Staff’s innovative approach to support disability service during lockdown

Staff at Neath Port Talbot Council’s employment and training service for adults with disabilities have been coming up with innovative ways to support individuals that attend the service during lockdown.

Known as Bspoked Enterprises, the service aims to give individuals the opportunity to build confidence, develop employment skills and become more independent.

Following Government guidance and to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, the service was temporarily closed in March.  However, staff are continuing to make sure individuals are kept mentally and physically active during these challenging times as well as providing emotional support to those who need it.

To do this, staff have adapted their service to connect with individuals online by carrying out quizzes, games, support chats and virtual learning sessions. Plus, staff have been making weekly video chats and phone calls to check on their general welfare.

A member of staff involved in delivering this service said:  “Many of the service users have continued to use the skills they have gained at Bspoked Enterprises to make various items from jewellery to pitta bread pizzas, and they have also been helping out around their own homes to ensure they maintain their independence.

“Activity packs are being made and sent out regularly to individuals which include mindfulness exercises, healthy recipes, fruit and vegetable seeds for them to grow at home, card making packs with the relevant instructions on how to create a handmade card and up to date information regarding Covid-19.”

“They are very proud of the goals they are achieving during lockdown and enjoy posting photographs on social media of their activities and things they are making which is giving them a huge sense of achievement.”

Before the Coronavirus outbreak, service users would attend the service based at Neath Abbey to make products from repurposed materials; finished products are then sold as household items and personalised gifts such as unique artwork, ornaments, garden furniture, photo frames and lots more. Plus, they would have the chance to learn about preparing meals, take part in volunteering opportunities in the community and bicycle mechanics.

Katie, who attends Bspoked Enterprises, said: “I have enjoyed the online activities set by Ffion and Aaron (Employment and Work Projects Trainers at Bspoked Enterprises), it has kept me busy during the lockdown. I have really enjoyed the packs they have sent out and have been busy completing the mindfulness colouring, the mathematic sheets and I am looking forward to learning beginner’s sign language.”

Councillor Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Health, said: “A big thank you to all the staff at Bspoked Enterprises, they are a great example of the work services are putting in to make sure our most vulnerable residents can continue to receive the care and personal support that they need.

“This is a difficult time for everyone so it’s crucial that we work together to ensure no one gets left behind as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.”

To view the gifts that are made and sold at Bspoked Enterprises, follow their Facebook page, @bspokedenterprises.