Changes in practice
We hope that everyone attending a Connect training course will take away at least one new idea to enhance their service, no matter how small. Here are some examples of how PCTs and services have made changes to their practice:
Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT
Martyne Chaston describes how setting up groups in her service gave clients extra support as well as the opportunity to develop skills and confidence.
Pat Mackay and her team wanted to improve their service options to clients. Not only did they want to offer something different to traditional impairment therapy, they wanted to offer practical solutions to clients, rather than just 'information giving'. They turned to Connect training to help them draw all their ideas and experiences together.
After SLT support practitioner Ann Jones-Roberts attended 'Develop your communication skills' she came away feeling 'enthusiastic and positive' and realised she could be a better advocate for her client's and carers.
Two years ago the Mid-Essex Speech and Language Therapy team had long waiting lists for out-patient services and feedback from people with aphasia reflected a high level of frustration with the service offered. The service looked to Connect for inspiration and a way to rethink their service.
Integrated Stroke Service in Newham
Speech and Language Therapist Mary Pointer has been aware of Connect and the Connect ethos of involving people with aphasia in service development and access since her student days. Mary and her team in Newham chose to train with Connect as it was one of the few places that offered training to whole teams rather than just individuals.