Awards nominations, being a strong self-advocate and presenting to leading figures in social care in Wales – David* certainly achieved some fantastic outcomes.
He has certainly come a long way. At one, point the complex challenges he experienced resulted in him having to be supported by children services staff during a hospital admission and him requiring 2-1 support when he arrived at Nant View, a residential children’s home which is part of Keys.
David had experienced significant neglect in his past and although an older teenager, he functioned more at the stage of a 10 or 11-year-old. Diagnosed as autistic, he experienced complex difficulties including learning challenges including limited daily living skills and vocabulary and was unable to use cutlery. The young man was positively supported by the team at the home, in Rhondda Cynon Taff, and by a therapist from Keys who visited every two weeks.
He was, understandably very nervous when he first moved to Nant View in 2020, but with careful and mindful support and care from the team, he soon began to grow in confidence and flourish. He began attending school for the full day and also focused on improving his physical fitness.
Acting as his own strong self-advocate, David not only received a nomination for a national award, he worked closely with commissioners across Wales, attending events at the Welsh Senate as well as giving presentations on care and at Social Care Wales events.
Throughout his time at Nant View, the team also supported him to maintain positive family relationships, something that was very important to him.
David has now positively moved on from Nant View. Craig, Manager at the home, said: “David achieved many amazing outcomes and came so far from when he arrived to live here.”
“We’re incredibly proud of everything he achieved and look forward to hearing about his future successes.”
