Empowering Vulnerable People

This interactive session explores how staff and volunteers can support people experiencing vulnerability without taking away their voice, choice or control. Participants consider how well-intentioned helping can sometimes create dependence or unintentionally disempower people, and how support can instead build confidence, choice and involvement.

Through discussion, practical scenarios and paired activities, participants explore the Empowerment Ladder – FOR, WITH and ENABLE – and practise listening, asking open questions and using language that encourages people to make their own informed choices.

The session also considers professional boundaries and safeguarding, helping participants recognise when to empower, when additional support may be needed and when concerns must be reported.