Beth locked in hospital cell for 3yrs & no treatment
There is a better way. The right people doing the right thing in the right place.
Its not complex.
For anyone joining in my story now its been on the television, it's so important to listen to this to hear the bigger picture and to put into context the things heard.
Then take time to read my tweets.
This isn't and never was just about Beth.
Three years ago, Beth was locked in a seclusion cell. Clinicians then were recommending she went to Rampton
Today we went out shopping together, then she cooked me an amazing chicken curry
The right care, in the right environment, by amazing staff with humanity & right support.
4 weeks ago Beth was kept locked in a seclusion cell
The Priory wanted her to go to Rampton. They said she needed High Secure Care.
Look at today..A family walk by a local river
How many more people are locked away just because a blinkered clinician cannot see the right way?
What an awesome day!
Beth loves her new place..wide open spaces inside..a huge garden,
guinea pigs to cuddle when you see fit..
We sat and ate a cooked meal together (with plates and cutlery!) then chilled out in the lounge with games on her ipad
Shes fast asleep now..happy!
In less than 2 weeks Beth is off to somewhere where she will be properly supported and allowed to do the things that keep her anxiety low. Where her love of animals will be used as therapy..
Look at that happy smile..
Beth used to phone me every day. Upset, crying, distraught.
Now she only phones me when she wants something.
She's become an 18yr old!!
Couldn't be happier..
I got the Expert by Experience role I was interviewed for!!
Will soon be taking a seat on panels carrying out Care Treatment Reviews to see if inpatient stays are required & whether care is safe, appropriate and person centred
From driving a lorry to hopefully driving changes😊
Beth's last night in a seclusion cell
She's super excited about tomorrow
1st off she's got a long drive.. 4-6hrs.
Shes got activity bags & has her Ipad back..I've stuffed it full of apps and all her favourite tunes.
The guinea pigs will be there to welcome her with squeaks ❤
Its been 12 months since Beth was freed from seclusion and released from the Hell that was Llanarth Court.
She's changed so much and found out so much about herself.
Her care is totally person-centred and she has regained her love for life.
Thanks to everyone for your support.
Amazing day with Beth.. First time I've seen her for over 100 days.
She caught loads of fish!!
It was tough social distancing and not having any hugs but hey!.we've been thru far worse!
She won the 'Kicked my dad's arse' fishing trophy and was rewarded with a new fishing hoody
6 months ago Beth's Responsible Clinician at The Priory Llanarth Court, was recommending she needed to go to Rampton High Secure because she was so dangerous.
Today instead, she's fishing with some of her amazing care team from
@Mersey_Care
#happy
More progress!! Beths care taken over by new team of carers She met them out of the cell in extra care setting Basically a mini bedsit Had a bit of wobble wen got overwhelmed but managed well by new team.
It's gone so well she's sleeping in there tonight! Not locked in a cell.
Bloody hell!!
Beth took part in HER Cpa meeting!
1st time in years shes been allowed to go into one
She had prepared ace questions too that challenged her care plans & pushed for extra support in areas important to her. Things I never knew..
And they are all being acted on!
Im sick of hearing phrases like
'Complex cases'
'Challenging issues'
They arent
Its YOU..you dont have the understanding you require
Talk to the person, their families, their loved ones. Find out what support they need. Then shape & resource that need
Simple..not complex
without worrying if I'm going to be blabbing about it
Lots of people have really pushed the boat out for Beth and I really am so thankful for everyone's hard work
And thank you from me for all for your massive support and love
& thanks from Beth!
P.s.Her doors are all open! X
Another great day with Beth. Dog walking/training in the sun followed by a picnic
Shes rocking her new short blonde hair. Shes finding her own look after 4 yrs not even having a trim
Im not daft enough to fall for her 'ughh..smell my ice cream' trick tho!
Love her to bits!!
