Shared interests help us connect with others. 

A common interest in going to the movies, reading literature, or exercising can stimulate conversation. Such similarity helps to break down any obstacles that may exist, especially for those who lack confidence. It also leads to the development of a solid relationship as well as favourable physical and mental effects.

As a result, it stands to reason that pairing participants and support staff with similar interests is a win-win situation for everyone. Here are some of the causes for this.

Participants are empowered with the assistance of support workers.

Participants will be more confident in setting goals and making autonomous decisions if they have a close connection with a support worker.

A support worker who understands their participant may provide so much more than just pragmatic support, whether personally or professionally. As needed, they can provide genuine empathy, support, and advice.

What’s the result? 

• Participants will have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.
• It’s no secret how satisfying this can be.
• More than just practical assistance is provided by support staff. 
• A support worker can assist and encourage a participant to pursue their passion by concentrating on their common interests. This could occur in a variety of ways. 
• Support workers can assist participants with enrolling in classes, joining a community organisation, or connecting with others who share their interests. 

Support personnel may also pass on their knowledge and skills. 

But the advantages don’t end there. According to research, spending time on fun activities has been shown to boost mental health and well-being and minimise the likelihood of poor moods, stress, and depression.

Support workers can help people transform their lives for the better.

Knowing a participant’s likes and dislikes can assist a support worker to figure out what they could be interested in. Is it possible that a local soccer team is looking for fresh recruits? Perhaps a local cooking class could assist them in perfecting those cakes?

Participants may not have access to this information on their own, but having a support person who does allow them to try new things. Participants might widen their perspectives, embrace emerging passions, or just renew their love for life by participating in new experiences.

Assists in the development of a more comprehensive approach.

Support workers can provide a more holistic care approach that addresses all elements of their participants’ needs since they share interests and have greater ties. Their physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health requirements are among them.

Support workers can help participants live their healthiest, happiest, and most fulfilling lives by addressing all of these requirements. That’s got to be a pairing made in heaven.

Support staff can play an important role in a participant’s socialisation.

Because support workers can play an important role in a participant’s socialisation, having a common interest makes it simpler to connect with them. Doing something that both parties like jointly can give you a feeling of purpose.

A strong relationship with a support worker can also serve as a firm basis for participants to socialise and form other bonds. By empowering and assisting participants in getting out, they will be able to meet new people and become more involved in the community. It’s something to cheer about.

Lower rates of anxiety and depression, stronger self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships have all been associated with social connectedness.

Strong, healthy relationships can also aid in strengthening our immune systems, the improvement of disease recovery, and even the extension of our lives.

It gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Participants and support workers may share common interests, which can lead to a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment. After all, it’s much simpler to create and fulfil objectives when you have someone cheering you on and doing the same things with you.

This sensation of accomplishment is both valuable and inspiring, whether it’s donating to help others, finishing a painting, or meeting an exercise goal.

Participants can achieve things they have never done before if they are motivated.

Participants may embrace their hobbies and passions and get more out of everyday life with the correct assistance.