Positive Behaviour Support: Helping, Not Managing

At Harmony Haven, we use Positive Behaviour Support, known as PBS, because it truly helps. PBS is based on understanding that all behaviour has a reason, even when it is called “challenging.”

For example, imagine a resident who hits out when the lounge is noisy. A traditional approach might see this as aggression and respond with restriction or punishment. But PBS asks a different question: Why is this happening? By observing and talking things through, we might realise the noise is overwhelming and the person is trying to show distress in the only way they can.

PBS responds by changing what causes distress. This can mean providing quiet spaces or giving alternative ways to communicate, such as a “break” card or sensory toolkit. It also means teaching new skills gently, one step at a time. Research shows that this approach can cut the number of challenging incidents by half or more.

Above all, PBS is about dignity. It is not about controlling people. It is about treating each person with respect and helping them communicate their needs safely. This is at the heart of what we do every day at Harmony Haven.