SD 'Language Challenge' - Number 3!

Here's a reminder of what the SD Language Challenge is all about

Here's the third in our month of 'language challenges' - to get us all talking more about the everyday ways we can transform the diabetes conversation! Feel free to take any or all the challenges, whatever seems most relevant to you :)

Challenge Number 3.  'Surroundings speak'. This one's about the environment in which you are offered, or offer, diabetes services and help. For example, a clinic, consultation room or practice. It could also be a hospital ward or department or anywhere else.  

The challenge is to imagine that place - or examine it if you are physically there - and ask yourself 'what language is it speaking?'. Is it saying, for instance, 'hello, you're welcome, we're all equals here'. Is it saying encouragement and inspiration, a safe place to answer questions and tackle challenges? What's the 'journey through the appointment' like, from entering the building to leaving it? Does it exude up to date help and support - or does it need a 'language matters' refresher anywhere?

The way things are organised in clinical surroundings, including the furniture, obviously has a practical reason, but it can also speak volumes about who's in charge and what is prioritised. There can sometimes be some incongruence between what we are aspiring to achieve (eg collaboration) and an environment that works against that (eg health checks routinely being done on arrival).  Another small example can be computer 'furniture'.  Is the computer part of the conversation, or leading it?

Appreciating that wholesale change may not be possible, are there small tweaks you could personally make, get or give feedback about, to help your environment learn 'a new language'?

Challenge 3 accepted?

Download 'Language Matters' here (opens PDF)

We really hope you'll share your thoughts and activities with this challenge (and all of them) via Facebook, Twitter or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Where relevant, we'll be using #sdlangmatters and #languagematters

If you're not on social media and would prefer us to email you the challenges, let us know by dropping us a line on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Good Luck! can't wait to hear your thoughts :)