My time at Ategi: learning what 'person-centred' support really means

For Abigail Walker-Spiers, a student social worker completing her first placement, her time with Ategi has been more than an opportunity to gain professional experience. It has changed the way she thinks about social care, independence and what it really means to support someone to live life their way.

"I’ve just finished my second year studying for a BSc in Social Work, and my placement with Ategi was my first experience of working in a social work setting. Next year, I’ll begin my statutory placement for my final year before graduating.

"When I was told by my university that my first placement would be with Ategi, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d done plenty of research beforehand, although I wasn’t even sure how to pronounce ‘Ategi’ until my first online meeting with Joe and Nikki!

"What I did discover very quickly was that Ategi was an organisation I was incredibly lucky to be placed with. I genuinely don’t think I could have picked a better placement myself.

"From the beginning, the team made me feel incredibly welcome. They took the time to introduce me to the charity and explain how everything worked at a pace I could keep up with. There was a lot to learn, including terminology and areas such as costs and benefits that were completely new to me, but I was supported throughout.

"One of the biggest things I’ve taken from my placement is seeing the term ‘person-centred’ brought to life.

"Before joining Ategi, my understanding of social care was largely based around statutory services – things like day facilities, benefits and carers visiting people at home. My placement opened my eyes to just how much more is available within communities and how important it is for social workers to understand the services and opportunities available to the people they support.

"Ategi showed me what support can look like when it is built around an individual, rather than expecting the individual to fit into a service.

"I saw how Coordinators carefully consider the needs, personalities and circumstances of both Shared Lives carers and the people they support. The relationships are genuine and built around everyday life. People are welcomed into homes and communities, becoming part of a family and a household rather than simply receiving a service.

"I also saw how much emphasis is placed on independence and confidence. Support might involve learning everyday skills, accessing the community, developing hobbies or simply gaining the confidence to make your own choices.

"That really changed my understanding of what good support can achieve."

A moment I’ll never forget

"One of the most memorable moments of my placement came from seeing the confidence of someone Ategi supports grow.

"When I first met them, they told me that they played guitar in their local church group. I later learned that they also enjoyed singing while they played, but felt too nervous to sing in front of other people.

"Their housemate, who is also supported by Ategi, had heard them singing from time to time and told me how good they were.

"On my last visit, they played several songs on the guitar in front of me and their housemate – and they sang.

"They were incredibly talented, but what stayed with me most wasn’t the music. It was seeing the confidence they had developed to do something they had previously felt too nervous to share with others.

"It was truly beautiful to see.

"I’ve also witnessed people taking their first trips abroad, getting passports, learning to cook for themselves – and actually enjoying it! These experiences have shown me that independence isn’t necessarily about doing everything alone. It’s about having the right support and opportunities to make choices, try new things and achieve things you may never have thought possible.

"For me, that is what Ategi’s mission of supporting people to live their lives, their way means in practice.

"It means helping people to live as independently as possible while feeling valued, included and supported. It means choice, dignity, meaningful relationships and belonging."

Learning to build trust

"During my placement, I developed my communication and active listening skills and learned how important it is to adapt the way I communicate to meet individual needs.

"But perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that trusting relationships are fundamental to effective support.

"You need to take the time to get to know people, understand their strengths and interests, and build trust through genuine interactions. When people feel valued and listened to, they are more likely to develop confidence and independence.

"I’ve also learned that support is most effective when it feels natural and collaborative rather than simply being task-focused.

"The placement has given me opportunities to attend reviews and meetings with carers and people supported, meet potential Shared Lives carers, attend events and campaigns, and take part in networking with councils and other care organisations. Attending multi-agency meetings with health and social care professionals was particularly valuable and gave me an insight into the wider social work workforce.

"As my confidence grew, I became increasingly comfortable working more independently with people supported and professionals. I’m particularly proud of the relationships I built and the trust I developed during my placement."

Taking the experience forward

"My placement has changed the way I think about social work.

"I have a much greater appreciation for person-centred practice and for the importance of putting someone's choices, goals and preferences at the centre of the work. It empowers people, builds confidence and can help them achieve greater independence.

"It has also expanded my professional curiosity. Before my placement, I had been considering a career in social work without knowing exactly which area I might want to pursue. Now, I’m considering working with care leavers or children with disabilities, and I’m also much more interested in working with adults with learning disabilities.

"I’ll take one lesson from Ategi with me wherever my career takes me: build a trusting relationship first. When people feel able to communicate openly and honestly, effective support becomes possible.

"If I were describing my experience at Ategi in three words, I would say inspiring, motivating and welcoming.

"The people I’ve worked alongside have shown me genuine compassion and care, and my Coordinator, Nikki, has been particularly important to my experience. She taught me more than I could have imagined and created such a safe and trusting environment for me to learn.

"I would encourage other student social workers considering a placement with Ategi to make the most of every learning opportunity and really reflect on their experiences.

"Ategi has shown me that organisations like this can provide a safe and inclusive home for people who might otherwise struggle to find that place to grow.

"Ultimately, independence means having the choice and support to live life your own way.

"That is something I’ve seen brought to life throughout my time at Ategi – and it’s a lesson I’ll carry with me into my future career."