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.

Speech and Language Support for Autistic People

There is a growing emphasis on understanding and addressing the speech, language, and communication needs of autistic children in the

Speech and Language Therapy for Learning Disabilities

Imagine a world where expressing thoughts or sharing feelings is a daily struggle. For people with a learning disability, this

Capable Environments: Fostering Growth and Potential

The Capable Environments Model provides a holistic framework for effectively supporting growth and well-being in today’s world. Whether in the

Four Principles of Integrated Commissioning

The four principles of integrated commissioning are designed to promote sector-led improvement by appropriately aligning health and social care services

Signs of Masking in Autistic Women

Autistic women frequently engage in masking—a behaviour in which they alter or conceal their autistic traits to fit in with

Occupational Therapy for Learning Disabilities

Occupational therapy (OT) plays an instrumental role in assisting people with a learning disability—neurological variations that influence how the brain

Occupational Therapy for Autism

Occupational therapy (OT) is a cornerstone of support for autistic people, providing essential services that allow them to bridge the

Building a Healthier Future: From Hospital to Community

The focus on transitioning from a hospital-centric healthcare model to a community-based care-at-home model aims to improve health outcomes and

The Commissioning Cycle in Social Care

In social care, commissioning involves the planning, agreement, and oversight of services, ensuring they adequately address the needs of the

Identifying the Key Signs of Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity challenges the traditional medical model of disability, which views neurological differences as 'deficits' or 'disorders' that need to be

Human Rights in Mind When Discharge Planning

Integrating human rights and discharge planning is essential to uphold people's dignity, autonomy, and well-being. A human rights-based approach to

NICE Quality Standards in Social and Health Care in the UK

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) was established as a special health authority on April 1st, 1999, to

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

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....