Strengths Based Approaches

The Strengths Based Approach strongly links with the Lincolnshire Conversation process and strengths based practice work that is already taking place. This is a model of practice which focuses on helping people to achieve the highest possible level of independence, supporting people in the context of their own families and support networks. The Conversations are not about refusing to provide support to those who really need it – but it is about ensuring that a range of options have been explored where possible.

'Strengths-based (or asset-based) approaches focus on individuals’ strengths (including personal strengths and social and community networks) and not on their deficits. Strengths-based practice is holistic and multidisciplinary and works with the individual to promote their wellbeing. It is outcomes led and not services led’
(SCIE, 2023)

SCIE Strengths Based Approaches

Lincolnshire County Council introduced the Lincolnshire Conversation to support a different type of conversation with people that is person-centred and which builds a picture of each person's individual strengths, and develops a connection between a person and their community. To embed this into practice we have been on a journey to develop Strengths Based Practice and Behavioural Science with all of our Adult Care and Community Wellbeing workforce as well as partner agencies. We have worked closely with people with lived experience to co-produce new forms and paperwork to ensure all of our processes and systems are streamlined to this new way of working.

We also have two Strengths Based Practitioner roles who continuously encourage reflective practice, and support new and exisiting workforce to consider the persons strengths in order to achieve the best possible outcome for them. We have also ensured that Strengths Based Approaches are built into our quality assurance framework so that we can measure the impact this is having on people's lives. We will ensure that we continue to bring more teams on board with this new approach across the whole health and care system, working closely with colleagues in health in particular.

In the video below, Jenny Brereton, Practice Leader for Personalisation in Adult Care, talks about how strengths based approaches have improved the way their team supports adults in Lincolnshire.