Definitions Dictionary
An A to Z list of definitions we have used to explain hard words in our easy read documents
If you are making your own Easy Read information, our definitions dictionary can help you explain the hard words you can’t avoid in an easy way.
Words matter. We work with people with lived experience and organisations to help get our definitions right, but things change. We always want to use language that is respectful, kind, and inclusive.
We do our best to keep our definitions up to date, but it’s a big task! If you see something that doesn’t seem right or needs updating, please tell us.
A Back to top
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a test for men over 65 years old. The test checks the biggest artery in the body called the aorta.
An artery takes blood around the body.
Abortion
An abortion is when you get pregnant and choose to end the pregnancy.
Abuse
Abuse is when someone says or does something to hurt you or make you feel bad.
There are different types of abuse including:
• Physical abuse is when someone hurts your body like hitting or biting.
• Sexual abuse is when someone touches your body or private parts without your permission, or makes you touch them in a way you do not want.
• Financial abuse is when someone is taking your money or other things that belong to you.
• Domestic abuse involves any behaviour that caus
Access
Access means being able to get and use something when you need it.
Accessibility
Accessibility means making sure everyone can use something, no matter what their needs are
Accessible
Accessible means everyone is able to find and use something. For example, getting information in easy read.
Accessible housing
Accessible housing means homes that are easy for disabled people to live in. They have things like ramps, rails and wider doors.
Additional Learning Needs
Additional Learning Needs is known as ALN. Children and young people with ALN need extra support to learn. This could be because:
• They have a difficulty or disability that means they need more help.
• They find it harder to learn than other children and young people the same age.
• They have a disability that means they cannot use the local school or college.
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is when the lining of your womb grows into the muscle that
surrounds your womb. This can cause things like heavy and painful periods.
Adoption
Adoption is when children have different parents to the ones they had when they were born.
Adoption and fostering services
Help place children in safe homes to be cared for when their birth families cannot care for them.
Adult care homes
Provide a place for adults to live when they cannot live in their own home. They provide care and support.
Advanced care plan
An advanced care plan is when someone chooses what kind of care they want to have in the future.
Adverse childhood experiences
Adverse childhood experiences are bad things that happen to you when you are a child. They can have a bad effect on your life as an adult.
Advocacy
Advocacy is when someone helps you and speaks up for you to:
• say what you want to say
• and make things happen.
Advocate
An advocate is someone who speaks up for you to help you say what you want to say.
Age equality
Age equality is making sure people of all ages have the same chances.
Agency staff (nurses)
Agency staff are nurses and other health workers who are paid through an agency. They cost more and work when needed for short amounts of
time.
Alternative:
Agency nurses cost more and work when needed for short amounts of time.
Aggressive
Aggressive means when someone is ready or likely to be violent because of anger.
Allergy
An allergy is when your body reacts badly to something. For a very small number of people an allergy can be very serious.
Ambition
This means you want to achieve something for yourself. It is like a goal.
Anonymous
Anonymous means nobody will know who the information is about.
Ante-natal clinics
Ante-natal clinics are where pregnant women go to check that everything is going well in their pregnancy.
Anti racism
Anti-racism means doing something about racism and standing up against it. It means making changes so people are treated fairly and their lives are better.
Anti-social behaviour
This is behaviour that affects other people in a bad way. For example, it is scary, upsetting or stressful.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that help you get better when you have an infection. Antibiotics work by killing the germs that make you ill.
Anxiety
Anxiety is when someone feels worried or stressed a lot of the time.
Appeal
An appeal is a formal way to ask for a decision to be looked at because you want it changed.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship means working and learning at the same time. A person doing an apprenticeship is called an apprentice.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is computers that can think and solve problems like people.
Assessment
Assessment is a way of finding out if someone needs help, support or care.
This is done by asking questions and finding out about you
Assisted dying
Assisted dying is when someone who is very sick and dying chooses to end their life because they are suffering. A doctor helps them to die.
Assistive
technologies
Assistive technologies are tools that help people do things they might find hard. Things like:
Wheelchairs to help people move around, Hearing aids to make sounds louder, Screen readers to read text aloud.
Asthma
Asthma is a lung condition. If you have asthma, you might get out of breath sometimes. You might need an inhaler to help you breathe.
Asylum seeker
Asylum seeker is someone who leaves their country to escape danger. They ask to live in another country.
Or
Asylum seeker is a person who is asking to be classed as a refugee in the new country they have gone to. The new country is looking into their situation to make a decision.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical condition. People with ADHD find it hard to focus or control what they do. It can make daily tasks tough. They might seem fidgety and sometimes do things without thinking.
Audiologist
An audiologist is a healthcare professional. They help you with hearing, balance and ear problems.
Autism
Autism means someone’s brain works differently.
It affects how they talk to others and how they see and deal with the world. They are born with it and will always have it.
Autistic people might:
• Find it hard talking to and being with others
• Do or think the same things over and over
• Feel bothered by bright lights or loud sounds
• Worry about new places or events
• Need more time to understand things
Autonomy
Autonomy means the right to make your own choices.
B Back to top
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is an infection. It affects the brain and spine. It can cause brain damage or death if it is not treated quickly.
Barriers
A barrier is something that stops people from being able to do something.
Barriers can be:
• Physical things. Like buildings not having ramps or lifts for wheelchair users.
•Attitudes. Like people assuming disabled people cannot do things.
• Laws and rules. Like a school not having information in braille or audio. This could stop blind people from studying.
Behaviour that challenge
Behaviour that challenge is when someone acts in a way that is hard to handle. They might hurt or upset themselves or others.
Best Interests
Best interests means making choices that are the most helpful and good for someone, based on what they need and want.
Best Interests Assessment
A best interests assessment shows if you can make decisions yourself or if someone has to make decisions for you.
