News - The YOU Trust

I thought I’d write a blog on mental wellness as it’s something I’m trying to be more aware of these days. As a new dad, I want the home I’m bringing my son up in to be a positive environment. And the best way to start that journey is to make small, subtle changes to the information I have flowing into my head every day. It’s a really easy thing to change. It just takes being constantly aware of what I consume.

The start of 2025 has already been quite the roller-coaster. With natural disasters, economic hardships and freezing weather; it’s often difficult to feel upbeat. A part of me wonders whether it’s always been like this. I think I remember being a bit more optimistic when the new year started. Was that youthful ignorance? Did I have more going on that I considered fun and exciting? Is my life, I dare say it, boring now? Surely not… I think the reason, and a sentiment shared by many, is that we are flooded with negative news. It can make us feel tired, even a few days into the new year!

Connect the dots

For me, a very big part of that feeling is being constantly connected. And by connected, I mean digitally. While I don’t think I am addicted to being online, I certainly doom scroll more than I should, and I think many of us do.

This statement isn’t just a personal anecdote I’ve decided to cherry pick for this blog. Research has shown that the more we use our smartphones and social media apps, the more likely we are to feel depressed, disconnected and hopeless. So why do we do it?

Just one more time

One reason may be that dopamine hit we get when we see a notification. We want to know who/what has had the time of day to interact with us, because you know, we’re special! Of course, we’re then disappointed it’s an ad, but next time it might not be…

These interactions are designed to trigged this rush. Platforms, like META’s Facebook, hired psychologists to come up with these bait-and-click techniques. Even the sounds, often a sprightly ‘ping’, are designed to make us want to check what we’ve just received received.

It’s no surprise that a study by researchers at King’s College London found that as many as 39% of those surveyed met the ‘addicted’ threshold. And with this addiction comes many negative effects.

Sleep deprivation, irritability, forgetfulness, all of these can be linked to smartphone/online addiction. And of course, depression. But why are these all negative? There are many negative psychological effects the use of technology creates. But often they are unintended. However, big organisations know that negativity sells. And that means money.

Show me the money

Bad news is good news… for media producers. Because it means more money. Research at Cambridge Judge Business School show that bad news is shared by consumers more than happy news. That means articles, like the one you’re reading right now, do better if they are doom-and-gloom… Sorry!

When these are shared, they give authors more exposure, more clicks, and often, more money. This means that all that time you’re glued to your phone, you’re being exposed to negative content because it’s more lucrative. It simply pays those who create that content more than happier stories.

It’s not easy to break a habit, even harder an addiction. Cutting off news completely is not only difficult, but in many cases unreasonable. You need to know the state of the world in order to navigate through it.

So, what can you do?

Mental wellness means less hate

In my personal life, I’ve stopped using platforms that I believe cause more harm than good. This can be trickier than you might think. It took a great deal for me to delete my account on X, formally known as Twitter. I’d been on it for 15 years and had made friends around the world. it was also the first app I opened in the morning to read the headlines. But it drained me to use it in my personal life. No one wants, or needs, to open an app and have people/bots saying horrible things with no restrictions.

If you feel a platform you are using is causing you more sadness than happiness, then cut down on its use. Or stop altogether. It may be difficult at first, but I promise you your mental health will thank you.

Touch grass

While this phrase has become a bit of a tongue-in-cheek insult, it’s original meaning still works. Spend less time online, and a bit more in the real world. Most phones come with a tracker that tells you how much time you spend on certain apps. Why not open it now and have a look at what yours says. Just hold onto something before you do.

In the UK, the average TikTok user spends 70 minutes on the app, a day. That’s an entire work week of use each month. Remember that the next time your teenager tells you they haven’t had time to clean their room.

We often forget that maintaining a positive mental attitude is similar to hitting the gym. We seem to think that we’ll just ‘be’ happy. But that isn’t the case. We need to work at it just as much as we do lifting weights. Actively think about what you consume on a daily basis.

New mental habits

What are you putting in front of your eyes every hour? What are you listening to in your break time? If it’s content that is made to be negative, think about changing those habits. But give yourself a slot to consume news that may not be positive. Because you still live in this world and need to know things to make informed decisions.

Let’s go into 2025 aware that we might not be able to change what is offered up to us. But we do have the power to refuse to be turned into a passive product, making money for others through engaging with negativity. It will improve your sanity, your mental wellness, and your outlook on life.

Views and opinions are of the author and do not represent The YOU Trust.

Christmas is just around the corner, and for many that means food, celebrations and socialising. We often forget, or don’t understand, how this time affects those who have autism. Not everyone is comfortable with the high expectations of Christmas. The socialising, the noise, it can bring fear and anxiety. While close members of family might understand this extended family often doesn’t.

Caryn is a support worker who helps people who are on the spectrum. One of her clients recently cancelled Christmas plans because the anxiety of extra noise, lots of people and excitement was too much. She wrote a poem explores what these anxieties might mean to many. Thanks Caryn.

