Talking to someone new can be tough. Here’s some tips to help you talk to you social worker or someone else who you have just met
- Write things down first. Before you get to your conversation, write down what it is that you want to talk about so you won’t forget any details.
- Start with a text. It can be easier to bring stuff up if you start with a text message to your carer or social worker, e.g. “Hi …., There are some things on my mind at the moment, when is a good time for me to talk to you about this privately?”
- Make a quiet time for you to talk.
- Stay calm. Rather than acting out of anger or frustration, find a time where you can talk calmly and bring across what it is you need to say.
- Think about what you hope to get out of the conversation. So then you can say why you want to talk and what it is you need, something like: “I need to tell you about a problem I’m having, but I just need you to listen rather than give me advice, ok? I want you to know what’s been bothering me”
- Just ask. Sometimes, all you need to do is say “Hey, I’d really like to talk to you about something can we speak now?”. Remember, your carer or social worker is there to support you and you should expect to be heard.
- Think about how you’re feeling. Worried? Scared? Angry? Instead of letting feelings overwhelm you or stop you from talking, put them into the conversation. That way your carer or social worker knows that you’re feeling uncomfortable, e.g. “I need to talk to you about something but it’s kind of embarrassing.”