City of York City Council: The benefits of a person-centred

approach: a case study

Summary
This case study illustrates the multiple benefits of working in a person-centred
way with one individual, enabling them to achieve their own goals. A socially
isolated young man with a physical disability living on his own wanted to
access the community and make new friends. With support from a
Community Facilitator and the young mans personal assistant, he was
enabled to explore his interests. This led to him attending a digital
photography course and subsequently using his photography skills to work as
a volunteer on his local community centre newsletter.
The work has not only benefited the young mans confidence and
independence, it has also had considerable impact on his personal assistant
and the community centre team. It also indicates the benefits of direct
payments.
Who was involved and what their role was
This work involved a Community Facilitator who explored the young mans
interests with him and his personal assistant (PA). The PA had a creative role
in the project. The staff and manager at a community centre helped to raise
awareness of the young mans skills and how he can contribute.
Drivers for change
The young man himself was a key driver; he wanted to do voluntary work, to
contribute and do something useful. He was supported by the Community
Facilitator.
A different approach
This individuals direct payments were used to fund his PA. With support from
the Community Facilitator, the PA was able to think more about his role and
how he could enable individuals to make links with community, introduce new
friends, develop and value skills, and enhance peoples experiences.
The PA and Community Facilitator discovered that the young man was
interested in photography and supported him to develop his skills through an
adult education class, working towards accreditation. This led to him doing
voluntary work at his local community centre, using his photography skills to
work on the centres newsletter.
Impact on social capital/community capacity
This young mans volunteering at a local community centre has unintentionally
raised awareness and understanding of working with people with disabilities.

His skills are used and valued at the centre and the manager has had
enquiries about opportunities from other people with disabilities. The
manager was unable to offer voluntary work to others but asked if we could
set up a drop in session at the centre to give information, advice and sign
posting.
Support for this individual has further developed the Community Facilitators
links with the centre and led to the possibility of this drop in service.
Impact on the individual
The young mans social network is increasing. His work at the centre has
made him feel valued and developed his confidence and independence. He
no longer requires his PA to attend classes and can use him for other support.
He is keen to develop his photography work.
The PA has also benefited from this. He feels his work has more focus: its
better than just going into town.
Impact on commissioning
Presently we need to develop communication channels with commissioning.
The use of Small Sparks funding to initiate photography work at the
community centre is benefiting all at centre and minimal use of direct payment
for support has had major benefits for the individual. It may be possible to
reduce direct payments in time.
Barriers to success
Initially the barriers at the community centre were lack of understanding of
how to relate to or work with someone with a disability. Staff were concerned
about how much support would be needed. Staff are now very positive about
working with this young man and value his contribution.
Evaluation
We have not conducted a formal evaluation but have had feedback from the
individual and others involved.
Costs and benefits
The costs of working this way are minimal. In time support from the PA to
undertake the voluntary work can be reduced and the PAs time can support
other opportunities.
Our advice to an area thinking of trying a similar approach
Spend time with key people involved, supporting and encouraging them to
think creatively. Dont be afraid to try new ways of working.

The benefits in one sentence

Minimal direct payments initially can have a significant impact in the long term
and a person-centred approach has enormous benefits.
Contact details
Susan Reape, Community Facilitator, York City Adult Social Services
Telephone: 01904 554 179
Email: susan.reape@york.gov.uk