Birth defects
This is a problem that affects how the baby’s body looks or works.
Birth family
A birth family is the family you were born in to. Some children and young people are not able to stay with their birth family. They live somewhere
else.
Bisexual
Bisexual people are attracted to both men and women.
Blog
A blog is a website where you can write about your opinions and thoughts online.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure is how fast your heart pumps blood around your body.
BMI
BMI stands for body mass index. It is a way to roughly work out how much body fat you have. It is worked out using your height and weight.
Board
A group of people who make sure an organisation is run properly.
Board Member
These people are chosen f rom the public and have the right skills. They are independent and check that the organisation is being run properly.
Booster (Vaccine)
A booster is another dose of a vaccine. This boosts protection from illnesses when the first vaccines start to wear off.
Bowel screening
This is a test for anyone between 51 and 74 years old. The test checks your poo for signs of bowel cancer.
Braille
Braille is a way of reading for people who are visually impaired or has sight loss. It uses raised dots that you can touch.
Breast screening
This is a test for women between 50 and 70 years old. The test checks a woman’ s breasts for signs of breast cancer.
Brexit
Brexit is the name used for Britain leaving the European Union or EU for short. The European Union is a group of countries whose governments work together.
British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language is a way of communicating using your hands, face and body.
British Sign Language interpreter
A British Sign Language interpreter makes words into signs using their hands, face and body for deaf people.
Budget
A budget is a plan to decide how you will spend your money
Building regulations
Building regulations are rules to keep people safe in and around buildings.
Bullying
Bullying is when 1 person or a group of people treats someone else in a bad way. Bullying can be things like:
• Saying nasty things to you or about you
• Being ignored or left out
• Being hit, kicked or pushed
• Telling lies about you.
C Back to top
Campaign
A campaign is when a group of people work together to reach a goal. Like trying to change something or raise money.
Candidate
A candidate is a person who stands for election, they ask people to vote for them.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a natural gas in the air. Cars and factories also make carbon dioxide. This makes the planet too hot. It can cause problems like bad
weather and harm to nature.
Carbon emissions
These are the gases produced by things like oil and gas. They are
damaging the planet and causing it to heat up.
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. Cigarette smoke has carbon monoxide in it .
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation is a way to help when someone’s breathing or heart has stopped. You press on their chest and give them breaths until doctors can help.
Care bundle
Care bundle is a list of things used to help make patient care better.
Care Co-ordinator
The Care Co-ordinator will help you through the assessment. They will make sure you have the information you need. They will answer any questions you have.
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
The CIW checks the services people use. For example – they check care homes and social services. They make sure people are looked after properly.
Alternative:
Care Inspectorate Wales check that social care services are running well.
Care Pathway
A care pathway means the things that will happen in a person’s care and support.
Care Plan
A Care Plan says what kind of care someone needs and how they will get it.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) England
The CQC checks the services people use. For example – they check care homes, social services and hospitals. They make sure people are looked after properly.
Case studies
Case studies are stories about real people and what has worked or not worked for them.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement.
Cervical screening
This is a test in Wales for women between 25 and 64 years old. It is often called a smear test. The test checks inside a woman’s body for signs of
cervical cancer. Cervical means at the opening of the womb inside a woman’s body.
Chairperson
A chairperson is the leader of a group. They run meetings and make sure everyone has a say in decisions.
Changing Places toilets
Changing Places toilets have more room and extra things like changing benches and hoists. They make it easier for disabled people to use public toilets.
Character
A character is anything that can be typed using your computer keyboard. It includes letters, numbers, spaces and symbols like full stops.
Chief Executive
Chief Executive is the person in charge of the staff and the work they do at an organisation.
Children Looked After
Children Looked After cannot live with their families. They are cared for by social service. This can be with a foster family or in a children’s home.
Cholesterol
Your body needs cholesterol to work properly. But too much or too little can make you ill .
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
These are illnesses that cause damage to your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.
Civil partnership
Civil partnership is a legal agreement between 2 people who want to share their lives together. It is similar to being married.
Clean energy
Clean energy is power from things that do not damage the environment. Like from the sun, wind, or water.
Climate change
Climate change is big changes in the weather. For example, places getting warmer, wetter, or drier. These changes cause things like storms to get worse, flooding and wildfires.
Climate emergency
Climate emergency means there is an urgent need to reduce things that cause climate change.
Climate Justice
Climate justice means how climate change impacts different groups of people in unfair ways.
Co-operative
A co-operative is a business that is owned and run by its members. Every member has an equal say in how it is run.
Co-ordinator
A co-ordinator makes sure everyone works together well.
Co-produced research
Co-produced research involves those the research is about. They work together to decide what to study and how to do it .
Co-production
This means people who use services are included in all decisions and have an equal say.
Code of Conduct
Code of conduct means the rules and standards someone must follow in their job.
Code of Practice
A Code of Practice is a set of rules or guidelines that explain how to do something properly.
Collaboration
This means working together
Colostomy bag
A colostomy bag is a special bag that collects poo from your body.
Commissioners
Commissioning means planning and paying for services to meet the needs of local people. The person in charge of commissioning is called a Commissioner.
Commissioning
Commissioning is the way services are planned, organised and paid for. The person in charge of commissioning is called a commissioner.
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is a group of 56 countries. They help each other with things like trading and making fair rules. Some of them used to be ruled by the UK
Communication
Communication is the way we share information. It includes speaking and writing.
Community
A community is a group of people living in the same area.
Complaint
A complaint is when you tell an organisation or person that you think they have done something wrong.
Complaints procedure
A complaints procedure is a set of rules to follow when someone does not like something.
Complex needs
People with complex needs need a lot of support with daily life. They have help from health and social care services. This could be because of illness or disability.
