Specialism
Adults with brain injury and complex challenging behaviour
Geographical Area
Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, London and Northamptonshire
Career History
My initial interest in working with individuals with Acquired Brain Injury began in 1987 while working in a specialist school for children with visual and hearing impairments who also presented with a wide range of physical and cognitive deficits and emotional/behavioural challenges.
To further my interest and develop my knowledge I undertook employment in a hospital brain injury unit and trained as a Social Worker, qualifying in 1997.
After gaining 20 years’ experience of working with individuals with Acquired Brain Injury in a hospital setting, I joined Head First in May 2012.
I soon learnt that working with individuals and their families in “their world”, required a different set of skills than that of working with individuals in an inpatient setting and this has enabled me to find new, interesting, and rewarding challenges and further develop my knowledge and skills.
I find working alongside individuals and their families and supporting them towards their hopes, aspirations and a life that they consider meaningful, remains both challenging and rewarding.
Current Work
My current work is supporting my client/s (and their family/s) to achieve and maintain “their” optimum quality of life. This means hearing, understanding, and knowing my client, understanding who they are and who they want to be in the context of their life. From this foundation I am then able to facilitate and empower my client towards their goals and/or represent and advocate on their behalf.
This requires continual monitoring, assessment and good communication with my client, their family, those who are most important to my client and those involved in their rehabilitation and care. This will also include safeguarding, acting as appropriate adult, risk assessment, risk management, crisis intervention or just being there.
A key factor is engaging a wide range of health and social care professionals to ensure my client’s needs are met and at times increasing the awareness/education of other involved parties if/when required, to increase their understanding so they can consider our clients aspirations as a pivotal part of the treatment approach.
My role also involves developing, managing, and supporting a treating team of key professionals to work collaboratively alongside my client in line with my clients’ goals and in their best interest.
Presenting/Facilitating Learning
I have presented at national and international conferences, primarily on sexuality and relationships and I would describe my training style as collaborative, interactive, inquiring and thought provoking.
I have also provided training for local Authority Services, School and Colleges, Client Support teams and Charitable trust.
I have a lead role in the planning and organising of training for Head First staff.
Competencies and Key Skills
Professional Affiliations and Additional Qualifications
