2/2 ... it's difficult to maintain (in care and educational settings) and too easy to become part of an 'approach'.

#LivedExperience #MentalHealth #Reflection #Authenticity #HumanConnection

3/3 Relational safety means rebuilding trust in a world that is proven unsafe. It's about reclaiming a voice and a sense of self. We need to prioritise relational safety in all aspects of support. It's not just a "nice to have," it's a fundamental need. #EndSolitary #HumanRights

2/3 That's why relational safety is EVERYTHING for those who've survived enforced isolation. It's the antidote to dehumanisation. It's finding someone who actually sees you. #RelationalSafety #MentalHealth

2/2 However, when practitioners shift focus to strengths, individual stories and respectful language, it can transform perceptions and relationships.

Watch the full video and join the conversation!
#ChallengingBehaviour #PersonCentered #InclusivePractice #BugbearsSeries

4/4 Grateful for the opportunity to support autistic ppl and to be working on more maternity resources with a team of experts for the Restraint Reduction Network, supported by the Boshier Grant.

Thank you for your support on this journey!
#Autistic&Expecting #ReadingWellForFamilies #SupportiveCare

3/4 When I prepared for my second pregnancy, I made it my mission to learn everything I could, which inspired me to write this book to help others in similar situations.

2/4 This achievement means so much to me, especially as my own journey as an autistic parent wasn’t easy. My first pregnancy was incredibly challenging - there were no resources, and I felt lost. That experience led me to suffer a mental health crisis and almost 4 long years detained.

3/3 This is one of the many reason why people who have been forcibly isolated resist or fear socialising - our minds recal the devastating loneliness and want to avoid it.

2. For other who haven't experienced the same: Being with others can unexpectedly trigger these same feelings if you feel like people are there... but not really there... (e.g., if you feel unheard, or if you are in a room with others but feel invisible or alone)...

2/2 Research tells us that leads to deeper feelings of loneliness, despair, and disconnection.

Meaningful contact is vital for healing and growth - it's a basic part of what makes us truly human. To suggest otherwise is to dehumanise.

2/2 Some 'challenging behaviours' may actually be a response to internal trauma, triggered by unknown external stressors. Too often, my responses were misunderstood as outbursts & it has taken years to develop compassion to understand my deeper responses to internal experiences.

8/8 💬 We must advocate for systems that prioritise humanity over control. By reducing reliance on invasive surveillance and fostering authentic connections, we can create a care environment that respects dignity and promotes healing. #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy

7/8 🌱 Emphasising intersubjectivity - the mutual recognition of each other's experiences - can help bridge the gap between patients and ppl, moving beyond objectification to true engagement. This helps reclaim the agency that surveillance can strip away. #HealthcareJustice

6/8 🤝 To counteract the effects of surveillance, it's essential to foster genuine connections between staff and ppl. Adopting a relational approach centered on curiosity can promote understanding, trust, and ultimately a more humane care environment. #TherapeuticRelationships