News
Making Plans for a Better Life at 'The Big Plan'
"What would it take for this person to have an interesting, fulfilling life where they could meet people who would become their friends and make a contribution to their community?"
This is the question posed by The Big Plan, a partnership project between The Richmond Fellowship Scotland, ARK Community Networks and the Action Group, which helps people with learning disabilities to develop a person-centred plan for their life.
Based at the Thistle Foundation in Edinburgh, The Big Plan brought together people supported by The Richmond Fellowship Scotland and partner organisations as well as their families, Support Workers and other professionals. Everyone participated in a series of relaxed and informal workshop-based activities where individuals shared their insights and ideas with the whole group.
Over five sessions, each person worked on their plan for a good life. Everyone involved was asked to think of one thing that they wanted to do. Charlie was excited about taking a trip on the Zeebrugge Ferry; Kate was looking forward to her computer classes; Fiona planned to do volunteer work with animals and Alex "wanted to speak up for his rights" by making contact with others at The Big Plan. As the weeks progressed, everyone was asked what it would take to make that happen: how could their dream become a reality? Working within their group, each person was then encouraged to develop an action plan to realise that dream, and individuals who could provide ongoing support were identified.
Brian, an individual we support from the Borders, has an ambition to drive a hired Volvo around Scotland as well as attending his local college. Supported by his grandmother and his Support Worker, Brian developed a step-by-step action plan to realise this dream. Much of this planning was visual, and involved drawing a path to represent each step. Everyone received a lot of support from the two facilitators who used practical examples from their own lives.
Brian's grandmother, Wilma, said:
"The Big Plan has helped bring Brian out of himself; he's not as shy as he used to be. He has spoken in front of the whole group and has excelled at greeting people. It's a real boost to his confidence and has made him tremendously happy. The plan they develop is not just a piece of paper on a flip chart, it's a way of helping Brian to map out his future, a real opportunity to put his dreams into practice. The Big Plan is also good for carers and Support Workers as it allows them to gain experience that they can take back to the service."
Terry, Brian's Support Worker, said: "The Big Plan has helped me think about things for Brian which I wouldn't have thought about before. For example, where I would have previously suggested a day centre for Brian, I'm now beginning to think more in terms of mainstream activities."
The Big Plan has already helped six people in the organisation's East Region to move closer to realising their ambitions. It has provided a starting point and route map that they can follow with their support staff and carers in the coming months and years.
For more information about The Big Plan, please contact Norah Smith, Director of Operations, East Region, tel. 01592 774 967, email nsmith@trfs.org.uk.