Active Support (PCAS)
Active support is at the core of what we do, because we know its consistent use can transform people’s lives.
It’s a big commitment, but it’s worth it. That’s why we employ dedicated practice development leads who train, develop and coach support teams in the use of Active Support (sometimes refered to as PCAS or Person Centered Active Support). They’re involved in planning people’s support packages from the referral and assessment stage, to make sure we get things right for people from day one.
It’s also a fundamental part of our training for all our support staff, and we monitor all our services to make sure people we support are benefiting from these methods throughout the time they choose to be supported by Avenues.
We appreciate that as people learn, they make mistakes. But we support people through all these ups and downs to lead a full life. It’s hard work, but we’re committed to doing the right thing (not the easy thing) for every person we support.
More about Person Centred Active Support (PCAS)
It’s a way of working with people that means they can make choices about things in their lives.
Things are not done for people, but with them.
With active support, all the typical tasks and interactions of a typical day present opportunities for us to support people in a way that they are engaged in whatever is happening. That might be washing the dishes, taking public transport, a family visit or going to the shops. From someone’s typical activities and interactions with other people, our support workers identify the steps that someone can manage for themselves, the ones they need support with and the ones support workers will need to do for them. By providing the right amount of support at the right time we make sure someone’s progress to independence isn’t hindered by too much support. Our support workers will seek out opportunities and ways for the people we are supporting to express preferences and views.
The outcome of is that someone’s quality of life improves because they will have more choice, control and independence. What that looks like in practice will differ from person to person.
- Avenues was awarded a grant by NHS England to deliver training in PBS, PCAS and mindfulness to a group of parents/carers. Read a summary or download the report.