Autism and Christmas: The 12 Days of autism

Christmas is here to give all good cheer

For some a fear, overbearing to hear.

Not only for our pets, but for us too

We don’t react to Christmas, like others do.

Every where’s so busy, nowhere to run and hide.

The chaos of Christmas. Not laughing. Just cried.

People arriving, with gifts to share

Not knowing the plans, I was not prepared.

Laughing and screeching, talking and songs

Noise levels heighten, the days are too long.

Triggers are forming, beyond my control

Anxiety and distress, me as a whole.

Called to the table, Christmas dinner is here

All family gathered, my food didn’t appear.

Turkey not pizza, Brussels not beans

My foods I enjoy, and my routines.

Gifts and wrapping, too much to bear

Unexpected surprises I was not aware.

“Go ahead and open, the gifts are for you

It swaps out your old one, for something new”.

Attachment and comfort, my personal things

Could never be replaced, the anxiety it brings.

So please do not think, I’m just being rude

The Tatty and old, cannot be renewed.

This day is so special to everyone but me

Crackers and corks, chasing lights on the tree.

So please be patient and give me the time

And not just for Christmas, understand my mind.

Christmas and singing go hand in hand. It’s a way to express gratitude, happiness be thankful. Which is why our Personalised Care Team were delighted to host our second Christmas concert! On 13 December at St Jude’s Church in Southsea, West End opera singers and local resident’s Recharge Choir entertained guests on a cool December afternoon.

As a charity, we’re fortune enough to have liked-minded organisations want to give back to their community. And, once again, Zurich Insurance stepped up to help us with their Zurich Festive Challenge. They paid for the venue, hampers and snacks, and helped by offering their time to set up the event.

Christmas support

Zurich have helped support our charity for a few years now and it’s always pleasure to see them. A huge thank you to Stacey Cree and your team for making the event possible. And a big thank you to Charlotte from the church who made it all run smoothly.

The event was opened by Phillip Freed, Director of Business and Development, who thanked members of Zurich’s team who were in attendance. Over 90 people attended, ranging from local care homes, charities, patients from local surgeries and partners.

Visiting us from London’s West End, were Ceili O’Connor (CASTS, Mary Poppins) and Ambra Caserotti (Mamma Mia, School of Rock). Both wowed the audience with their impressive vocals and renditions of songs like Somewhere over the Rainbow and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. We even got some fun songs from the musical (based off the movie) Elf.

Towards the end of the concert, a member of the audience got up on stage and sung a duet with Ceili. It was so lovely it triggered tears in many, including the West End singers themselves!

We’re delighted we were able to give back to our local community and hope we can do more of these in the future. We wish everyone a safe and happy festive season.

If you or your organisation would like to work with us, please get in contact: enquiries@theyoutrust.org.uk

Jon and Gemma’s journey to independence is one to celebrate! It’s always a delight when one of our support workers has a case that turns out so well. It reaffirms the hard work that is put into helping support vulnerable people, and how important it is. We’d also like to thank Ian who supported Jon and Gemma in their journey to independence!

Jon and Gemma are a couple who face unique challenges every day. Both have learning disabilities and suffer from anxiety, and Jon is also registered as blind. Despite these obstacles, they have built a life together, relying on each other for support and companionship.

However, they previously relied heavily on family and neighbours for help with bills, finances, and general advice. Unfortunately, not all the advice they received was beneficial, and it became clear that Jon and Gemma were very impressionable.

Initial support

We began supporting Jon and Gemma just after they received a Section 21 notice.

This means they have been told they have to leave the accommodation that they have been paying to stay in. So our priority was to secure new, private accommodation for both of them.

Our support worker Ian first conducted a budgeting review to determine what level of rent they could afford. Ian then registered them with local estate agents, helped them sign up and also provided references.

Resettlement process

Once accommodation was secured, Ian helped with the resettlement process, ensuring all meter readings, deposits, and other details were handled from their old property. He set up all utilities with direct debits, including rent payment, house insurance, internet, council tax, and housing benefit.

Jon and Gemma struggled with documents and phone calls to other agencies due to their learning disabilities and Jon’s sight impairment. These administrative tasks often triggered their anxieties. To address this, we aimed to make the resettlement process inclusive.

Instead of completing every task for them, Ian encouraged Jon and Gemma to take responsibility for setting up some of the bills themselves. Initially, this was done under his supervision. But, over time, they managed some tasks independently, such as switching broadband suppliers.

Financial and benefits support

Ian accompanied Jon and Gemma to several appointments at the Job Centre. And established that Jon should be in the Limited Capability Work group. They also applied for the carer’s element of Universal Credit for Gemma and for carer’s allowance. Both are now receiving all applicable benefits.

Future support and volunteering

After resettlement, they looked into future support and resources that would benefit them. A referral was made, and an assessment was completed by the Learning Disabilities Team at Dorset Council. Jon and Gemma expressed interest in volunteering.

