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Turning lives around at Hesley Group Based in Yorkshire, Hesley Group has been a leading independent provider of specialist support and education since 1975. Hesley Group works with more than 60 public authorities across the UK, supporting young people and adults with a learning disability, autism and other complex needs including behaviour that may challenge. Aged 14, Ashley joined Wilsic Hall School, a 52-week residential service situated in its own 14-acre site. Now, five years later, he’s completed his school education and moved to an adult, supported living service close to his family. Hesley Group interviewed him about his experiences. Ashley gave his permission for his story to be shared in SEN. Ashley described himself as being “aggressive” and “volatile” when he started at Wilsic Hall; if he was upset by someone, he would “give them a black eye”. During his first six months at Wilsic Hall, he displayed 47 incidents of high-level property damage and/or aggressive behaviour. He also had poor school attendance and low engagement with education. His behaviour was a barrier to him learning. But at Wilsic Hall School, Ashley has made amazing progress. During his last six months at Wilsic, Ashley only had two incidents. When asked to describe himself now he was leaving, Ashley said “I know my own triggers and can control myself”. Ashley’s Hesley Group behaviour therapist and his support staff helped him to identify the reasons behind his behaviour and alternative coping strategies. His Hesley Group psychologist worked with him on identifying and communicating emotions, plus managing his emotions and energy levels and using relaxation techniques. Ashley now sings to feel better as, for him, it is a way of thinking through things; his favourite songs are emotional and heartfelt! Ashley also said that when he feels sad he will hold George (his pet python) and talk to him. Ashley is now able to talk with his staff about what he thinks and how he feels. Ashley now has a range of fantastic coping strategies. Academic progress Ashley also made fantastic progress within education, achieving entry level qualifications in English and maths. Additionally, he achieved a Level 1 occupational studies qualification in wildlife. Ashley’s teacher at Wilsic Hall mentioned that “with our help, he’s found purpose in his life… a route forwards towards employment and qualifications.” Ashley has always had the same teacher, developing a close and trusting relationship. Ashley also grew in confidence and self-esteem. Ashley has sung at the Hesley Group’s annual festival. This wouldn’t have happened five years ago; his confidence was enhanced by him building strong relationships with his staff, teachers and managers. Ashley’s confidence also grew as he developed social skills. Ashley participated in “Attention Autism”, which aims to develop natural and spontaneous communication. He did so well that he later helped lead these sessions! Ashley also took part in group and one-to-one sessions, focusing on relationships and social skills. WWW.SENMAGAZINE.CO.UK
Ashley was able to use these skills to make friends at ice skating. Ashley started going ice skating whilst at Wilsic Hall School and said that he is now very good at it and that his balance has improved a lot. Ashley has made fantastic progress. He is now able to manage his thoughts and feelings, make friends, perform in front of people and achieve educational qualifications. He has also developed independence skills; for example, he makes his own GP appointments and cooks some of his own meals. All at Hesley Group are all so proud of Ashley. He said that he is proud of George and proud of himself for being a father to a snake. When asked what advice he would give to anyone coming to Wilsic Hall School, Ashley said that Wilsic Hall is “the best” and “if someone said they were not happy then the Hesley Group would help them”. Hesley Group has two specialist residential schools – Fullerton House School and Wilsic Hall School. For more information about Hesley Group, call freephone: 0800 055 6789, email: enquiries@hesleygroup.co.uk or visit their website at: www.hesleygroup.co.uk.
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