How can you support vulnerable people?

People who are vulnerable may not want to admit they are feeling vulnerable and it can be difficult to ask someone if they are vulnerable.

The following groups of people might be considered vulnerable, but this is of course, not always the case:

• Older people
• Very young people
• People  with disabilities.
• People with mental health issues.
• People taking specific medication or those receiving medical treatment at home.
• People at risk of abuse or neglect.
• People who could be seen to be living in poverty

Vulnerable people can appear to be well, but might be suffering significant issues that will, in an emergency situation, make them  vulnerable.  Speaking to people in your local community might help you understand if someone has a vulnerability, without approaching them directly:

• The local doctor/health practitioner/chemist/nurse.
• The local religious leaders.
• The local shop owner.
• The local landlord/lady.
• Local schoolteachers.
• Local youth leaders.

These people might be in a position to tell the emergency services and approach the individuals themselves to offer help.

So how can you support people in your community, during or following an incident (such as loss of electricity, water, or a bad storm)?

• Think about people who you might not have seen for a few days and check up on them if you can
• Try not to let people isolate themselves.
• Knock on a neighbour’s door and see if they are ok, perhaps have a cup of tea, meaning they will be making tea for themselves.
• Take a packet of biscuits when you knock on a neighbours door to check on them
• Ask them if there is anything they need, if there is anything you can do for them.
• Suggest they visit the local community centre, library, warm space with you if these are available.