Dr Vicky Mason-Angelow, research and evaluation manager at NDTi, shares insights from a study into the impact of Small Supports organisations.
How Small Support organisations should be: Lessons from Beyond Limits
In a world where health and social care is often characterised by large, impersonal systems, Small Supports organisations offer a refreshing, person-centered alternative. These organisations are built on the idea that support should be intimate, flexible, and grounded in the unique needs of each individual. One such organisation, Beyond Limits, offers a perfect example of what a Small Supports organisation should be. Their approach, marked by deep commitment, empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow, provides valuable lessons for others looking to provide meaningful, transformative support.
Seeing the person first
At the heart of any successful Small Supports organisation is the ability to see the person, not just their challenges. Small Supports should treat people as individuals with unique histories, needs, and potential, rather than as a set of problems or diagnoses to be managed.
Beyond Limits excels at this. When they met Danny, he was in a secure ward, deep in psychosis and disconnected from the world. Rather than focusing on his mental health struggles alone, Beyond Limits took the time to understand Danny’s story, his strong but strained family relationships, his fascination with rap and gangster culture, and the deep mistrust he held toward the system. They worked with Danny from that place, showing that real support starts with seeing people as they are, not who we want them to be.
For Small Supports organisations, this is a vital lesson: real change begins when we truly see the person behind the diagnosis. Every individual has a story, and understanding that story is the key to offering support that truly matters.
Meeting people where they are
A fundamental principle of Small Supports should be meeting people exactly where they are, emotionally and physically. Rather than imposing rigid structures, a Small Supports organisation needs to build support around the person, adapting to their current needs and circumstances.
Take Clare’s story. After spending years in institutional care, Clare struggled with the newfound freedom that came from being asked, “What would you like to do today?” For someone who had never had choices, this was overwhelming. Beyond Limits worked with Clare slowly, gently guiding her as she learned to make decisions for herself. This approach of not rushing the process and allowing people to grow at their own pace is a hallmark of what Small Supports should be.
Support must be flexible, responsive, and most importantly, patient. Small Supports organisations must acknowledge that growth is often gradual, and progress is made by walking alongside individuals, not pulling them ahead too quickly.
Sticking with people through thick and thin
Commitment is key in the world of support. Small Supports organisations should never give up on the people they support, especially when times get tough. Too often, larger systems can withdraw when things become challenging, but Small Supports are different. They remain steadfast, supporting people through the hardest moments.
Sam’s journey shows how sticking with someone through difficulty can transform lives. Initially labelled as a “monster” by hospital staff, Sam’s aggressive behaviour led others to disengage. Beyond Limits, however, refused to walk away. They continued to support him, even when he pushed back. Over time, this commitment paid off, and Sam began to trust his support team, eventually moving into independent living and hosting social gatherings. Small Supports organisations must embrace this same ethos. When things get hard, they should lean in, not back away.
Taking time to find the key to success
One of the most valuable lessons from Beyond Limits is the importance of taking time to find what truly works for each individual. Small Supports organisations must understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in support. It takes time, trial and error, and a willingness to adjust the approach as needed.
Danny’s experience with Beyond Limits highlights this. When he first moved into a flat, he quickly fell back into dangerous habits. His home became unsafe, and his mental health deteriorated. But instead of seeing this as a failure, Beyond Limits took the time to understand what went wrong and worked with Danny to find a better solution. With new medication and a fresh start, Danny began to reconnect with his parents and rebuild his life.
For Small Supports, this is a critical takeaway: finding the key to success often requires persistence and patience. Small Supports organisations should be prepared to try different approaches and accept that sometimes, things may not work out as planned—but that doesn’t mean giving up.
Embracing mistakes and growing with people
A hallmark of a strong Small Supports organisation is its ability to learn and grow alongside the people it supports. This involves not only supporting individuals but evolving as an organisation by embracing mistakes and adapting when necessary.
Lisa’s story is an example of this principle in action. After years of mistreatment in institutional settings, she began to regain her independence with the support of Beyond Limits. There were setbacks along the way, with moments of frustration and challenges as she adjusted to her new life. But Beyond Limits didn’t stick rigidly to a plan. They adapted, learned from what didn’t work, and grew alongside Lisa as she rediscovered her independence.
Small Supports must be flexible and willing to change. It’s not enough to offer a static service; organisations must evolve and grow with the people they support, ensuring that their approach continues to meet each person’s changing needs.
A model for Small Supports: Commitment, flexibility, and humanity
Ultimately, Beyond Limits offers a blueprint for what Small Supports organisations should be. Their approach demonstrates that real support goes beyond providing care. It’s about commitment, flexibility, and a deep respect for the humanity of each person.
Small Supports should:
Beyond Limits shows us that Small Supports organisations can change lives when they prioritise people above processes and approach support with a deep sense of empathy and perseverance. For anyone looking to understand how a Small Supports organisation should operate, Beyond Limits provides a shining example of what’s possible when we truly put people first.
Read the report A Deep Dive into the Small Supports experience in Plymouth.
More information about Beyond Limits
Beyond Limits is a small support organisation set up in Plymouth in 2011, supporting its first person in 2012. Founder, Doreen Kelly, set up Beyond Limits using the learning from another organisation she set up in 2000, Partners for Inclusion, a small bespoke organisation operating in the West of Scotland. Beyond Limits currently supports people in the South West of England and has continued to do a little bit of work in South West Scotland. Beyond Limits has stayed small and is committed to remaining small with the aim of supporting people to live their best lives.
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