Our Shared Agreement Foundation 1: Being prepared to do things differently
Better relationships don’t happen by accident. They grow when we are open to change, willing to listen, and ready to move beyond traditional ways of working.
This foundation recognises that to build trust, understanding, and partnership, we must be prepared to adapt how we work with each other, not just what we do.
This means that together we:
Are open to change and acknowledge it will take time
Building better relationships requires patience. We understand that changing how people and professionals relate to one another is a gradual process, built on trust and consistency.
Have patience and learn by doing
We grow stronger relationships through shared experiences, testing new approaches, reflecting together, and learning side by side.
Have and give permission to do things differently
Strong relationships need flexibility. We support one another - people, communities, and the health and care workforce - to step outside traditional roles and create new ways of working together.
Bringing Foundation 1 to life in Lincolnshire: Bill's story
"I’d been struggling with getting about for a while - it had started to get hard to walk even short distances.
I’d also started to notice my memory wasn’t what it used to be, which was a worry.
So, over a few months, I just gradually stopped going out. Most days, I’d just potter around the house or sit watching TV. I didn’t feel like doing much else.
Doing things differently: Social Prescribing and non-clinical, community-based support
One day, I mentioned how I was feeling to the social worker who visits for my wife, Carol. They listened and said that a Social Prescribing Link Worker might be able to support me.
They also talked about a Carer's Assessment, even though I didn’t recognise myself as a carer, I am just a husband.
The social worker also recommended some technology that would help with my memory issues and increase my confidence in leaving the house more.
The technology has been brilliant, and the Lincolnshire Carers Service has told me about lots of support that's available when I am ready, including some financial help.
I then spoke to Rob, the Social Prescribing Link Worker. I told him about how active I used to be and that I didn't want to give up on having an active life moving forward. I also mentioned that I had been in the RAF as a young man and had enjoyed being part of that community.
Based on this one conversation, Rob connected me with a veterans’ group at the local community centre. I really enjoyed going along to that - and through that, I found out about a gardening group. I'm not much of a gardener, but I decided to give that a go too, and I've become friendly with even more people.
Rob also helped us apply for a Blue Badge. It’s made a big difference - Carol and I can get out together without worrying about where we’ll park.
I definitely feel more like myself again, now. I’m going out again and I'm actually quite busy! And Carol says I’m much happier. And she’s right - I actually look forward to going out now."
What Bill's story shows us
Bill’s story shows how changing the way we work can transform relationships - and outcomes.
When Bill began to struggle with mobility and memory, he gradually became isolated. But instead of a purely clinical response, a different kind of conversation opened the door to a different kind of support.
By listening and connecting Bill with a social prescribing link worker, professionals:
- recognised him as a partner in his own wellbeing
- connected him to community-based support
- helped rebuild his confidence and independence
This wasn’t just a different service, it was a different relationship. One built on listening, trust, and understanding what mattered to Bill.
