“GFS gave our daughter the chance to be out in the world. That’s what we wanted as her parents. The GFS approach isn’t just about maintaining a routine, it’s about giving people the real-world experiences they need to navigate life independently.”

“The evidence and case studies were inspirational and thought provoking, and the training day provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the direction our service is heading in. We feel the GFS approach could be embedded across Devon’s local authority services, and the potential positive impact for children, young people and their families is significant.”

“The world needs to change the way we approach care and support. We personally feel GFS is the way forward for all Health and Social Care. Within three months we have already seen results in our staffs’ morale, and in clients’ rehabilitation. We cannot wait to see what’s next to come.”

“I’ve got my freedom. I’m free to go wherever I want to go. Its good because I’m learning new skills. If everybody does everything for me then I don’t learn anything.”

“It’s tougher to look than to leap. For me, this sums up why the GFS approach is different to other support approaches I have had experienced. It is easy to step in too early and over-support individuals. This only disables them. Stand back, observe, be patient. Empower the individual.”

“Since starting with the GFS program, my daughter’s ability to follow a routine and take responsibility for her actions has developed. The program offers progression that is tailored to her abilities, unlike her previous setting. As a result, she is more actively involved and motivated. GFS has recognised my daughter as an individual, allowed to make her own choices, and been respected for them.”

“For ISF’s to be really effective we need systems that provide clarity and transparency. This will build trust between all parties. We need plans to be co-produced with individuals and their support providers using effective methodologies. We need to give LA’s the confidence to let go of their control and enable IFS’s to work their magic. The Gradually Fading Support approach is one of the most robust systems I have ever seen and strengthens co-production, outcomes and commissioning.”

“I was immediately excited about the possibilities presented by the GFS model of working. It was everything we needed, and had been looking for, to help our clients develop the independence they wanted and to enable them to meet their outcomes. I have found nothing else that enables young disabled people like GFS.”

“The GFS model has taught me how to blend the role of a skills coach and a support worker. The approach enables service users to solve problems for themselves, building confidence and aiding independence. Using the model, I find targeted prompting is effective at moments where I would have previously always intervened, enabling my service users to complete tasks independently. Their achievements are amazing, and learning to work in this way represents a significant development in my practice.”

“I was so pleased to see my team so engaged and excited to learn throughout the day. The guys shared many examples of how this method has made a difference to people’s lives, it really helped to bring the concepts to life. The content is simple and logical to follow, and it is clear how it translates to so many different environments. The enthusiasm was infectious, and we are now looking forward to putting what we have learned into practice.”

“My daughter’s confidence has skyrocketed since she started. Her ability to talk to people, communicate, catch transport and many other things are developed through well-timed processes. Staff have worked with us to build this confidence step by step, supporting her with trusted people, and then gradually transitioning to more independent approaches like telephone support. Her independence in preparing herself the night before has reduced the support we need to provide. It’s transformative for family dynamics.”

“I have been a support worker for several years for various organisations, but the GFS training has really enhanced my practice. I am now more confident at facilitating opportunities for clients to be independent and allowing them to really take control of their lives.”

“Since the GFS training, we have already seen the impact of GFS thinking within our team and for our clients. As professionals we recognized that we were unintentionally supporting people to become reliant on their carers. The GFS approach allows our staff to see how prompting independence, setting goals and structuring outcomes is incredibly supportive to the individual, all whilst saving our community essential money that can be used to then help others in need.”