Your life, your choice

Purpose With the introduction of the personalisation agenda (Department of Health, 2008) within social care (and health), this paper aims to discursively explore two themes: improving the lives of people with acquired brain injury through the introduction of more personalised services and support; and the impact of the culture shift on Headway Cambridgeshire as a service provider. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents examples to illustrate how it is possible to plan in a way that is broad enough to meet the needs of the majority whilst being flexible enough to deal with differing individualised circumstances. Findings The paper highlights the challenges faced by individuals and service provider organisations when introducing personalised services and suggests some approaches that can be taken to overcome them. Practical implications Recommendations for good practice in personalised services. Originality/value This paper sets out a framework for organisations working with people with acquired brain injury in a social care setting in the community and how the principles embodied by the personalisation agenda can be introduced into existing service provision.