Suzanne Grimshaw and Jane Ahern Whilst waiting to sort out our future were missing out on life

OUR PAST Out of sight, out of mind Lost in the system A passive recipient of care, a dependant on the welfare state

Personalisation, self directed support, it’s much more than being about personal or individual budgets. It is about a different relationship between the citizen and the state, its about being

But the question still exists Who will look after my loved on when I’m no longer here? If you love something enough you will keep it safe for ever. A sustainable life with people who know your story. A good life with friends and family. Sorting things out then you can truly have Peace of Mind.

BUT Where and when do I start? How can we make the impossible possible? It takes energy. Who is really interested? My child will die first or I will live for ever? We have no choice but to aim high!!!

£ We knew the concept of circles of support could work, but they were few and far between in the UK. Participation £ £ Exchange

Then we heard of a new way which seemed to be working in Canada Established for over 20 years

It’s mission To support families to have peace of mind, and people with disabilities to attain ‘a good life’ By doing as much as is needed and no more than is necessary It was simple yet seemed effective Working to family priorities Hospitality Belonging Support and understanding Getting the best out of life

The core values Family leadership Safety and security through relationships Self sufficiency Contribution equals citizenship

The PLAN Model Future Planning Wills, trusts, guardianship, agreements Family support and advocacy Individual, group and movement Personal network development Intentional networks of support. Friends not paid support. Community connectors. Lifetime commitment

Planning for Plan programme in five areas – supporting families to plan for the future and develop circles of support encouraging mutual peer support. One provider training staff to become connectors – to support isolated people who they work with. Ask the family – influencing local authority practice. So what have we done so far? Hereford Worcestershire Birmingham Bradford Wigan Monmouthshire in the pipeline.

Families to commit to each other. A local organisation to host that group or not. Families ready to do the hard stuff first - future planning. Skilled input to train connectors. Back room work done for rather than by members. How do our local groups work?

What we have A skilled team able to : train connectors, Support families through the future planning process Develop family leadership Seek funding Resources to support group development A resource in

If you want something different you have to do something different.

Plan or be planned for! The choice is yours....

Thank you for sharing your time with us today For more information contact:- Suzanne Grimshaw on or