Our Shared Agreement Foundation 2: Understanding what matters to ourselves and each other

Together we:

• Offer a safe non-judgemental environment for you to be open and honest and to be ourselves
• Embrace and value differences and implement this in a person-centred way
• Make no decisions about you without you

To see how Foundation 2 is being brought to glorious life in Lincolnshire, read the case studies and articles below:

Case Study: Fran's Story

I’m a 48-year-old mum to two teenage boys who are the most important people in my life and have been my rock over the last couple of years.

I left the army five years ago following an injury to my back, and have struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which contributed to my recent separation from my partner.

I love to travel, socialise with family and friends, spend time with my boys, and keep active.

However, I have been unable to work due to a dip in my mental health and my back pain, which impacted what I could do on day-to-day basis, the relationship with my boys and my wider social network.

I felt disconnected and lonely and was regularly contacting my GP practice for support and advice.

I was prescribed painkillers that made me feel drowsy and tired.

I was referred to a Social Prescribing Link Worker, Charlie, who was the first person in a long time to ask me ‘What's important to you?’ and ‘What’s the change you wanted to feel?’

Together we sat down over a few weeks and worked through my Personalised Care and Support plan, which enabled me to explore all aspects of my life and to really understand what mattered to me.

I realised that the most important things for me were the relationship with my boys, finding a job, and reducing the tablets I was on - plus having a plan in place for times when my mental health might deteriorate.

Six months later, I’m now working as a project manager for a local business, I regularly attend the Pain Café, and have met new friends who are managing similar conditions – that peer support is so valuable.

I feel much happier and have reconnected with my boys and we’re planning a trip to France in the summer.

Having the time to talk, with someone who was there to listen, for me to think and plan and record what was important to me, gave me the confidence to take the steps I needed to to achieve my goals.