Better Connected
The project dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism
STRATEGY
Image: Istock
Anthony Garrett
Project Coordinator, Guideposts
Issue 65 | April 2023
The Guideposts Better Connected project was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide national support for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Using a uniquely safeguarded, purpose-built online hub, dedicated magazine and staff-led wellbeing support, the service is growing as it continues to connect this community.
Reaching out to isolated adults
The service reaches isolated vulnerable adults with support that gives them a voice as well as access to wider communities.
Better Connected is part of the Guideposts Trust, which celebrated 50 years as a registered charity in 2022 (see video).
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The key delivery mechanisms with Guideposts Better Connected include:
- Easy-to-use online hub.
- Print or online magazine with member-led articles, current affairs and an interactive activity pack.
- Staff and member-led meetings that are conducted in person.
- Daily staff-led sessions online (e.g. relationship workshops, wellbeing sessions, anxiety groups, art sessions, Mingle LGBTQ+, Guideposts radio show).
- Daily one-to-one staff-led care and wellbeing support, relationship support (e.g., text messages and telephonic or video calls).
- Providing online access to national and international learning disabled and autistic community events, online sessions and affiliated organisational meetings.
Meet the members and find out how Guideposts supports them and gives them a voice
Julian and Dawn
As long-standing ambassadors of Guideposts Better Connected, Julian and Dawn were invited to an interview for the BBC Radio Oxford breakfast show with Sophie Law about the BBC Radio Make a Difference Awards.
This featured Julian and Dawn as Guideposts ambassadors who have been making a difference in their community. Julian and Dawn managed to raise £1,319 for Guideposts on a virtual fundraising walk, The Global Challenge.
Better Connected ambassadors Julian and Dawn
William and Julie
Meet Guideposts Better Connected long-standing members William and Julie (William’s mother and primary carer). Julie approached Better Connected in 2022 for support with the challenges experienced in accessing social housing in Oxford and the cost of living crisis. This was published in an article in the Better Connected Magazine (click on the image below to read their story – pages 18-19).
BBC Radio Oxford Radio read the article online and invited Anthony Garrett from Guideposts Better Connected to comment, as this is central to the wider social housing issues in Oxford.
Julian and Dawn
As long-standing ambassadors of Guideposts Better Connected, Julian and Dawn were invited to an interview for the BBC Radio Oxford breakfast show with Sophie Law about the BBC Radio Make a Difference Awards.
This featured Julian and Dawn as Guideposts ambassadors who have been making a difference in their community. Julian and Dawn managed to raise £1319.00 for Guideposts on a virtual fundraising walk, The Global Challenge.
Better Connected ambassadors Julian and Dawn
William and Julie
Meet Guideposts Better Connected long-standing members William and Julie (William’s mother and primary carer). Julie approached Better Connected in 2022 for support with the challenges experienced in accessing social housing in Oxford and the cost of living crisis. This was published in an article in the Better Connected Magazine (click on the image below to read their story – pages 18-19).
BBC Radio Oxford Radio read the article online and invited Anthony Garrett from Guideposts Better Connected to comment, as this is central to the wider social housing issues in Oxford. Listen to the interview here.
Collaborative approach
Guideposts Better Connected proactively works with the NHS, Supported Living organisations and government stakeholders to provide much needed ongoing complementary support. With unique CQC standard real-time feedback opportunities and proven service pathways, Better Connected provides holistic and exemplary care feedback.
Guideposts Better Connected key stakeholders are:
- Adults with learning disabilities and/or autism age 18+
- Health and Social Care statutory services
- Supported Living organisations
With members at the core and directing the service, Guideposts Better Connected is successfully supporting members to have a voice and grow as a peer-led national community.
“Guideposts Better Connected is successfully supporting members to have a voice and grow as a peer-led national community.”