Condoms
Condoms are used during sex. A man wears one on his penis to protect against pregnancy and diseases. You should always get advice about using them.
Conferences
A conference is a large meeting.
Confidential
Confidential means what you say will not be told to anyone or to people who do not need to know.
Consent
Consent means you agree to do something.
Conserve
Conserve means to protect
Constipation
This is when it is very difficult for you to go for a poo.
Constituency
Your constituency is your local area represented in the Senedd.
There are 40 constituencies in Wales. For example, Caerphilly is a constituency in south Wales and Wrexham is a constituency in north Wales.
Constitution
A constitution is a legal document. It has rules about how an organisation is set and run.
Continence nurse
A continence nurse helps when you have problems controlling when you go for a wee or a poo.
Continuing NHS Healthcare
Continuing NHS Healthcare means the NHS will pay for your care and support. The care and support is free. It is sometimes called CHC.
Contraception
Contraception is something you use to s top a woman getting pregnant when having sex. For example, a man wearing a condom or a woman
taking the pill.
Contract
A contract is an agreement.
Contractors
Contractors are:
• People we pay to do things for us – like running some of our services.
• People we buy things from - like equipment for our offices.
Convention
A convention is an agreement.
Core funding
Core funding supports organisations to make them stronger over time.
Cost of living crisis
The cost of everyday things like food and energy is going up more than people’s wages.
Council Tax
Council Tax is money you have to give to your local authority. It pays for things like schools, roads, social services and parks.
Councillors
You vote councillors onto your local council. They decide what your community needs and how to spend the money the council has.
Counselling
Counselling is when you talk to someone who is trained to listen. They can help you work through problems or difficult feelings
Creative industries
Creative industries are businesses that work in the arts, design, computers or film.
Creativity
Creativity means using our imagination and our own ideas to make something.
Criminal exploitation
Criminal exploitation is using someone to commit a crime. For example,
gangs making children sell drugs
Crisis
A crisis is when someone is going through a very difficult situation and needs help quickly.
Crown Prosecution Service
When the police think someone has done a crime, the Crown Prosecution Service decides if that person must go to court.
Culture
Our culture is our shared traditions, behaviours, history, and language.
Curriculum
The curriculum is a plan for what schools teach.
CV
A CV has all your jobs and skills written down. It should tell us about your acting experience.
Cyber attacks
Cyber attacks are when people use the internet to cause damage to someone else. For example, breaking into someone’s online bank account.
Cyber crime
Cyber crime means causing crime through computers or the internet.
D Back to top
Debate
A debate is when people talk about their different views. They might vote to decide what to do.
Debt
A debt is money that you need to pay someone else. For example, if you have borrowed money and need to pay it back.
Decommissioning
Decommissioning is when a Commissioner ends a contract with a service provider.
Defence forces
Our defence forces include the Army, Navy and the Air Force. They protect the UK in times of war.
Defendant
The Defendant means the person or organisation that is defending the claim or complaint.
Definition
A definition tells you what something means.
Degree apprenticeship
A degree apprenticeship is where a learner can gain a degree while working in a job.
Dementia
Dementia is an illness that affects the brain. It makes it hard to remember, think and do things.
Dementia Friend
A Dementia Friend is someone who understands what it is like to have dementia.
Dementia Friendly
Dementia Friendly means making things easier for people with dementia.
Democratic
Democratic means a system where people have a say in how things are done. For example, when we vote to choose leaders in elections’
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Department for Work and Pensions or DWP is a government department. It is in charge of welfare benefits, pensions and child maintenance.
Depression
Depression is when you feel very sad and low for a long time.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards is a legal process. It is used when a person cannot decide about their own care or treatment. It lets staff limit someone’s freedom to keep them safe from harm.
Deprived
This means lacking the basic things people need to live on. For example,
enough food, money, heating, decent housing and other things.
Deputy
A deputy is someone chosen by the Court of Protection to make decisions for you when you cannot make them yourself.
Design
Design means how things are made and how things are planned.
Detained
Detained means being kept somewhere without being allowed to leave.
Detector
A detector is a machine we use to find something - like metal.
Develop
Develop means learning and being able to do more things yourself.
Devolved
Devolved means that Wales can make its own decisions on certain things, like laws, health and education.
Diabetes
Diabetes is an illness where the body has trouble using sugar properly. It can cause lots of health problems like blindness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis means checking someone’s health and doing tests to see if they have a health condition.
Diagnostic assessment
A diagnostic assessment is a set of questions and tests done to see if a person has a medical condition.
Diarrhoea
If you have diarrhoea your poo is usually very runny or watery.
Dietitian
A dietitian helps you to eat and drink the right things to stay healthy.
Digital services
This means using the internet, computers and phones to give people information and record information.
Digital technology
Digital technology is things like computers, laptops, smartphones and the internet.
Dignity
Dignity means treating people with respect and kindness.
Direct Payments
Direct Payments is money that social services can give you. You can use it to buy your own support and services. This gives you more control.
Disciplined
Disciplined is when a person gets into trouble for something they have done or said at work. It could mean they get told off or lose their job.
Discrimination
Discrimination is when you are treated badly or unfairly because of things like your sex, race, religion, disability or sexual identity.
Diverse
Diverse means we are not all the same. For example, people:
• Come from different backgrounds and cultures
• Have different abilities
• Believe different things
• Have different sexual identities
• Make different choices about how they live their lives
• Are different ages.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse involves any behaviour that causes harm to someone. It is carried out by a partner, ex-partner or family member.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is any behaviour that causes harm to someone. It is carried out by a partner, ex-partner or family member. It can happen to anyone.
Domiciliary support services
Care services that support people in their own homes.
