4a. Example of a Supportive Conversation
A person-led starting point for great support
The Supportive Conversation is the foundation of any new team. It’s where we begin to get to know the person not just as someone needing care, but as a whole person with history, preferences, routines, values and ways of doing things. It’s where relationships start and where trust begins to form.
This is not a checklist or a formal assessment. It’s a conversation, guided by curiosity and respect, and adapted to each person.
Below is an example of how Team Starters structure and navigate these conversations. Items in bold are considered essential in every Supportive Conversation.
🧍 About You
“Tell me about yourself.”
How long have you lived here? Always been in the area?
Any faith or cultural traditions important to you?
Date of birth
What have been some of the big things in your life — work, hobbies, projects, travel?
Who is in your support network (family, friends, neighbours)?
Have you received formal care before? What was that like?
Why are we meeting today — what is this conversation for?
🧡 What you enjoy
What do you enjoy doing right now?
Are there places you like to go — town, coffee shops, walks, holidays?
Do you think support might help you keep doing those things?
Would your support involve going out, and if so, are you happy to cover any expenses (e.g. travel, coffee)?
🩺 Health, conditions and support
Do you live with any health conditions or disabilities?
What are they? How do they affect your day-to-day life?
Do they vary (e.g. good days and bad days)?
Do you use any equipment or aids (e.g. walking frame, hoist)?
Has an occupational therapist seen you recently?
Do you take any medication? Do you need help with it? Where is it kept?
Are you in touch with any services or professionals (GP, CPN, support groups)?
Are there any documents we should know about? (e.g. DNR, POA, hospital passport)
Do you have any allergies?
Do you have a ‘go-bag’ for hospital, and where is it kept?
🏠 At home
What makes your home feel like yours?
Are there any house rules (e.g. no shoes inside)?
Would you like help with tasks around the house (cleaning, cooking, etc.)?
Is there a key safe or door code? If so, what is it?
🔒 Safety (if agreed)
If the person consents, the Team Starter may carry out light safety checks, or arrange for these to happen after support begins.
Checks might include:
Smoke alarms and fire safety equipment
Visual checks of sockets and appliances
Fridge/freezer temperature
For housing association homes: is there a record of regular safety checks?
🌿 Relationships and boundaries
Do you have a preference for the gender of team members?
Would you like support workers to wear PPE?
How do you feel about team members testing for COVID if unwell?
Are there boundaries or preferences that are especially important to you?
Any concerns about past experiences we should know about?
📅 About the support
What days and times would you like support?
How long should visits be?
Would you like access to your profile and team chat (Rocket.Chat)?
Which email should invoices be sent to (if applicable)?
If you’ll be going out during support, are you happy to cover expenses (bus tickets, café trips, etc.)?
🎧 How support is given – your preferences
Try new things or stick with what I know?
Chatty or quiet?
Gentle encouragement or motivating challenge?
Led by you or by the support worker?
Friendly or more formal relationship?
Do you prefer brief or detailed notes?
📋 Other practical things
Hourly rate (between £18–25)
Additional 15% platform fee (for independent workers only)
Cancellation policy: sessions cancelled within 24 hours are still charged
Ending support: we ask for one month’s notice where possible
Consent and data: Policies are available on our website
Communication preferences: how should we stay in touch (email, phone, chat)?
📌 Final bits
Do you feel you’ve had space to share what matters to you?
Anything we missed or you’d like to come back to?
If there’s a need to follow up, we’ll be in touch.
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