Hello, my name is Mark, and I am lucky enough to work for the NHS in a specialist service for adults with complex needs with an intellectual disability, often with mental health needs.

I have worked for the NHS for 25 years and am passionate about supporting those within our care to have the best outcomes and support to enable meaningful and fulfilling lives.

We help our service users to manage and to try and understand their emotions, develop their communication and understanding, build their social skills, support them to be present and access the community, help them develop life skills such as shopping, cooking, budgeting and engage in activities that help with mobility, fitness and motor skills.

Utilising the resources and information I have gained through attending the FONS course is actively helping me provide a supportive therapeutic environment for both patients and staff. The course has allowed me to try some new creative ideas of how I can continue to bring the team together all working towards the same goals, which promotes a more supportive and positive environment for the service users. I have benefited greatly from this learning opportunity and the support and guidance from the facilitator and my peer group.