In one case we persuaded the resident’s psychiatrist to come and talk to the other residents about their concerns, which related to some bizarre behaviour, and staff encouraged the resident, who had a mental illness, to come to them with any worries.

This resulted in him building up a real relationship with our staff because he called in for a chat frequently, so we could identify any deterioration in behaviour before it became a problem. When workers needed to gain access to carry out major works but were afraid of the resident, a member of staff volunteered to take him for a day out.

Optima Community Association, Birmingham

Source

Housing Today