Annual Report 2023
Keys Group is pleased to announce the publication of its Annual Report for 2023.
Enhancing Lives Through Positive Behaviour Support: A Conversation with Accomplish's PBS Lead, Ben Adkins
Improving quality of life is the main focus of positive behaviour support, a goal which is being achieved every day across Accomplish. We spoke to Positive Behaviour Support Lead Ben Adkins to find out more.
“Positive behaviour support has been embedded across Accomplish for more than seven years now. Our then ‘behaviour advisors’ undertook diplomas in PBS.
“People often think that positive behaviour support is about reducing incidents of concern. But it’s main focus is on quality of life – although, if a person’s quality of life has improved then it is a side-effect that incidents of concern are likely to reduce. Behaviour is communication and if a person is experiencing behaviours of concern, then it is likely they are trying to communicate a need that is not being met.
“The theory sitting behind PBS is to look at some main factors having an impact on an individual’s life and how changes to those would increase their quality of life. That might be how do we reduce restrictions or increase time in the community. How do we help them to have more options for activities and doing things they like to do?
“We also recognise that some people have been supported in services for such a long time they may not know what they want to do. Some people would prefer to stay in bed and do nothing and then it often comes down to a balance between their choice and best interests and sometimes we will be pushing towards activities in a gentle way because we think it’s in their best interests.
“It is well-established that it’s much better for your mental health to be engaged, both mentally and physically but we need to look closely at why might someone choose to spend a lot of time in their bedroom, for example?
“If a person with learning disability and autism might find great solace in their bedroom because it’s predictable and safe, we have to look at how can we help them to have an active life in a predictable and safe way while meeting their needs and while helping them to have greater options.
“We might take a number of approaches. The key is research and to find out who is likely to get the best results in terms of the relationship they have with the person and the best chance to encourage them to go out and have a good day.
“We look at what are the ingredients of a best day for that person and what approach is best for them? Is it laughing and joking, is it soft manner and tone, or being very polite? Then it’s ensuring consistency across the staff team, the same personalised approach every day.
“We talk to the staff team and really get them to understand that although it’s a choice for a person to stay in all of the time, it’s an ill informed choice. While we will respect their right to choose we are going to follow a best practice approach and push gently in the right direction.
“And we approach it positively – this is going to be a good day, this is what we’re going to be doing. You’re making a statement. It doesn’t take away a person’s choice – they can still choose to reject. But using this method gives us a much better chance of a person making a positive decision.
“And if it doesn’t’ work one day you keep going! Belief in yourself and belief that this is in the person’s best interests are essential and become a self-fulfilling prophecy. My belief will affect my behaviour, that will impact other people’s beliefs and their behaviour which will affect my belief.
“We’re playing the long game – we’re trying to instill positive expectation and that’s not based on what happens today, it’s much more about how you’re helping them to make positive decisions in their life.
“We’re also trying to get co-production within the home. Staff love to do things for people – it’s part of caring. But doing things for people can deskill them and that takes away a sense of purpose and self-esteem. A big part of PBS is people doing things for themselves and being independent in very small practical ways.
“We should be like a piece of the jigsaw, we should only be the bit that’s needed.
“We have to have confidence in the people we support and allow for positive risks. Risk assessment shouldn’t be risk prevention. Just because someone might have a bad day today doesn’t mean they can’t do that thing any more. It’s about us how can we help them do it safely?
“As we continue to grow as an organisation, so do our plans for further embedding PBS. We plan to increase our training and we are currently working on evaluating our value and getting measurable feedback.
“A lot of the people we work with are less able to voice how PBS has impacted their lives directly but are more able to demonstrate that in their behaviour. When someone is flourishing we would see that as a success – when they don’t need to experience behaviours to communicate their needs any more and living their best and fullest lives. That’s success.”
Share this news
News and events
Unlocking Trust and Stability: A Journey of Positive Behaviour Support with Adnan
The Positive Behaviour Support team at Accomplish work directly with services, and the people they...
Navigating Anxiety at Disneyland Paris with The Power of Positive Behaviour Support
Anya* who lives in an Accomplish supported living service used to experience anxiety on a...
Hugglescote: How Alfie’s Courage Made a Potentially Life-Saving Difference
Alfie*, a person supported by Accomplish, proved to be a superhero recently when he helped...
Enhancing Care with Activity and Communication Passports at Pathway House
When it comes to supporting individuals in our services, personalised care is of the utmost...
Enhancing Lives Through Positive Behaviour Support: A Conversation with Accomplish’s PBS Lead, Ben Adkins
Improving quality of life is the main focus of positive behaviour support, a goal which...
