Partner Article

A Sense of Belonging...

A business that provides specialist equal opportunities training for local authorities has highlighted the importance of ‘a sense of belonging’ in both the workplace and wider society. Newcastle based Equality & Diversity Services ltd. has drawn attention to six basic needs identified by psychologists as essential in order for people to achieve true wellbeing. These are physical and emotional security, economic stability, recognition of their worth, control over their lives and a sense of belonging in any given situation.

Company director Samantha Latif said: “If we feel we live on the margins of society we live in the most vulnerable position of all. The sense of not belonging in the UK is huge. The divide of ‘them and us’ is massive and seemingly unsurpassable. Although it can be tempting to ignore our fundamental needs we cannot deny them.

“If we look at how the majority of society feels there is a lack of connection in modern times and a feeling of being dislocated from one another - a sense of not belonging.”

Various points of difference can contribute to individuals feeling alienated from their families, communities or colleagues. These include religion, age, race, sexual orientation and disability. By addressing prejudice and educating people on diversity it’s possible to eliminate feelings of marginalisation and enable individuals to lead more contented and productive lives.

Find out more about enabling a sense of belonging at www.equalitydiversityservices.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .