Lewis is back on track after support from Thornbeck College
After a prolonged period out of education, a personalised plan from Thornbeck College staff has helped Lewis thrive.
Thornbeck College
CC is happy to leave her comfort zone
CC was so overwhelmed on her first day at Thornbeck College that she spent it in a darkened room, sitting on the floor with Principal Fay Strong keeping her company.
In the following months, she would hide in the toilets if she felt she was outside her comfort zone. She had up to 15 seizures a day, exacerbated by anxiety, and she couldn’t take part in activities like swimming or cooking.
Now, 18 months later, CC has built up a strong relationship with staff and is trying things she has never done before – with huge success.
She organised a bingo session with a local care home for the elderly, calling the numbers and handing out prizes. It was so popular they’ve asked her to repeat it.
She goes swimming twice a week and is so competent in the kitchen now that she cooks Fay a lunch every Wednesday.
“When I arrived, I masked a lot. I was always worried about getting into trouble,” the 21-year-old explains.
“But now, I have an open and honest relationship with staff. If I get dysregulated, they understand the problem behind it and will improve it."
“Things are explained to me – after all, if I’m saying no, it’s for a reason.”
Staff at Thornbeck, Newton Aycliffe, adopted a different approach than CC was used to. Rather than offer rewards or threaten consequences – placing undue expectations on her – they listen to her concerns and work with her to overcome things that are worrying her.
Fay says: “CC trusts that we will never lie to her. She knows that we will only do things with her consent because it’s about her.
“We have a good system. If she’s worried, she will send an email before something happens and we’ll discuss it. If I have an idea that takes her out of her comfort zone, I’ll email her and she thinks about it.”
The approach has made a big difference for CC. When Fay emailed her suggesting she use an adapted kitchen and tools for cooking, she considered it and agreed to try.
“That itself was an achievement. Before, I would have gone home or said no,” CC says. “So I tried, and now I shop and cook every week. I cook a surprise for Fay for lunch – I’ve done sweet and sour, stuffed peppers, teriyaki beef, tacos. I like it better now.”
CC herself came up with the idea of an inflatable and a full-face snorkel for swimming. Now, instead of standing in the corner at the pool, she is in the water playing handball, water pistols and splash wars. “I can join in and enjoy it,” she says.
As well as cooking, CC’s personalised study programme includes English, community participation, business administration and woodwork. Whereas she was once scared of the woodwork tools, she now uses adapted protective equipment that stops her getting anxious.
“I don’t hide in the toilets anymore! I used to hide or run away if I was overwhelmed. I hardly have any seizures now because I’m not so stressed,” she says.
“Staff know me and understand me. I can communicate with them, and there are no expectations so there’s no ‘fight or flight’ response.”
CC appreciates how her own approach has changed in positive ways, too.
She says: “When I first arrived, I didn’t trust people to do what they said they were going to do. Fay and the staff have changed my perception of people.
“Coming to the college has been a good thing for me. When I look back where I was this time last year, I was stuck in my ways. I have more options now and I’m more ready to compromise.”
You may also be interested in...
Keep in the Loop
Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with all our latest news and events, gain access to exclusive resources, and be the first to know about our newest shop items and updates!