Chris’s Journey at Pinetrees: Finding What Works
For Chris, a young man living at Pinetrees, having the right support has opened up a world of new experiences. There was a time when getting out into the community wasn’t always easy for Chris. Busy environments and larger groups could be challenging for him and sometimes lead to distressed behaviours. This created barriers to getting out, trying new things and being part of activities in the wider community.
More Choice, More Experiences
Finding His Voice
Building Everyday Independence
At the same time, finding the right ways for Chris to communicate his choices was important. Without an easy way to show what he wanted to do, he could often find himself sticking to a smaller range of familiar activities.
The team at Pinetrees knew that Chris had the potential to experience much more. Rather than seeing these challenges as a reason for him to miss out, they looked at what they could change around him to give him greater choice, confidence and independence.
Finding What Works for Chris
The starting point was getting to know Chris and understanding what worked for him. The team introduced pictures, Makaton and other communication support, giving Chris more ways communicate and to understand the choices available to him.
They also looked at the support he received when going out. After recognising that 1:1 support wasn't fully meeting his needs, his support plan was reviewed and 2:1 support was introduced for accessing the community, helping him feel safe, understood and consistently supported.
Gradually, opportunities that had once been difficult for Chris to access began to open up. He started attending special educational needs sessions across Northampton and Peterborough and has since experienced days out to places including the Butterfly Farm, Sea Life Birmingham, the Peak District and the beach.
Today, Chris has even more opportunity to shape how he spends his time. His weekly activity planner gives him a choice of activities including bowling, swimming, trampolining, shopping, crafts and music.
At home, everyday experiences are helping Chris develop his independence too. Preparing meals, shopping, cleaning and taking care of himself all give him opportunities to be involved in the everyday decisions and routines that make up his life.
More Choice, More Independence
Perhaps the biggest change for Chris isn't how many activities he can take part in, but how much more opportunity he has to choose. He is accessing new environments, taking part in experiences that were previously difficult for him to access and becoming more involved in activities both at home and in his community.
Chris’s journey is a reminder that independence looks different for everyone. Sometimes progress begins by making relatively small changes: listening differently, adapting support and finding a way for someone's choices to be heard.
For Chris, those changes are helping him experience more of the world around him and have a greater say in the life he leads.