2.1. Describe what is meant by ‘person-centred support’.

Person-centered support, also known as person-centered care or person-centered planning, is an approach to providing care and support that focuses on the individual’s unique needs, preferences, goals, and values. It is a philosophy and practice that places the person receiving support at the center of decision-making and empowers them to have a voice in determining their own care and life choices.

Historically, support for individuals with learning disabilities and mental ill-health has taken a one-size-fits-all approach, where all individuals received the same type of support and had the same daily routines. In modern times it was recognised that this approach led to negative outcomes because the uniqueness of each individual was not valued, which affected their identity, confidence, and self-esteem.

By treating each individual as a unique person, it is more likely that positive outcomes will ensue because they will feel valued and respect and have control over their lives rather than simply being passive recipients of care and support services.

Further information about person-centred values can be found here.