Free introductory planning
We're introducing a limited number of free, individual planning conversations for young people preparing for adulthood, adults and families. You can bring someone you trust. We start with your own words, priorities and preferred way of communicating.
What matters to you
Explore interests, friendships, important relationships, routines, strengths and ambitions.
What you want for your future
Think about living arrangements, learning, work, community life, independence and wellbeing.
What could help
Identify barriers, existing strengths, community connections, practical actions and support options.
You'll receive a short, accessible summary of the plan we develop together. The plan belongs to you. It is yours to use whether or not you choose a Nexsteps service.
Availability is limited while this new offer is being established. We will confirm whether we are able to offer an appointment before collecting detailed information.
Grounded in established person-centred practice
Nexsteps founder Wayne Shortland undertook specialist person-centred thinking and support planning training with Helen Sanderson Associates and Paradigm, during the period when individual budgets and self-directed support were being introduced. He went on to apply these methods professionally, working alongside people to develop support plans and explore how their chosen support could work in practice.
Our approach draws on the established person-centred planning movement. We do not claim to have invented these methods or to be endorsed or currently accredited by either training organisation.
Start with the person, not a service
We first listen to the life the person wants, the people and places important to them, and the obstacles they face. Only then do we explore what practical support, if any, will help.
Your plan is not a sales contract
The initial planning session is free and comes with no obligation to use Nexsteps Personalised Support or any paid service. We will explain other relevant support options alongside our own. If you later ask us to help arrange support, we will explain our fees and responsibilities separately, before you decide.
A personal life plan is different from a statutory care and support assessment, council-approved plan or Education, Health and Care Plan. We can work alongside those processes where appropriate but do not replace the responsible statutory organisation.
For children and young people, we will involve parents, carers or other representatives in keeping with the young person's wishes, age, understanding and applicable consent arrangements.
Schools, parent carer forums and community organisations
We welcome conversations with organisations interested in individual planning sessions, practical transition workshops and exploring the original principles of person-centred planning. Commissioned workshops or planning services, if offered, will be agreed separately from our free introductory community sessions.
Discuss a workshop or partnershipLet's start with your life
Tell us a little about what you're hoping to plan and the best way to contact you. Please don't email medical records, detailed safeguarding concerns or other sensitive documents at this stage.
Enquire about free planningServing Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton and Cheshire, subject to availability and agreed arrangements.