Hand in Hands © 2011                    

 

 

 

Who we support

 

 

Alex has been supported by Hand in Hands since March 2012.  He has developed his social skills and now has a mobility vehicle which staff drive daily to enable him to access the community as he wishes.  Alex enjoys exercising on the trampoline and loves spending time outdoors.  He also enjoys watching Disney films and his favourites include Cinderella, Snow White, Lion King and Toy Story.

Photos of Alex can be seen in the Hand in Hands Gallery.

Alex's consultant is very pleased with his progress since his service with Hand in Hands commenced and complimented this recently by nominating the staff team for an award with the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), of which we have now progressed to the final. 

His comments are shown below:

 

Michelle has provided excellent personalized care to a vulnerable client with severe challenging behaviour . the client was in secure hospital accommodation and prior to that was in specialist residential school . Michelle and her staff have helped manage the transition to community living in a meaningful way . The client is happy and makes best use of the community facilities . Michelle has good leadership qualities which lead to better transition and excellent care provided post transfer. She spent time over and above which was required , to ensure that the client need was met .The quality of life and communication has improved for the client since he moved to hand in hands. the care provided is flexible to meet the needs of the clients , this refreshing approach has helped .I wish the service and Michelle all the best.

RajAttavar

Consultant Psychiatrist

Community Learning Disability Team

 

 

 

Jeremy has been supported by Hand in Hands since moving from his parents home to live independently in August 2012.  Jeremy enjoys working at Church Farm, Ardeley two days a week in all weathers.  Jeremy enjoys meeting new people and visits Bowes Lyon House and Jackies Drop-in every week.  He likes to go to the cinema, play pool and enjoys listening to music.  Jeremy has recently been supported to see a Queen and Michael Jackson tribute at the Gordon Craig Centre in Stevenage. 

Photos of Jeremy can be seen in the Hand in Hands Gallery.

 

Alan has been supported by Hand in Hands since moving from his parents home to live independently in August 2012.  Alan takes part in several regular activities including accessing Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) Day Services, Bowes Lyon House and Jackies Drop-in.  Alan has a passion for music.  His favourite artists include Barry White, Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson and more recently Nicki Minaj, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and JLS.  Alan has been to several concerts since being supported by Hand in Hands and is looking forward to tickets being released for Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. 

Photos of Alan can be seen in the Hand in Hands Gallery.

Alans family offer regular praise to Hand in Hands.  On the anniversary of Alans service commencing in August 2013 his mum, Anne sent the letter shown here, to the staff team, touching all our hearts.

 

 

Dear Michelle, Mark and Team

 

I just wanted to say thank you for providing such a lovely home for Alan.  As you know it was a massive step for the whole family to finally let go of our man Al!!!

 

It was through word of mouth that we heard about you and your program.  Being ready to let go is one of the hardest things to do but with the help and support of yourself, Mark and other members of your team Alan’s transition to Mendip Way ‘his new home’ was able to happen.

 

Since Alan’s move a year ago today, he has come on so much and reached goals that would not have happened if he was still living at home with us/me (as I used to do everything for him).  We are all so pleased that Alan settled into his new home and has come on so well e.g. speaking up for himself, making decisions for himself and making his bed!!!!

 

From a Mum’s point of view letting go was the hardest thing I have ever done and I still really miss him which is only natural, but I could not be happier.  Alan loves his new home and his carers (as he calls them).  The team have shown nothing but true care, love and support for Alan and for me that is all I could ever ask for.  You will never know Michelle how much this has meant to me to see Alan so happy and content.  I just wish there were more people like yourself and your team around so they could open their hands out to more young men with disabilities and make their lives as happy as your team have done for my son Alan and his family.

 

Thank you so much Michelle for ‘making my dream come true’.

 

Best Wishes, Anne and family.

 

 

 

Simon has been supported by Hand in Hands since leaving his previous placement in October 2012.  After a difficult start, Simon has now settled in well and is very well liked by his housemates.  Simon enjoys walking and will sometimes go out, with support, for several hours, rain or shine.  This develops his social skills and provides valuable exercise for Simon.  The Support Staff also benefit from this as they are able to more than meet their recommended 10,000 steps a day.  Simon is very creative.  He likes to draw and make jewellery.  Simon enjoys the cinema and is supported to go a few times a week.  Simon also attends Bowes Lyon House and Jackies Drop-in regularly and enjoys both very much.  Simon was successfully supported by two staff to go on a weeks holiday in Portugal in 2014.

Photos of Simon can be seen in the Hand in Hands Gallery.

 

Elizabeth has been supported by Hand in Hands since leaving a hospital setting in January 2014.  Elizabeth has settled in well and is very well liked by her housemate.  Elizabeth enjoys going out in the community and especially likes going to the pub where she enjoys beer and cheese and onion crisps.  Elizabeth enjoys music and has been supported by staff to go to disco's and Motown Nights in Letchworth where she enjoyed singing and dancing. Elizabeth attends Bowes Lyon House and Jackies Drop-in regularly and enjoys both very much. 

 

This note was received from Elizabeth's mum the week after she moved in which we were all very pleased to receive.

 

Hi Michelle

 

I went over to Mendip for a cup of tea yesterday after work. In fact I had a cup of tea and cake. It was my first visit since Liz moved in 10 days ago. I had a lovely visit - Liz was so happy and has obviously settled down very quickly and why wouldn't she - two lovely young carers doing a great job and of course Sarah who seems fond of Liz and happy in her company (thank you Sarah) What a great atmosphere there.

 

I was beginning to despair of ever finding the right place for Liz but I'm so glad I was introduced to you and your staff. Thank you for everything.

 

Best Wishes. Shirley

 

 

Sarah has been supported by Hand in Hands since leaving her parents home in January 2014.  Sarah has settled in well and is very well liked by her housemate.  Sarah enjoys going out in the community, in particular going bowling and going out for meals.  Sarah is very creative and particularly likes cross-stitch and making pom-poms. Sarah attends Bowes Lyon House and Jackies Drop-in regularly and enjoys both very much.  Sarah works at Greenside Studio on a Monday and is hoping to start at Circles Café on a Thursday soon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Supporting individuals with learning disabilities to live independently in the community, as we believe their life does not stand still, therefore neither can we"

 

 

 

 

 

0845 275 8000

info@handinhands.co.uk