What is the strengths based approach?
“Strengths-based (or asset-based) approaches focus on individuals’ strengths and not on their deficits. It’s about what they can do, not what they can’t do. This includes an individual’s personal strengths, skills and abilities that they already have, and those they might wish to acquire. Strengths-based practice is holistic and multidisciplinary. It requires flexibility and creativity. It is underpinned by the principles of opportunity, social inclusion and wellbeing. The approach works with the individual to promote their wellbeing through greater connection with social and community networks. It requires us to look at prevention and early intervention. It is person-centred and outcomes-focussed, not services led. (Social Care In Excellence – SCIE)”
Pilot 2024
The pilot programme of the provider strengths based approach has been developed as eLearning and webinars. The interactive 1-hour webinars included learning, discussions and engaging activities, including sessions on; Goal setting and outcomes, Continuous supervision and 247 grid, Path planning. eLearning covered information, resources and videos with modules on the Care Act, TECS, Goal setting and outcomes and 247 grid, Path planning.
Learning outcomes
- Understanding of the Care Act in respect of promoting wellbeing and eligibility.
- Understanding of the strengths-based approach and how to apply this.
- Knowledge of a range of TECS solutions that can supplement and enhance delivery of care.
- Awareness of the Independent Living Centre and how and when to access it.
- Understanding of a progression model approach to goal setting and writing SMART goals-focused ways of working.
- Understanding the fundamentals of DCC Integrated Adult Social Care process and operational procedures.
- Understanding of tools and ways of mapping and forming links with local community assets and resources.
Evaluation
- Hybrid approach worked well for providers to attend bitesize webinar and eLearning for further resources and signposting
- Outcomes delivered were thought provoking, insights and confidence to explore changes
- To develop follow up sessions and further examples how to apply the approach
Community of practice
As a result of the evaluation and learning from the pilot, we are developing a strengths based approach community of practice. The community of practice will have drop in sessions and opportunity for discussion, peer support and sharing good practice.
The Community of Practice is being supported by our in house reablement and reaching for independence teams. If you have already completed the e-learning and would be interested in attending the community of practice. Join us at the first meeting on 22nd May 2025 from 2.30pm-3.30pm. The initial theme will be around Employment. Don’t forget to register to attend here to ensure you reserve a place!
eLearning
The eLearning is live and available for all providers to access. The topics include applying a strengths based approach through the Care Act, TECS, Goal setting and outcomes and 247 grid, Path planning.
Registering
- Go to webpage Devon Education Services online shop | DES
- Click on Register in the top right hand corner
- Put your e-mail address in the e-mail address box
- Select ‘Other Individual/Home address’ in the User Type dropdown box
- Click proceed
- Type post code in the “Enter your post code or organisation” box
- Select the address from the drop down menu below
- Click Proceed
- Follow the registration process through in order to set up your account
- Once you have registered, you can access the training through this link.
- Buy now for £0.00 and this will be added to your basket.
- Go to your basket and select check out and then select continue through the steps.
- Once logged in and purchased, click on your name in top right corner and this will take you to your account page. From there click on ‘My online courses’ tab and start the training.
If you have any problems with accessing the eLearning please contact the team here who will help via this link.