This is a poem called Groundworks. It’s about an organisation called Groundworks, here goes the poem.
Charlotte Eloise Dimmick went for a walk to ground force groundhog day. She met a man in a coffee bar, for tea on a laptop. Philanthropic pie, a matcha tea of personality.
Don’t flush your bad decisions down the loo. Put them in a shoebox. I would like to explain to you, the solution to my life, but I hold in my hand your heart.
Kyle talks about the difference that working on the real care deal made for him, and the improved connection with the managers of the care agency.
This experience however is still mixed, keep connected to the real care deal to hear more from Kyle…
Kyle would like to see the manager regularly to catch up.
For them to be more on board, not leave decisions to late.
The storyteller describes how a care support for her brother initially seemed good but wasn’t equipped to handle a person with high anxiety and autism, especially given his mix of high functioning and significant support needs.
Over about a year the staff became inconsistent, arriving late without calling and leaving early, despite repeated requests to keep a predictable schedule and provide the full four hours of support, leading to frequent meltdowns.
After one worker arrived late again and announced she would leave 40 minutes early, he insisted she stay and locked the door, which was treated as a “lock in.”
The care organisation called police, who broke down his door, even though the speaker emphasises he is not violent and only wanted his support worker to complete her shift
Nonnie describes their 10 years of MH services and support, changing GP serivces, 4 hospital stays, private, public and section 136.
Nonnie is very clear about what works for them, how beneficial the low stimulus environment of the institutions and how to make that work for them.
This carer talks about her experiences of being carer for her mum, and the interactions with social care, care staff and the care provider.
She reflects on where the power lies, and how the provider can withdraw support at any time.
And the pain of being told she was confrontational when trying to get the best for her mum.
She talks openly about the impact of being a carer, while trying to ensure her mum has the best care at home.
Glenn shares his experiences of living with Parkinsons “the gift that keeps on giving”, wanting to maintain his independence, and not wanting to accept help.
Glenn describes how the carers sometimes feel put out because he wants to do stuff for himself.
Glenn also describes how the decision to have care and support was right when it happens, alongsdie the challenges of having to adapt to different people coming into his home, and manage the uncertainty when people come in and find him ‘frozen’.
Glenn describes having to stay calm and confident and not get agitated when being supported. The gradual build of care has been good for Glenn, and the way this has been managed.
“Sometimes the carers come and say to me we havent done much, but I say you have helped me with what you have done, and not only that – the level of communication, I havent seen anybody all day and sometimes its quite isolating being by yuorself – being stuck in these 4 walls year in year out!”
James describes the excellent care his partner of 44 years recieved following a spinal chord injury. David died recently at home.
James describes the care David recieved as being like having friends in their home, and they would always let James and David know when carers were not able to visit.
James contrasts this against the care and support he recieved for himself. The difference in costs and standard of care.
James currently lives with advanced cancer. James talks about the impact of his financial situation on being able to afford the care and support he needs now.
Jack shares their journey through MH and NHS system from age 18 – with anxiety, never addressing the root cause.
Jack finally age 27 met someone in MH services who really listened, and supported Jack to get a diagnosis to autism.
Jack talks about the difference someone picking this up earlier would have made not just for him, but aqlso the impact on the amount of time Jack spent in and around MH services.
Why it is hard to speak negatively about his experiences, because often it is framed as your fault, not ‘the system’, so its easier to not challenge people working in services.
Jack reminds us that the individuality in how people are supported is missed “Its about individuality which I think is so criminally missed I think in the way we offer support to people in many ways”
Treat everyone as a person regardless of what you call mental capacity.
Putting people at ease is important, be human with one another.
“Understanding peoples needs and barriers you can give them the right support”
