6.2 What can I do to be more inclusive? • • • • • • • • •
Be self-reflective. Ask yourself if you are being reactive or judgmental. What can you do to prepare yourself to change a negative attitude to one of compassion and welcome? Consider that with different circumstances, the individual living in poverty could be your friend, your child, your parent, yourself. How would that change how you deliver services to this community member? Make it your commitment to become aware of the services that exist locally and share the information xv. Aim for inclusion not tolerance. Recognize mental illness and offer to assist. That may be seeking help from a health care professional or as simple as an act of generosity like offering a coffee. Take Mental Health First Aid. Provide excellent prompt service to all, because transportation is too costly for some to come back another day. Use plain language and communicate clearly. Patience and kindness go a long way. Get involved in your community. Volunteer at the food bank, raise money for local services, or foster a refugee family.
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