Publish date: 13 November 2025
We are committed to removing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities—whether they are service users or staff. Our goal is to ensure that reasonable adjustments are not just a one-off initiative, but a standard part of our operations. To reinforce this commitment, we host Reasonable Adjustments Awareness Week every November. Now in its second year, it helps to celebrate and promote inclusive practices across the Trust.
We are compassionate
Zoe Gannaway, Learning Disability Consultant Nurse said:
“We are delighted to say we were acknowledged by the Annual NHS England Learning Disability Improvement Standards Project for our work around raising awareness of reasonable adjustments last year with launching our campaign ‘Ask me about reasonable adjustments’. We designed branded lanyard card inserts for staff to wear, encouraging service users and carers to engage in conversations about their needs. It also features a QR code to further information on our website, part of our effort to inform as many people as possible and encourage conversations on the topic.”
This year, as part of Reasonable Adjustments Awareness Week, we hosted 2 dedicated Community of Practice events—one focused on supporting our service users, and the other on supporting our staff providing guidance for individuals and managers. These sessions reflect our compassionate and proactive commitment to embedding reasonable adjustments into everyday practice. Each event provided valuable insights, practical tools, and expert guidance to help staff better understand and implement adjustments in their roles for themselves, colleagues and service users. This article highlights key themes and initiatives discussed during these events.
We are continuously improving
Research indicates that up to 60% of mental health inpatients experience cognitive impairments affecting information processing, and 80% face communication challenges (Walsh et al., 2007). As a specialist Trust in mental health, learning disabilities, and autism, we have a responsibility to ensure equitable care through appropriate adjustments.
To support this, AWP conducts an annual audit using the Green Light Toolkit, a resource designed to enhance services for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities. This process has helped us identify areas of excellence, as well as opportunities for further development.
We are inclusive
We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff. Recent initiatives include the development of a guidance toolkit for neurodivergent staff, and bitesize training sessions led by our Occupational Health Lead. These resources empower staff and promote understanding across teams.
For service users, we have introduced sensory item kits across all wards to better meet individual needs. As part of our Inpatient Transformation Project, we collaborated with Ward Managers and service users to assess sensory environments across 20 wards—including PICU, Acute, Rehab, and Later Life (Functional). This led to tailored recommendations and a £150,000 investment in sensory resources and the establishment of eight Occupational Therapy Hubs.
Enhancing Communication Through Visual Aids
AWP is piloting the use of Widgit, a symbol-based software package, to create visual aids that support communication and care planning. Widgit has already been successfully implemented in services such as The Kingfisher (our new learning disability and autism inpatient and outreach service) and Eating Disorders Services, resulting in improved communication and increased oral intake among service users. And as part of care planning with our Personal Wellbeing Plans as part of our Your Team, Your Conversation, Your Plan.
Collaborating for Accessible Resources
In partnership with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, we now offer 22 self-help guides developed by NHS Clinical Psychologists with input from service users and staff. These guides are available in multiple accessible formats, including Easy Read, Audio, Large Print, BSL video, and translated languages, ensuring that everyone can benefit from reliable, inclusive information.
Reasonable Adjustments Awareness Week is a vital opportunity to spotlight our efforts, but our commitment extends far beyond a single week. At AWP, making reasonable adjustments is embedded in our culture—ensuring high quality, compassionate care and making our Trust a great place to work.
Find out more about opportunities to work at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust here.
