Everyone deserves to be understood, respected and included.
People should be able to live a meaningful life, make their own choices and receive the support they need regardless of their culture, faith, ethnicity, identity, sexuality or background.
No judgement. No assumptions. Just people being treated as people.
Sometimes asking for support can be difficult.
Family experiences, cultural expectations, community attitudes and previous experiences of care can all affect how people feel about asking for support.
Conversations about Learning Disability, Autism and support should be able to happen openly, sensitively and without shame.
Understanding someone’s background can help us understand the person.
Culture, faith and family can be incredibly important parts of someone’s identity. Where they are important to the individual, support should respect their beliefs, traditions, food, clothing, language, family relationships, celebrations, routines and community connections.
“We don’t decide what somebody’s culture means to them. We ask them.”
The person remains at the centre.
Family involvement can be important, but the person receiving support should be supported to express their wishes, make choices and have as much control over their life as possible.
Families are important.
Families may have spent many years caring for and advocating for someone they love. Moving towards supported living can bring questions and uncertainty, and families should feel able to talk openly about them.
What matters to the person matters.
Faith or beliefs may be an important part of everyday life. Support can recognise religious practices and community connections where they matter to the individual, including a person’s choice not to practise a religion.
Dignity and respect.
Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of gender, sexuality, relationships or identity. The role of support is not to judge someone’s identity. It is to support the person.
Being part of the community.
A good life is about more than support.
Friendships, relationships, interests, opportunities and feeling that you belong all matter. People can be supported to explore what matters to them, including family and friends, faith, community groups, hobbies, education, volunteering and employment.
The important thing is that it is their success.
Looking for the right support?
Find out who NUM1 Supported Care supports or start a referral.