Kirsty started being supported by Thera East Midlands over two years ago and has progressed so much since. Before moving into supported living at Thera, she had been supported by services that provided respite or befriending.
With the support of Keely, Positive Behaviour Support Lead for Thera East Midlands, and her support staff, Kirsty now realises when she’s feeling stressed or overwhelmed and has strategies in place to help her through it. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is used to help a person have a better quality of life and to help their staff team understand how best to support them.
Keely and Kirsty meet often through Microsoft Teams to check in due to them living over 70 miles apart. Initially Kirsty was worried about using teams at first but over time, she has become more comfortable. When there are any glitches or issues, Kirsty has helped to solve them and now, they can meet regularly.
Keely said:
Kirsty has come along leaps and bounds in regards to PBS.
When we spoke to Kirsty, she explained what a good day looks like for her. Positive Behaviour Support encourages and promotes that people should be treated as unique individuals. With this, the person supported and their staff team can look at what a good day looks like for each person, because every individual’s good day will look different. To Kirsty, a good day looks like going out, feeling chilled and less stressed throughout her day.
Kirsty’s social life is very active and she enjoys many hobbies, including: horse-riding, trampolining, bowling, visiting a Lego store, and going to Pop World. She also loves going on holiday, especially her yearly trip to Butlins. Kirsty also attends a day opportunity service where she feels very comfortable.
She told us:
I can talk about anything. I feel like myself.
Not only is Kirsty’s social life thriving she is also working a few hours a week as a Youth Support Worker for group within her local county council. She really enjoys this role and used this service previously before being inspired to become a volunteer, and now the Youth Support Worker role. On a recent trip she took with the group, she supported a young woman who was panicking and helped to calm her.
Kirsty’s story shows how impactful Positive Behaviour Support can be on someone’s life and how implementing different person centred PBS elements can help someone to have a good day on their terms.
We are so proud of Kirsty and all that she has managed and continues to achieve!
Find out more about Positive Behaviour Support at Thera here