Moving In to King Street

Moving to a new home is a significant step. We take time to understand each person’s needs, strengths, aspirations and preferences so that we can make sure King Street is the right environment for them. When a move is agreed, we work closely with the person, their family, professionals and placing authority to plan the transition carefully.

Finding out more

It’s important for you to have all the information you need to have peace of mind. Enquiries from families and from placing authorities are always welcome. We ask placing authorities to share relevant information so that we can consider carefully whether King Street is a suitable option.

We always get to know more about the person, exploring their needs, strengths and aspirations and any risks that need to be understood and safely supported. The assessment is conducted by the Registered Manager of King Street, often together with a specialist clinician. They will arrange to meet the person and other important individuals to find out more about the person’s needs, focusing on what’s important to and for them.

Through our assessment, we aim to understand the kind of life a person aspires to live and what support they require to make this happen. If we think we can provide the right support and right environment for someone to thrive, the placing authority is informed. Usually, they will then communicate the decision to the person and their family.

Getting ready

A Team Manager coordinates each person’s transition into King Street, working closely with the person, their family, carers, professionals and placing authority to plan the move carefully around the person’s needs, preferences and wellbeing.

Everyone’s experience will be different, but all plans have the following key elements:

• a support team that are informed, trained and prepared
• all colleagues have a one-page profile in a format the person understands
• an identified key worker
• the person’s choices about their home (what is important to them environmentally)
• agreement on the plan.

Moving-in day can be exciting, but we recognise that for some it can feel overwhelming. Again, everyone’s first day and night will be different, but we ensure the following:

• their key worker is there to greet them
• their first night is designed around them and what they will need
• they won’t be overwhelmed by lots of new people (unless their needs dictate otherwise)
• they will have a ‘welcome to your new home’ card and welcome pack or hamper, individualised to their personal likes and preferences

Reviews

Every person we support at King Street has regular review meetings. The timing of these meetings may vary depending on the needs and preferences of each person, e.g. if someone wants to meet more regularly, this will be facilitated. Subjects such as daily living  skills, health, relationships, strengths, aspirations and worries can be discussed in the meetings. Key to the positive outcome of this  support is that the person can input their views and thoughts prior to any meeting; the person’s needs also inform where and how  often meetings take place.

We want every person we support to feel listened to, valued and involved in decisions about their support. When something is not working, we review and adapt the support. Where progress is being made, we recognise and celebrate it. Either way, the person is at the centre of all we do.

Keeping in contact

Open communication is crucial at King Street. We build positive and mutually respectful relationships between the people we support, colleagues, families, friends and all key professionals and other personal contacts.

Families and friends are always welcome at King Street and within the wider services of Hesley Group. We assist contact by phone, mail, e-mail and video calls. Visits to home are also supported.

The people we support are encouraged and assisted to express their views about the running of King Street. This is done through discussions, questionnaires and meetings with advocacy support available as required.