Mission and Values

Unique Connections exists to improve the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities who self-injure. We work with organisations who support young people who self-injure, to help them identify the unique combination of support systems that will enable each individual to reduce or stop self-injury and live a fuller life. 

We have built our service on our values:

·       We believe that everyone is made for connection. If relational connection is pursued intentionally and from an understanding of the person's uniqueness, it can be made. We believe this for all individuals, even for those who have never appeared to make a meaningful connection with those around them.

·       We aim to operate from compassion and empathy, both with the staff and organisations we engage with, and the individuals with whom they seek our consultancy support. We believe that people are smart and can work things out, and that people tend to do the best they can with the resources they have.

·       We believe in the intrinsic value of each person's unique story, and work hard to understand this as fully as possible.

·       We believe in collaboration and dialogue, and seek the views and perspectives of those we work with, beginning with the person self-injuring. We believe that everyone can communicate about their experience given enough time, attention and attuned listening.

·       Our service is embedded in hope, and we will interact from the position that there is a way forward to be found, even if it is not immediately apparent.

·       We believe that everyone has the full range of emotional experiences available to them - this means we will validate and listen to difficult emotions like grief, anger, fear and disappointment, whilst also helping to find ways for each individual to also find peace and contentment.

·       We believe that, when a person is struggling with their emotional, mental or relational health, the problem is not located inside them, but in their interpersonal relationships, environment, and past experiences.

·       Unique Connections is committed to the promotion and implementation of equal opportunities both internally and externally

Unique Connections is built on Christian principles, and a committed Christian faith is a desirable quality in our staff. Prayer is embedded into our practice, and we pray for the organisations and young people that we engage with.

If you have any queries about this policy, please contact: beverley@uniqueconnections.org.uk