Personalisation in action: Gary’s story – a rich tapestry

At Brainkind, we want our support plans to truly reflect what matters to each person we support in our services – to ensure that they include not just what is important for the person, but what is important to them.

Our Personalisation Lead, Wendy Baylis-Wareing, chatted recently with one of the people we support, Gary, and Speech and Language Therapist Monika, who works closely with Gary alongside other members of the team. They talked about how they have worked together to co-produce Gary’s support plan.

Transforming support through co-production

When we talk about personalisation, it’s easy to think about plans, paperwork and processes. But at its heart, personalisation is about people – their stories, values, passions and aspirations. Few stories illustrate this better than Gary’s.

My conversation with Gary and Monika was a powerful example of how co production, curiosity and genuine listening can transform support into something deeply meaningful.

More than a support plan: a life story

Gary has a rich biography.  For Monika and the team at Graham Anderson House, understanding Gary meant going far beyond his current needs, and to discover the wealth of lived experience, strengths and skills he brings with him.

Through doing this, they could set goals together that genuinely motivate and inspire.

Gary’s values are the most important thing to him – and having those values understood by the people supporting him.

Gary is a Buddhist, and draws on Buddhist practice to support his wellbeing. Mindfulness and meditation are not just activities for Gary – they are central to how he maintains balance, calm and purpose in his life. For Gary, it is important that these values are inherent within his support. 

Co‑producing goals that matter

Gary was clear that his experiences, skills and interests need to be at the heart of his therapeutic goals. Working together, Gary and Monika identified a key focus: supporting Gary to articulate himself more clearly and reduce monologue-style conversations.

Rather than approaching this in a clinical or detached way, Monika leaned into what Gary loves most.

Gary is highly artistic and has a background in the performing arts. Together, they use his favourite books – including Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald – to help him ‘get into character’. This creative approach enables Gary to express himself more freely, confidently and authentically, while also working towards his therapeutic goals.

Seeing the whole person

Gary’s life is rich with experience, creativity and adventure. He learned to play the French horn in China, refined his piano skills in Japan, conducted school orchestras for several years and travelled extensively throughout Africa.

His story reminds us of something fundamental: people are not defined by their current circumstances. When we take time to understand someone’s history, passions and journey, we move away from seeing ‘needs’ in isolation and begin to support the whole person – understanding what matters to them, and why.

Bringing therapy and lifestyle together

One of Gary’s greatest loves is the theatre. Recently, he travelled to Edinburgh to see ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ – a passion he shares with Monika. Rather than this being a separate part of Gary’s life, they are weaving it directly into his support.

Together, they are exploring a new goal: creating a video, using his love of musicals, to represent what is important to Gary, and for him in his continued road to recovery.

This is personalisation in action – blending therapeutic goals with the lifestyle, interests and joy that give life meaning.

Looking ahead: supporting independence

Gary is currently working towards a major life goal: moving back into his own home. To support this transition, Monika felt it was essential to really understand the small details that help Gary feel happy, safe and supported.

These small details can make all the difference to someone’s experience of support.

Gary and Monika are working together to co‑produce a booklet called ‘How Best to Support Me’. It’s designed to travel with Gary when he moves on from our service. It captures his preferences, values and what truly matters to him.

Gary’s advice on person‑centred support

I asked Gary what advice he would give to staff about person‑centred support. He shared how difficult it can be if staff don’t know what is important to him.

For Gary, tools such as his support booklet and the information about his interests, likes and preferences in his care record, are essential. They help ensure that even when staff change, Gary remains known, understood and respected.

A powerful reminder

Gary’s story is a powerful call to action.

By embracing a co‑produced approach – like the one Gary and Monika have developed together – we ensure that care and support truly reflects what matters to each person. We move from doing to people, to working with them.

Personalisation means choice.
It means control.
And most importantly, it means supporting people to live lives that make sense to them.

If you’d like to find out more about our services, click here. 

If you’re interested in how you could help us support the people who use our services, click here.