The We Matter declarations - 1st draft

Making a Contribution

It matters that .......

● “I am involved in my community and can make a difference - through work, volunteering, learning and socialising”

It helps when.......

● “People support us to contribute what we want” ● “We can work and earn our own money” ● “We feel supported to try new things in the community” ● “Our experiences and knowledge are valued and shared throughout our

lives”

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Having relationships

It matters that ......● “I have very close, good quality

relationships with family, friends and others and I get to spend quality time with them and have regular contact”

● “The people I spend time with are supportive and I feel happy, healthy, safe, confident, loved, respected and belong to my community”

It helps when......● “We can meet people with similar interests”● “We have time to spend with family and friends”● “We have strong relationships with people”

Being safe

It matters that ......

● “I have a home of my own”● “I have a safe community”

It helps when …..

● “We can receive support to live in our own homes”

● “We feel secure in our own homes” ● “We don’t have to worry about money”

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Having rights and control

It matters that ......● “I have a job. This provides

me with money to help me make my life choices”

● “I have my independence and that my health and well-being are maintained through the support I receive”

It helps when …....● “We have opportunities and choices”● “We are supported by the people we choose” ● “We are able to communicate” ● “We have the money to do the things we want to” ● “We can choose who we spend time with” ● “We receive helpful and easy to understand information ● “People talk to us directly” ● “People respect our decisions”

Health

It matters that ......● “I feel independent”● “I feel cared for and supported”

It helps when …..● “We are empowered to make

our own life choices to maintain our health and well-being”

● “The organisations we are part of have good health and safety procedures”

● “All health professionals understand our needs”

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Well-being

It matters that ......

● “My support staff are true and respectful, trustworthy and honest”

● “That I can make decisions and choices in everything I say and do”

It helps when …...

● “Support workers help us to contribute what we want”● “We have access to and support with new technologies” ● “We have support staff and carers who we trust and know us well”● “We have good equipment and facilities, (gas, electric etc)”

Living and Learning

It matters to me .......

● “That I can choose how to spend my free time”

● “That I can learn and develop to my full potential”

It helps when …...

● “We have plenty of leisure and learning opportunities available”● “There are courses/training available that build our confidence” ● “We have time to enjoy simple pleasures” ● “We have somewhere to go”

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Participation

It matters that ......

● “I am independent and have a purpose in life”

● “I have a social life and can be with people that I choose”

● “I have choices and can make decisions in my own home”

It helps when ....

● “Transport and public places are available and accessible” ● “Organisations support us to get out and socialise ● “We are involved in looking after ourselves”● “We are helped to look after each other” ● “People listen to us and value our opinion and choices” ● “We are provided with a variety of interesting activities and appropriate

services”

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