Getting it right for everyone (GIRFE) toolkit

Connecting people with their community

Everyone should have someone who can support them to be connected in their community. 

This section lists a series of questions to help staff identify the skills needed to support community connection and areas for development. 

It is divided into three areas to help identify potential development needs.

Empowering communities

• I am visible and active in the community
• I know local community, voluntary, and statutory services
• I focus on what matters to people
• I provide accessible information for people to make choices
• I understand the challenges people face

Kindness, dignity, and support

• I have an empathetic approach
• I support people in a non-judgmental way
• I understand how life events like bereavement can affect people

Supporting access to services

• I work with other services and promote them
• I am responsive and proactive
• I have relationships with NHS, social work, housing, and DWP/Social Security
• I help bridge the gap between independence and community involvement
• I have statutory service support and connect people to the right help
• I understand adult and child protection