Service Users Discrimination

603 Words3 Pages
The service users that we support often have appearances and behaviours that make them appear different from the 'general public'. Low motivation, lack of self esteem, high medication and side effects and their personal perceptions mean that their appearance is often unkempt. This often makes them a target for discrimination when out in the community. When accompanying service users out in the community staff are aware and are reminded of this factor and are told to monitor for signs of discrimination. The service user support plan will detail what to do if there are early signs of distress when out and gives clear actions to avoid escalation of symptoms if this is the case. One of our service users who looks particularly different is often monitored by security staff on CCTV in…show more content…
It would be difficult for our staff to overrule the 'considerations' of the medical practitioner. In general our support staff are aware and recognise discrimination outside of our units. We have staff processes for many service users to reduce the impact on them and any further distress it may cause and we seek the opportunity to be able to explain and educate to minimise discrimination. 3 One of the main areas where we see discrimination is when we accompany service users to appointments. Typical appointments would be GP, Dentist, other medical specialists and Benefit agencies. Due to the experiences we have found we often take steps before and during to minimise the discrimination Examples include Planning questions with Service Users prior to the appointment. (we have an easy read 'Questions to Ask' leaflet) pointing out that the service users mental health is stable at the
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