What is social inclusion?

A definition of social inclusion

A socially inclusive society is defined as one where all people feel valued, their differences are respected, and their basic needs are met so they can live in dignity. Social exclusion is the process of being shut out from the social, economic, political and cultural systems which contribute to the integration of a person into the community (Cappo 2002).
Quoted in VicHealth Research Summary 2 - Social inclusion as a determinant of mental health & wellbeing (January 2005)

Social inclusion, community inclusion, social connectedness, normalisation, social integration, social citizenship - all these are terms that relate to the importance of the links between the individual members of our society and the role of each person as a member of this group.

The values that underpin social inclusion

The values that underpin social inclusion:

Everyone Is Ready – None of us has to pass a test or meet a set of criteria before
we can be included.

Everyone Can Learn – As human beings we all grow and change and make mistakes: and we are all capable of learning.

Everyone Needs Support - Sometimes some of us need more support than others.

Everyone Can Communicate – Not using words doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to say.

Everyone Can Contribute – We need to recognise, encourage and value each person’s contributions - including our own.

Together We Are Better – We are not dreaming of a world where everyone is like us - difference is our most important renewable resource.

Developed by Scottish Human Services Trust (2005)

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