Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE) toolkit

My plan

My plan is a working document, created by a member of the person’s team. It covers the individual’s whole life needs and what is important to them.  This helps information sharing. 

Why have a plan?

Creating a plan means the person:

• avoids having to repeat their story with different professionals
• can write down their goals for living well
• helps everyone involved understand the person and how to support them

When to make a plan

My Plan could be written and updated at any time.  It could be part of a conversation about what the person wants to achieve to live well and can be written:

• during a meeting with the coordinator or whole team
• at a health or social care appointment
• as part of a referral to a new service, or
• following diagnosis of an illness    

My Plan should:

• be completed by the person with support from professionals or someone they trust
• be easy to understand and avoid complicated words or technical terms
• empower the individual in decision making
• be flexible and fit the person’s individual needs
• include details of significant events – such as bereavement etc.

What My Plan should include

There are two sections to the plan:

1. asks about the person and how they wish to be supported
2. looks at the person’s health and wellbeing

More sections can be added to the plan by the individual or team if needed. 

My Plan should be updated regularly and when changes are made. 

Who can see My Plan

The person can decide who they want to see their plan and who they don't.  Ideally, everyone helping the person should see it.