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Almost invisible – providing subtle support in community settings
- Authors:
- BATES Peter, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 17(4), 2012, pp.156-162.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
For some people, their only opportunity to connect with the community occurs when staff accompany them. However, subtle support that allows a person to become more independent, less reliant on services, and more socially included is a complex business. This article aims to investigate some of the pitfalls and potential of supporting people on a one-to-one basis in their community in order to stimulate improvements in practice. It discusses a range of situations via several vignettes and draws advice out of these for support workers and their managers. Staff are encouraged to plan carefully so that they can hold back from doing too much for the person, engage as full participants rather than passive bystanders, and seek opportunities for the person to develop informal connections in the community. Managers are encouraged to develop risk management systems that promote contact with ordinary citizens and a culture of community participation through training and mentoring support staff. In order to overcome the many pitfalls of supporting someone in the community, staff need training, time to discuss their experiences, and recognition that it is an ongoing challenge with no easy solutions.