achievement. Furthermore, there has been a huge change in Tom’s attitude - he always arrives on time and stays until the end of the session, he is willing to try different activities and he is now peer mentoring other Flower Pod clients how to use the tools.

Tom says: 'working with Mike makes me happy …I love working with him, it makes me feel relaxed.' Tom has reduced his smoking whilst at Flower Pod and says: 'I have only had one cigarette today, being occupied, busy and enjoying what I am doing makes me forget smoking.'

Tom is now working on a plan to help build and design a new shed at home using the skills he has recently learnt on the wood shed project.

Along with cutting down on smoking and working outdoors, Tom’s increased confidence and independence is clearly beneficial for his mental health and self-esteem. But what is often overlooked is how important social connections are to our health and wellbeing. Tom’s story demonstrates how providing positive activities and opportunities to engage with others has manifold benefits to health.

The Institute of Health Equity’s recent Report ‘A Fair, Supportive Society’ documents how social factors such as loneliness, social isolation, discrimination all play a role in poor health. At Flower Pod and other Reach centres people can gain the skills they need to feel more confident in participating in community life, making new social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This in turn benefits their health and wellbeing.

Jade began using Reach Care and day services including Flower Pod in 2015. Jade faced many barriers to a good quality of life. She is non-verbal by choice and over time had developed strategies to get her needs met. Some of her non-verbal communication strategies and associated fixed routines, were negatively affecting her ability to interact with others. Jade required one-to-one support to ensure her safety at Flower Pod and in the community.

We took time to develop an understanding of Jade’s complex needs. By working closely with Jade, her family and colleagues within and outside of Reach we began to shape personalised support approaches to reduce anxiety. Gradually Jade began to progress towards increased participation in activities and, ultimately, greater independence.

In September 2018 Jade began to attend Flower Pod with a reduced level of support – a significant milestone for her.

A priority was to support Jade to communicate more effectively in ways that were comfortable to her. Clearly, pressuring Jade to speak would be detrimental to her self-esteem. We took our lead from Jade, responding to needs that she herself had identified – giving her ownership, control and ‘buy in’ thereby optimising success and boosting self-esteem.

Jade greatly enjoys using the Widget Symwriter software that we introduced to her. Her enjoyment of using the symbols in her communication has been fundamental to her progression. With the support of staff, Jade produced a communication book to remind her about the structure of her day
and provides visual prompts for routine tasks like putting lunch in the fridge. The book
supports Jade’s time-keeping and is also a discreet, effective way of promoting good hygiene practice.

Jade’s dad has purchased similar communication software to use at home, helping to embed consistent approaches. He reports that Jade is more willing to help with household tasks and take on responsibility for her own self-development.

Throughout, staff have supported Jade to feel safe and gradually grow more confident in participating in activities with her peers. We actively encourage Jade to express her opinions, thoughts and feelings as an adult. She always has the time she needs to process information and express herself independently. This reduces risk of misinterpretation and any ensuing frustration or distress.

Jade’s new sense of empowerment and autonomy has led to her being noticeably more interested in diverse activities. She has recently participated in a first-aid course, photography, sewing, felt-making, visited the outdoor gym, and enjoyed drumming with a group of corporate volunteers. A particular favourite for Jade is to walk Kipper the Flower Pod dog. She is much more willing to work as part of a group, share tools and resources and develop new friendships.

Jade has represented Flower Pod in the community, receiving a cheque from donors. Most recently, she has become the Wednesday Group’s representative at our Client Forum – a wonderful achievement!

We will continue to adapt to Jade’s needs as they change. Her story proves that getting support right and enabling people to feel safe creates a platform from which to explore new options and truly grow and develop.