Guest blog by Claire Pipkin, Registered Manager

Thornbury, near Illogan provides accommodation and support for up to two people with autism & learning disabilities

It has been a time of uncertainty, learning and development for the team at Thornbury, not only due to the global pandemic we are all faced, but because before the global crisis began we were in the midst of responding to an individual experiencing their own crisis.  A team with similar interests and complementary personalities were pulled at short notice so we could support the person in a time of need. People from our head office, support workers, other managers and senior management pooled together, cleaned, shopped for items needed to create a safe, functional, warm and inviting home.  The responsiveness shown was incredible and made me proud to work for Green Light.

Since Thornbury re-opened we have had ups and downs as we have all got to know each other as a new team. We’ve learned about new behaviours and created relationships to build a person-centred service. We have established who can cook a great cauliflower cheese and who can create amazing murals.  We’ve yet to figure out who has the stamina to complete a 1000 piece puzzle! Despite the uncertainty of the times, the team have shown compassion, commitment and flexibility at every opportunity. 

Bamboo Table & Bird Feeder

For the individual we support the COVID-19 situation weighs heavily on their mind daily and contributes to their feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.  The increased infection control measures, social distancing and regular reminders about levels of personal hygiene have helped. However, the team has had to strike a balance between providing information to help people feel safe and cope well, whilst ensuring we don’t add to anxieties for someone with a high level of understanding about the situation.  

The team has helped overcome this by investing in a range of home and garden based activities to make each day meaningful.  We’ve enjoyed Lego, puzzles, board games and made full use of the garden we have at Thornbury. The person we support was due to start back at college prior to the lockdown, so we have invested in some chalkboard paint, to create a “classroom” and are working closely with the college to share resources to provide elements of the lessons being missed.  The team is trying to provide as much normality as is possible in these unprecedented times.

We have recently invested in a swing to replicate the once-a-day trips to the park we were undertaking and have plans to convert a shed into a sensory area.  We’ve created murals of favourite gaming characters, built bamboo bird feed tables, created a vegetable patch and are now creating a computer game, with each team member of staff and person having their own unique character.  

I’d like to thank my teammates and colleagues for everything they’ve done so far.  The Thornbury team came together quickly to provide flexible, responsive care and support, all in the midst of a global pandemic!  

Claire Pipkin 

Registered Manager