I haven't seen Beth since March 20th
This all changes on Thurs..we are meeting up to share in her new hobby...Fishing!! She has been 9 days running in all sorts of weather. She absolutely loves it!
Amazing for someone who struggles with unstructured time
My fave hobby too 🐟❤
All commissioners.
All local authorities.
All psychologists and psychiatrists.
All CCGs and case managers
If you think ANYONE with Autism/LD needs to be locked away like Beth was
Look at this picture
No locks. No bans on parental contact.
Just Care..(deliberate capital 'C')
Beths moving day confirmed as Sunday 15th Dec..
So if you are anywhere between Abergavenny and the Preston area and you see a minibus swerving down the motorway, full of delirious, grinning idiots..Dont worry..Its just the Beth Bus..
Had an update for today
NO WOBBLES!!
So great to get such a positive call from carers who clearly 'get' Beth
Look what happens when the right people are in the right place doing the right thing
Beth currently just chilling out relaxing after busy day
No locked doors No hatch.
For anyone who has ever doubted the power of the Tweet
Contact today with my beautiful daughter was outside of seclusion cell
We hugged
We talked without a door in the way
We shared ur jokes and cards
She loves them
But at the end they locked her way again.
Full blog soon.
Tee Hee...just phoned to talk to Beth, I heard carer tell her "I've got Dad on the phone".
I then hear Beth reply "Please could you tell him I'll call him later..I'm too busy"
Yay!! Do you remember 3 weeks ago when she said on radio4..
"I've done nothing..the same as every day"
Reasonable Adjustments?
The other day Beth wanted to take full advantage of the hot weather by having a water fight. One male staff hadnt got any clothes to change into so declined
Her solution? Wear some of hers
Full marks to him 'cos he did without a moments hesitation 👏
One of the most important things that too many of us take for granted.
A key to your own front door.
I cant share any more pics of the amazing home because Beth wants to be left to quietly get on with her new life. Rightly so
I've got a bit more time to help others now.. X
How do you make Beth the happiest person in the world?
Tell her that her guinea pigs can live with her in her new place!!
I dont think she will sleep til she gets there on Sunday!!
Why is 'Call the police' the first piece of advice given by Social Services to families who are struggling with behaviour that challenges? I hear this from most ppl who call me
Nobody wants to criminalise their own child or loved one
Families need support. Not to be afraid.
Beth very upset today..
Her mum and Nan went to visit her in the seclusion cell.
Beth needed the loo.
Why should a 17 year old have to use a toilet with no door on?
In full view of her care staff.
All whilst being recorded on CCTV
Autistic. Not a Criminal
How would u feel
I'm not stopping though. Just because Beth will be moved out of the cell and out of solitary confinement doesnt mean the fights over.
The System still needs fixing.
The doors to cells and wards still need unlocking.
I've got more time to work on this now.
#MakingADifference
I promised noon..
Tomorrow I will be speaking about Beth's appalling situation on BBC Breakfast TV. And the situation of so many other people with LDs
Beth's plight will also be heard in the House of Commons today at 4pm In the debate about social care funding.
Bless you all.
Beth's had another great day today, one slight wobble where she wanted to go back to seclusion to be alone
Her new staff just let her be alone in extra care instead, gave her some time and then re-engaged
Perfect! Well done everyone!
Seeing her Friday..Can't wait for more hugs
Message from Beth..
Hi.
Thank you for your cards and letters. I will be strong. I promise.
I will come out soon.
Thank you for helping my dad.
Merry Christmas.
Beth
I guess I've been a tad quiet about Beth
Thruth is my barristers are advising me to keep quiet for now.
There is a massive amount going on.
Im keeping a very very detailed diary.
I will share all when I can.
For now please pray for us
I wont shut up about Atus though. Ever
On Wednesday, BBC 1 Breakfast is running a 3 hour special on SEND, People in ATUs and people with LD.
I'm appearing alongside loads of families and survivors.
Don't miss it. It's very special.
