Godfrey Care’s  Ash Tree House service in Burton-on-Trent facilitated a journey of discovery for two of our residents, supporting them on their first-ever train trip!

The service team spoke to JB and LC to discuss any new experiences that they would like to explore, using pictures to communicate ideas and potential choices. The pair decided on a rail excursion, boarding the train at Burton-on-Trent and travelling to Derby for a session at Oxygen Trampoline Park followed by lunch at Subway. They had a wonderful time and embraced every aspect of the day.

The success of the outing demonstrated the value of positive risk-taking, a key part of the specialist care and support that Godfrey Care provide. It’s a process that weighs up potential risks and benefits to make a balanced, informed decision and plan the necessary support with a view to achieving a positive outcome. Positive risk-taking often results in important breakthroughs in personal development for the people we support.

JB and LC’s day out also illustrated the positive impact of co-production, another core element of Godfrey Care’s care model. Co-production is a way of working that empowers the people who use our services, encouraging their active involvement in a partnership to evaluate and develop the support we provide. It’s based on the idea that people who use services can provide vital input and advice on what support and services will help them.

Heather Wilkinson, Registered Manager at Ash Tree House, said:

“It was wonderful to see JB and LC sharing a new experience and having so much fun. The day had a lasting positive impact in so many ways. It helped to build friendships, support the development of social skills and increase confidence. The support team were fantastic in helping to make this happen, collaborating with JB and LC to plan every step and make it a very memorable day.”

We’re delighted to see JB and LC thriving and arriving at a new stage in their personal growth – well done to the support team for making it a smooth journey!