Person-Centred Care at Bridge Support

At Bridge Support, we believe in the power of person-centred care. This approach puts the individual at the heart of their recovery journey, focusing on their unique needs, preferences, and goals. By tailoring our services to each person, we aim to empower them to lead fulfilling, independent lives while navigating the challenges of mental health.

What Is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care is about seeing each person as an individual, not just as a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. It’s an approach that values the whole person—their history, strengths, values, and aspirations. Instead of implementing a universal solution, we collaborate closely with individuals to tailor support to their unique lives and circumstances.

Key principles of person-centred care include:

1. Respect for Individuality: Recognising and valuing what makes each person unique.
2. Active Participation: Encouraging individuals to take an active role in their care and decision-making.
3. Holistic Approach: Addressing all aspects of a person’s life, including mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being.
4. Collaboration: Working together with individuals, their families, and other professionals to provide coordinated and effective support.

How Bridge Support Implements Person-Centred Care

Our commitment to person-centred care is reflected in every aspect of our work. Here are some of the ways we bring this approach to life:

1. Tailored Support Plans

Every individual we support has their own unique journey, which is why we create personalised support plans. These plans are developed through open conversations with the individual, ensuring their voice is heard and respected. The plans outline specific goals and steps to achieve them, with a focus on promoting independence and recovery.

2. Flexible Services

Mental health recovery is not a straight path, and each person’s needs can change over time. Our services are designed to be flexible, adapting to new challenges or priorities as they arise. This flexibility ensures that the support we provide remains relevant and effective at every stage of recovery.

3. Empowering Decision-Making

We encourage individuals to take ownership of their care by involving them in decisions about their treatment, housing, and daily routines. By giving people the tools and confidence to make informed choices, we help them regain a sense of control over their lives.

4. Building Skills for Independence

A key part of person-centred care is equipping people with the skills they need to live independently. This might include:

• Managing finances and budgeting.
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress.
• Building daily routines that promote stability and well-being.
• Learning to navigate social situations and build positive relationships.

By focusing on skill-building, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their lives and reduce reliance on external support over time.

5. Collaboration with Community Resources

Recovery often requires more than one type of support. We work closely with local services, healthcare providers, and community organisations to ensure our clients have access to the resources they need. Whether it’s finding suitable housing, accessing therapy, or joining social groups, we help connect people to the right support networks.

The Benefits of Person-Centred Care

Person-centred care is a compassionate approach, but it’s also highly effective. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improved Well-Being: When people feel heard, respected, and supported, it can lead to better mental health outcomes and a greater sense of well-being.
2. Greater Independence: By focusing on skill development and empowerment, person-centred care helps people build the confidence and ability to live independently.
3. Stronger Relationships: Collaboration and open communication create trust and build positive relationships between individuals and their support teams.
4. Reduced Reliance on Services: As individuals gain the skills and confidence to manage their own lives, they often require less intensive support over time, benefiting both the individual and the wider health system.

Challenges and How We Overcome Them

Implementing person-centred care is not without its challenges. Sometimes people can feel hesitant to take an active role in their care, especially if they’ve faced setbacks in the past. Others may have complex needs that require a high level of coordination between different services.

At Bridge Support, we address these challenges through:

• Building Trust: Taking the time to listen and understand each person’s concerns helps us build strong, trusting relationships.
• Providing Consistent Support: Our dedicated team ensures that individuals always have someone to turn to for guidance and encouragement.
• Advocating for Individuals: We work to ensure that the voices of those we support are heard in every decision that affects their care.
• Offering Ongoing Education: Helping individuals understand their rights and options empowers them to make informed decisions.

At Bridge Support, we’re committed to continuing our work in person-centred care. We believe that every individual has the right to lead a fulfilling and independent life, and we’re here to help make that a reality. By staying true to the principles of person-centred care, we aim to set a standard for compassionate, effective mental health support.

If you’d like to learn more about our services or get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.?

Further Reading

Greenwich Mental Health Hub

5 Tips for Families Supporting Loved Ones with Mental Health Needs

The Six Ways to Wellbeing