Our Shared Agreement Foundation 1: Being prepared to do things differently
This means that together we:
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Are open to change and acknowledge it will take time.
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Have patience and learn by doing.
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Have and give permission to do things differently.
Bringing Foundation 1 to life in Lincolnshire
The case studies and articles below show how thinking and working differently in health and care is making a real difference.
By embracing more personalised and community-focused approaches, we’re seeing better outcomes for people.
It’s about people being more involved in their care, supporting self-management, and tackling health inequalities head-on.
Whether it’s through honest conversations, better use of technology, or involving people in decisions that affect them, these changes are helping to make care more accessible, more human, and more effective.
Case study: 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 pharmacist we go to. They listened and said that a Social Prescribing Link Worker (SPLW) might be able to support me.
When I spoke to Rob, the Link Worker, I told him about how active I used to be - I'd been in the RAF before being medically discharged - and that I didn't want to give up on having an active life moving forward.
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 me and my wife, Carol, apply for a Blue Badge. It’s made a big difference—we 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.
