A Manchester supported accommodation service that has helped people with enduring mental ill health move from hospital and supported settings towards greater independence is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Plasden Court, a Praxis Care service based in Wythenshawe, has supported around 50 people since opening in 2006. Many of those who access the service are transitioning from acute inpatient wards or other supported settings and require flexible, person-centred support to achieve greater independence within their communities.
To mark the milestone tenants, staff and families came together for a special celebration featuring music, karaoke, games and a buffet. Former staff members and people previously supported by the service also returned for the occasion, creating a reunion that reflected the lasting impact Plasden Court has had over the past two decades.
Among those sharing their experiences was Aaron Entwistle, who spoke about how support from Plasden Court had helped him build confidence, improve his wellbeing and become more independent.
Before moving to Plasden Court, Aaron spent time in hospital and described feeling isolated, struggling with his wellbeing and lacking opportunities to participate in activities or connect with others. Today, he independently manages his medication, attends football and fitness groups, travels to appointments on his own and plays an active role in his local community.
Asked what he is doing today that he never thought would be possible, Aaron said:
“Being independent, going out on my own, even to the hospital, appointments and the pharmacy.”
Aaron also paid tribute to the staff who have supported him on his journey, including Support Worker Saqab Ahmed:
“He helped me get into football, takes time out of his own day to come with me and helped me to make friends there.”
Saqab has been part of Plasden Court since the service opened 20 years ago and has supported countless people on their recovery journeys. Alongside his work with the people Praxis Care supports, he has played an important role in developing and mentoring colleagues, helping to create a positive and supportive culture within the service.
Reflecting on Aaron’s progress, Saqab said:
“Aaron always tries his best to involve everyone in the room so that they feel comfortable. Aaron’s motivation has developed to a point where he now attends fitness club and football club both weekly to improve his lifestyle and wellbeing.”
Aaron’s story is just one example of the impact Plasden Court has had over the past two decades. Through a person-centred approach, the team supports people to improve their wellbeing, build community connections, develop independent living skills and achieve personal goals. Activities including fitness sessions, football groups, walking programmes, cooking groups and creative activities help people gain confidence and develop new opportunities within their communities.
Earlier this year, those achievements were recognised at Praxis Care’s Staff Awards, where Plasden Court received the Living the Values Award and Saqab was presented with the Developing Self and Others Award.
Rosarie Tynan, Director of Care for Praxis Care in England said:
“For 20 years, Plasden Court has supported people to move forward with their lives and achieve goals that may once have felt out of reach.”
“Our anniversary celebration was an opportunity not only to look back on everything that has been achieved over the past two decades, but also to celebrate the people who have made that possible. Seeing former and current tenants, families and staff come together was a powerful reminder of the impact of person-centred support and the important role services like Plasden Court play within our communities.”
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