Stourhead Healthcare Deaf services were founded 3 years ago. It was identified that specialist services for the Deaf are simply not readily available and at times this has led to Deaf young people and adults being let down by the system, often feeling, trapped, isolated, unsupported, and struggling to see a positive future for themselves.

Our Specialist Deaf Services are designed to cater for some of the most vulnerable and challenging Deaf young adults within our society. They often arrive at the beginning of their placements, feeling a lack of confidence, have low self-esteem and having had lots of poor experiences in terms of others not being able to communicate effectively with them . This would leave them feeling very isolated and withdrawn. This in turn often lead to significant mental health challenges.

The core difference in relation to what we provide is, the fact that our staff are expected to use British sign language at all times whilst at work.

We create a culture of free visual communication, so everybody present is included within conversations, ranging from relaxed and general conversation around the breakfast table to detailed conversations around more serious issues. The point being that no one is left out and this ensures a holistic approach to communicating and working with the people we support.

One of the most important factors in relation to this service, is the fact that we employ a high number of profoundly Deaf staff to work within the services.

Our Deaf staff bring a richness of culture to our organisation, they keep the quality and levels of British sign language high and perhaps, most important of all, they are fantastic role models to the people we support because it demonstrates to them that Deaf people can be successful, they can achieve, and with the right support and input, the sky is the limit for them, and there is no reason why they can’t achieve their own personal best!

It is our experience that when Deaf young adults arrive at Cambian specialist Deaf services, they are often very emotional when they become aware of the fully signing environment, and although this can take some time to get used to, the approach we use has a tremendous record of success and we have supported some very challenging individuals within our homes who have achieved very successful outcomes. It is common for the people we support to have experienced multiple placement breakdowns and it is our aim to provide a safe, effective long-term placement for them, offering high-quality communication and therapeutic support so that they can learn key skills for life and ultimately, live as independently and confidently as possible.

We have strong links to resources for the Deaf nationally and the people we support are encouraged to understand how to use and access services appropriate to them. This develops their confidence in relation to understanding their rights and what local services can be helpful to them.

We are delighted to have four specialist residential services for the Deaf nationally, supporting deaf, young people and adults from the age of 16.

All of our services provide a comfortable and homely environment and we adopt an inclusive therapeutic approach towards care and support. 

If you would like some advice or more information on our services and what we can do for you, message us to discuss a referral in confidence.
 

Referral Route:

Our unique communication environments help unlock the true potential of the amazing young people in our care. Our staff communicate in British Sign Language (BSL) to residents and other members of staff. This is augmented by PECS and other modern communication devices to ensure we develop effective strategies to support people in achieving their personal best.

Each of our specialist residential care homes cater for a wide range of needs and abilities, providing flexibility of peer groups. Peer interaction is key, promoting inclusion as well as building key living skills for later life.

Our residents mostly come into our services from situations where the current placement is unable to cope; be it from special schools, home or continued placement breakdowns.

Our aim is that the young people in our care feel included and that they do not suffer discrimination or disadvantage.

Educational Support:

Our team of specialist carers are led by a Registered Manager and all have considerable experience in working directly with young people who have communication difficulties and behaviourial problems.

We have a very high ratio of staff to young people with up to three carers on duty at any one time plus the manager and deputy. All of the care staff are qualified to QCF level or will be working towards this within three months of starting. The staff are also trained and qualified in using BSL and all have considerable experience in childcare and working with complex needs.

Staff shift patterns are based around three teams and three people working a 24-hour shift over a three week period. This allows for a consistent approach with minimum disruption to the young people. All residents are supervised as required and are accompanied by staff for education, leisure and other activities. However, when appropriate and following an assessment of risk, free time, as part of independence training is actively encouraged.

Every young person has an individual placement plan which clearly sets out a behaviour support programme and planned outcome targets over a specific period of time. Six-monthly reviews are arranged and the placement plan updated as and when necessary. We use a specialised therapist for any specific sessions and provide intensive work in relation to complex behaviours. We have access to other specialist therapists and commission their services as and when necessary.

We have a strong partnership with the National Deaf Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (NDCAMHS); they provide crucial support for any family in helping them to understand their children. As communication is reciprocal we place strong emphasis on ensuring that both parties understand each other.

Education

For young people who could not initially access a school environment, we have an outreach programme that enables tutors to come to our homes.

Depending on the progress we gradually begin to introduce young people into an education service with our staff supporting them until they are no longer required.

We support access to education for our children and young adults through our local schools and colleges. We help and support the transition to education along with the choices that may be taken.