Doncaster health and social workers going above and beyond to help people with complex needs

Young people and adults living in Hesley Group residential homes have autism and severe learning disabilities, with many unable to fully understand the lockdown or current health risks.

To help with their understanding, teachers and care teams have been finding creative ways to keep them safe and teach them how to help protect themselves from the virus.

The Germ Buster and Friends comic series, created by a member of Hesley’s therapeutic services team, aims to help reduce anxiety about the virus and explain people’s changed behaviour.

Rainbow character Zippy, modelling personal protective equipment gear to stay safe, has taken young people on activity trails, to get them exercising outdoors, while costumed ‘Hesley Hero’ superheroes have sent special messages encouraging residents to wash their hands and stay safe.

Hesley Group provides ‘flexible, specialist residential services and schools’. In the Doncaster area, it runs Fullerton House School and Wilsic Hall School, as well as Hesley Village, Low Laithes, King St, The Limes and The Paddocks, which provide specialist residential care for young adults.

The Hesley Choir, which often performs at events around Doncaster, has moved online during lockdown.

Supported people have also been creating thank you displays to hang in their windows for the NHS, taking part in dance and Zumba lessons, gardening, and are currently preparing their acts for the upcoming Hesley’s Got Talent show.

Sue Mclean, chief operating officer, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our brilliant, committed team of key workers. They have been going above and beyond to make sure our residents are all safe, happy and looked after.

“The thanks we’ve received from people’s parents and families has been very moving for all of us. It is heartwarming to see the gratitude from everyone towards health and social care workers at this time.”