Last updated: 29 April 2024
Who is it for?
Practitioners and managers of homelessness services.
Why is it relevant?
Language is ever evolving and changing, and it is not possible to always know how to best approach an individual or a topic.
This resource considers why it is important to make thoughtful choices around the language we use and provides tips for practitioners working in homelessness settings to enhance their commitment to delivering inclusive and equitable services.
Key takeaways
- Some words can hold relevance to different people, so if unsure, ask and if challenged, respond with curiosity and without judgement.
- Some words which once may have held offence can be reclaimed or reappropriated by the groups they were initially targeted toward.
- People being supported may choose to use words or terms to describe themselves that others, including staff, might find offensive.
- Language is ever evolving, and it is not possible to always know how to approach an individual or a topic. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong: learning from mistakes is part of enhancing EDI practices.
