Face to Face - Do's & Don'ts

Try to Relate to us:
• try to understand where people are coming from regardless of your background
• don't guess at what my background is, or what my goals are
• be open-minded and recognise that everyone is different
• be informal when you can
• be approachable
• at least try to understand what we are going through!

Pay Attention to us:
• pay attention to what we are saying
• take in what we are saying in order to give back the kind of service people expect learn about each person's individual need and interests
• have 'listening skills', but please 'hear' what we are saying!

Actively Support us:
• try to support us to the best of your ability
• give friendly, helpful advice where you can – its our lives
• recognise that people have genuine problems
• learn to spot when people need help!

Know your Limits:
• have an understanding of our needs and know your limits
• be honest about what you cannot deal with and then at least address it and…
• get us the support we need by referring people on to the best place for support
• we want people who we think might go that extra mile

Give a Damn:
• be passionate if you can and if not at least know why you are there
• believe in us and we might believe in ourselves
• know we might go round, never give up on us
• be truthful and if you can't be truthful…
• at least be genuine

Break trust:
• never break client confidentiality unnecessarily!
• don't take the piss, we see it a mile off
• be two-faced, we see that too