Eluned Watson

Learning Disability Week takes place from 17th to 23rd June. This year is a particularly important event, as 2019 also celebrates 100 years of learning disability nursing.

Liz Bailey is a registered Learning Disability Nurse who has worked at Derwen College for nearly three months.. She joined the expert nursing team after working as a Learning Disability Nurse in the community. Liz explains what being a Learning Disability Nurse means to her and talks about the huge changes in the profession over the past century.

Liz, from Welshpool, took her Learning Disability Nursing Degree from 2015 at University of Wolverhampton after spending time working as a support worker. Whilst at university she was chosen as the England student representative on the Strengthening the Commitment steering group, a review to modernise UK learning disability nursing. She loves her job and is passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities to receive the best possible health care.

What is a Learning Disability Nurse?

It’s the best job in the world! The role of a Learning Disability Nurse is a varied one. We take a holistic approach to health, ensuring that each individual achieves their optimum physical, mental, social and spiritual health. To be happy and healthy, it’s vital that each person with a learning disability fulfils their potential in all aspects of their lives. My role is to empower people to look after themselves and give them the confidence to expect the best possible health care.

What is the difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty?

A learning disability is related to brain function and overall cognitive impairment. It is diagnosed before the age of 18 and results in an IQ of lower the 70. Learning disabilities are often related to specific conditions such as Down’s Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome. A learning difficulty is unrelated to brain function or intellectual ability but can make understanding of words or numbers more complex, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD.

What is a typical day for you?

There really is no typical day at Derwen. It changes every day – it’s a job that never gets boring. I am lucky to work with a highly experienced team of nurses who bring a wide range of different skills to the table. We are two Learning Disability Nurses, one General Nurse and an experienced senior Healthcare Assistant.

This morning was GP clinic where we support the visiting doctor. We are regularly involved with meeting and assessing prospective students; we attend reviews and meet with professionals; we advise on medication and are involved with a lot of training and support of care staff and students. Then there’s the paperwork, and visits from students popping in and out for a whole variety of reasons. It’s important to be able to build a relationship with students.

How has the role of Learning Disability Nurse changed over the past 100 years?

There have been massive changes over the century and many just in the last two decades. Attitudes and care of people with learning disabilities has changed drastically, although there is still more to do. 100 years ago – even 20-30 years ago – many people with learning disabilities were sent away from their families to long stay hospitals. When I worked as a community nurse I was saddened to see a lot of people who had been sent to long stay hospitals since the age of four of five who were now left in the community with little family or social support.

When Derwen College was founded in 1927, Dame Agnes Hunt’s vision of creating work opportunities and independence for people with disabilities was revolutionary for its time.

Recently, the STOMP Campaign has been a very important NHS initiative working towards stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP). Sadly, people with learning disabilities and/or autism are too often misdiagnosed or treated with drugs for behaviours which are misunderstood. Prescriptions of psychotropic medicines for psychosis, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and epilepsy need to be regularly evaluated. It is vital that we examine the triggers that can result in certain behaviours of concern rather than disguise the symptoms with medication.

Nowadays, there is a focus on empowerment of people with learning disabilities, allowing them to have a voice and to help them to be heard. We recognise that mental health is as important as physical and that it is vital to be able to form friendships, relationships and a social circle with like-minded people. We value the importance of relationships, working with students on personal development and sex education.

What adaptations do you make to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive best quality health care?

People with learning disabilities should expect no less and receive no less service than anyone else. They are entitled to the same access to investigations and treatments as anyone else but acknowledging and accommodating the fact that they might need to be delivered differently to achieve the same outcomes.

It is about being aware of whether an individual understands their medical choices and ensuring they are able to make an informed choice on their own health. It is important to look at each person as an individual and support them. For example, some people with learning disabilities and/or autism will find busy/noisy environments challenging, so it makes sense to take them out of that environment or explain the routine of what will be happening to them. Options should be explained in a clear way, perhaps using pictures or social stories to aid understanding.

Annual health checks are important to pre-empt any potential health problems to pick up on any concerns before they become serious. It’s all about empowering people to be able to get what they need.