Draft
Draft means a document that is still being worked on.
Draft Bill
A draft bill is the first idea for a law. It can still be changed before it becomes a real law.
E Back to top
Economically disadvantaged
Economically disadvantaged means people who do not have enough money for basic needs.
Economy
The economy is how much money a country has and makes. For example, from selling things and paying for things.
Ecosystem
The Ecosystem means nature and wildlife working together.
Efficiently
Efficiently means being better at what we do and spending money carefully, so we can spend less money and still provide services that people need.
Election
An election is when people vote for the person they want to represent them.
Election Campaign
An election campaign is when the candidate tells people their ideas and why people should vote for them.
Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission makes sure elections are fair by setting rules. They help people understand how to vote.
Electoral Register
The Electoral Register is a list of people who live in an area. You need to be on the register to be able to vote.
Eligible
Eligible means you have the right to do or get something.
Emergency respite care
This is when you go into care for a short time because your usual carer cannot help you.
Emotional problems
Emotional problems are when people are going through a difficult time. They may feel sad, low or worried.
Emotions
Emotions are how you feel about something. And how your body reacts. For example, if you are scared, you may feel your heart beat faster.
Emphysema
This is an illness that causes damage to your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.
Employers
Employers are businesses that pay people to work for them.
Empowering
This means to help people to be confident and get what they want from life.
End of life care
End of life care is special care given when someone is near the end of their life.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when cells that usually only grow inside your womb,
grow in other places in your body. Because these cells grow in places
they should not, endometriosis can make you feel very ill.
Enforcement
Enforcement means making sure a rule or law is followed.
Enforcement agents
Enforcements agents are people who come to collect money or goods if you do not pay.
Engagement
Engagement means being involved or taking part.
Environment
The environment is where we live. It includes the land, the sea, the air, and everything that lives in and on it . For example, plants, animals and fish.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is having fits because of something happening in your brain. Some people call fits seizures.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunities means everyone has the same chances.
Equal Pay
Equal pay is getting paid the same as others for the same or similar work. No matter if you are a woman or a man.
Equality
Equality means treating people fairly and making sure they have the same chances in life.
Equality Act (2010)
The Equality Act (2010) is a law to make sure everyone has the same chances.
Alternative:
The Equality Act says everyone has the right to:
• be treated fairly
• have the same chances in life as others
• be free from discrimination.
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission makes sure that people are treated fairly and have the
same chances as others.
Equality Duty
The Equality Duty are rules for public bodies to make sure they treat people fairly. Public bodies are things like councils, schools and health boards.
Equality Impact Assessments
Equality Impact Assessments check that the things we do are fair to everyone.
Equality objectives
Equality objectives are goals to do with treating people fairly
Equality Plan
An Equality Plan is a plan that says what we will do to make sure we treat people fairly.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity is a person’s race or background. For example, black, white or Asian.
European Parliament
European Parliament makes the laws in the European Union.
European Social Policy
European social policy is rules to help everyone in Europe have better lives. It includes rules about work, social care and health.
European Union
The European Union is a group of countries whose governments work together.
Excluded
Excluded means you are left out of something.
Exhibition
An exhibition is a show displaying different artwork.
Experiment
Experiment means to try out things to see if you can find out something new.
Exploitation
Exploitation means treating someone badly and using them to get
something that you want.
F Back to top
Facial recognition
Facial recognition is when a computer recognised a person’s face from an image or video
Facilitator
A facilitator is someone who helps a group talk and work together.
Families First
Families First helps families who need support. It is run by your local council. They find out your family’s needs and give you help
Feelings
Feelings are how we experience our emotions and the meaning we give to them. Feelings are different for everyone.
Financial assessment
A financial assessment looks at:
• The money you have to live on every week.
• How much you have to pay for things like rent and council tax.
• How much you have in savings.
Financial Compensation
Financial compensation is money you get to make up for harm, loss or stress caused by someone else.
Fit to practise
Being fit to practise means that a person has the skills and knowledge to do their job well.
Flexible working
Flexible working means you can work your hours when it is best for you. You may want to start work early and finish early. You agree your hours with your employer
Flu
Flu is an illness caused by germs. It causes things like:
• a fever
• aching body
• headaches
• coughs
• sore throats.
Flu vaccine
A flu vaccine is a medicine that helps stop you getting the flu.
Flying Start
Flying Start supports families in Wales with young children in areas that do not have a lot of money. It offers c lasses for parents, free nursery places and extra healthcare.
Focus group
A focus group is a group of people with an interest in something. They meet to talk about certain issues or decide on an answer to a question.
Alternative:
A focus group is a group of people that meet to
talk about their ideas and experiences. They give feedback on something.
Food system
The food system is all the activities involved in:
• Growing and preparing food.
• Transporting and selling food.
• Eating and making food.
Forced marriage
Forced marriage is when someone is made to marry someone when they do not want to
Formal complaint
A formal complaint usually means you have to put the complaint in writing.
Forums
A forum is a meeting where everyone can speak and share ideas.
Foster
Foster care is when children stay with a different family when their own parents cannot look after them. They stay until they can go back home or find a new one.
Framework
A framework is a set of guidelines, procedures, or goals.
Freelance
A freelance worker is someone who works for themselves. They often do different projects for different people.
Frontline staff
Frontline staff work directly with the public. They could be nurses and doctors in Accident and Emergency Departments, social workers, housing officers and teachers.
Fuel poverty
Fuel poverty is when you cannot afford to heat your home. This can make you ill .
Funded Nursing Care
Funded Nursing Care is extra money to pay for nursing care if you live in a nursing home.
Funder
A funder is a person or group that gives money to support a project or work.
Funding
Funding is money people or groups can get to support their work or do a project.
