Active Support is a way of working that helps people with disabilities improve wellbeing and be more involved in their everyday lives. It means doing things with people, not for them. With the right support, people can be involved in activities at home and in the community in ways that work for them.
Active Support focuses on what people can do. It helps people build skills, try new things, and do more of what they enjoy. People are supported to make choices, build relationships, and have greater control over their own lives.
This approach helps people build meaningful activities into their everyday routines. When people are active, connected, and involved, they are more confident and experience a better quality of life. Increased involvement, choice, and control reduce frustration and distress and support emotional wellbeing.
Active Support is an inclusive approach that can be used in all settings and with people of all abilities, shaped around each person’s interests, preferences, and routines.
For staff, Active Support is a shared responsibility. Practice leaders and managers play a key role by coaching and supporting their teams. Straight forward flexible approaches help staff provide the right support at the right time, in ways that are responsive to people’s individual routines and goals.