Mum says ‘thank you’ for life-changing support

Great work spelled out in colourful plastic letters

This month we received a wonderful good news story from Jacqui Cattanach, Clinical Team Leader for Health Visitors and Health Visiting Support Workers.

Health Visiting Support Worker, Louise, recently provided parenting support to help mum, Katie, manage her son Aaron’s behaviour and sleep.

Jacqui explains how Louise worked in partnership with Katie to empower her as a parent and to give her the tools she needed:

 

“It is always great to share positive news stories received by team members. However, this example is particularly important at highlighting the trusting relationships and partnership working which supported the positive outcomes for Aaron.

As a health visiting support worker, Louise was introduced to the family to support with Aaron’s behaviour and sleep. This had been noted as the thing that mattered most to Aaron and his mum, Katie.

Parenting support involves getting to know a family well and using skills in empathy to build trust. Initially, during a period of weekly home visits, Louise used her communication skills, including good listening skills, to devise a plan of support in partnership with mum. This plan focused on Aaron’s daily routines and what was realistic and achievable. Louise adapted her style of communication to ensure Aaron was included and minimised unnecessary noise and other distractions.

Louise shared parenting strategies with Katie and sat on the floor to promote communication with Aaron. However, it was that ability to remain focused on Aaron and the “fun” Aaron appeared to get from the contacts that is so important to highlight.

Katie is now using the strategies with Aaron and has seen a very positive outcome. She believes that the support Louise provided has changed their lives and Aaron has stated how he enjoyed Louise coming to the house. Katie can see how well Aaron has been doing.”

 

Louise also received a lovely card from Katie, thanking her for the positive impact her support has made on Aaron’s daily life:

 

“Thank you for supporting both Aaron and I through a difficult patch. I really appreciate the time you gave us and of course the advice.

I have no doubt I’ll message you for more advice but in the meantime it was a pleasure.”

 

Thank you card from Katie

 

Well done to Louise for this fantastic outcome!