G Back to top
Gay man
A man who is attracted to other men.
Gender
Gender is the idea of being female, male, or non-binary. This does not always match the sex people were born with.
Gender Equality
Gender equality means treating women and men equally and fairly.
Gender Pay Gap
Gender Pay Gap is when men and women earn different amounts of money overall at an organisation. This could be because there are less women in manager jobs than men. Or women are paid less for doing the same job.
General Medical Council (GMC)
The General Medical Council helps to keep patients safe and make health care and training better.
Genetic modification
Genetic modification is when scientists change food so that it grows a certain way.
Gig Buddies
Gig Buddies is a service that matches people with a learning disability with volunteers. They share the same interests and go to events and activities together.
Glue ear
This is when the baby’s ear fills up with liquid. It can cause them hearing problems and pain
Government
The Government makes laws and policies for the country. It is responsible for many issues, including health, education, money, the environment and transport.
Grant
A grant is when an organisation gives someone money to do something. For example, to learn something.
Guidance
Guidance is advice and information that will help you to understand things.
Guidelines
Guidelines are rules to follow to help you work well.
Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller
Gypsy, Roma, and Travellers can come from different backgrounds, other countries or cultures. Some live on special sites and some move from place to place. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people are groups of people who sometimes travel from place to place.
Some families choose to live in one place, in a house.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people are known as ethnic minorities. This means they make up a small part of the population in Wales.
H Back to top
Harassment
Harassment is behaviour that upsets someone like bullying.
Hate crime
This is being treated badly because people think you are different. For example, because of a disability or race.
Health boards
They run NHS services across each area of Wales. There are 7 health boards.
Health equity
Health equity means people have fair and equal chances to good health.
Health impact assessment
A health impact assessment means thinking about how something could affect people’s health.
Health inequality
Health inequality is when one group has worse health than another.
Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW)
Health Inspectorate Wales checks the NHS and other healthcare in Wales. They make sure services follow rules and do a good job.
Health Screening
Health screening means checking people for health problems. When health problems are found early they are easier to treat.
Heritage
Heritage is important things from the past. Things like old buildings, books and songs.
Heterosexual
Heterosexual - women who are attracted to men or men who are attracted to women.
HM Revenue and Customs
HM Revenue and Customs is a UK government department that collects tax.
Hoist
A hoist is a tool to help lift someone. For example, from a wheelchair to the toilet.
Home adaptations
Adaptations are changes that make a home easier to live in.
Home Care
When carers visit you at home to provide care.
Hospice
A hospice is a place where people who are very ill or dying sometimes stay.
Hospital Discharge
Hospital discharge is the process that happens when a patient leaves hospital.
Hospital Discharge Assessment
A discharge assessment checks if you need more care after leaving hospital.
Hospital support plans
A hospital support plan is when we write down how a person will get the medical treatment they need.
House of Lords
The House of Lords is part of parliament. The Lords have the power to accept or reject new laws. The Lords are not chosen by the public.
Household waste
Household waste is the rubbish you put in your bin at home.
Housing Adaptations
Housing adaptations are when things are done to a house to make it easier to live in.
Housing associations
Housing associations rent out houses and f lats. They charge lower prices for rent and have good values
Human rights
Human rights are rights that every person has. For example, the right to be alive and the right to get an education.
Human trafficking
Human Trafficking means forcing someone to live in a different place. For example, from one country to another. It may be to work or it could be to do with other things that might be against the law
I Back to top
Imagination
Imagination is when we use our mind to think of new ideas.
Immigration
Immigration is when a person chooses to live in another country.
Immigration restrictions
Immigration restrictions are rules for people who have chosen to live in another country. For example, you are not allowed to get benefits.
Immune system
Your immune system is the way your body fights diseases. It works to help stop you getting ill.
Impact Assessments
Impact Assessments look at how our work affects different groups of people.
Impairment
An impairment is something that stops your body or brain from working the way it should. It could be because you are ill, injured, or have a health problem.
Inclusion
This means people feel that they can take part and feel involved.
Inclusive
Inclusive means everyone is involved.
Inclusive community
An inclusive community is one where everyone is welcome no matter their differences.
Incontinence
Incontinence means your body leaks wee or poo when you do not want it to.
Incontinence pads
These are for when you cannot control when you go for a wee or a poo. You wear them in your pants.
Independent
Independent means doing things for yourself and making your own choices.
Independent Professional Advocate
An Independent Professional Advocate is a specially trained advocate.
Independent tribunal
An independent tribunal is a group led by a judge. They check decisions made about benefits. They are separate to the people who make the decisions.
Inequality
This means people are treated differently or unfairly.
Infection
An infection is when germs get in your body and make you ill.
Injunction
An injunction is a legal order to do or not do something.
Inpatient
Somone who needs to stay in hospital for care and treatment
Inquest
An inquest looks into how a person died.
Inquiry
An inquiry is gathering information to find out what happened.
Inspect
Inspect means checking if services are of good quality.
Inspector
An Inspector is someone who checks something
Inspiration
Inspiration is making you want to do something creative.
Institutions
Institutions are places where disabled people are forced to live apart from others. They are not al lowed to make choices for themselves there.
Insurance
Insurance is when you pay a company, and they agree to pay for things if they get lost or broken.
Interpretation
Interpretation means changing a person’s words into another language. This means that people who speak different languages can understand each other.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality means how different parts of a person’s life connect and affect their health. This can be things like race, disability, income and education.
Investigate
Investigate means looking into what happened.
Investigate (police)
Investigate means when the police work to find out more information
about a crime.
Isolated
Isolated is when someone is alone and not in contact with other people.
J Back to top
Job coaching
Job coaching means helping you find and stay in a job. Coaches learn about you and help you find training and jobs.
