Stay Safe Online – protect yourself and the people you support from cyber-attacks

Cyber security might seem scary and complicated but it doesn’t have to be, it is really just about protecting the devices that we all use on a daily basis (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers) and the services we access both at home and at work from theft or damage. We must make sure that we are protecting ourselves and the people we support  from cyber-attacks by following some simple rules.

Here’s a great video that helps you understand Cyber Security.

Limit your personal information

Not everyone needs to know your relationship status or your home address. You wouldn’t hand out personal information to strangers so don’t hand it out to millions online.

Here’s some Internet Privacy Tips from ‘TechSafety.org‘.

Be careful what you download

Criminals will try and trick you into downloading malware (malicious software) apps or programs that carry malware can steal your personal information. Do not download apps that look suspicious or come from a site you don’t trust.

Here’s a good guide to help you work out what’s safe to download produced by wikiHow.

Choose strong passwords

Select passwords that are harder for cybercriminals to demystify. A strong password is one that is unique and complex – at least 15 characters long, mixing letters and unique characters. Use a password manager tool to help you manage your passwords so you don’t forget them.

Read about what password managers offer in Wired magazine.

Here’s a link to a password generator, there are lots of others to choose from on the web.

Make online purchases from secure sites

Cybercriminals are keen to get their hands on your credit card and bank details. Only supply this information to sites that provide secure, encrypted connections. Always check that the address starts with https: (the S stands for secure) and look out for the padlock icon next to the address bar.

Keep your antivirus program up to date

It’s impossible to protect against every threat but internet security software will detect and remove most malware. Make sure it is up to date.

We have our Restraint Reduction membership!

Beyond Limits are delighted to have had our pledge approved and accepted by the Restraint Reduction network. We understand that supporting people, especially those individuals who at times may present behaviours that cause concern, requires a commitment to place people at the centre of everything we do.

Restraint Reduction network logo

We vow to continue our work in this regard with people and their families and work with their best interests. Restrictive practice will only be used as a last resort, in an emergency to maintain safety and in circumstances where there is immediate or imminent harm and where alternatives cannot be used or have failed.

Under no circumstances…

Under no circumstances will any restrictive practice which is considered degrading or abusive ever be used and restrictive practices will not be used to enforce rules or to punish or coerce. We will continue our work, supporting people to be all they can be, having lives that make sense for them, free from restrictions and institutional living.


To learn more about the Restraint Reduction Network and their work, visit their website: www.restraintreductionnetwork.org


 

Time for a change?

If you’ve found yourself at a turning point in your career we may be able to help. Without the need for government quizzes and assessments, Beyond Limits could retrain and retain you. We’d love to hear from you if you’re someone who…

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo F. Buscaglia

Drop us a line and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

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Previews of some pages from the first edition of our newspaper

Beyond Limits launches a Newspaper for the new decade

As part of our celebration of the great work our staff do, the people we support and their friends and families we have produced a printed newspaper.

There are stories from our support workers, trainers and people connected to Beyond Limits plus information about new staff benefits. Our aim is to produce two or three editions a year so we have started collecting stories for the next edition already! If you would like to share a story or recommend somewhere to visit we’d love to hear from you.

Contents of edition 1

  • Chantelle at college / MacMillan fundraiser
  • Recommend a Friend scheme is changing / Health & Social Care Diploma
  • BILD Training for Hamish and Georgia / Ian’s holiday
  • Welcome Austin / Southwest Wordsearch / Useful information
  • James attends the End of Season Cricket dinner / Plymouth’s new cineworld
  • New places to visit / A simple soup
  • Kayleigh’s three day advednture
  • Planning days / Ricky has found a new love, his tandem
  • Job Fairs around the South West
  • Talking shop – training staff / Team working with Lou Close
  • New Employee Assistance Programme / Work for Beyond Limits

On page 5 we have a Wordsearch, if you’d like the answers please click here.

Below is a link to a PDF of the whole newspaper. If you’d like a printed copy please contact the Beyond Limits office.

Heather’s pasties are a ‘proper job’

Heather really fancied a pasty but with everything closed Heather and her team decided to make their own Gluten Free Pasties.

The photos below show Heather’s pasty making, start to finish.

Thank you for all your hard work

As a Central Team, we wanted to show our immense gratitude and recognise how hard you have all been working during this very unsettling time.

We wanted to find some small way of showing our appreciation for all that you do every single day, a way of saying “thank you” to each and every one of you.

And so we came up with an idea that has taken us a couple of weeks to put together, please watch our thank you video, from us to you, we had fun making it and we hope it puts a smile on your face.

We need to give a special shout out to Claire Bennett for her artistic creation of the poster we have used and to Val Alekseenko-Simpson for taking the time to create the video.

