FOCUS Information Sheet

FOCUS

Three people have a discussion. A large pencil draws a path across a lake and into a mountain. The pencil has a large red eraser on the top. The sun is rising behind the mountain. A koru encapsulates the scene.
Graphic and description of the FOCUS planning process.
A person stands at a crossroad wondering which way to go. A second person offers them a compass and a map.

Are you stuck at a crossroads in your life? Do you need focus for your future? Interactionz can help you make a plan that moves you closer to your dream.

When these steps are completed, you will have a large colourful poster showing what your life is like now, and the steps you can take to reach your goals. You can take your poster home and pin it to the wall to remind you of the planning process and the goals you have set.

The FOCUS process helps people to plan for, and live, their best lives. FOCUS also enables a group of individuals to explore and plan for their own lives at the same time.

If the FOCUS process doesn’t meet your needs, talk to us about other planning tools we offer. We can even design a process with you.

Once you have made your plan, Interactionz can provide mentors to help you achieve your goals. Some people are eligible for mentor funding.

FOCUS is a planning tool which encourages you to

  • dream about the life you want to live

  • set goals to live that life

  • decide on action steps to reach your goals and who can help

The FOCUS process:

  • You choose a time and place to meet where you are comfortable, confident and relaxed.

  • You invite trusted supporters (e.g. whaanau, friends, support staff) to a planning session. The process usually takes about four hours, and it is important participants are not rushed.

  • At the session, an Interactionz process facilitator talks with you and your supporters. You are encouraged to dream and share your dreams for your life – without judgement. This gives an insight into what is meaningful to you.

  • Supporters might be asked for their input too, but the plan is yours.

  • An Interactionz graphic facilitator records the information shared in colourful drawings and keywords on a large sheet of paper.

There are four steps in the process:

  1. Exploring your desired future – if anything is possible

  2. Looking at your life now – what is happening, how you feel, etc.

  3. Deciding on goals that will lead to the future you want

  4. Identifying first steps towards achieving your goals

The FOCUS is based on the PATH planning tool by Jack Pearpoint, Marsha Forest and John O’Brien.