Job sharing
Job sharing is where 2 or more people share the work of 1 job role.
Justice system
The justice system is courts, police, and prisons. It makes sure people follow the law.
K Back to top
Key Worker
A key worker helps you work out what you need. They help you make plans and arrange support.
L Back to top
Laboratory
A laboratory is a place where scientists work. They do tests on things like blood to find out about diseases.
Lacking Capacity
Someone is lacking capacity if they cannot understand information about a decision. Or they cannot communicate their decision. This could be
because of a disability or illness.
Landlord
Your landlord owns the house you live in. You pay them rent.
Lasting Power Of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document. It allows someone you trust to make decisions for you when you are unable to make decisions yourself.
There are 2 types:
Property and finance: What you own and your money.
Health and welfare: How people care for you and the support you receive.
LBGTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ is a community of people who share experiences because of who they love and who they are.
Leadership
Leadership is about guiding people to get things done.
Learning Disability
A learning disability means someone may need more time to learn things. They might need help with daily activities like chores, making friends, or handling money. This is something they live with all their life.
Lease
A lease is an agreement where you pay to live in a flat for a long time, but the landlord still owns the building.
Legal Aid
Legal Aid is money that helps people who cannot afford to pay for legal help.
Lesbian
A lesbian is a woman who is attracted to other women.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other groups.
This is a community of people who share experiences because of who they love and who they are.
Liberty
Liberty means being free to do what you want and live where you choose.
Literacy
Literacy means being able to read and write.
Lived experience
Lived experience means knowing something from actually going through it .
LLais
This is an independent organisation that helps to make local health services better. They also give free help if you have a complaint about the health service.
Loan
A loan is when you borrow money. You must pay the money back.
Loan Shark
A loan shark lends money to people. They charge a lot of money when people pay back the loan. They are breaking the l aw.
Loan Statement
A statement tells you how much of the loan you have paid and how much is left to pay.
Local Authority
The local authority is your council. They provide lots of services in your area like social services, education, roads, lighting and rubbish collection.
Local Councillors
Local councillors make sure that council services meet your needs.
Local elections
Local elections are when you vote for who you want to run your local council.
Local government
Local government means your local councils.
Local Health Board
The Local Health Board is in charge of health services in your area.
Locum doctor
A Locum doctor is a doctor who takes over the regular doctor’s work. For example, when the regular doctor is ill.
Loop system
A loop system is a sound system to help people with hearing aids hear more clearly.
M Back to top
Magistrate
The magistrate is the person in charge of what happens in court.
Manifesto
A manifesto is a plan of what we want to do.
Maternity
Maternity is when a woman is pregnant and has a baby.
Maternity pay
Maternity pay is money that a woman can get when they are off work to care for their new baby.
Media
Media means ways to give information to people. For example, newspaper, radio, internet.
Medically fit for discharge
This is when you no longer need medical treatment in hospital and can leave (because you might not be fit and you often still need medical treatment, just not in the hospital).
Medication
Medication is tablets or other medicine your doctor has given you.
Menopause
Menopause is when a woman stops having periods. The menopause happens to all women as they get older.
Mental Capacity
Mental capacity means being able to understand things and make choices about your life.
Mental Capacity Assessment
Checking whether someone is able to make their own decisions or not.
Mental Health
Mental health is how you feel and think and how that affects your wellbeing.
Mental Health Assessment
Talking about how you are feeling and thinking to check what help you might need.
Mental Health Problems
This is when you are not feeling well in your mind and thoughts. Mental health problems are things like:
• Depression – feeling very sad and doubting yourself.
• Anxiety – feeling worried or nervous.
Mentor
A mentor is someone who supports you to get better at something.
Mentoring
Mentoring is when you support someone when they are learning how to do something. For example, a new job.
Midwife
A midwife is a nurse who helps a woman through pregnancy and having a baby.
Minority ethnic
In the UK, most people are White British and speak English or Welsh. People who are not White British are sometimes called minority ethnic. This includes people from different countries, cultures, or backgrounds. They might have different skin colours, languages, or religions.
Miscarried
This is when the baby dies inside your tummy a long time before it is ready to be born.
Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system
The Mixed Member Proportional system is a way to choose members of parliament. It is easier to call it the MMP system.
In the MMP system you have 2 votes. Your 1 vote is for the person you want to represent your local area. Your other vote is for a political party to represent your region.
Modern slavery
Modern slavery means forcing someone to do something against their will, like working or living somewhere when they do not want to.
Mortgage
A mortgage is when you borrow money from a bank to buy a house. You pay back a bit of money every month, plus some extra called interest.
Music industry
The music industry is where people make money by making, selling and sharing music.
Musicians
Musicians are people who make music. They sing or play an instrument – on their own or as part of a group.
N Back to top
National Minimum Standards
National Minimum Standards are rules that set out how services should be provided to make sure they are of good quality.
National Park
A National Park is an area that is protected because of its beautiful countryside, wildlife and history.
Natural Resources
Natural resources are things in the environment we can use. For example: water to drink, food to eat, air to breathe, wind and water to make
energy.
Needs assessment (Social Care)
Your needs assessment is done with your social worker. You work with them to find out what support you need.
Neglect
Neglect is when someone is not being cared for or supported.
Negligence
Negligence is when someone is not careful enough and causes harm to someone else.
Neighbourhood Watch Teams
Neighbourhood Watch Teams work with the Police to make the community a safer place to live. They encourage people to look out for each other.
Net Zero
Net zero means reducing the amount of harmful gases we put into the air.
Neuro-typical
Neuro-typical people view the world in the same way. Their brains work the in the way we expect.
Neurodevelopmental condition
A Neurodevelopmental condition is when the brain has developed differently. This can affect how someone learns, behaves, or interacts with others. It includes conditions like autism and ADHD.
