Cura Care UK will support individuals to be active citizens and enable them to achieve Citizenship.
The 7 Keys to Citizenship is a guide to giving good support for people with learning disabilities. Citizenship is important because it reminds us that we can each live a good life, in our own way, while also being able to live together with mutual respect.
Citizenship means rejecting the idea that people’s worth can be measured by money, power, fame, intelligence or any of the other ways that make people different and which some people imagine define ‘what is important’. It is about living a good life – of our own choosing – and making contributions to the community whilst respecting the rights of others to pursue their own path.
Based on Simon Duffy, 2003: A Guide to Getting Good Support Services for People with Learning Difficulties.
We can be equal and different by becoming citizens and supporting others to achieve citizenship. This model was developed to set out the key elements of citizenship. Although it focuses on people with learning difficulties, it is a framework which applies to all of us.
Citizenship is a funny word – and it can have several meanings – but it is a useful word, because it can be used to describe how human beings can live together – with justice and mutual respect. Citizenship means:
- Being respected – being able to hold your head up high and getting respect from those around you
- Being equal – citizens all have the same fundamental worth or dignity, they don’t believe that just because someone has more money, power or a better-paid job that this makes them a better person
- Being different – citizens are not identical, they have many different gifts which they bring together to build a better world
Freedom
We use empowerment to ensure you are in control of your life. You make your own decisions, supported to take, positive risks and ensure you are supported in your way. Above all, we know you as a person and work in partnership with you and
for you.
Help
We provide you with all the help that you require without removing the ability to be a citizen, ensuring that you receive the right help the right way by the right people.
Money
We ensure you have the financial independence you require. We support through commissioning, direct payments, personal health budgets. Notably, where possible, to ensure we can flex our offer of support, we use Individual Service Funds (ISF). Moreover, we give you the freedom to use your money in a way that is important to you, this enables you to set your own course and pathway.
Life
We ensure your life is worth living, provide opportunities within the community based on your hopes and dreams. Also, we support in fun, laughter and love and encourage the highs and low of life by being part of the community. Notably, we use your strengths and abilities to enable growth and power.
Home
We all need a place we can call home, therefore we ensure whatever your home looks like it is in line with your wishes and feelings, providing as much support and/or freedom as you need. Together, we work in your home and respect your environment, ensuring you feel a sense of belonging and are at your home and not in “a placement”.
Purpose
We believe life is for living, without hopes, dreams and desires we have no purpose. Furthermore, we work with you to ensure your life has meaning, ensuring your life fits your passions, interests and abilities and direct. Supporting your path
to a fulfilling and purposeful life.
Love
The beginning and the end of citizenship is found in love. Through meeting, working with and joining in with other people we can form relationships, friendships, find love and make a family.