Respect 

What exactly is Respect? How important is it for you to be treated respectfully in your day to day life? In your community, at work and at home? Let’s take a look at what Respect means to people and how here at Interchange we place it at the forefront of our services.

Respect teaches us the value to be found in our differences and shows us where to stand.  – Ryan, Support Worker in Midland

What is Respect?

Respect is something that is part of every aspect of our lives whether we recognize it or not. Why? Because respect is when we accept someone as they are, for who they are. That means accepting them even when they are different from us in some way, or differ from us in opinion. Respect creates trust between people, helps us feel safe, and keeps communication open and easy.

Being respectful means you care enough to think about how you impact others. At the heart of respect is caring. In simple words, respect is caring how words and actions may impact others. Respect includes having respect for someone because of how their actions impact others and showing respect by changing your actions to be sure they don’t have a negative impact on others.

How can treating someone with Respect make someone feel?

When you’re feeling respected, you’ll feel:

• Safe
• Free to express yourself without fear of judgement
• Confident
• A sense of purpose
• An increased self-worth
• Improve relationships and friendships
• Improve job performance
• Increase motivation
• Increase self-care

When you think about it, this list makes a lot of sense! When you feel respected, your mindset ends up in a far more positive place. And your outlook on the world, and towards other people, is also that of respect.

Why is Respect so important for support services?

At Interchange, we value choice, culture and diversity. We want you to feel safe being who you are. We support you with your goals, whatever they may be and we want you to be able to achieve those confidently. We want you to always feel your sense of purpose and motivation to live the life you choose.