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence means that a person’s brain works differently. It includes things like learning disability, ADHD and autism.
Neurodivergent
Some people have bigger differences in how they think and communicate. They are neurodivergent.
We use the word neurodivergent to cover all brain differences and conditions.
But people are still all different and have different needs.
Neurodiversity
Our brains are all different. We all have different skills, interests and ways. We are all neurodiverse.
NHS Trust
These are the groups that run the hospitals.
Non-binary
This is a person whose gender does not match usual ideas of what is male and what is female. A non-binary person may feel or know that they are not a man or a woman.
Non-Residential Social Services
Non-Residential Social Services support people to live at home and in the community. These services include day care services and personal care in
your home.
Non-visible disability
A non-visible disability is a disability that we cannot easily see. This includes autism, brain injuries and epilepsy.
Nuclear weapons
Nuclear weapons are bombs that cause big explosions and lots of deaths.
Numeracy
Numeracy means understanding and using numbers.
Nursing and Midwifery Council
The Nursing and Midwifery Council helps make sure nurses and midwives give good care.
Nutrients
Nutrients are things like vitamins, protein and minerals. They are important for your body. They give you energy and help you grow. You get
nutrients from the food you eat.
O Back to top
Obese
Obese means having too much fat in your body. It can cause health problems like diabetes, stroke or arthritis.
Objectives
Objectives are the things we want to do over an agreed time.
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist helps you to do things in your daily life. They can help you stay independent.
Offence
An offence is something that is against the law.
Offender
An offender is a person who commits a crime.
Ombudsman
An Ombudsman is someone independent who will look into your complaint.
Optician
An optician checks your eyes. They check that your eyes are healthy and how well you can see.
Organ Donor Register
The Organ Donor Register is a list of everyone who has said that when they die they would like their organs to be given to someone who needs them
Organ Transplant
Organ transplant is when someone has an operation to put in a new organ that works properly. The doctors get the organ from someone who has just died.
Organs And Tissues
Organs and tissues are parts of our body that keep us alive and feeling well.
Organs are things like:
• Heart – it keeps blood moving round your body
• Lungs – they help you to breath
• liver – it looks after your blood
• Kidneys – clean your blood
Tissues are things like:
• Bones – help you move
• Arteries and veins – tubes that blood moves through
• Skin – keeps dirt and germs out of your body
Outcome
An outcome is the result someone can expect from getting a good quality service.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities are fun things you do outside, like walking, having a picnic, or bird watching.
P Back to top
Package of Support
A package of support would give help based on what most disabled students need. Each student would not be assessed.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is care for people with very bad illnesses. It is to help with symptoms and make them more comfortable.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility means you have the legal rights and duties to take care of your child. This includes looking after them, and making big decisions about their life
Participation
Participation means taking part and being involved in decisions.
Partners
Partners are groups and businesses that work with us.
Pathway
A pathway is a document. It sets out what services are available and how people can get them.
Patient
Someone who uses health services.
Pay Gap
A pay gap is about how much less some people are paid compared to others.
Peer Support
Peer support is when a group of people help each other.
Person Centred
Person centred means focusing on what each person wants and needs.
Person Centred Planning
Person centred planning means putting the person at the centre of planning for their life.
Person Centred Technology
Equipment to help you do things for yourself. For example, a hoist to lift you out of bed or a computer to help you speak.
Personal Assistant
A Personal Assistant is someone who is paid to help you with daily tasks. They can support with personal care, cooking, cleaning, and other things that help people to live independently.
Personal Care
Personal care means getting help with daily tasks, like washing, dressing and using the toilet.
Personal circumstances
Personal circumstances are facts about your life that make things the way they are.
Personal outcomes
Personal outcomes are what matters to you and what you want to do with your life.
Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE)
This means things like gloves, face masks and aprons to help stop infections spreading.
Physical Disability
Someone with a physical disability finds it hard to move or use their body. They may use a wheelchair.
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist helps you to move your body.
Pill
The pill is a type of contraception. Women take the pill to stop them getting pregnant when they have sex.
Podiatrists
Podiatrists look after people’s feet and toenails.
Police custody
Police custody is when someone is held by police officers in a secure
place. Like a police station.
Policy
A policy is a set of rules for how things should be done.
Political party
A political party is a group of people who have similar ideas about how to run a country.
Polling station
A Polling station is the building where you go to vote. It is usually somewhere like a school or community centre.
Pollution
Pollution is when bad things get into the air, water, or land. For example, car fumes, litter or sewers being emptied into rivers or the sea.
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)
Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is about understanding why a person behaves in a challenging way. It is about sorting out the underlying problems and improving lives without force.
Potential
Potential means being the best you can.
Poverty
This is when someone does not have enough money to pay for basic things like food or heating.
Prejudice
Prejudice is not liking someone because of who they are.
Prescription
A prescription is a written note for the medicine you need to take. Prescriptions are often given to you by a doctor. But other healthcare workers like some nurses, dentists and pharmacists can also do this.
Pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcers are sores on your skin. You get them if you spend a long time in bed lying on one part of your body.
Preventative
Preventative means we want to stop health issues from happening in the
first place. And we want to reduce the effects health issues have.
Primary Care
Primary care is health services in the community, like your doctor, dentist and optician.
Principles
Principles are a set of rules that help us to know how to behave and work.
Priority
A priority is something that needs to be done first.
Private Sector
The Private Sector is businesses that aim to make a profit.
Procurement
Procurement means finding and buying goods and services.
Production
Production means putting on an event. Like:
• a drama
• a dance
• a concert
• art shows.
Professionals
Professionals are people who work in certain jobs. Like social services, schools and hospitals.
Projects
Projects help us:
• find out new things
• share information
• and find new ways of working.