Thank you to the producers for this wonderful opportunity.
Record it. No excuses!!!
Feels like a good day to tell you I'm Co-chairing NHSE's Parent Council working on the Children & young persons Autism LD and Mental Health Taskforce looking into radically improving services in NHS and private inpatient settings
I will be working alongside some awesome people!
Massive news tomorrow regarding people with Autism and LD locked in inpatient settings.
I've been invited on Sky News, ITN, Victoria Derbyshire etc so you know someone's getting roasted!!
I cant wait for this to come out..
Lips are sealed til tomorrow. SORRY!!
Matt Hancock, The Secretary of State for Health, has been in touch.
We have arranged to meet to discuss Beth's situation at St Andrew's.
We will also be discussing the wider use of ATUs.
@MattHancock
You described cases like Beth's as 'Complex' 'Extreme' 'Difficult'
Nah..they arent.
The system must realise what can be achieved by the application of HUMANITY
It will save the NHS 100's of millions.
See this picture
You need to question why Beth was locked up
Im going to be quiet for a bit about Beth..she needs time to adjust & we know there will be ups and downs as we all learn what works & what can be problematic
It wont help if Im giving a running commentary
Beths team all deserve an atmosphere where they can try things out...
Do not be afraid to 'like' our story. I won't be upset or annoyed. There isn't a 'I hate this button'
Think of like as "I love Beth's strength"
Retweet to share this strength.
We've got a CPA meeting tomorrow
For the 1st time ever Ive been sent an amazing set of care plans to review-theyre brilliant
OT, Speech & lang, nursing reports, activity plans, psychiatry and psychology, health, healthy eating, etc
They demonstrate real understanding of Beth
1/8
Beth moved out of St Andrew's Northampton 2yrs ago and out of Llanarth Court 16 months ago.
She's doing ace and loving life.
Have
@StAndrewsCare
or
@PrioryGroup
ever asked what was done to achieve this?
Nope...
4.45 am car booked to whisk me to London to do Sky News in the morning live too..
Im not going to stop til they open the last door on the last person locked away.
This isnt and never has been just about Bethany..
Today was the 2nd Anniversary of Beth's incarceration in the fortress of failure.
I love you Beth.
Hang in there, I know you are anxious about Christmas and worried about the future
You will read this one day and see how many people are following our journey.
You are famous!
Im gutted..
Just been to the CoOp to buy some beer..
I tried to pay using 'Happiness' and 'Therapeutic Value'
Apparently theyre not recognised currency..
#SallyAnnHart
I am so pleased to be able to announce my involvement with the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Autism Training
I hope my background as a Further Education Tutor, including 10 yrs delivering The Prince's Trust Team Programme to develop skills of 16-25 yr old inc Autistic LD students
So, how stressful did Beth find it?
How much anxiety driven behaviour was there?
Not a jot!
Because the planning had been done by the experts..her team, the wonderful Actually Autistic advisors and her family.
Because autism and her anxiety are at the heart of everthing..
The right support opens up the world for people like Bethany.
Staff who really understand the person they support and who do their utmost to fulfil dreams.
Community Integrated Care have helped Beth fulfil a lifetime dream today.. A trip to Comic Con.
They are awesome!!
Today's update.
Beth has always loved animals. They calm her.
Today she spent time with a visiting dog and then spent time with a guinea pig which again she adores.
Had a wobble over wanting something she couldn't have but again this was managed by allowing Beth to calm herself
I wont ever shut up about
•3 years of Seclusion
•A pen left in her arm for weeks
•236 minutes in just one episode of restraint
•Hundreds and hundreds of restraints
•Diabetes bought on by situation
•19 police officers at same time called to deal with her at St Andrews
1/3
Less than 12 weeks ago
@PrioryGroup
mgt & MDT wanted to send Beth to Rampton High Secure
Instead today Beth went out for the morning, then had lunch out before going and getting her hair straightened. Shes ready to go full on Harley Quinn..
