Inspiring Progress: Claire’s Journey with iBC Healthcare and EUPD
Claire, a 36-year-old woman with a history of complex needs, has shown incredible progress with the support of iBC Healthcare. Diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Claire’s journey is a testament to the power of personalised care and least restrictive practices. EUPD, also known as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), is a mental health condition characterised by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviours, and difficulties in maintaining relationships. For those living with EUPD, daily life can be challenging due to mood swings, a deep fear of abandonment, and tendencies toward self-harm or aggressive behaviour.
Before joining iBC Healthcare, Claire had spent her entire life in institutional settings that were not equipped to meet the complex needs associated with her Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). Claire experienced frequent bouts of challenging behaviour, including incidents of challenging behaviour, attempts to self-harm, and heightened anxiety. These behaviours often escalated and were met with restrictive physical interventions to manage her safety. Claire’s last placement sadly broke down and a referral was made to iBC Healthcare, marking a turning point in Claire’s journey toward more compassionate and effective care.
iBC Healthcare, known for our expertise in complex mental health support, developed a tailored care plan for Claire with a focus on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) models of support and approaches, which reduces reliance on physical interventions, offering more personalised and understanding care. This approach aligns with iBC’s commitment to providing the least restrictive environment possible for people with complex needs like EUPD.
Claire’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her staffing ratio has been reduced as her independence has grown. Notably since being supported by iBC, Claire has required only one minor intervention; a brief 50-second seated hold in 2023. “This marks a significant reduction in incidents for Claire,” said James Punch, PBS Lead. Highlighting how a reduction in physical interventions is a result of staff’s upskilling in PBS techniques. This has empowered them to listen and communicate more effectively with Claire, resulting in more independence and less reliance on restrictive safety measures.
“Reducing CPI Safety interventions is thanks to the overall upskilling staff within PBS practices, enabling us to listen & communicate back” Charlie Potter, Registered Manager at Lester Hall Apartments.
Living Life to the Fullest
Since joining iBC, Claire has experienced milestones she never thought possible. For the first time since she was seven, Claire has been on a holiday, with future plans to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting Disneyland with her first overseas trip. Claire recently also achieved another personal goal by attending The Lion King musical in London.
Claire also attends a weekly disco, where she is described to “dance the night away” with her friends. This newfound ability to socialise and enjoy community activities reflects iBC’s core value of ensuring that the people we support are never isolated from opportunities for friendship and social interaction.
Skill Building and Personal Growth
In addition to her social breakthroughs, Claire has developed essential life skills with the help of Lester Hall Apartments’ activity-focused environment. The on-site activity kitchen, laundry room, gym, sensory room, and group trips have all contributed to her growing sense of independence. The in-house activity coordinator has been instrumental in designing engaging routines that keep Claire mentally stimulated and focused, a crucial aspect of reducing her challenging behaviours.
Prior to joining iBC, boredom and lack of structure would often lead to aggressive or self-harming behaviours. Now, Claire thrives with a packed schedule, gaining confidence and improving her daily living skills.
A Voice for Change
Claire has made remarkable personal progress and has even now embraced a new role as a co-producer in a pioneering training initiative at iBC Healthcare. Partnering with Dan Wade, Head of Learning & Development, and PBS Lead James Punch, Claire has played a crucial role in shaping a program that focuses on restraint reduction and addresses the unique needs of individuals with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). One of the program’s most powerful components is Claire’s heartfelt interview, where she openly discusses the detrimental impact of restrictive practices on her life before joining iBC. “I just wanted a life. The life I had before iBC was not healthy; at times, it made me feel so low I was thinking about ending my life, and that’s not right,” Claire shared. Her testimony now serves as a potent reminder to staff about the importance of listening to those in their care and prioritizing least restrictive practices whenever possible.
The co-produced program, centered around Claire’s journey, has been fully integrated into several key modules within iBC’s induction training, including Safeguarding Adults & Whistleblowing and Crisis Intervention Institute foundation training. By using Claire’s story as a learning tool, the program fosters a deeper empathy toward individuals with EUPD while reinforcing the critical importance of restraint reduction and personalized care practices. Modules featuring Claire’s video contributions include Person-Centred and Trauma-Informed Approach, Justification for Restraint, and Communication During Holds.
By involving Claire in the co-production of this essential training, iBC Healthcare upholds its commitment to ensuring that the voices of those we support remain at the heart of every decision. Dan Wade, who co-delivered one of the first face-to-face induction sessions with this material, observed:
“The benefits of person-centred, co-delivered modules with embedded videos were clear. New colleagues showed strong emotional reactions—empathy, joy—depending on the topic, and there was a shared sense of pride in delivering high-quality, trauma-sensitive care that truly makes a difference.”
Claire’s involvement in this initiative not only highlights her own incredible progress but also ensures that the practices that supported her transformation are shared with those who will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
Looking Forward
Claire’s journey with iBC Healthcare exemplifies the transformative power of personalized, compassionate care. Through tailored support plans, a focus on independence, and a deep commitment to reducing restrictive practices, Claire now lives a life filled with joy, independence, and hope. With her Disney trip on the horizon and a continued drive toward self-improvement, Claire’s future looks bright—and iBC Healthcare remains by her side, ensuring she continues to thrive.
To make a referral to one of iBC’s specialist Mental Health services: please contact referrals@ibchealthcare.co.uk
Thank you to Claire, James Punch, Dan Wade, Charlie Potter and the Lester Hall Apartments Team.
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Introducing NEW Specialist EUPD Supported Living Service Wimblebury. Click below to read more:
