Harry Priestley House staff experience first-hand what it feels like to live with autism

Staff at Harry Priestly House, in Thorne, Doncaster have reinforced their commitment to care for and support residents living with autism. The Virtual Autism Tour recently arrived at the care home for a one-off training session, in which staff members had the opportunity to get on the Autism Bus and experience what it feels like to live with autism.

While on the bus, the staff wore headsets, glasses and gloves to alter their perception and be transported into the sensory experience of people living with autism, who are often trying to function in an environment that is difficult for them to connect to. Afterwards, they attended a session where they shared their thoughts and brainstormed about how they can improve their support to the residents at the Home.

Shelley Bogan, a shift leader at Harry Priestley House who went on the Autism Bus, said:

It was an emotional experience. It gave me a much better insight of what day to day life can be like for our residents living with autism and the challenges that face them.

The training opportunity, provided by Training2care, was made possible following a donation from the Jubilee Masters Centenary Trust. Among other charitable activities, this organisation provides financial support for staff training for care in adults.

Russell Race, Chairman of the Trustees, said:

The Trust had in mind to support RMBI Care Co. from its beginning. For us, the most important thing is that the staff receive the very best training, and we know the training of the Home’s staff in autism is specially relevant.

The Virtual Tours will be arriving at RMBI Care Co. Homes across England and Wales to provide one-off training sessions and strengthen the staff’s skills to care for and support their residents living with autism and dementia.