Supporting Michael at Ty Cwm Gwendreath
At ivolve, we’re all about helping people live better lives with the right support. Sarah Davies, a colleague at Ty Cwm Gwendreath, shares how her team worked together to support Michael, a person we support who has come a long way since he moved into the Solva unit in 2023.

What was life like before?
Michael came to Ty Cwm Gwendreath from a high-security placement where he needed two colleagues with him at all times. This was due to behaviours he showed that were linked to distress and past trauma.

When he arrived, Michael didn’t take part in any daily routine or activities. He was very anxious and found it hard to trust staff or other people we support. He worried constantly about people stealing his things and would become very upset and shout often.

What did the team do?
The first step was to build trust. Sarah and the team spent time with Michael every day, offering reassurance, listening to him, and making sure he felt safe. They helped him manage his worries by giving him his own locker and key for his belongings. Staff supported him to open and close it each day so he knew his things were safe.
This small change made a big difference. As Michael started to trust colleagues more, his anxiety reduced, and the behaviours that had been a concern started to lessen too.

Over the next 12 weeks, our colleagues slowly introduced a personal care routine. Michael felt more in control and was supported to lead the routine himself.

When it came to activities, our colleagues took things at Michael’s pace. He was nervous about going out, worried it might mean he was being sent back to his old placement. So they started small—with short trips to places he liked, such as McDonald’s. As he grew more confident, they supported him to visit his mum, something he now does regularly and looks forward to.

What’s changed for Michael?
Thanks to person-centred support, Michael is now living a much more fulfilling life. Here are some of the positive changes:
He has a clear support plan that includes activities he enjoys.
Staff use different ways to communicate with Michael so he feels understood and reassured.
The team uses trauma-informed approaches, making sure Michael feels safe, respected, and in control.
His overall wellbeing has improved—his mood is better, and he’s beginning to build friendships with other people in the service.

The impact on Michael’s life
Michael’s quality of life has improved hugely over the past year. He has built strong, trusting relationships with the staff and feels more comfortable and confident in his home. He also enjoys regular contact with his family and has a close relationship with his mum.
His support team say he is thriving—and they’re proud of how far he’s come.

**Names have been changed to protect confidentiality