A new report from NDTi: A Deep Dive into the Small Supports experience in Plymouth

The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) has published a report, A Deep Dive into the Small Supports experience in Plymouth, looking at how Beyond Limits works as a Small Support provider. We were delighted to work on this project with NDTi and to showcase the magic that can happen when you support people in a truly bespoke way.

Small Supports are defined by NDTi on their website: https://www.ndti.org.uk/projects/what-are-small-supports.

There is growing evidence to show Small Supports offer a high quality, local alternative to large, often out of area providers. This is an approach that Beyond Limits have always advocated for and we also support other organisations looking to adopt this approach to deliver better outcomes for people.
Download the report here.

The report looked at nine people supported by Beyond Limits who agreed to share information about their lives and care focusing on:

• Wellbeing
• The cost of care and support to the individual
• Changes in their lives, health and behaviours and their effect on resources in other services and organisations.

Information for the report was collected through interviews with the people involved, their families and the supporting staff.

The report Contents are as follows:

1. Introduction
2. Approach
3. Pen portraits
4. Analysis
5. Table 1 Summary of Costs and Benefits
6. Conclusions.

The Appendix includes methods used to collect information, seven case studies and links to useful resources.

Beyond Limits Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding

Beyond Limits is committed to safeguarding the people we support from harm and abuse. We have a robust safeguarding framework with well-defined polices and procedures which outline our commitment to protecting the people who use our services. They cover various aspects, including reporting mechanisms, risk assessment and preventative measures and are available on request.

Our commitment to safeguarding extends to all staff members and we provide all our staff with training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise signs of harm and abuse.

In keeping with our person centred approach, our safeguarding efforts align with people’s unique needs, preferences and communication styles. Our person-centred approach ensures that protective measures are respectful and empowering.

Beyond Limits will not tolerate any form of inappropriate behaviour or conduct towards any of the people we support. This is a shared commitment and one that applies to all staff, regardless of position or status.

Nominated Safeguarding Lead

The legal responsibility for safeguarding rests with Doreen Kelly as Managing Director, therefore Doreen is the Nominated Safeguarding Lead (NSL) for Beyond Limits.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Although Doreen is the Nominated Safeguarding Lead, day-to-day lead responsibility for safeguarding rests with Kathleen Griffiths as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Kathleen is responsible for ensuring that the practice of Beyond Limits is safe and effective.

Working with Care Nest Plymouth

Beyond Limits has been working with Care Nest for around a year now and our connection is going from strength to strength.

Coming out of the pandemic it was important to us to start reintroducing some face to face training sessions. We wanted to work with a local provider and with someone who had a similar value base and who understood the work we do. We were delighted to find Care Nest, they are a socially purposed organisation that delivers a range of wellbeing activities which includes team building and mindfulness.

As Beyond Limits continues to work on its agenda of self-direction, we are delighted to be working closely with Care Nest who are delivering sessions which look to build all the skills needed for self-direction.

We do our best work when we are able to slow down and reflect and Care Nest are working with individual teams to deliver key skills such as mindfulness, emotional intelligence, giving and receiving feedback and the impact of ourself on others.

The work is challenging at times as it looks to identify the barriers we all have when it comes to looking at ourselves, but the work is crucial if we want to grow and develop and reach our full potential.

For more information about Care Nest visit their website: https://carenestplymouth.org/

Gloriously Ordinary Lives

Gloriously Ordinary Lives: Challenging us to see support through a different lens and – using the four tests – consider what would it take for everyone to have Gloriously Ordinary Lives.

The Four Tests for creating Gloriously Ordinary Lives, are not a checklist or a process. The tests are simply a lens through which to view any support we consider for a person or their family.

If you apply the Gloriously Ordinary Lives lens to the support you get or offer – what does it show? What does it tell you? How far from Gloriously Ordinary is it and what would it take to get there?