Thank you all and please stay safe.

Ricky’s story has made it into a podcast!

PBS Matters is a podcast from The PBS Special Interest Group. This is a group that brings together practitioners, educators, researchers and students interested in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). PBS are part of the UK Society for Behaviour Analysis.

Hamish O’Brien and Georgia Mitchell are the PBS leads for Beyond Limits and they attended a Positive Behaviour Support conference where they came across Paddy Behan who was presenting at the conference. They got chatting and inevitably the conversation turned to the work they have done with Ricky. Their work epitomises PBS (getting people a good life) and Paddy invited them, along with Ricky’s Nan, Carol, to go on the show and tell Ricky’s story.


Follow this link to listen to the podcast or search for PBS Matters in your favourite podcast player.


For more information about PBS Matters visit their website.


 

Support worker with personin wheelcahir on the beach

Why you’ll love working for Beyond Limits

At Beyond Limits, we value our people as much as the people we support. That’s why our staff stick with us for so long. We provide a workplace that is supportive, flexible, and full of opportunities to learn and grow.

Our Great Benefits:

  1. Competitive salaries
  2. Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
  3. 7 weeks’ annual leave allowance
  4. Critical Illness cover, reassurance when you need it the most
  5. Award-winning pension scheme
  6. Company sick pay scheme
  7. Fully paid development and training opportunities
  8. Clear career progression and growth opportunities
  9. A welcoming, inclusive, and friendly workplace
  10. A real chance to make a difference to someone’s life

What is it like to work for us?

At Beyond Limits, working with us means so much more than just a role. It is a chance to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives. Our staff provide support to individuals in their own homes, helping them to live independently and confidently. This work is hugely rewarding, as you see the positive impact of your support every single day.

What makes us different is our commitment to truly person centred support. We tailor both the care and the team around the individual, making sure their needs, interests, and aspirations come first. This means you will be matched with someone who is the right fit, allowing strong and positive relationships to grow.

Supporting people also opens the door to amazing opportunities and experiences. From cosy movie nights in, to fun outings like clay pigeon shooting, taking part in races, or enjoying community events, no two days are ever the same. You will share in these moments, building genuine connections while helping people to live life to the fullest.

We believe in creating a supportive and encouraging workplace where staff are valued, listened to, and given space to grow. With training, development, and the chance to take on new challenges, you will not only build your skills but also gain the satisfaction that comes from meaningful, life changing work.

shark apple

Staying safe and Staying healthy

We have added a new section to our website called Useful information.

We think part of providing good support is giving the people we support information to help them stay safe and stay healthy.  We have started the Useful information by adding some pages about bad people who pretend to be friends. Soon we will be having pages about health checks, healthy food with recipes and activities to keep you fit.

Follow this link to visit Useful information

 

Our first pages are:

Keeping safe from loan sharks

Mate crime – how to spot it

Information about Cuckooing and County Lines

How to deal with cold callers

What to tell the police when calling 101 or 999

Keyboard showing a complaint key.

Complaints and feedback

Thank you for getting in touch with Beyond Limits.

We value all feedback and take complaints very seriously. We will try to resolve your complaint as quickly as possible.

Please give us as much detail as possible to help us resolve your complaint.
Please add your phone number if you would like us to telephone you.
working with families

Working with families

This page is dedicated to the families we work with, a place where we can share stories of hope and keep you informed of our developments.

Download the Charter

We are delighted to share with you our recently launched Family Charter, a series of statements which outlines our commitment to you and where we hope you will hold us to account.

Thank you for your involvement, we couldn’t do the job without you and thank you for being in the life of Beyond Limits and travelling the journey with us.


Download the Family Charter: Beyond-Limits-Charter-to-Families.pdf


Speech balloons graphic

What people say about Beyond Limits

We really value all the feedback we receive. Below is a mix of feedback from the people we support, family members, staff and professionals.

If you have feed back about any aspect of our work please get in touch.

“Thank you from our hearts”.

Michelle, Jim and family, Family members

“You’re the best thing to happen to Lucy and the family, many thanks”.

Zara, Family member

“Being included and listened to is something very special. Your Family Charter does what it says on the tin. Hands up to Beyond Limits for your far reaching views”.

Trisha Searle, Family member

“Beyond Limits is breaking the mould and is brave for writing the Family Charter. The proof of the pudding is that it works. You have given my daughter her life back. Communication is key. Thank you”.

Michelle Beattie, Family member

“My mum always used to worry about me because its not very nice been institutionalised in hospitals because you want to have your own life and your own freedom, my mum isnt worried about me so much at the moment the whole time Ive been with BL my mum stopped worrying and basically Ive got my confidence and independence back”.

Hannah, Supported by Beyond Limits