‘What Matters to You?’ – A Question That Changes Everything

'What Matters to You?' is a question that transforms live through kindness and compassion. Read the story of Napier House in Fife.

In the business of health and social care settings, where time can sometimes be scarce, and pressures are immense, you might ask yourself: why should I bother to ask the person next to me “What matters to you?” In environments focused on treatments, care plans, and measurable outcomes, it is easy to dismiss this question as irrelevant or unnecessary,

But, this question is everything.

Too often, the pace of our work leads us to listen with the intent to reply, not to understand. People can sometimes be defined by their symptoms or biological needs. Instead of asking what matters to them, we ask what matters with them.

However, we must realise that there is another way.

The power of seeing the whole person

When we make the conscious effort to see someone as more than their diagnosis, to appreciate their life journey and the many experiences that make them who they are, amazing things happen. By seeking to understand what truly matters, we unlock opportunities for compassionate, person-centred care that honours the humanity in all of us.

At Napier House in Fife, the ‘What Matters to You?’ (WTMY) approach has sparked remarkable changes. In partnership with the ALLIANCE’s Person Centred Voices programme, early workshops, delivered by National Lead, Tommy Whitelaw, in Fife, explored the power of WTMY principles, such as active listening, intelligent kindness and compassion. What started as a simple question quickly grew into a movement, building on relationships between staff, residents, and their families.

Transforming care through compassion

 WTMY boards are a simple yet impactful tool designed to facilitate meaningful conversations and connections. Placed in residents’ rooms, these boards provided a dedicated space for capturing what and who is important to residents.

These boards created spaces for meaningful conversations about the personal values, wishes, and priorities of each resident. This seemingly small action rippled outward, fostering deeper connections among staff, residents, and their loved ones.

The difference was palpable—not only in the quality of interactions but also in the culture of care. Staff began to feel re-energised and inspired, discovering new ways to bring kindness and empathy into their daily routines. Families felt reassured that their loved ones were seen and valued as individuals. Residents experienced a sense of dignity and empowerment, knowing their voices mattered.

This approach isn’t about grand gestures or overhauling systems overnight. It’s about intelligent kindness in action—the courage to ask, the patience to listen, and the commitment to follow through.

Witnessing change

The Fife Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and Napier House have shown what’s possible when we make space for humanity in care. Their inspiring story is captured in a short film that celebrates the small yet meaningful actions that lead to big changes. The video showcases the dedication of staff, the leadership of Fife HSCP, and the lives that have been positively impacted by this approach.

Change doesn’t have to start with something big, but it does have to start somewhere. Asking “What matters to you?” may seem simple, but the impact is profound.

Join the movement

Napier House and Fife HSCP have begun doing things differently. They’ve shown that when we understand people’s needs, values, and experiences, we can create a more compassionate and effective system of care.

The question now is, will you join them? It starts with one question, one conversation, and one small step toward a better way of caring.

Watch the video and be inspired – because change, no matter how small, matters.

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