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 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.
