Communication
St Christopher’s Services adopt and promote a total communication approach for all service user’s attending St. Christopher’s. A Total Communication approach promotes a culture where gestures, body language, signs, symbols, photographs, objects of reference and electronic aids are used in a consistent manner to support speech or as an alternative to speech.
St Christopher’s staff have a vital role as communication partners in supporting those who do not use verbal language to communicate, or those whose current communication methods do not allow the expression of everything that they need to say. As part of our model of support/care planning, each service user will have an assessment in relation to communication carried out by staff. Following the assessment, a support/care plan will be documented, identifying areas where they may require support.
St Christopher’s Services provides a Communication Resource page for all staff members on SharePoint. This information page is a compilation of strategies, tools & techniques to support communication with people with a range of communication needs. The SharePoint contains for example, Service Easy reads, social stories, information on use of visual schedules and objects of reference. We have a dedicated staff member to assist staff with communication queries.
Communication is vital to every aspect of our lives. It impacts on our relationships, choice, control, emotions, self-esteem and self- expression. Therefore it is fundamental to our wellbeing and quality of life.