Recently, my support workers have changed. The transition to new support people went well for me, and I want to share my experiences and explain how this change happened – in case it helps others in a similar situation.
When I was in my 20s and in supported living, I got 20 hours a week of support. But, as I’ve become more independent over the last 10 years, my hours reduced.
About five years ago, I had 10 hours a week and today I have almost half that – but it’s working out OK. I’m fine with this, although I know some people really struggle when they have their support hours cut.
My very first regular support worker, Louise, helped with my letters and emails, keeping on top of my finances and shopping. We got on really well and she helped me move into my flat five years ago.
Louise was calm and I felt able to have a laugh with her – I felt she really engaged with me.
Her background was in health, so I also gave her insights from my work in health and social care.
One of my jobs is to help deliver the NHS’s Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism; this is a government-recommended training scheme for health and social care staff in England.
The biggest things Louise helped with were issues such as complex bank stuff and also getting on top of my benefits applications. She gathered a lot of evidence for me and helped me get onto the right benefits.
Louise would often rotate with a guy called Ben. I got on with him too, but on a different level. We were both football fans and we both DJ too. We had some great conversations.
Although I’m clear that support workers aren’t my friends – I already have a good circle of friends – both Louise and Ben had a friendly approach. That made a difference. They respected me and I respected them.
What was important was that they also engaged with my family and knew how close I am to them and how they support me.
A few years ago, Louise and Ben moved on so I was allocated another worker, Jane, for a few hours a week. Luckily, we also had a great bond.
Recently, she moved on to a new job and, although I was a bit worried about the shift to the next person, I was pleased to meet Tom. We clicked and I was really interested in his background in art therapy, not something I know much about.
In his first week, Tom helped me with my finances and I felt I could be open with him about money matters I was worrying about. He dealt with these and so I felt a weight was lifted from my shoulders.
Support workers aren’t my friends – I already have friends – but their friendly approach made a difference. They respected me and I respected them
At the end of each week, we sit down together and look at what I’ve got on the following week, so we can figure out when I’ll need support, and what for.
The most important things for people being supported and the person or organisation doing the support are clear planning and communication.
Handover know-how
I told the manager of the organisation that supports me that I wanted advance notice about the handover to a new person.
The new support person also needs time to shadow the one who’s leaving. The process can be overwhelming – for all involved, not just the person getting the support – so it’s important it’s done well.
If family members can be and want to be involved, they should be able to meet the new person and take part in the transition.
The most important thing to look for in a support worker is if they are a clear communicator and give off what I call “good energy”.
It’s about having a good gut instinct for what a person’s like, their behaviour as well as if they have the skills and knowledge .
Next time I see Tom, he’s going to help plan my monthly schedule as I’ve taken on a couple of new projects recently, and I need to keep on top of them.
I’m busy with my job as a DJ with arts charity Heart n Soul, delivering the Oliver McGowan training and a university research study, so there’s a lot on. I’m quite excited to work with him. n
Names have been changed
