Working in Hostels for young people.
OFTEN a young adult walks in slowly.
Carrying a plastic bag.
A plastic bag containing their life belongings.
The approach reception with caution.
Fleeting glances all around this central hub area.
The receptionist calls in the duty Hostel staff member.
"Hello" and without stopping walking
there is a walk past -
"I will be with you in a few minutes - hang on"
NO NO NO NO !
My awareness training of staff is
NOT to behave like this.
The first 4 minutes of meeting someone
LASTS FOREVER
The FIRST thing to day is a warm welcome
maybe a
Handshake::
"My name is ******"
and then "lets get you a cup of tea"
guiding the potential resident to the coffee bar
" I will get you a cup of tea.........." -
( and guided hand to a comfortable seat comes next and a few words about themselves NOT an instant questioning of who they are and their homelessness questions!
(A CUP OF TEA IS MAYBE
THE FIRST FOR DAYS)
And then, only then, (if they have to) -
"can you have a sit down for a few minutes
I need to finish my little task and
I will be with you very soon"
The first four minutes ............................
