Nicholas is an individual we support at Willow Tree Lodge in Basingstoke who has high needs and a history of anxiety related to transportation. Since childhood, he had not been on a public bus, and even local van rides were challenging if the van got caught in traffic or came to a stop.
The team had been working closely with Nicholas to gradually expand his comfort zone and introduce new activities. Over time, he began participating in activities he once found overwhelming, such as dining out and shopping trips. These incremental successes set the stage for a new goal: helping him use public transportation.
After consulting with Nicholas’ family and our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) team, they decided to take the next step. The goal was to enable Nicholas to use public buses, which would significantly enhance his quality of life by giving him more independence, choice and control.
Lesley Pennie, the manager at Willow Tree Lodge, told us more about what was involved in this careful, phased approach:
We started by using the home’s van to simulate a bus journey. We stopped at bus stops, allowing Nicholas to experience the environment in a familiar and controlled setting. This approach provided him with the comfort of familiar staff and the option to return home at any point if he felt overwhelmed.”
After the successful trial runs, the team supported him in taking his first actual public bus ride. He waited patiently at the bus stop, managed the transition onto the bus, and coped well with the bus ride itself—even as the bus stopped and started multiple times, which had previously been a major trigger for anxiety.”
This milestone represents a significant achievement for Nicholas and the team at Willow Tree Lodge. his successful use of public transportation marks a major step towards greater independence. It also demonstrates how thoughtful, person-centered care, combined with collaboration between staff, families, and PBS specialists, can lead to life-changing outcomes. This development not only improves his quality of life but also reinforces the importance of setting personalised goals and working together to achieve them.
