A new interactive DVD has been produced which features lsle of Wight residents and promotes support services delivered by South Wight Housing Association (SWHA) for those people with a learning disability.

The interactive DVD features more than 50 residents who live in Ryde, Sandown, Newport and Ventnor with some of them giving a guided tour of their home talking in their own words about the services which SWHA provides for them.

SWHA provides care and support within accommodation based services and works with residents to move to more independent living where appropriate. Part of the DVD shows a former resident talking about his successful transition from being in supported housing to living on his own.

Naomi Somerville, SWHA’s Care and Support Services Manager said:

“SWHA has an excellent record of supporting vulnerable people, particularly those with learning disabilities.”

“This DVD is different; it is resident led.  It gives, in a truly creative way, an insight into the life of our residents at both Registered Care and Supported Housing accommodation.”

“The visual interpretation not only explains how we work with residents to give them the best possible support, but also demonstrates the level of resident participation we encourage.”

“Residents explain the opportunities they have to live as independently as possible, including participation in social activities, residents meetings and how they develop all important new life skills.”

“The DVD gives families and their advocates the opportunity to view our support facilities in their own home and then make any decisions in conjunction with their health advisors.”

Talking about the making of the DVD Naomi added:

“When we asked our residents if they would be interested in helping us to make the DVD, they were all very enthusiastic.  It was the ultimate in empowering our residents.”

The DVD was initiated by Dennis O’Hearn, one of SWHA’s Registered Care Managers and was produced by Simon Meredith of the Small Island Media Company.  The DVD, which includes an explanatory booklet, is available throughout the Isle of Wight at local authority and national health services offices and providers of social housing, care and support. 

SWHA has already received an encouraging response to this new initiative and is confident the DVD will provide an effective means of communication with both current and future customers, their Care Managers, Advocates and families.