A lot of different organisations use this term, but it can be difficult to understand what it means without seeing it in action. Here’s an example:

Read the transcript: Alison is supported by Jo through national charity United Response

What person centred support means

We use a variety of tools and approaches, we first work to find out a person’s preferences, needs, aims and goals – basically, get to know them – then build a support plan around this.

But, of course, it doesn’t end there – it’s an ongoing process. We use continual monitoring, analysis and feedback to ensure we adapt with the individual, to keep things on track. After all, nobody stays the same.

View: Person Centred Support – training resource

Components of person centred support

  1. Person centred thinking and planning tools
    These help us take a creative approach to problem-solving and ensure the best possible – and consistent – level of support.
  2. We are pioneers in active support
    This approach helps us support people with disabilities in a way that enables them to participate in all aspects of their life, so they can be as independent as possible.
  3. Our support focuses on what is important to the individual – at home, at work and in the community
    It centres around the things they want to do in life and what is important for them – for example, keeping safe and healthy.
  4. Effective communication is central to the way we work
    By listening carefully to what people say through their words or behaviour, we ensure that our support matches their needs.
  5. Our staff are supported by national specialists in best practice, inclusion, and health and safety
    This ensures that expert advice is always on hand.
  6. We have a comprehensive range of policies and regularly audit our support services
    We have signed up to the Driving Up Quality code and involve the people we support in checking our services, too, through our Quality Checkers programme.
  7. We have a robust complaints procedure
    We treat all concerns and complaints seriously, and will investigate if things go wrong. We aim to learn from our mistakes and make sure our support continually improves.

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