Great Interactions
MacIntyre has a distinctive philosophy and way of working that is the very essence of what we do; because it underpins all our activities, we refer to it as our DNA.
We believe that everyone is born equal and all should have the same expectations for a fulfilling and purposeful life. We also believe that everyone is an individual and should be respected as such. MacIntyre sees the person first and the disability second; there are no off the shelf or pre-determined assumptions - we support each person in the round and as they wish through a person centred approach.
"My name is Jack and I am sitting listening to music, I like Frank Sinatra and I am feeling pretty cool just like the music. I have my favourite shirt on, I don't have as much hair these days and it's a bit grey but I still think I look quite sharp. Mark supported me to get up this morning and he always knows how I like to look- I also smell great and I feel really content; having a shower and being dressed by Mark is always a joy, he talks away to me and notices all my little glances and ways- he seems to read me like a book. I have never told Mark these things- you see I can't talk, I never have been able to but he just seems to know. I am looking forward to my day now."
Jack's story above is fictional but it is an illustration of what it feels like to be supported by someone who is making a positive impact on his life; an attention to the small personal details that really matter, each day, every day. His supporter, Mark is working in a truly person centred way; his behaviour is respectful, he is being intuitive, creative and totally focused on Jack.
The one thing that means more than anything else to the adults and young people using our services is the way that we interact with them, each day, every day and in all situations.
We all feel more in control if we feel we are respected and listened to and have the opportunity to have our say. For many people with a learning disability this is a particularly difficult and, often, a frustrating aspect of their lives.
A facilitative way of interacting
In MacIntyre we use the word facilitation to describe the range of subtle skills that make up great interactions; we believe it is the best way of providing support that enables a person with a learning disability to take increasing control over their own life. This is the fundamental objective of all our services.
MacIntyre's Great Interactions policy places a duty on every member of staff to develop their practice and ensure that interactions are of the highest standard. To support this policy MacIntyre has a varied and innovative training programme and methods of sharing best practice, which will encourage and support learning.
For more information please contact: Tina Fairholm on 01908 230100
