Promote Communication in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings

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Promote communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Working in Health and social care is a multi cultural society. It is important to understand that people who come from different backgrounds may have different ways of communicating and they may even interpret the way others communicate in an unexpected way. This may cause misunderstandings with communicating, so using methods like the ones listed at the bottom of the page should help to eliminate possible problems. People communicate for several reasons, for instance; • To express feelings, emotions and concerns. • To share ideas, opinions and information. • To express needs and wishes. • To socialise. • To share experiences. • To ask questions. There could be barriers in communicating such as; • English may not be there first language. • They may not understand. • Confidence levels. • Not being able to verbally communicate. • The customer may choose not to speak. These barriers in communicating are why people from altering backgrounds may communicate using different methods, such as; • Verbal. • Body/Hand gestures. • Makaton/BSL. • Visual aids/Objects of reference. • Facial expressions. • Written word. • Signs and Symbols (PECs). • Touch. • Communication cards. It is important to make yourself aware of the customers’ culture, religion and background, this helps to ensure you do not offend them in any way. For example, there are cultures and people with disorders who may interpret non-verbal communications as inappropriate or intrusive. Eye contact in some cultures, particularly Asian cultures, can be considered quite rude, whereas in most western countries if eye contact is not given it may appear as though that person is trying to hide something or is untrustworthy. There will be times when extra support is needed to have meaningful effective

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