Gloriously Ordinary Lives launched earlier in October, but it is far from being a new concept for founder, Tricia Nicoll. Tricia has been using the idea of something being ‘gloriously ordinary’ for over 10 years when supporting her two, now adult, kids. Telling people repeatedly that she wanted things for her kids to be ordinary – ‘gloriously ordinary’, she found that this resonated with others too.

Now, Gloriously Ordinary Lives is really coming to life! Tricia is launching a training programme as an introduction to Gloriously Ordinary Lives. Initially, the training will be offered to organisations who offer direct support to people and who are in a strong position to enable people getting Gloriously Ordinary Lives. The training will be offered to people who draw on support or who support someone directly – from families to local councils, and beyond.

After the training, people will:

• Understand the concept of Gloriously Ordinary Lives
• Be able to give examples of how the Four Tests work
• Have some clear plans for how to move towards more Gloriously Ordinary Lives

Rich on the high seas

Not only has Rich proved his success in the world of wheelchair rugby but now he is trying his hand at Kayaking.

Plymouth is known as Britain’s Ocean City due to its seafaring heritage and fabulous coastline and so where better to take to the water with his team.

Of course having his own sailing expert as part of his team is helpful and Michelle kept Rich and the rest of the team safe. After the safety demonstration, a three hour trip around the coast followed and Rich really enjoyed it, safe to say he is already making plans and looking forward to the next sail.

Thanks go to the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre  Homepage – Mount Batten Centre (mount-batten-centre.com)

Watch a short video of Rich in action.

Chantelle’s busy summer volunteering

Chantelle has been keeping busy over the summer, she continues to enjoy her volunteering job at the Lounge in Torquay and is a real asset to the team. She had her planning day recently which was a chance to look back on last year’s achievements and decide new goals for the coming year.

As usual all the people who are important to Chantelle were in attendance and everyone was really positive and pleased with the positive changes in Chantelle. The standout though was how well Chantelle is doing in her job and we are really proud to share this update which was written by Hayley who is in charge of the Lounge.

Grab a tissue and have a read…

“Today, I am honoured to be here and share the remarkable story of an individual whose dedication and compassion have truly made a difference in the lives of many. I am here to celebrate the incredible contributions of Chantelle, an extraordinary volunteer whose impact has been nothing short of inspiring. Chantelle is more than just a volunteer; she is a beacon of kindness and support. Her commitment to our cause, her unwavering dedication, and her genuine empathy have touched the hearts of our clients, peers and colleagues. For those battling anxiety, Chantelle has created a safe environment, as we all know finding a safe space is invaluable, and Chantelle has been a key factor in fostering that safe haven for many.

But Chantelle’s remarkable journey doesn’t stop there. She has been the driving force behind our well-being afternoons and evenings, a program that has not only enriched our team but has also created a sense of family among us. Through her ideas, she has brought joy, relaxation, and healing (and a little bit of stress) to our team. These well-being sessions have become a source of bonding which have forged friendships in order for us all to manage the challenges of life. Chantelle has transformed our organisation, infusing it with a profound sense of purpose and unity. Chantelle’s impact is immeasurable, and we want to acknowledge that we simply couldn’t run our community hub without her. Her actions remind us that it’s not just about serving coffee or snacks; it’s about creating a nurturing environment where every individual feels valued and supported.

As we celebrate Chantelle today, let us also reflect on the incredible power of volunteerism. One person’s dedication can spark a ripple effect that touches countless lives. Chantelle’s journey reminds us that small acts of kindness, when done with love and sincerity, can create a world of difference.

Chantelle, you are an amazing volunteer, a true catalyst for positive change, and an embodiment of the spirit of giving. On behalf of our clients, our team, and the entire community, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have enriched our lives and brought light to our cafe. Your legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those you have touched.

Thank you, Chantelle, for being the heartbeat of our community hub, and for showing us all the beauty that can be created through bravery, compassion and selflessness.”