WELCOME TO NORTH SOMERSET
Brandon Trust's Lead Director in North Somerset is Steve Ogilvie Contact: steve.ogilvie@brandontrust.org |
The Local Conversation
Brandon Trust is staying local. Although Brandon Trust is developing new services across the South West Region we recognise the importance of providing services and support to people that reflect what is going where they live and work. The following conversation is from Brandon Trust's current annual report and is specific to the North Somerset area.
The North Somerset Conversation
"...you've done this before so we wanted your expertise and clout."
Keren Kane is the mother of Thomas who is receiving a new service from Brandon Trust and Karen Mellalieu is a Business Development Manager. These three people have worked together to develop a service that will offer Thomas his own Unique Future.
Karen: This all started about 2 years ago when you approached us about a service whilst Thomas was still at college in Exeter. You wanted information about Brandon Trust and what we could do for Thomas. It quickly became apparent that you were looking for something a bit different.
Keren: Yes, our vision for Thomas was of him living in his own place with a group of friends and support to do the things he wants to do.
Tom: I want to live my life my way.
Karen: Absolutely! I remember it meant a lot of talking about what the service might look like and conversations with you about the kind of things you want. Then the service development was put in motion.
Tom: Mum and dad spoke to my social worker about others who might be interested.
Karen: Wasn't that about 10 months ago?
Keren: Yes, we then went to Golden Lane Housing to find the right place. That was the hardest part. I looked at lots of houses; Golden Lane were looking too, but eventually I found a fabulous place at the Port Marine in Portishead. It's perfect, close to all the local amenities and in the thick of everything going on in the new development. Thomas moved in with three other people his own age. He's really getting to grips with what's going on in Portishead.
Karen: You never did tell me why you chose Brandon Trust in the end.
Keren: Well, generally speaking because we're in the care industry ourselves we have inside knowledge about what can happen when you're running a service. We looked at several providers and also considered running the service ourselves. All the organisations we spoke to said the right things but were quite small. We know the pitfalls that can come with not having a big enough infrastructure. You've done this before so we wanted your expertise and clout.
Karen: Did you have any concerns?
Keren: Some, we know what can happen when you're managing at the coal face in big organisations; we're realistic about what things can go wrong. We were impressed with the people from Brandon Trust and what you said. We also felt confident that you had the resources to deal with any problems that might come up. Besides, you've got quite a formidable group of parents keeping an eye on things!
