Years ago I had a rather scary situation involving a client with learning disabilities, superimposed mental health needs and a sharp Knife. The chap was notoriuos within the "teams" for his challenging ,obstructive and abusive behaviuors but he was a big pussycat really.He had suffered many forms of discrimination and ill treatment both in the community and while living in a large institution for many years. He was well known to the police and variuos social work teams. When I inherited the case everyone thought it was hilariuos because no one wanted him on their books. Anyway after many wasted visits where he was never in, missed appointments etc tec a relationship of sorts was founded but always on his terms. he had a long history of violence both in and outside the institution but was never aggressive towards me.

One day ,however, he produced a knife, and showed me proudly where he hid it. he told me it was for his protection and he wouldnt hesitate to use it , if need be. I duly recorded this and sought a meeting with my manager during which I highlighted my concerns.I was advised to carry on visiting him, not to discriminate ,and he probably wouldnt do anything anyway !!!!

Just before this an Occupational Therapist had been stabbed to death in England and when i told my manager about this she said...oh well that wouldnt happen here !!!!! (This was Northern ireland)

With the sad news that a worker has been killed I was wondering how many of us have had encounters like this and what happened. This I must point out was over 12yrs ago.

When I was a first year student I did my placement at a day centre for people had had suffered brain injuries. As part of my role I would go to the service users homes if required. One guy I was working with had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly (he wee'd on the police care as well), anyway I had to pick him up from home and take him to the magistrates court.

He was known to have a knife under his pillow in the sitting room as he was paranoid of people attacking him as he slept. I stupidly forgot about this and went to the flat. As I walked towards the door my brain kicked in and I slowed my pace wondering what to do. I phoned a colleague and basacilly said phone me in ten minutes to check I am ok. Phew ! fine, I hear you say. Yeah that was fine but me being totally hell bent on getting myself killed I knocked on the door to be met with a guy in a shirt which was creased to bits and what did I do yep I told him to "take your shirt off it looks terrible" and I ironed it for him.

Did I mention that he had prior to the brain injury been diagnosed as being a psycopath and extremely dangerous if spoken to in a manner he might find abrupt.    

Needless to say I am safe and well and have never never done such a stupid dangerous and downright idiotic act again.