October 14, 2024

Apprentice On Board blog #1 – let’s talk independent living

By Lisa Maynard-Atem

Following the recent announcement about me becoming the very first PSS Board Apprentice, the time finally came for me to join them for my first board meeting. Fortunately, I was able to spend two whole days meeting the team and some of the wonderful people the PSS supports. During one of my meetings, the subject of independent living came up, which really stopped me in my tracks.  

A new perspective on independent living

Question. Have you ever stopped to think about what your days would be like if you needed support to achieve your daily tasks? I’ll be honest and say that I never have. Whilst I’m very focused on living a life of gratitude, I’ve never had to think about going out my daily life because I literally can, just go about my daily life. But what if you are someone who needs help with the everyday tasks that so many of us take for granted? How much more challenging would your life be? It’s a pretty overwhelming thought isn’t it? 

Have you ever stopped to think about what your days would be like if you needed support to achieve your daily tasks? I’ll be honest and say that I never have.

For those of you who are not familiar with PSS (which stands for People Shaped Support), it is an organisation that in a nutshell, supports people to live happy, healthy and hopeful lives. There is much more I could say but as this is the first of my journal entries, I’m going to hold back as I’m going to be sharing my journey over the next 12 months. What I can say is that my initial impression of PSS was not wrong – terrific people supporting equally terrific people. Something that the world could do with a lot more of at the moment. 

The reality of independent living

Anyway, back to my thoughts around independent living. It’s something that can be easy to overlook for many of us, especially when our day-to-day activities flow without much thought. We get up, shower, make breakfast, perhaps head to work or go about our errands, all without really considering the ease with which we can perform these tasks. But for a significant number of people in society, independent living is far from straightforward. The very things we take for granted—getting dressed, preparing meals, managing finances—can be sources of immense challenge and require outside support. 

We get up, shower, make breakfast, perhaps head to work or go about our errands, all without really considering the ease with which we can perform these tasks.

That’s where organisations like PSS come in, and why their work is so critical. It’s not just about helping people get through the day. It’s about ensuring that those who need support have the opportunity to live fulfilling, dignified lives. Independent living, in its truest sense, is not merely about physical autonomy; it’s about having the freedom to make choices, to feel in control, and to participate fully in society. 

Let’s pause for a moment to think about what that means. Imagine having to rely on someone else to help you navigate what most consider simple activities. It’s not just the logistics of it—it’s the psychological and emotional weight that comes with it. When your ability to live independently is compromised, it can deeply affect your sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth. How would you feel if every small decision, from what to eat to when to leave the house, required coordination with another person? This is the reality for many people, and it’s one of the reasons why PSS’s mission resonates so deeply with me. 

The idea of independence is often romanticised in our culture—it’s framed as this ideal that everyone should strive towards. But the reality is that not everyone is given the same tools, opportunities, or resources to achieve that kind of independence. In fact, for some people, it’s impossible without the right support systems in place. And this is why the work PSS does matters. They step in to provide tailored support, empowering individuals to live as independently as possible, while recognising that independence can look different for each person. 

 PSS understands this holistic approach, addressing not just the practical needs of the people they support but also the emotional and psychological ones. 

When we think of independent living, it’s important to realise that it extends far beyond just the physical aspects. Mental health, social inclusion, and emotional wellbeing are equally crucial components. For someone who struggles with mental health issues or has been isolated from their community, independent living might also mean having someone to talk to, access to therapeutic services, or even help with reconnecting with family and friends. PSS understands this holistic approach, addressing not just the practical needs of the people they support but also the emotional and psychological ones. 

I had the privilege of hearing stories from the people PSS supports during my visit. These stories made it very clear to me that the support they receive can be life-changing. It gives people hope, but more importantly, it gives people control over their own lives. 

Life’s challenges can affect anyone

The reality is that life’s challenges don’t discriminate. Anyone, at any time, can find themselves in a situation where they need help. Illness, accident, or just the ageing process itself can quickly turn the familiar into the overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have organisations like PSS in our communities—because they recognise that everyone deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Their work doesn’t just provide immediate, practical support; it also helps break down societal barriers that often marginalise people who need extra assistance. 

Anyone, at any time, can find themselves in a situation where they need help. Illness, accident, or just the ageing process itself can quickly turn the familiar into the overwhelming.

Independent living isn’t just about managing day-to-day tasks; it’s about empowerment. It’s about enabling people to maintain their sense of identity and make choices about how they live their lives. And this is exactly what PSS stands for. Through their services, they give people the tools they need to maintain a sense of autonomy, ensuring that they aren’t left feeling like passive recipients of care but are instead active participants in their own lives. 

What really strikes me about PSS’s approach is their ethos of ‘People Shaped Support.’ This is not about one-size-fits-all solutions or standardised care packages. Each person they support is treated as an individual, with their own unique set of needs, goals, and aspirations. Whether it’s helping someone find housing, providing assistance with personal care, or offering emotional and mental health support, PSS ensures that their services are tailored to the person in front of them. This person-centred approach is not only compassionate; it’s necessary if we are serious about building an inclusive, equitable society. 

Through their services, they give people the tools they need to maintain a sense of autonomy, ensuring that they aren’t left feeling like passive recipients of care but are instead active participants in their own lives. 

Let’s talk about inclusion.

At its core, independent living is about more than just survival. It’s about participation—about being a part of the community and contributing to it in whatever way possible. The work PSS does ensures that the people they support aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. By providing services that allow people to live more independently, they are also helping to break down the barriers of isolation that so many people face. In this way, PSS plays an active role in fostering a more inclusive society, one where everyone has the opportunity to belong. 

The thing is, none of us know what the future holds. The security we feel today—our ability to live independently, to make choices for ourselves—is never guaranteed. But what we can guarantee is that, with the help of organisations like PSS, no one has to face these challenges alone. It’s comforting to know that there are people out there who are committed to making sure that, even when life throws its toughest challenges at us, there are still opportunities to live with dignity, respect, and independence. 

Independent living, I’ve realised, is not just about independence. It’s about interdependence—the ways in which we all rely on each other to make society work. And that’s something we can all be a part of. 

As I reflect on my two wonderful days at Eleanor Rathbone House, I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the incredible people at PSS, and gratitude for the work they do. It has made me rethink my own views on independence and the support systems we all need, whether we realise it or not. I am looking forward to continuing this journey and sharing more insights in the coming months. There is so much to learn, and so much more we can do to support each other. Independent living, I’ve realised, is not just about independence. It’s about interdependence—the ways in which we all rely on each other to make society work. And that’s something we can all be a part of. 

For those that are fortunate enough to be supported by PSS, they really don’t have to worry about a thing, because thanks to PSS, every little thing is truly gonna be alright (yes, I’ve borrowed some of the lyrics from the brilliant Three Little Birds).