Our Shared Agreement Foundation 5: Making the most of what we have available to us
This means that together we:
-
Are honest about what is and isn’t available.
-
Recognise our own strengths and opportunities.
-
Recognise support starts with the individual, family and community.
-
Actively support communities to best manage their health and wellbeing.
Bringing Foundation 5 to life in Lincolnshire
The case studies and articles below show how putting strength-based approaches at the heart of health and care - along with recognising the vital role of family and community - leads to better, more meaningful outcomes.
It’s about focusing on what people can do, not just what they need, and supporting them to take an active role in their own care.
By building on existing support networks and reducing isolation, we not only help individuals to thrive, but also strengthen the resilience of entire communities.
It’s a more human, more connected, and more sustainable way of delivering care.
Case study: Peter's story
I was self-employed and doing OK until my mid-40s when a diagnosis of diverticulitis blindsided me. Diverticulitis is an inflammation of the colon and causes cramps, diarrhoea and constipation and other not-very-nice symptoms!
It’s just an unpredictable and embarrassing condition. And when it really flares up, I get a fever and vomiting and I've had to go to A&E.
So, my life suddenly got quite small - I started working from home and stopped going out much. And I was becoming increasingly stressed and anxious, which in turn caused flare-ups.
I was now regularly visiting my GP not only for support to manage the diverticulitis but also for help with my stress and anxiety.
Men's Shed - the power of community
At one of my appointments, my GP suggested the local Men’s Shed as something I might try. He’d referred other patients to it and said it had helped them.
I wasn't sure, but I went along - and it's actually really helped. Just getting out, meeting new people, and talking about things has made a real difference.
Managing my stress and anxiety is a big part of keeping my condition under control and the Shed helps me with that, because I’m not worrying about my health when I’m concentrating on something else. It's a positive focus and a pressure valve at the same time.
I’ve only had a couple of mild flare-ups since I joined the Shed, which is incredible really, given how things were before.
It's given me some control back - over both my physical and mental health. I haven't needed to see my GP for a few months now.
