People We Support
Mental Health
WCAS offer personalised care for individuals with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, personality disorders (EUPD/ EPD), bipolar disorder, emotional/behavioural difficulties, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis and other related mental health issues.
We enable people with mental health needs to fulfil their potential on a long-term basis. Once WCAS has been chosen to provide mental health support, individuals are involved in many aspects of planning their services, which enables us to provide a bespoke plan, undertake detailed care and create person-centred relapse prevention plans. Through personalised planning, we create crisis prevention strategies, track progress, and strive for achievable outcomes crucial for fostering independence. Alongside this, we measure the progress of the people we support towards realistic outcomes set by themselves, which is a fundamental part of the recovery process.
Our proactive staff support initiatives to help people relearn the skills required for daily living in order for them to move towards increased independence and minimised support. In our experience, this not only helps to increase social and emotional well-being but also decreases the stigma that can be attached to people with mental health needs.
At WCAS, we prioritise safety while empowering individuals with complex emotional and behavioural challenges. We employ proactive, positive methods for managing challenging behaviours, employing thorough risk management and clear, multi-agency strategies. Enhanced supervision aids inclusion when needed.
Our Clinical Support Team, including specialists in mental health, collaborates with local healthcare experts for consistent, tailored care. We maintain strong working partnerships with various community mental health teams and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive, robust support is delivered to people.
Learning Disabilities
We’re dedicated to empowering individuals with learning disabilities, and fostering life skills, relationships and confidence. We emphasise attentive listening, meaningful engagement, and enabling full, healthy lives.
Our support ranges from mild to severe learning disabilities, including limited verbal communication, sensory processing issues, behaviour that may challenge and physical disabilities.
WCAS provide expert teams that support individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities, backed by proactive health and therapeutic care. They live in adapted community settings with specialised equipment, enjoying everyday living.
Individuals with profound learning disabilities and significant physical impairments often face multiple challenges, with profound learning disability being the most significant among them. We understand that continuous, skilled support from families and social care teams is vital for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
Autism Spectrum Conditions
We recognise that despite a diagnosis (or more!), all individuals diagnosed with autism will present in their own unique ways and will need equally unique support. Our teams are trained in autism (and other diagnoses) and use individualised support and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Plans to ensure they have their needs met. Many of our service users have sensory needs and are still learning to communicate safely – careful planning and step-by-step teaching support this with the use of various resources and preference assessments.
A holistic PBS and Total Communication approach foster greater inclusion and engagement. Led by our PBS Lead, this approach equips our team with diverse communication tools and positive behaviour strategies. Our teams undergo extensive internal training on autism spectrum conditions, delivered by specialist trainers and occasionally by someone we support when available.
Complex Care Needs
A person with complex needs might have one or a combination of difficulties, including profound and multiple learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and challenging behaviour.
With a long heritage of working with individuals with complex needs, we know just how important it is that they are involved in planning their care at every step.
In this way, we really get to know each person, to understand as much about them and their challenges as we can, and to identify their individual skills and goals.
We take a fully inclusive approach to matching those needs with the right services and support, empowering each person to flourish and make an active and positive contribution to their community.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD) refers to challenges with a specific group of skills. These skills aren’t language-based like reading and writing are. They’re nonverbal skills, and they include motor, visual-spatial and social skills.
NVLD isn’t an official diagnosis. But the challenges are real and can have an impact on learning and working. They also make social interaction very hard.
People with these difficulties often have strong verbal skills. But they may not know when someone’s being sarcastic. They may talk a lot, but not share in a socially appropriate way.
There’s also a physical aspect. People with NVLD often have problems with coordination.
These are lifelong struggles, but they aren’t related to intelligence. Still, they’re often misunderstood and judged, and they may have a hard time fitting in.
At WCAS, we support people to improve these skills and to learn social strategies that can help to lead a normal life as much as possible. We support people to access social skills groups, occupational therapy and cognitive therapy to help keep challenges from getting in the way.
Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Exploring and Gender Diverse
At WCAS, creating an inclusive environment is fundamental to our service. We honour and support individuals for who they are and who they’re becoming, providing a safe space for those exploring gender diversity. Our dedicated guidance accompanies them throughout their journey.
Transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse individuals with autism, mental health or learning disabilities require a specialised approach. Our expertise, built through research and collaboration, ensures tailored care and support from a knowledgeable perspective.
Within our community, everyone is embraced and valued. Our specialised service has proven that meeting the unique needs of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals leads to their success and daily achievements, even after prior setbacks.
Complex Epilepsy
We strive for optimal seizure control and a fulfilling life for individuals with epilepsy, managing risks sensibly. Education and empowerment are key, aiming for understanding and personal control over their condition.