Testimonials

It became clear very quickly that XXX was passionate about his role, and I was impressed by his knowledge and the compassion he displayed when he talked. This knowledge and compassion was shared with all the staff I spoke with. My perceptions around both mental ill health and offenders have been challenged by my experiences at the Chilterns. I feel that I have really benefited from my placement, and would recommend other officers to attend, whatever their length of service.

I hopefully graduate in July this year and Optima Care will always be remembered as a time when I learned, laughed and grew as both a Social Worker and as a person.  I am envious of the future students who will have the same opportunity! I hope they grab it with both hands like I did and enjoy every moment

It was a great relief to have your email and to know the move was a success. It’s an exciting, but anxious time. I really appreciate all the efforts you and all the staff involved are making to ensure XXX loves his new home.

XX is so much happier and calmer now. The staff are brilliant. They have really got to know XX and jelled with him. Although he isn’t able to speak, he communicates with the staff using Makaton and pictures. He now gets out and about a lot. They’ve really helped him become much more independent.

My relationship with my son is 100% positive now. Before we came to Optima Care we were at breaking point but his life has now been completely turned around. The mood swings have gone and he’s much more independent. My life has also changed for the better because I feel confident that he is in such a happy and supportive environment. I trust the team explicitly – it doesn’t matter what time of the day I pop in to see my son, they are happy for me to just turn up unannounced. That means an awful lot to me

I am writing to commend two members of your staff who I had the opportunity to observe caring for one of your charges recently. I believe their names are Ellie Fagg and Amy Barr. I am a consultant at this hospital and was doing a clinic when I came across them with your client in the corridor. He was obviously in a state of distress and became quite aggressive and was actually spitting in the face of the two girls but, I must say, they behaved with great professionalism and were extremely calm and handled the situation extremely well.”

John Shervington, Consultant Obstetrician with a Special Interest in Urogynaecology (Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital, Margate in Kent) ended his letter by saying that he is a lead clinician for women with learning difficulties and thought it important that Optima Care was made aware of how well these girls handed the situation. “I congratulate you on the quality of your staff.”

I have noticed such a change in xxx – he has started saying “Good Morning” verbally to me in the mornings and his sleeping patterns have changed dramatically. It was lovely to meet outside of Gate House and get to know you all better.”

xxx finally has a positive and engaging life where he enjoys going in to the community and making choices.”

xxx is engaged and the happiest he has ever been, especially with the support of his key worker and his preferred staff.”

I have always been happy with xxx living at Gate House, but I finally feel secure that if xxx was left with no family she was loved and well cared for. xxx is always so happy whenever we see her and we thank you for the support you have given us.”