From Support work, Personal Training and Beyond
At Maples, open-mindedness means more than trying new things, it’s about recognising each person as an individual and meeting them where they are. Across our services, from housing to health and wellbeing, this value helps us deliver support that’s truly person-centred and compassionate.
Open-mindedness is at the heart of what our Support Workers do every day. Whether they’re helping someone manage mental health, navigate daily challenges, or build confidence in new activities, staying open-minded helps ensure our support is meaningful and effective.
What Open-Mindedness Looks Like for Support Workers
For Support Workers at Maples, being open-minded can mean:
- Listening without assumptions when someone is struggling
- Adjusting plans based on someone’s mood, energy, or mental health on the day
- Offering choices and letting the person lead, even when it’s challenging
- Respecting different communication styles: some people need more structure, others more space
- Recognising success in many forms: attending a group, making a call, cooking a meal, or simply getting out of bed
One of our Support Workers shared:
“Staff need to have an open-minded approach towards Service Users, as many can feel judged and misunderstood, which stops them getting the right care. We have no right to judge, it’s about being open to what people have to say, encouraging conversations, and reminding them it’s person-centred care. It’s them that’s important.”
They added:
“Open-mindedness is important so Service Uers feel supported and cared for, and so we can create a non-judgemental support network.”
At Maples, we don’t expect people to fit into a box. We shift, support, and respond to help each person grow, in their own way, at their own pace.
From the Gym Floor: Open-Mindedness in Personal Training
Open-mindedness is just as essential in our Personal Training programme, where mental health and physical health often overlap.
🗣️ Greg: “Being a PT is all about being open-minded.”
“You can’t take a black-and-white approach. Mental health, physical energy, motivation, it all changes. Sometimes someone doesn’t make it to the gym, and that’s OK. We adapt, meet them where they’re at, and keep going.”
Greg knows that for some clients, even leaving the house is a huge success:
“Maples has helped me understand that success doesn’t always mean physical results, it’s about engagement, consistency, and finding what works for that person.”
🧠 Martin: “Every session is different. You have to adapt.”
“With some clients, especially those dealing with pain or low mood, I change plans at the last minute. If the gym’s not right that day, we’ll go for a walk, do mindfulness, or stretch somewhere peaceful. It’s about what they need, not what’s written down.”
Martin also points out how open-mindedness helps staff look after themselves:
“I’ve had to adapt my rota to manage injuries. Being open-minded isn’t just about clients, it’s about looking after ourselves so we can keep showing up well.”
Why This Matters
When Support Workers, and all staff, stay open-minded, we open the door to possibility. Instead of pushing people toward what we think is best, we walk alongside them, exploring what’s realistic, hopeful, and empowering.
This mindset builds trust, encourages engagement, and supports long-term wellbeing. At Maples, open-mindedness isn’t just a value on a poster, it’s something we practise every day, together.
