At the North East Autism Society (NE-AS), providing highly personalised support rests at the heart of their mission. This commitment is clearly demonstrated in the powerful transformation seen within one of their independent supported living services—thanks to the introduction of The Safety Pod^TM and XL Leg Support Cushions.

Katherine Moffat, a member of the NE-AS team, shared the story of an individual who has required 3:1 support throughout their five and a half years with the service. Before The Safety Pod^TM was introduced, the individual frequently engaged in significant self-injurious behaviours, including headbanging and punching themselves in the eyes.

“These incidents could happen multiple times a day,” Moffat explained. “They often resulted in the need for supine restraint, which unfortunately sometimes led to injuries for both the individual and staff—and in some cases, wasn’t even successful.”

The physical consequences were devastating. In 2022, the individual suffered a retinal detachment and cataract as a result of these behaviours. The damage left them with sight in only one eye. Then, in 2024, a second detachment left them completely blind. Incredibly, through a series of specialised surgeries, their eyesight was restored—but it was clear something had to change.

That’s when NE-AS introduced The Safety Pod^TM and XL Leg Support Cushions, working closely with their STEP team, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and restraint instructors to ensure safe and effective implementation.

“Since bringing The Safety Pod into the service, we’ve only had to use a supine restraint once—and that was during a community outing where the pod wasn’t available,” said Moffat. “We’ve gone from seeing 15–30 behaviours a month to maybe one, or even zero. The impact has been huge.”

Beyond crisis prevention, The Safety Pod^TM has become a natural part of daily life. “The individual now uses The Safety Pod as their regular sofa and gaming chair,” Moffat added. “They accepted it immediately and actually prefer it over the sofa. It helps them self-regulate throughout the day.”

The XL Leg Support Cushions have also proven to be a vital part of the strategy. “We have two XL Cushions in the service, and they’ve been incredibly useful—not just for leg support, but as protective tools during interventions,” Moffat explained. “Staff approach in a triangle formation, using the XL Cushions to create a blocking effect when needed, especially if the individual jumps up or tries to grab.”

For staff, the difference has been just as significant. “Before The Safety Pod and cushions, staff were being bitten or injured in ways that required medical attention. That’s no longer the case,” said Moffat. “Staff feel much safer, more confident, and happier coming into work.”

That sense of safety and confidence has had ripple effects throughout the service. “We’ve seen improvements in staff retention and a much more stable, trusting team around the individual,” Moffat shared. “With fewer incidents and better relationships, the individual is clearly happier and more engaged.”

Most importantly, these tools have helped preserve the individual’s eyesight and improve their overall wellbeing. “Had the behaviours continued as they were, the outcome could have been life-changing in the worst possible way,” Moffat concluded. “The Safety Pod and XL Leg Support Cushions have truly given this person a better quality of life—and allowed us to support them in a way that’s safe, respectful, and effective.”

This story is a powerful reminder of how the right resources—paired with skilled, compassionate staff—can dramatically improve lives. At the North East Autism Society, The Safety Pod^TM and XL Leg Support Cushions are more than tools; they’re catalysts for real, lasting change.

With special thanks to Katherine Moffat and all of the team at NE-AS for sharing their valuable experience of our products.