INSPIRATIONAL campaigner Curtis Pugh has helped Birmingham Hospice staff understand how to better support people with learning disabilities by sharing his own personal experience.
Curtis, aged 29, addressed hospice health advocates and representatives from other teams on Monday, February 24 to share his perspective on autism, ADHD and mental health.
and Clinical Support Assistant Kate Miley (right).
His aim was to raise awareness of these hidden disabilities and highlight the Sunflower lanyard, which is worn by those diagnosed with a range of unseen illnesses.
He was inspired by the Oliver McGowan training which ensures people with a learning disability receive the correct care and treatment.
Training is mandatory for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered organisations, like Birmingham Hospice, and is the result of a tireless campaign by Oliver’s parents to ensure there is no repeat of the events which lead to his tragic death.
Curtis, who lives in Rubery with dad Stephen, learned about it from Clinical Support Assistant Kate Miley and has put together an eye-catching display and presentation.
“It’s about raising awareness of people with autism and ADHD, and letting them know about the Sunflower lanyard,” said Curtis, who received abuse from members of the public during Covid because his condition prevented him from wearing a mask.
“The Oliver McGowan training was an inspiration to me; I wondered if I could combine it with my experiences and make it my own.
“If I can help even one person then my work will be done.”
He will also talk about his own mental health issues after his mother, Tracey, lost her battle with breast cancer in May 2016.
“He’s an inspiration to so many and the things he can teach us are absolutely amazing,” said Kate.
Curtis is also working closely with our Education and Research Team, which coordinate training. His experience builds on the Oliver MacGowan course, and it is hoped that he will give more talks in the future.
Among his first audience were health advocates, who provide additional support to patients with learning disabilities or autism whilst they are being cared for by the hospice.
Hilary Murray, Head of the Education and Research Team, said: “Curtis is an inspiration, and his presentation is a very powerful way of ensuring people with learning difficulties, like autism and ADHD, are heard and receive the care they need.”
Hospice
Both Curtis and Stephen are long-time hospice supporters after Tracey, who was a huge Jason Donovan fan, was cared for by our Inpatient Unit (IPU) in 2016.
They started charity Tracey’s Dream and Friends in her honour, where they provided a holiday caravan free of charge for cancer patients.
The pair have also donated thousands of pounds to the hospice and regularly support events held by our Living Well Centre.
The dynamic father and son duo continue to raise funds for good causes as well as donate comfort bears to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s cancer ward, with Curtis dressing up in a variety of superhero costumes.
Stephen said: “People don’t see all the work that goes into caring for patients at Birmingham Hospice. Everyone here is kind, caring and will do anything they can to help.”