What qualities do you need to be a great Learning Disability Nurse?

It’s a very special job. You have to be a good all-rounder as the job is about mental health and wellbeing as well as physical. You need empathy and the ability to communicate well with many different people from the person with a learning disability, to their family, to social workers and other health professionals. You have to be confident in your own opinion and judgement, and you definitely need to be able to think outside of the box.

What do you love about your job?

It is possible to make a massive difference to people’s lives through empowerment. It’s a job that can be truly life changing. I love it.

The 14^th June marks Derwen College’s 92^nd birthday, and what a lot has changed in the nine and a bit decades since we were established by the inspirational Dame Agnes Hunt back in 1927.

On the 14^th June 1927, Dame Agnes found The Derwen Training College where disabled young people were to learn a trade and become as independent as possible.  In 1948, Dame Agnes died leaving behind the amazing legacy that is Derwen College as we know it today.

The college has grown and changed over the years, and now provides inspirational learning to 177 students, trainees and clients at the college’s main site and three satellite sites based in Baschurch, near Shrewsbury; Higher Penley, near Wrexham; and Craven Arms.

In 92 years, it’s not just the college buildings, site and accommodation that are unrecognisable. Much has changed in terms of attitudes towards people with learning difficulties and disabilities, teaching methods and support. However, the Derwen focus remains constant: to provide our students with work and independence skills and qualifications, whilst offering social and sporting opportunities to enhance their wellbeing, and empowering them with the confidence to reach their aspirations and have their voices heard.

Nationally, just six percent of people with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work. Derwen College strives to change this through work-based vocational pathways, work placements and through the building of strong industry relationships with large national and local business. Students work in the college’s popular commercial outlets which include the thriving Garden Café, Orangery Restaurant, Karten Print Shop, Garden Centre and Shop. We are privileged to have the support of the local community who visit us to eat and shop, tell their friends about us, and come along to our special themed events, sponsored walk and Summer Fete.

Derwen continues to fundraise to provide the best experience for our students by supporting their learning, work and well-being, and updating accommodation and facilities. Just this month, the college was delighted to be awarded Border Counties Advertizer Charity of the Year, as well as winning the paper’s Customer Service and Top Place to Eat or Drink categories – testament to the support and goodwill from the local community.

Thank you to everyone who has ever lived, worked or learnt at Derwen, and has been part of its rich history. Thanks to our local community, loyal customers, students, families and staff. We believe that Dame Agnes would be incredibly proud of our achievements so far, and look forward to seeing what the future holds as we draw gradually nearer to our centenary year.

Derwen College won an amazing three awards at the Oswestry Advertizer’s Community and Business Awards.

The College was thrilled to take home a trio of gongs in the newspaper’s Charity of the Year, Customer Service and Top Place to Eat or Drink categories.

The Gobowen college for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was praised for its hard work in fundraising towards students’ independence, wellbeing and work opportunities.

While the college’s Orangery Restaurant, Garden Café and Garden Centre and Shop were recognised for ‘serving delicious homemade food and drink’ and for ‘being home to a hub of commercial outlets all with an outstanding reputation of customer service.”

The Advertizer presented College Principal Meryl Green and Marketing and Projects Co-ordinator Helen Edwards with the awards.

Meryl Green said she was very proud of Derwen College’s achievements.

She said: “It’s so nice to receive these awards, especially as they are voted for by members for the public and the nominations came from people we work with within the community.

“It’s really important to us that we are a huge part of the community which is down to the hard work of our staff and students.”

The sun shone on the hundreds of visitors who came out and supported Derwen College Summer Fete, making it another bumper year.

Students past and present, families, staff, volunteers and the local community all visited the college helping out and taking part in games, have-a go-activities, shopping at the stalls and outlets, and enjoying the wide variety of food and drink on offer.

Activities for young and old to take part in included badge making, screen printing, skittles, Play Your Cards Right, Coconut Shy and Lucky Dip.

Sports activities were provided by Oswestry fencing coaches from Phenzync and football with Chester FC, who came along with cuddly wolf mascot Big Lupus.

