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Moving In to The Paddocks
Moving to a new home is a significant step. We take time to understand each young person’s needs, strengths, spirations and preferences so that we can make sure The Paddocks is the right environment for them. When a move is agreed, we work closely with the young 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 The Paddocks is a suitable option.
We always get to know more about the young person, exploring their needs, strengths and aspirations and any risks that need to be understood and safely supported. The assessment is undertaken by the Registered Manager of The Paddocks, often together with colleagues from Mercury College and a specialist clinician. They will arrange to meet the young person and other important individuals to find out more about the young person’s needs, focusing on what’s important to and for them.
Through our assessment, we aim to understand the kind of life a young 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 young person and their family.
Getting ready
A Team Manager coordinates each young person’s transition into The Paddocks, working closely with the young person, their family, carers, professionals and placing authority to plan the move carefully around the young person’s needs, preferences and wellbeing.
Everyone’s experience will be different, but all plans have the following key elements:
• a support team that is informed, trained and prepared
• all colleagues have a one-page profile in a format that the young person understands
• an identified key worker
• the young 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 young person at The Paddocks has regular review meetings. The timing of these meetings may vary depending on the needs and preferences of each young person e.g. if someone wants to meet more regularly then this will be facilitated. Areas such as daily living skills, health, relationships, strengths, aspirations and worries can be discussed. Key to these meetings is that the young person is able to input their views and thoughts prior to any meeting; they also inform where and how often meetings take place.
The young people we support at The Paddocks must feel listened to, valued and that their views are taken on board. If something isn’t working, we change it and if something is going really well, we celebrate it; either way, the young person is at the centre of all we do.
Keeping in contact
Open communication is crucial at The Paddocks. We build positive and mutually respectful relationships between the young people we support, colleagues, families, friends and all key professionals and other personal contacts.
Families and friends are always welcome at the Paddocks 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 young people we support are encouraged and assisted to express their views about the running of The Paddocks. This is done through discussions, questionnaires and meetings with advocacy support available as required.