Blog

Read more about the diverse ecosystems of support in the health and social care sector through our blog posts. To provide deeper insight, we have established a dedicated platform where our multidisciplinary team of specialists share their first-hand experiences working with the people they support. As part of this initiative, the ‘In the Heart of Care’ blog series serves as a primary resource, offering a closer look at their proactive approach and personalised tools designed to encourage people’s journeys forward. 

a man with bpd feeling confused

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Symptoms and Causes

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health challenge affecting many aspects of people's lives. If you have a borderline

6 Effective Ways to Support and Empower Neurodivergent People

In a world that celebrates diversity, it is crucial to extend our understanding to neurodivergent individuals with utmost respect and
kid with an intellectual disability playing

Insights into Severe Learning Disabilities

A severe learning disability (SLD) is a profound cognitive difficulty affecting the person's skills in various areas of the learning

Promoting Diversity in Mental Health Care

Promoting diversity in mental health care is an essential element of social care that recognises the significance of individual differences

Pathological Demand Avoidance Related Conditions

Every child shows demand avoidance from time to time, which is a natural and spontaneous human characteristic. However, in pathological

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Your loved one just asked you the same question you answered minutes ago. You realise they are forgetting things they

What Are the 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia?

Vascular dementia belongs to the group of progressive neurodegenerative conditions resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. Like the other

Neurodiversity in Children: Embracing and Supporting Individual Differences

Neurodiversity in children celebrates the rich spectrum of neurological differences, fostering an inclusive environment that embraces and supports neurodivergent people.

Safeguarding: Protecting Vulnerable People and Promoting Safety

Safeguarding is the core of every exceptional healthcare and social service. Creating and maintaining a safe environment where everyone is

Strategies for Nurturing Emotional Well-Being in Individuals with PDA

Living with pathological demand avoidance (PDA) can be a challenging experience for the individual and their family. However, there are

Principles of Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care prioritises the unique needs, preferences, and autonomy of individuals, leading to better healthcare outcomes and a more compassionate

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Characteristics and Strategies for Support

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is a pattern of behaviour that describes challenges with carrying out demands. PDA is also known

Trauma-Informed Practice: The Stories We Write About People and How They Shape Their Recovery

George has built an impressive career as a specialist clinical practitioner, practice lead and trainer, focusing on managing and reducing high-risk behaviours of concern -including self-injury, self-harm and aggression to others. Through collaborative efforts with the therapy team, services, and across the organisation, Georgina has developed her role at Catalyst, finding ways to promote best practices in reducing restrictions and positive approaches to risk-taking. She shares real-life examples of how reducing restrictive practices is recognised as essential for improving well-being and quality of life and as an evidence-based approach to reducing behaviour of concern....

Specialist’s Corner: How Multimedia Is Transforming Support for People with Learning Disabilities and Autism

At Leaf Complex Care, multimedia is being used in powerful, personalised ways to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism. We spoke to Ben Andrew, PBS Coach and specialist in multimedia advocacy, about how these creative tools are shaping the future of support....

Key Factors in Adequately Assessing and Evaluating Autistic People

With varied experiences across different spheres and career paths, Ophelia was introduced to the field of occupational therapy by another occupational therapist. With her intuitive nature and a deep desire to support others, she found opportunities to volunteer in various occupational therapy services, gaining insight into the field's vast scope. She realised that this was her true vocation, enabling her to build a career aligning with her skillset while supporting people when they need it most. Join us as we explore Ophelia’s role and approach to therapy, grounded in evidence and driven by compassion....

How Intensive Interaction Helps Build Connections

Jodee’s career beginnings were in teaching and education, but her path shifted toward care when her passion for speech and language therapy was sparked by her eldest son, who is autistic. Jodee, who also is also autistic, found that her mental health needs made her previous work challenging, as the support she required was often lacking. Joining Catalyst Care Group became the turning point she needed—a place where people are truly recognised and valued for who they are. In the opening article, Jodee shares valuable insights into reframing how we communicate with the neurodivergent people we support, explaining how she brings this approach to life....

The Holistic Model of Occupational Therapy

With varied experiences across different spheres and career paths, Ophelia was introduced to the field of occupational therapy by another occupational therapist. With her intuitive nature and a deep desire to support others, she found opportunities to volunteer in various occupational therapy services, gaining insight into the field's vast scope. She realised that this was her true vocation, enabling her to build a career aligning with her skillset while supporting people when they need it most. Join us as we explore Ophelia’s role and approach to therapy, grounded in evidence and driven by compassion....

Building Better Care: The Journey Towards Least-Restrictive Practices

George has built an impressive career as a specialist clinical practitioner, practice lead and trainer, focusing on managing and reducing high-risk behaviours of concern -including self-injury, self-harm and aggression to others. Through collaborative efforts with the therapy team, services, and across the organisation, Georgina has developed her role at Catalyst, finding ways to promote best practices in reducing restrictions and positive approaches to risk-taking. She shares real-life examples of how reducing restrictive practices is recognised as essential for improving well-being and quality of life and as an evidence-based approach to reducing behaviour of concern....

Getting the Right Support in Place: Communication Care Plans That Work

Jodee leads the Communication Care Planning training for all care coordinators within our organisation. The training is aimed primarily at care coordinators because many are responsible for developing people’s care plans and ensuring their implementation by the support workers. Care coordinators play an essential role in maintaining the smooth running of the services, acting as mediators between the people we support and their care team. Their role involves ensuring that everyone feels supported in their responsibilities for meeting the needs of the people in our care....

The Language of Difference: Understanding Autistic Communication Differences

Jodee’s career beginnings were in teaching and education, but her path shifted toward care when her passion for speech and language therapy was sparked by her eldest son, who is autistic. Jodee, who also is also autistic, found that her mental health needs made her previous work challenging, as the support she required was often lacking. Joining Catalyst Care Group became the turning point she needed—a place where people are truly recognised and valued for who they are. In the opening article, Jodee shares valuable insights into reframing how we communicate with the neurodivergent people we support, explaining how she brings this approach to life....

Call us if you know someone with complex care needs that are a risk to themselves or others or have noticed rapidly escalating behaviours.