We’d like to share Stanley’s story with you.
Stanley, now 12, has complex needs and amongst his diagnoses, he was the second child in the UK to be diagnosed with sensory processing disorder when he was just 18 months old. Stanley was with the LSCFT’s Learning Disability Community Team between ages 4 and 11 and his nurse was Heather. In the early days his mum Catherine would despair, struggling to cope with Stanley’s behaviour and she explains she felt she was a bad mum because she didn’t understand her child’s behaviour or emotions.
But Senior Community LD Nurse and Locality Lead Heather Maw changed all of that - she provided reassurance, took the time to understand Stanley and his family and would go out of her way to be there for them - even if that meant staying late in the evening or at weekends.
She advocated for them when the family were too upset and when needed, Catherine explained she delivered hard truths in a compassionate and supportive way. She was there for them when Stanley needed surgery and stepped in when Catherine was taken ill, to ensure Stanley’s care continued.
Catherine said:
"Heather just got me and my family. She was always at the end of the phone and she always knew what to do when I was struggling and would step in. When I was in hospital poorly, my husband called her because he didn’t know what else to do. I still smile about that now and Heather said he was the first dad she’d received a call from."
As a result of the care provided by Heather, and weighing up a number of options over time, Catherine was eventually able to get Stanley into a private school suitable for his complex needs and arrange for residential accommodation for him. This was after the news that no public school would accept him and that Stanley’s health needs were better suited to the private route.
Heather supported Catherine and Stanley through every step of the process and making sure that they found the right fit for Stanley that also worked for the rest of the family, meaning they can visit throughout the week and at weekends.
Stanley is thriving in his house which he shares with five other boys with complex needs and has round the clock support. At school he goes swimming, rides horses and goes to a local climbing wall. A lover of the outdoors, it was so important that Stanley had regular access to this kind of activity where he flourishes. Stanley also catches the bus twice a week where him and the other children either go to Greggs or for a milkshake at Costa.
While communication is hard, he smiles and laughs with the other children and enjoys spending time with them. Stanley’s family have recently been able to achieve some major milestones, including the first meal out with Stanley - a delicious carvery - and last month they spent six hours at St Anne’s paddling pool because he loves water. experiences that once felt out of reach, Catherine explains, is all because of Heather and the trust they had in her to find the right support for Stanley.
Despite Stanley no longer receiving care under the CLDT, Catherine has stayed in touch with Heather and the team and sends videos and photo updates regularly. Their support and care has left a lasting impact.
She said:
"It is so clear to see how much her and the rest of the team, including the social workers, genuinely love their jobs. I feel so lucky to have had them all with us on our journey."
