Learning from people’s experiences of restrictive practices

The people we support are at the centre of everything we do, and their unique voices play a crucial role in shaping our services and our decision making. Involving the people we support in discussions about practices that impact their lives is not just beneficial, but essential.

On Wednesday 31st July, we hosted a feedback session for people supported by Mirus in Swansea. The event gave them the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions of restrictive practices with representatives from Swansea Bay University Health Board (UHB). Their insights will inform the development of a new online training course, aimed at reducing the use of restrictive practices.

Neil, one of the representatives, emphasised the significance of ensuring that the views of the people most affected by these practices are at the forefront of the guidance that they share in future. He said:

“We want people with a learning disability to tell us what they feel is important and should be included in the course. Today it is important to hear your voices and opinions about what is important to you.”

Restrictive practices can take many forms, including shouting, surveillance through cameras, and physical restraint. These practices often limit peoples’ ability to make their own decisions and reduce their autonomy. The aim of the session was to identify these practices and discuss how their use can be reduced safely.

During the session, people supported by Mirus were asked questions to encourage discussion and gather feedback. They talked about their experiences of restrictive practices and how it made them feel. Participant, Ross, said:

“We should always be involved in writing our support plans.”

Sue, a Support Worker, added:

“Keep the person at the centre, always.”

The group also discussed scenarios where restrictions might be appropriate. For example, Alex pointed out:

“Restrictions would be okay when someone wants to do something dangerous. Staff would have a duty of care to protect that person”

Abi Phillips, Mirus Area Manager for Swansea, summed up the importance of the session:

“When we heard that Learning Disability Wales and Swansea Bay UHB were looking for people with a learning disability to share their opinions on restrictive practices, we were very keen to offer this opportunity to the people we support in Swansea. It is vital that people have a voice in things that directly impact them.

“We work closely with people and their families to create support plans that truly work for them. Our goal is to remove barriers and restrictions, ensuring that everyone has a voice, choice and control in everything they do. This feedback session was the perfect opportunity for people to positively influence support services beyond Mirus.”

The feedback from the people supported by Mirus who participated in the session was overwhelmingly positive. Ross said:

“I’ve liked it. Good job!”

James said:

“I feel like I was listened to. I liked talking and listening to other people. Thank you very much.”

Participants were given a shopping voucher provided by Learning Disability Wales to thank them for their time and input.

We look forward to seeing the finished training course from Swansea Bay University Health Board, and we are excited about its potential to make a real difference to the lives of many people who receive support. We are committed to continuing our involvement in projects like this in the future, ensuring that the voices of the people we support are always heard and valued.