The event was also supported by local rotary clubs who ran games and a popular book stall.

The fete offered visitors the chance to see some of the college and meet students. There was a Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards camp showcasing the challenges taken on by students and staff for the awards, a Student Reunion area for former students to meet up, and an adapted bike owned by student Mackenzie Beeson who is taking part in a sponsored cycle around Lake Vyrnwy in July.

There were rave reviews of the Creative Arts students’ show called BeSmART and visitors admired and bought works of art from the students’ art exhibition.

Stalls also sold the college’s [email protected] bread, cakes, jams and chutneys, served up home-made ice-creams galore, and treated guests to a barbecue and Pimms bar.

Located within the commercial areas of the college, revellers also enjoyed the opportunity to shop and eat at the college’s Orangery Restaurant, Garden Café and Garden Centre and Shop.

Principal Meryl Green said she was delighted to see so many people visiting the college for the fete.

She said: “The sun came out and the atmosphere was just fabulous. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves at the fete and taking part in the fun activities and shopping at stalls. We would like to thank all our supporters who are generous with their time, their fundraising and their enthusiasm for the work of the college, and also to external stall holders and all our sponsors – the generosity and community spirit was inspiring.”

Funds raised from the Summer Fete will go to Derwen College Charity supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities in their work, independence and wellbeing.

For more information on the college’s commercial outlets go to www.visitderwen.co.uk

Students and staff enjoyed a bank holiday Monday at the coast when they visited the Welsh seaside town of Barmouth for the day.

Students Drew, Carter, Leah, Tom and Katherine enjoyed a day on the beach, eating ice-creams, playing in the arcades and making the most of the fun of the fair.

Grey weather didn’t deter the seaside revellers who enjoyed a break from their timetabled curriculum for bank holiday Monday.

As well as their vocational learning, Derwen College students spend time learning independence skills through fun activities and well-being sessions outside of timetabled sessions including clubs, trips and social events. Happy holidays!

 

Derwen College students have faced wet weather, blisters and nights under canvas this month in preparation for challenging Duke of Edinburgh’s (D of E) Awards.

A total of 44 students from the specialist Shropshire college have been training for their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards on gruelling practice expeditions. Students have covered miles of road, canal and lake in the build up to demanding treks which will see them achieving Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

Sixteen Bronze Award students tackled a 5km walk across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct into Chirk in preparation for a two-day expedition around the Chirk area. 22 Silver students spent three days and two nights on a canoeing and camping expedition along the Llangollen canal, completing a gruelling 26 kilometres on the water.

Six students have been working towards the most challenging Gold Award. Students spent five days and four nights at Glan Llyn activity centre on the shores of Lake Bala taking part in a range of outdoor activities and helped instructors deliver activities to school children. They also undertook a four day and three night trek in the Beddgelert area of Snowdonia, walking 10km each day

Derwen College is proud to see so many students working towards Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Last year, saw five Gold award students visiting Buckingham to receive their awards from Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Winter Paralympic athlete Sean Rose. The college will be honouring all D of E students who have worked so hard at a dedicated awards ceremony in July.

The college first took on the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards scheme back in 2014, and was one of the first specialist colleges to do so. Interest in the programme has grown, with a large proportion of students taking part.

Steve Evans, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards leader and Sports Co-ordinator at Derwen College, strongly believes that the D of E programme complements Derwen College’s vision to create ‘an enriched learning environment that enables students to transform their lives for the better.’

Steve says: “The D of E programme is challenging and gives our students the chance to develop skills for life and work. It promotes independence, pushing young people out of their comfort zone.”

“Our students have additional needs such as autism, physical disabilities and communication difficulties, despite this, they go above and beyond to achieve. We see our young people come through the programme with raised self-esteem and increased confidence. As well as gaining a nationally recognised award, achievement of the D of E evidences commitment and dedication whilst developing problem solving, independent thinking and leadership attributes; skills that the students can use in other areas of life. It is recognised as the world’s leading youth award and can enhance employment and independence – something we actively promote at Derwen College.”