In 2012 one of the people we support, diagnosed with intellectual difficulties, ADHD and a history of behaviours which challenge, requested to be supported to have driving lessons.
He lives in a community residential-based setting which provides support for individuals with complex offending history.
The team recognised and supported him to apply for a driving licence. The consultant psychiatrist was consulted by the DVLA regarding medication and other relevant issues and in early 2013 the individual was awarded with a provisional driver’s licence.
The team put particular focus and effort on sourcing an appropriate instructor to work with them, who specialises in teaching adults with intellectual difficulties. A comprehensive activity risk assessment plan was completed with the team, the individual and the instructor. Our activity co-ordinator provided support on his first driving lesson and reported the delight of the lesson being successful. The lessons continued and the team is now supporting the individual in the completion of the theory test in-house on a computer.
This particular individual has a history of consuming alcohol when he feels unsupported, however the team has managed to work with him in highlighting the risks associated with consuming alcohol and drinking which became a critical point of the individual taking responsibility around taking alcohol. This has enabled him to take a more responsible approach in managing his alcohol consumption.
We are proud of the team’s determination and collective effort to understand and meet each individual’s wishes despite the risks which may be posed, in order to harness person-centred planning. This has had a significant outcome for this particular person that we support, who has grown in confidence which has had a positive impact on other aspects of his life such as his health and well-being. The team recognises the progress that the individual has achieved in sticking to a task and not giving up, which has been a great motivator for staff and the other people we support.
The organisation wishes to acknowledge the commitment of individual team members in working together as part of the multidisciplinary team to support people with a history of complex offending behaviour, many of whom have experienced numerous placement breakdowns. The team is keen to resurrect the belief that one can achieve a level of choice and hope to promote independence.
