Preventative Wellbeing: The Six C’s That Help People Thrive

In this powerful solo episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker – behaviour specialist, author, trainer and speaker – explores one of the most transformative frameworks in person-centred support: the Six C’s of Preventative Wellbeing.

Too often, we fight fires instead of fireproofing. Whether you're a parent trying to reduce meltdowns, a carer supporting someone in distress, or a teacher dealing with disengagement, this episode reframes the problem: It’s not just about reacting to behaviour – it’s about creating environments where the behaviour doesn’t need to happen.

Andy introduces the Six C’s – Comfort, Consistency, Connection, Choice, Competency, and Challenge – and explains how each one contributes to better outcomes for those we support, and for ourselves. Grounded in trauma-informed practice, psychological safety, and real-world experience, this model gives carers and professionals a clear, compassionate roadmap for prevention and wellbeing.

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📚 Resources Mentioned

• Targeting the Positive – Andy Baker’s book exploring proactive and person-centred behaviour support.

• Able Training – The Target System – Learn more about the framework featured in this episode.

🗝️ Three Key Messages

1. Preventative wellbeing is proactive, not reactive. When we build safety, predictability, and purpose into environments, we reduce distress – and therefore, behaviour that challenges.

2. The Six C’s aren’t just theory – they’re culture. Comfort, Consistency, Connection, Choice, Competency, and Challenge must be embedded into everyday life, not just stuck on a poster.

3. You can’t thrive in fight-or-flight. Until people feel safe, they cannot learn, relate, or grow. Support must begin with emotional safety.

⏱️ Timestamps (Chapters)

• 00:00 – Why Firefighting Doesn’t Work

• 01:40 – The Six C’s Explained

• 02:53 – What is Preventative Wellbeing?

• 04:28 – Comfort: Psychological and Physical Safety

• 07:17 – Consistency: The Quiet Rhythm of Trust

• 09:49 – Connection: The Gateway to Regulation

• 11:11 – Choice: Autonomy and Dignity in Action

• 13:17 – Competency: Building Self-Esteem Through Mastery

• 15:11 – Challenge: Stretching Without Overwhelming

• 17:00 – How to Use the Six C’s in Practice

• 19:13 – From Compliance to Culture

• 19:50 – Final Thoughts and a Call to Reflect

🎧 Why Listen to This Episode?

• You’re a parent who wants less shouting and more connection

• You’re a teacher frustrated by behaviour but unsure what’s beneath it

• You’re a carer trying to create calm, not just contain chaos

• You’re a leader looking to reduce burnout and improve wellbeing

This episode helps you see support differently – not as a response to behaviour, but as an opportunity to shape it before it ever appears.

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