written by Becky Darnton
Somethings really give me a boost and encourage me to keep going…
I have the privilege of working with and spending time alongside a not-for-profit supported living organisation. Over the last few months, while delivering training for the whole organisation, I have been enjoying spending more time with staff who now support some of the individuals I had previously known some years ago when they were still in school and I part of their multi disciplinary team.
At that time, these were typically young people experiencing significant distress and I remember being really concerned about what their futures might look like when they moved from children’s services and entered the adult world with all its uncertainties.
Around the same time, I was asked to do some guest teaching at university – talking about occupational therapy in the context of working with people with learning disabilities – sharing the theory and talking about what good, person-centred support could look like. I remember I was beginning to question whether true authentic person centred support even existed in reality. That’s when I first met Getta Life – they came to share some films they had made about how things can be done differently.
Fast track to now and for me to see firsthand how these individuals are thriving and to hear about the richness of their lives and how they are being supported to live in ways that reflect who they are feels incredibly powerful.
They are thriving in ways that perhaps weren’t always easy to imagine back then. And that feels important to acknowledge. I am also sadly aware that in 2026 this shouldn’t be the exception this should be the standard.
What stands out just as much is the team around them – a family, a community.
Staff speak – with curiosity, understanding, respect and genuine care. They reflect, adapt and really take the time to get to know each person they support and openly talk about how being part of the organisation has helped them grow personally and professionally.
It is a reminder that the right support, shaped around the individual, can make such a meaningful difference over time. It also reminds me how important connection really is. When people feel known, understood and part of something, it helps create a sense of safety that goes beyond any one approach or strategy.
We are always stronger when we work together – sharing insights, noticing the small changes and supporting one another to reflect and respond. In this way, building a community around the person isn’t just valuable, it’s integral to ensure people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
Everyone brings something different – different strengths, different perspectives, different ways of connecting and when that comes together, it creates something that feels like more than just support.
It creates a sense of belonging.
A sense of being understood.
Something that feels, in many ways, like family.
It also reinforces a belief we hold strongly at Links that we are always stronger together.
When we learn from one another, share experiences and stay open to reflection, we begin to grow a community of practice that extends beyond any one individual or organisation.
Moments like this remind me that the Links Therapy extended family aren’t just the people we directly support – it includes the teams, organisations and communities we are privileged to work alongside.
And that shared commitment is what helps create meaningful, lasting change.
Check out – https://www.gettalifeonline.co.uk
