Learning Disabilities Mental Health Needs Dementia Complex Behavioural Needs People with Complex Behavioural Needs Who we support Every life holds opportunity We believe that wherever possible, everybody should have the chance to live in a home, in a community, with access to life’s opportunities. For those with challenging behaviour, this hasn’t always been an option and in many cases has limited their access to the right support. Up to 40% of people with learning disabilities will experience mental health issues, with the prevalence of dementia much higher amongst older adults aged 65+ compared to the general population: 21.6% vs 5.7%. These facts, coupled with the communication difficulties so many people experience, help explain why challenging behaviours, including aggression, destruction and self-injury, are shown by 10%-15% of people with learning disabilities. They also explain the emphasis we put on ensuring our staff have the talents, the training and the sense of shared humanity that they need to ease people’s distress, calm their anger, and teach the skills so that lives can be lived. The facts 41% of adults with a learning disability do not have more than yearly contact with family they do not live with 50% to 90% Estimates suggest that 50% to 90% of people with learning disabilities have communication difficulties Our approach is always positive Using an approach called Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), our staff who specialise in complex behavioural needs are skilled at identifying potential triggers for challenging behaviour. They’re trained to focus on prevention, build communication skills and work with people to find other ways to manage their feelings. This is difficult and often slow work, but we have many success stories. For example, people who came to us with a reputation for being difficult to support but who now have their own tenancies, and whose behaviour no longer gets in the way of them living their life. All with continued support from staff they’ve chosen. Since I’ve come here, I feel free Lorraine, resident The difference a choice makes “Since I’ve come here, I feel free.” Having spent most of her life in hospital this was Lorraine’s response to moving into one of our homes in the community. Here she was finally able to experience having her own garden to grow vegetables in and feed the birds. Simple acts we take for granted, but aren’t an option for some people. Lorraine’s story isn’t unique, but with the support we’ve given her, she’s been able to live a life she’s chosen. What we offer Residential care homes Supported living Short breaks Expressions arts Find a service External resources The Challenging Behaviour Foundation Making a difference to the lives of people with severe learning disabilities Visit website NHS Dealing with challenging behaviour Visit website Donate Sign up to our mailing list Work for us Get in touch Intranet login Useful links Accessibility Privacy notice Cookie policy Site map Intranet login Find us Unit 10, Eclipse Office Park, High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5EL View on map Connect @MilestonesTrust Thank you so much to @WiWraxall for knitting and donating these lovely, colourful twiddle muffs! They'll go to Humphry Repton House, our home for people living with dementia, and will help to keep people we support's fingers busy & provide some extra warmth this winter Posted on Nov 30, 2021 RetweetFavorite Milestones Trust ©2021 A charitable company limited by guarantee Registered in England no. 2011021. Registered charity no. 294377 Designed by Clout Branding