The Difference a Welcoming Environment Makes: From Flu Jabs to True Inclusion

You know when something should be simple… and then it just isn’t? That was me a few weeks ago, popping into a local pharmacy for a flu jab I’d pre-booked. It’s not my favourite thing in the world anyway, and it used to be a bigger issue for me as a child... my mum once actually brought home a vaccination to give me while I calmly watched Winnie-the-Pooh on VHS. Don't worry, she was a nurse!

So I arrived at the pharmacy, ready to be brave. I was barely acknowledged and vaguely told to “wait over there somewhere.” Several of us hovered awkwardly, not sure if we were in a queue, a holding pen, or part of a new community art installation called Confusion in Aisle Three.

After ten minutes or so, and a few more recruits joining our bewildered cluster with no one being taken in to receive their vaccination, I politely asked how long it might be, explaining that I needed to get back to work. The response I got was… brisk, to put it kindly. No warmth. No reassurance. Just a reminder that I’d be seen “when someone could get to me.”

…and that was it, the anxiety that had been quietly humming in the background suddenly crescendoed. I’m not usually too anxious about injections these days, but the uncertainty, lack of communication, and cold atmosphere had me fighting tears. When my name was finally called, I realised I was in no state to go through with it. I apologised, left, and cried!

A few weeks later, I decided to try again, this time at my local library and information service. My nerves were still a bit frayed, but the moment I stepped in, the difference was incredible. Clear signage showed me exactly where to go. A friendly woman greeted me warmly, instantly putting me at ease.

I waited a few minutes, but I never felt forgotten. I felt seen. When I was called through, the staff were natural, friendly, and even a nearby colleague joined in with some light-hearted chat. It felt human, safe, and comfortable...and yes, I may still have left with a few tears in my eyes, but this time they were the good kind. Tears of relief and gratitude.

Why This Matters Beyond the Flu Jab

That experience really resonated with me, not just personally, but professionally, because this is exactly what inclusion looks (and feels) like in practice.

In our Champions for Difference training programme, we talk a lot about creating welcoming environments - places where people feel psychologically safe, respected, and seen. It’s not just about access or compliance; it’s about culture. The difference between my two flu jab experiences wasn’t just a matter of efficiency - it was empathy.

When people are greeted with warmth, clarity, and understanding, their anxiety drops, their confidence rises, and they can engage fully - whether that’s in a community setting, a workplace, or, yes, even a vaccination clinic.

So next time you’re designing a service, welcoming a new team member, or hosting an event - think about how your environment feels, because sometimes, the smallest gestures make the biggest difference.

Interested in building more inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly communities?

Our Champions for Difference training programme is designed to help individuals and communities do just that - turning good intentions into genuine inclusion. Our upcoming course, starting in January, is fully booked. However, please get in touch to register for future in-person and remote sessions, or to enquire about delivering the course in-house within your organisation.

Let’s make every space a place where everyone feels they belong.

#Inclusion #Neurodiversity #PsychologicalSafety #Anxiety #ChampionsForDifference #SouthDevon #CollectivelyDiverse #ADHD #AuDHD