Pictability Practice Newsletter - Issue #1

What are families, young people and organisations teaching us about creating good lives?

By the Now and Next™ Team

Across countries, cultures and settings, a consistent message is emerging with the groups we are with: people are more likely to thrive when we begin with strengths rather than deficits. 

This is something families, young people and organisations have been telling us. Increasingly, research is reaching the same conclusion.

When people are supported to recognise their strengths, and take action towards meaningful goals, they are more likely to feel hopeful, engaged and capable of creating positive change in their lives.

What are we hearing from our participants and facilitators?

Strengths build confidence and agency.

When conversations focus on what is working well, people are more likely to see themselves as capable and resourceful. People are more motivated by possibility than problems. Families often tell us that identifying what is already working  creates energy and momentum for the next step.

Small successes often lead to bigger changes over time.

Who has been reached by Pictability™?

Did you know Pictability now exists in two versions?
1. Families with a young child [Pictability Early Intervention] designed to support parents and carers in shaping a good life vision early on.
2. Youth and their families [Pictability Youth +] focusing on teenagers and young adults, helping them chart inspiring pathways for their future alongside their families.

Both share the same strength-based foundation, but are tailored to meet participants where they are on their journey.  Here is the community impact of our programme up until December 2025 - you can read the full benchmark report here.

What are participants saying?

What begun as a simple picture of familiy life expanded into a vision of study, work and volunteering. Geetha’s first goal was to have a cup of tea before everyone wakes up — time to herself. Achieving this goal led Geetha to set (and achieve) her second goal: founding an international organisation to support women and children’s financial independence! Listen to Geetha share her story. 

What are we learning?

Families remind us that meaningful change begins when they have space to imagine what a good life looks like—not just for their child, but for themselves and their whole family.

As Melo Kalemkeridis reflects in this conversation, The Power of Possibility – Melo Kalemkeridis on Pictability™, , Pictability™ is not about professionals setting goals for families. It is about creating the conditions for families to recognise their own strengths, identify what matters most, and take the next meaningful step together.

One of the recurring messages we hear is that small changes often become the catalyst for much bigger ones.

We can see that the research helps us to understand what families are teaching us through their participation in Pictability™.

Research consistently shows that people are more motivated to act when they build on their strengths rather than focus primarily on problems.

According to Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), people are more likely to sustain motivation when they experience autonomy, competence and connection. When families identify their own priorities and take ownership of meaningful goals, they are more likely to remain engaged and confident over time.

Perhaps this is why strengths-based approaches are associated with greater wellbeing, stronger resilience and more sustainable outcomes across education, disability support, mental health and social care.

Reflection:

Possibility grows when people are trusted to lead their own journey

What about Youth?

Strength-based, citizenship, and positive psychology research that inform our work.

In partnership with BLENNZ (Blind & Low-vision Education Network NZ) and Hillcrest High School, we piloted a Pictability Youth+ co-designed for blind, low vision, and neurodiverse teenagers. Seeing these young people exploring their strengths, building confidence, and supporting one another was nothing short of inspiring. There were some tears at the end - participants did not want the session to end. 

We believe every young person deserves the chance to shine; this is made possible when diverse perspectives and talents come together in one space. Here’s to more opportunities where every young person can see themselves as capable, resourceful, and full of potential.

Research & Development Update

Melissa and Annick Janson presented Pictability at the annual conference of the New Zealand Psychological Society. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, with resulting new collaborations and partnership blossoming - Pictability Youth+ will be developed into a full blown adventure game!

How is our work growing in communities and countries?

Ireland: Growing the power of possibility

By Suzanne Bradley

Our first year introducing Pictability™ in Ireland has been both exciting and thought-provoking, from partnering with Dóchas Mid West Autism Support to delivering our first Youth Quest programme with young adults in the Midlands.

After almost three decades as an Occupational Therapist in public services, alongside parenting three children, one of my biggest learnings has been that families don't need someone to tell them what matters—they need space to imagine, discover and express it.

Pictability™ and Now & Next™ have given me a strengths-based way to begin those conversations, honouring each family's own experiences and expertise.

I have been especially struck by using Pictability™ with couples. Pictures often create a shared language, making it easier to explore hopes for their child and family without the pressure of finding the "right" words.

What are we curious about next and how can you be part of it?

Across countries and communities, we continue to see the power of beginning with strengths and possibility.

As our community grows and we look at the information we gather from our programmes, so do our list of questions grow!

This year we're particularly curious about:

• What helps families sustain momentum after their first Pictability™ conversation?

• How can we involve siblings in conversations more?

So, as you reflect on your experience of Pictability™ what are you

curious about?

MAYBE it is:

• What is one thing families and young people have taught you about

creating good lives?

Or

• What conversation has surprised you most while using Pictability™?

Or

• What small change has created the biggest difference?

Having your feedback is really important to us- Here is a place for you to reflect on some or all of the questions above, and to offer any stories or experiences you have had whilst offering or experiencing Pictability™ in your community.

What's Next?

This Pictability™ Practice Issue captures just a few of the conversations happening across our international community. Every story, every question and every shared learning strengthens our understanding of what it takes to create good lives together. Thank you for being part of the journey.

Continue exploring with us:

Listen to Melo: The Power of Possibility – Melo Kalemkeridis on Pictability

Watch Geetha’s video on her experience of Pictability

Read our Global Benchmarking Report

We would love your feedback, curiosities and experiences to guide us as we continue with future issues.

Our plan currently is to have a twice yearly Issue: We already have plans for our next Issue to explore The Power of Siblings.

Please have a look here at a place you can share feedback, stories and ideas for future issues.

Stay Connected - see our contacts below

Website: www.nowandnext.org and www.pictability.org

LinkedIn: Now and Next

Instagram: Now and Next