Had an awesome day with Beth.
She's had a real passion (note..not 'obsession' or 'fixation') with Harley Quinn for quite a while..
Today she wanted to go shopping for Christmas stuff dressed up as her...so we did!!
Thanks to her amazing team for support her!
#dowhatmovesyou
It’s a privilege to be able to report on how Bethany is doing now with the right support. Thanks to Bethany &
@JeremyH09406697
for allowing
@ashishskynews
and I to share her story. Here is our report
If I said I was going to start a zoo or dogs home where the animals were kept locked in cages 24/7, never went outside and never had kind, loving human contact there would be an outcry
So why is it ok for people with Autism or mental health problems?
Thats the plan..
Ive submitted my application today for the role of 'Expert by Experience'.
I hope to be sitting on panels who recommend whether inpatient care is a required to treat people with LD / autism.
🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
Because he cares.
Because he has humanity.
Because he wants to help.
Because he's taken the time to find out how he can support her..something few staff & no bank staff ever did in the ATUs
Thank you Alan at Boothman Park Fishery.
Thank you MerseyCare and Team Beth..Ace day!
Her support team have been brilliant..they had a welcome box of Lush smellies, pampering stuff, arts and crafts stuff, sensory lamps and toys.
They are all so friendly too..I've never drunk so many 'brews'!
The walls have been decorated in exactly the colours Beth chose too.
2.7 miles!!!!!!!
She's finally got her own amazing house with an equally amazing support team. And its just up the road from me!
One question remains....just what the heck will I do with all the spare time I'm going to have??
Before it gets too busy...
Just want to say a huge THANK YOU from me, Beth and the family.
Your support has been so massively important to us.
Here's to a better year in 2019.
Over the last couple of days Ive bought home box after box of Beths belongings.
Just opened one thats made my eyes tear up..
Every single card you have ever sent her..every note, every joke & each and every kind word
Some stuck to the pages of a scrap book
100s of treasures
Yesterday Beth moved nowhere. She cant yet.
However her planning, her support and the support for those who will be helping her travelled an immeasurable distance.
All because of everyone of you.
Every tweet.
Every reply.
Every suggestion and lead. It worked.
Details to follow
About to deliver a session to Social Work students from
@warwickuni
who are currently studying Human Rights.
This is part of how Beth wants her experiences to inform the way that others practice in the future.
Sadly Beth's had a massive meltdown today.
Not back in the seclusion cell though.
Today's events will be a learning point. A reminder that we haven't yet considered all the variables. A reminder that wobbles need to be spotted earlier.
We mustn't run before we can walk.
Want to see what person-centred support looks like?
What it really means to listen to what someone wants to be, then help them achieve it..then allow them to celebrate their achievement? Go on Beth..be that person you love being ♥️♥️♥️
#HarleyQuinn
@PDAAction
To give her the control that relaxes her PDA/anxiety we got her doing 30 mins of dog training..
2 willing pesky pooches with a love of scooby snacks let Beth use her dog voice to boss them around.
She even managed to get their tails to wag in sync...
Its foolish that a deadline has been announced that Beth may become aware of. Her anxiety will go into meltdown
Dont placate me
@MattHancock
You must put Bethany first not electioneering
I will accept your apology in full when the last person moves from MH inpatient care
Cracking few hours with Beth each day this week..4 naughty Elfs on the Shelf have been up to allsorts..
Been through loads of cards and gifts.
Her favourite joke was..
''There's a new restaurant opened nearby..its called 'Karma'
There's no menu..
You get what you deserve!!"
Off to London tomorrow..
For a VERY big and VERY important day..
I cant tell you what it is yet, but please keep your fingers crossed for us!
#itwasneverjustaboutbeth
Bugger..Lancashire lockdown means I cant see Beth..
But I know she's in a great place and staff have got her covered.
I wish it was the same for everyone.
#homesnothospitals