Leaf Complex Care

01/09/2025

In care and support, nothing matters more than respecting a person’s privacy and dignity.

For people with multiple needs, having space, respect, and understanding in their own homes is vital. When we approach personal care in this way, we not only support them day to day but also empower them - valuing their individuality and what makes them who they are.

This means listening closely, embracing their views, and respecting their choices without making assumptions about what they need. It’s about meeting each person with compassion, empathy, and open communication.

By keeping these values at the heart of what we do, we can help create a culture of kindness and understanding, one that preserves dignity and truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Read more examples of dignity in care in the article below.

Maintaining privacy and dignity when providing personal care is important. In this post we explore how to accomplish this.

12/08/2025

The right support can make all the difference, especially when we look beyond labels like “too complex to support“.

Meet Vladan!💚

With patience, kindness, and a team that sees his potential, Vladan is now thriving, and we’re honoured to walk beside him.

Together with his family and our multidisciplinary team, we focused on creating a safe, consistent, and encouraging environment, one that put communication first, and helped him feel understood. Through everyday routines, clear structure, visual tools, and patient encouragement, we’ve seen incredible growth.

💬He’s now confidently using words and pictures to make requests.
✍️He writes his name independently.
🥘He prepares meals with support.
🧩He’s recognising colours, animals, and emotions.
🤝He’s building friendships and starting to shape his place in the community.

Progress like this doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of curiosity, patience, consistency - and belief.

Read more here: https://leafcare.co.uk/clients-impact-stories/vladans-care-journey-life-changing-outcomes-based-on-person-centric-practices

25/07/2025

📖With a strong focus on communication support, daily living skills and social skills, Vladan has made incredible progress in all areas of his development.

In just 6 months after joining our care, the care teams have seen a huge improvement in his regulation, and within 1.5 years, his communication has improved massively.

💬He’s now confidently using words and pictures to make requests.
✍️He writes his name independently.
🥘He prepares meals with support.
🧩He’s recognising colours, animals, and emotions.
🤝He’s building friendships and starting to shape his place in the community.

We have created a mini booklet on Vladan’s progress and outcomes. We’d love for you to take a look and join us in recognising every milestone.💚

10/07/2025

✨We’re thrilled to announce that has now joined Leaf Somerset in being awarded the Autism Specialist Award by the The National Autistic Society.

This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to provide inclusive, person-centred care, and we’re grateful to see the hard work of our Midlands team acknowledged in this way.

The Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance framework. With over 30 years of expertise behind it, it sets the benchmark for excellence in autism support, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it.

A huge thank you to our Leaf Midlands colleagues for their outstanding commitment - this achievement wouldn’t be possible without your passion and hard work.

We continue to strive for environments where autistic people feel understood, respected, and supported - across all our services.

Congratulations, Team Leaf Midlands!💚

08/07/2025

💬“A PBS plan is just a piece of paper until it’s brought to life.”

When we think about person-centred care, we often focus on what we can say or do - but what if the most powerful support comes from helping someone express their story in their own way?

In this interview, Benjamin Andrew, PBS Coach and Multimedia Specialist, shares how creative tools like video, animation, voiceovers, and visuals are breaking down barriers in support, making communication more accessible, learning more engaging, and transitions less overwhelming.

Ben speaks from experience, using simple, low-cost tools co-created with individuals, families, and teams to build resources that truly reflect the person’s voice, preferences, and goals. From digital social stories and sensory playlists to interactive guides and visual PBS plans, multimedia turns support into a collaborative journey of discovery, growth, and understanding.

As Ben says, “A PBS plan is just a piece of paper until it’s brought to life.” Multimedia helps us do just that, making support real, relatable, and rooted in what matters most to each person.

https://leafcare.co.uk/in-the-heart-of-care/specialists-corner-how-multimedia-is-transforming-support-for-people-with-learning-disabilities-and-autism/

At Leaf Complex Care, multimedia is being used in powerful, personalised ways to enhance the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism. We spoke to Ben Andrew, PBS Coach and specialist in multimedia advocacy, about how these creative tools are shaping the future of support.

02/07/2025

✨“I get the life I want, not what you guys want.” - Rylee✨

Rylee’s words say it all. By listening to what matters to Rylee, he's living life on his terms - one where he feels safe, connected, and in control.

From his first day at college studying Animal Care, to watching a match at Birmingham City FC, exploring air shows, or planning a surprise for his mum at Christmas, every moment is a step towards greater independence.

Every photo in this carousel captures a glimpse of the life he wants - and chooses, each day.

Oh, and Rylee’s kitchen motto? Cook it your way.🍽️

https://leafcare.co.uk/clients-impact-stories/rylee-i-get-to-live-the-life-i-want/

27/06/2025

✨Rylee had the best time at the carnival last week - his smile says it all!

There’s something so special about being part of moments that bring joy, comfort, and connection. We’re grateful to support Rylee in living a life full of colour, laughter, and love. 💛

Thank you Sarah for sharing Rylee’s carnival joy!

23/06/2025

💬Social stories are more than just helpful tools, they’re bridges to understanding, connection, and confidence.

From teaching self-care skills to preparing for “what if” moments or helping someone cope with strong feelings, each type of social story offers personalised support for people who process the world a little differently — especially autistic children and adults.

In this blog, we explore five common types of social stories and how they can gently guide someone through challenges, build independence, and reduce anxiety.

📖 Read the full article to learn more about writing meaningful stories that truly meet a person where they are.

👉https://leafcare.co.uk/blog/types-of-social-stories/

Explore the different types of Social Stories used to support people with autism. Learn how each type helps improve understanding and social skills.

16/06/2025

Rylee’s been busy again - this time at the grooming table. 🐶

With support from the team, he’s been learning how to brush, care for, and spend calm time with the dogs.

These moments might look small, but they’re part of something much bigger for Rylee.

🥰 We’re so proud to walk alongside Rylee as he discovers what he’s capable of - at his own pace, in his way.

https://leafcare.co.uk/clients-impact-stories/rylee-i-get-to-live-the-life-i-want/

11/06/2025

Last week, Rylee had an incredible day out at RAF Cosford Air Show, exploring the aircraft, learning about aviation history, and soaking in the atmosphere of this iconic museum.

These kinds of visits are about more than just a day out, they’re about discovering new interests, building confidence, and having fun along the way.

Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable experience for Rylee!🌟

03/06/2025

The right support starts with listening.

For Jacob, feeling safe and understood made all the difference.

Clear, kind communication built trust - and that trust opened the door to college, friendships, and doing the things he loves.

Read more of Jacob's journey: https://leafcare.co.uk/empowering-jacobs-journey-the-importance-of-holistic-and-person-centred-care/

15/05/2025

✨We're delighted to share that Leaf Somerset has been awarded the Autism Specialist Award by the The National Autistic Society.

This recognition reflects our team's dedication to providing inclusive, person-centred care for the people we support.

A heartfelt thank you to our Somerset team for their outstanding contributions. Your commitment has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

The Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance framework, recognising services that demonstrate best practices in autism support. With over 30 years of experience, it’s an internationally recognised standard, and we’re proud to be part of it.

We remain committed to continuous improvement and to creating environments where autistic people feel understood, respected, and supported.

Well done, Team Leaf Somerset! 💚

Care