Vulnerability registration Service

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John

How we worked with the Vulnerability Registration Service to add speech, language and communication differences to their referral flag list.

Summary

When contacting an organisation, many people find it difficult to disclose their stammer. While a stammer alone doesn't necessarily make someone vulnerable, it can sometimes make it more difficult for them to access services when they do need help. 

Recognising this, we were keen to team up with the Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) to introduce a new referral flag for speech differences. This flag empowers individuals who stammer to communicate their circumstances, whilst enabling organisations to recognise these circumstances and take them into account when providing support.

Background

The Vulnerability Registration Service (VRS) is a not-for-profit organisation providing a central, independent register of people with differences or life circumstances that might affect the way they interact with companies and services. The service works with a range of financial services, businesses, local and county councils and housing associations.  

The VRS is free to use, entirely voluntary and gives vulnerable people a straightforward way to share details about their circumstances. Its a 'tell us once' system — when someone registers, the VRS securely shares their information with member organisations like lenders and creditors. This helps individuals avoid the stress of repeating their circumstances every time they need support. By offering a single, central place to register, the VRS saves time and helps reduce the need for difficult conversations.

Outcome

When you register with the VRS, you can now choose a 'flag' that best reflects your individual circumstances if you stammer or find communication challenging. Previously, there wasn't an option that truly represented the experience of people who stammer. But thanks to our collaboration with the VRS, a new flag — 'speech, language, and communication differences' — has been added. This important addition not only supports people who stammer, but also anyone facing challenges with communication, ensuring their needs are better understood and respected.

Just complete the registration process, and at Step 2, check the box for 'Speech, Language, Communication Differences'. You'll then be asked to choose from a list of statements that best apply to you.

Once you're registered, any organisations that use the VRS will be aware of your needs and can take them into account when communicating with you.

Final words

Simon Towers, Head of Communications and Business Development at the Vulnerability Registration Service, says:

"The Vulnerability Registration Service gives people a safe and simple way to let organisations know about their personal circumstances, so they can be treated with the care and understanding they deserve. By adding a new flag for speech, language, and communication differences — individuals don't have to explain their situation over and over. It means organisations can adapt their approach and offer the right support, right from the start."

Read about other ways we're working with organisations to make space for stammering.