Ian helped Jon apply for a volunteering position at Dorset Museum, where he initially worked on reception duties and has since progressed to assisting guests with tours.

Ian also inquired about volunteering opportunities for Gemma at the Veterans Hub in Weymouth. Gemma attended an interview and was accepted as a volunteer, preparing food two days a week. Feedback from the Vets Hub indicated that Gemma settled in well and is pleased with her work.

Employment and ongoing support

Jon expressed a desire to work despite his sight issues. We discussed potential opportunities and looked at examples of other blind individuals. Like MP David Blunkett.

So, Jon signed up for CTEC and is currently undergoing regular training with them, with the possibility of returning to paid employment in the future.

The final focus of Ian’s support was to signpost agencies, such as Citizens Advice and the Learning Disabilities Team. These are great places that Jon and Gemma could contact for assistance.

While their confidence has improved, ongoing support is still beneficial. Our First Point office offers this support through drop-ins at Weymouth, where Jon and Gemma are regular visitors.

Positive future

Jon and Gemma’s confidence and independence have significantly improved. They have managed their new tenancy without issues and are aware of which agencies to contact if they encounter difficulties. The support from First Point at drop-ins now primarily involves checking that what they have done is correct. Jon and Gemma have made remarkable progress and continue to build their independence and confidence.

Accountability in adult safeguarding is one of six main principles that we use to help protect vulnerable adults. Shane Dennett, a District Service Manager, explains to us why accountability is important and how it helps. Thanks, Shane!

Accounting for accountability

In the context of adult safeguarding, accountability refers to a system of checks, rules, and procedures. These ensure individuals and organisations are held responsible for their actions (or inaction) when it comes to protecting vulnerable adults. These standards are a key part of safeguarding frameworks. They aim to make sure that organizations, professionals, and individuals take their responsibilities seriously to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Here are some examples of how accountability typically works in our charity’s learning disabilities services.

Clear roles and responsibilities

Everyone, from our CEO to our volunteers, is clear on their responsibilities to protect adults at risk. We achieve this by providing extensive eLearning and face-to-face safeguarding training to all our teams. They need knowledge and understanding to identify signs of abuse and follow the correct procedures when it’s suspected.

Compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks

Laws and regulations, such as the Care Act 2014 or other adult protection legislation, provides a framework for safeguarding. All our Learning Disabilities services adhere to these regulations and legislation to ensure people’s safety.

My team managers, support staff, and I work with the Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) in the local authorities we partner with. This collaboration ensures multi-agency cooperation and regular oversight of safeguarding practices.

Monitoring and oversight

My team managers and I closely monitor all accidents and incidents. Each quarter, our governance team collates all data to inform our continuous improvement plan. This shapes how we manage our services. It includes reviewing care plans, safeguarding incidents, and the outcomes of safeguarding investigations.

The YOU Trust Learning Disabilities service is registered with the CQC, which ensures that proper standards of care and safeguarding are maintained. We regularly communicate with the CQC, sharing both successes and areas needing improvement.

Transparency and reporting

It’s important for everyone within my services to be open and honest. We have established channels for reporting concerns about abuse or neglect for staff, individuals, families, professionals, and members of the public.

My teams and I are always accountable when things go wrong. We learn from all our experiences so we can provide individuals with safe environments to thrive.

Prevention in safeguarding is one of the six principles that make safeguarding so effective. As part of Safeguarding Adults Week, we’ve been examining the way these principles are used to safeguard the vulnerable people we work with.

Preventing neglect, harm and abuse is the core function of safeguarding. This makes it the most important element of safeguarding. Prevention also protects the health, well-being, and human rights of people. It’s far better to take steps to prevent safeguarding issues from occurring, rather than dealing with the situations when they do.

But, how can you ‘prevent’ a safeguarding issue? Well, it could mean having input from the community learning team to reduce local risks. For example, it could involve health professionals. We might ask dieticians to create a suitable menu plan to prevent health conditions worsening. This would safeguard the individual from malnourishment or increased risk of heart disease. This can even extend to making sure the phones the people we work with use have adequate protections on them to stop spam callers.

And as we all know, prevention is better than any cure!

Prevention can be achieved through numerous methods. But excellent foresight and planning are essential. Organisations that have a sound safeguarding policy in place are more robust than those that don’t. Especially when it comes to identifying risks before they become an issue. A major part of this is notifying appropriate services.

Planning prevention

Identifying risks

Organisations can identify risks before they become issues and notify the appropriate services.

Raising awareness

Organisations can raise awareness of who may be more likely to become vulnerable.

Training staff

Organisations can train staff to recognise the signs of abuse, harm, and neglect.

Making information accessible

Organisations can make information easily accessible to encourage individuals to ask for help.

At the YOU Trust we value safeguarding in everything we do. It’s part of our DNA, and is monitored by Ofsted and the CQC.