Annual Report 2010-11 - Southern Health and Social Care Trust

southern health and social care trust
Maximising independence and choice for our
patients and clients
First class success for Dungannon student
Keith Johnston graduated
in July from the University
of Ulster, Coleraine, with a
First Class Honours Degree
in Computer Science and
has now embarked on a
PHD in Computer Science.
Keith has Cerebral Palsy;
is a wheelchair user and is
Keith at his graduation
a direct payment recipient.
Direct Payments are made
to people who need care (following an assessment)
by the Trust to enable them to buy their own care
or support services. The number of people utilising
direct payments has increased by 54% from 361 in
2009 to 559 in 2011. Keith receives a joint funded
package of care from Social Services and the
Independent Living Fund to meet his care needs.
He has been provided with support through
children’s services to adult services. His Key
worker Edel McCann has watched Keith grow in
his independence and develop into a focused,
determined high achiever. Edel says, “Keith takes
ownership of his needs and is active in organising
his care. He has been fortunate to have consistent
care support staff over the years and feels that this
has been important in managing his transition from
living at home to university.”
Transition to University can be difficult for any
young person and Keith worked hard to address
some of the difficulties faced by young people
with disabilities moving into third level education.
He has been active in raising awareness of such
issues through his involvement in Pathways to
Higher and Further Education Conferences. Keith
also participated in the creation of a DVD for other
young people who have a disability and are hoping
to move into third level education.
Keith, who is a past pupil of the Royal School,
Dungannon, and the Integrated College in
Dungannon, commends the input he has received
from the social work team, “I am very happy with
the support I received from the Trust, in particular
when making the move to university. I hope the Trust
will continue to offer me social care support in the
future.”
Professor David Bustard, Head of School, Computing
and Information Engineering at Coleraine, says
Keith had shown great strength of character
and independence and that his determination to
succeed was an inspiration to other students.
“Since coming to University in September 2006,
Keith has blossomed. He has consistently performed
well. His work is of an exceptionally high standard
in all aspects of his studies but he is an especially
strong and naturally gifted computer programmer.
Keith is an excellent team player and often brings
a strong degree of maturity and experience to the
group dynamic.”
Christopher cooks up a storm
During the year, the Trust piloted a successful
Employability Scheme for Young Care Leavers.
The pilot offered young people the chance to take
part in various job placements.
One young person Christopher showed an interest
in cooking and through the Employability Scheme
got the opportunity to attend a work placement
within the Catering Department at South Tyrone
Hospital. Christopher left school in June 2010 and
decided following the work placement that he would
like a career in catering. He has been supported to
move into a Catering Training Programme which he
is enjoying immensely.
Christopher said “This placement
gave me the chance to think
about what I wanted to do. I have
learned new skills and made new
friends. The staff have supported
me and care for me and I know
now this is what I want to do.”
Christopher at his work
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