Turning Goals into Achievements: Adam’s Inspiring Transition to Independent Living
A gradual and positive approach to support has seen Adam* meet his goals and successfully...
Lydia’s Success Story: From Job Hunting to Job Landing
Such was her determination to secure work and enjoy productive days, 22-year-old *Lydia didn’t let...
VIPs attend renaming ceremony of Accomplish service in Birmingham
VIPs attend the renaming ceremony of Accomplish service in Birmingham
Felix’s Memorial Garden: A Touching Tribute at Evergreen
When a person lives in a residential service for many years, it truly becomes their...
Accomplish Supports People to Achieve Milestone of Independent Overseas Trip
Three people supported by Accomplish have taken their first ever wholly independent overseas trip and...
Empowered by Support: Phil’s Courageous Return to the Community After 12 Years
Discover how Phil’s triumphant return to the community after 12 years, fuelled by support and...
VIPs attend opening of new supported living development in Rushden
VIP guests gathered to celebrate the official opening of a new supported living development which...
Keys Group Annual Report 2022
Keys Group is pleased to announce the publication of its Annual Report for 2022, which...
Brain Injury Awareness Week – Boston House
Boston House is a specialist residential neurological service in Oldham which supports adults whose health...
Alternative Therapies at Fairford Court
Accomplish’s Fairford Court has introduced alternative therapies to improve the physical and mental wellness of...
Chepstow House Gardening Success Story
The gardening skills of a person supported at a Ross-on-Wye specialist care service have been...
Josh Gains Independence After Getting a Job and a Flat
2022 was a year for achieving long-held ambitions for Josh; not only did he secure...
Accomplish’s Fairford Court and Kemble House Services Host an Animal Day
People supported by Accomplish’s Fairford Court and Kemble House residential services recently took part in...
Success Story – Elm House Resident Moves Into Independent Flat in the Community
A person supported at Accomplish’s Elm House has recently stepped down from supported living into...
Westhope Mews Supported Living Super Stars Club
A group set up during lockdown to help people share positivity in a specialist care...
Accomplish Services Celebrate their First Christmas Party Since 2019
More than 100 people supported by Accomplish in its Midland services enjoyed their Christmas party...
Accomplish Cheshire and Manchester Supported Living Raise funds for Pets as Therapy
People supported by Accomplish Cheshire and Manchester supported living services recently attended a Christmas party...
Introducing our new values
It’s been a really exciting time recently as our organisation has grown and evolved. A...
Cildewi House raise money for Pets As Therapy
Cildewi House has raised more than £200 for charity by holding a fun-packed fundraising day.
Commercial Team raise £1,200 for Charity
The commercial team within Accomplish have been putting their best foot forward and raised more...
Glebe Road introduce new interview panel
Glebe Road is a residential service supporting people with mental health needs as they move...
Accomplish celebrates being shortlisted for prestigious awards
Accomplish is celebrating the news that the organisation and colleagues working within it have been...
New Managing Director Joins Accomplish
Accomplish has appointed a new Divisional Managing Director.
Darren’s woodworking skills put to use
THE WOODWORKING and ‘DIY’ skills of a person supported in a specialist Accomplish care home...
The Social Club on World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a chance for everyone to reflect on what makes them...
Mayor unveils Accomplish Service New Name
An event to mark the renaming of a Dorset specialist brain injury service welcomed some...
September 21, 2022
National Fitness Day – 21st September 2022
Physical activity and its positive impact on a person’s mental well-being has long been established....
September 20, 2022
Daredevil Regional Manager Raises More Than £1,800 for Charity
Donna Wood, Regional Manager at Accomplish Group, is a self-confessed ‘adrenaline junkie’ and relishes taking...
September 9, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 – 2022
Everyone across Accomplish Group would like to express their deep sadness on the passing of...
September 6, 2022
Acquisition of Welsh Supported Living Provider Recovery Care
Accomplish Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Welsh specialist supported living provider Recovery...
July 27, 2022
Regional Manager Completes Triathlon for Charity
To raise money for good causes, some people decide to tackle a sporting challenge. But...
July 26, 2022
Over 100 Shoeboxes Filled with Essential Items Delivered to Ukrainian Refugees
As the devastating conflict in Ukraine continues, the people we support at Accomplish have been...
July 18, 2022
Person We Support Builds Bird House and Shares His Template With Others
A birdhouse created by a person we support has been such a success, he is...
July 8, 2022
Prime Time TV Programme has a Positive Impact on a Person we Support’s Life
A prime time television talent show has inspired a person we support to get involved...