Promoters
Promoters are people who put on concerts. Or who work at telling lots of people about an artist or a concert.
Promotion
Promotion is where you change your job to one that pays more, and you are in charge of more things.
Pronouns
Pronouns are words like he, she and they.
Protected characteristics
A protected characteristic is a term used to talk about different groups of people who might be treated less fairly.
Alternative:
Protected characteristics are to do with a law about treating people equally and fairly. Some groups of people may be treated unfairly because of things like:
• Age
• Disability
• Gender
• Being pregnant or having a baby
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Being married or in a civil partnership.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a special doctor. They listen to your feelings, give medicine if needed, and can help you feel better
Psychological Well-being Practitioners
Psychological Well-being Practitioners help people who feel sad or worried a lot. They give them advice and support to feel better.
Psychologist
A psychologist listens to your feelings, offers advice, and helps you cope with problems.
Puberty
Puberty is when a child’s body changes into an adult body. The changes impact our bodies and emotions.
Public
Everybody who lives in the community.
Public Bodies
Public bodies are organisations that run public services in Wales. For example, local councils, health services, national parks and fire and rescue services.
Public Sector
The public sector is services that the government pays for to help the public. This includes things like councils, schools and hospitals.
Public sector landlord
A public sector landlord means your home is owned by the council, the NHS or a housing association.
Public services
Public services are services paid for by Government. For example, local councils, the NHS and fire and rescue.
Public Services Boards
Public Services Boards are groups of people from different organisations in each area of Wales. They bring different public bodies and organisations together to work on shared problems.
Public Services Ombudsman
The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales looks into complaints about public services. For example, the NHS, your council and the Welsh Government.
Public Transport
Public transport is things like buses and trains.
Publish
Publish means share with the public, so everyone can see.
Q Back to top
Qualification
A qualification is proof that you can do or know something. If you have a qualification you have a better chance of getting a good job. Employers
know that you are good at what you do.
Queer
Queer is what people call themselves when they feel that words like straight, gay and lesbian do not fit them.
Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a set of questions that ask people what they think about something.
R Back to top
Race Equality
Race equality means everyone is treated fairly, no matter their race, skin colour, or where they come from. It means people from all backgrounds should have the same chances in life. This includes things like jobs, education, healthcare, and feeling safe.
Racism
Racism is about treating people badly or unfairly because they are from a different race or ethnic group.
Reasonable
Reasonable means something is :
• not too difficult and
• not too expensive.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are changes to help disabled people do things like everyone else. For example, putting ramps in buildings for wheelchair users. Or giving information in easy read.
Recession
Recession is when there is less money to go around. This means:
• People have less money to spend
• Businesses make less money
• It is harder to get a job.
Recommendation
A recommendation is advice given to someone about what they should do or think about.
Recycling
Recycling is when we turn our rubbish into something we can use again.
Redress
This means putting something right. It could mean getting money, called compensation. Or something else
Referee
A referee is someone you know who can talk about how good you are at your work.
Refuge
A refuge is a special house where people can go and stay if they are in danger from violence or abuse.
Refugee
A refugee is someone who leaves their country to escape danger. They ask to live in another country and that government has checked and agreed that they were in danger.
Refund
A refund is when we pay back money you have paid us.
Regenerate
Regenerate means making areas better, so they are as good or better than before.
Regional Partnership Boards
There are 7 Regional Partnership Boards in Wales. They are groups of people from local health boards and local councils. They work together to make sure health and social care services in their areas are planned well.
Register to vote
You register to vote when you put your name on the list that allows you to vote in elections.
Registered Services
Registered Services are good quality and are on a list held by Care Inspectorate Wales and Social Services.
Rehab or Rehabilitation
Rehab is the care and support you get after an illness or accident. It helps you get back to full health.
Religion or belief
A religion or belief is what people think is true about life and the world. It might involve believing in a god.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is making electricity using the sun, water and wind.
Renovation
Renovation means to repair and improve something.
Represent
Represent means speaking up for others.
Representative
A representative is someone who speaks for someone else. This might be because their rights have been taken away.
Research
Research is finding things out.
Research and development
Research and development helps people to try new ways of working.
Researcher
A researcher is someone who looks for new information about something to help people know more about it.
Reserves
Reserves are money saved to use if something happens that we did not plan.
Residential family centre services
Where children and parents live for a time. Parents’ ability to meet their children’s needs are checked, and they are given advice and support.
Resources
Resources are useful things we have or can use. For example, buildings, parks, groups, information, money and professionals.
Respect
Respect means accepting people for who they are and what they believe.
Respite
Respite is when someone who needs support stays somewhere for a short time. It may be to give a carer a rest.
Restorative justice
Restorative justice is when people harmed by crime and the person who did it talk. This helps everyone find a good way forward.
Restraint
Restraint is holding someone to stop them moving. Staff need to be trained before they can do this.
Restrictive practices
A restrictive practice is a way of stopping people from doing what they want to do or controlling people.
Retail
Retail is the sale of goods and services to people. A retailer is a business owner who sells things to people.
Review
A review is to look at something and see if it has made a difference. It looks at what was done well, and what could be made better.
Rights
Rights are things you are allowed to do:
For example - you have the right to get married and the right to vote. Rights tell us how we should be treated. For example – you have the right to be treated with respect. Other people have rights as well. For example - you must treat other people with respect.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is a formal process for checking possible risks, and how to reduce risks.
Rural
Rural means the countryside, away from cities.
S Back to top
Safeguarding
Safeguarding means keeping people safe from harm and abuse.
Scholarship
A scholarship is money that helps you continue with your education.
School governors
School governors help to run schools. They check that schools treat people fairly and spend their money properly.
Screening
Screening means checking people for some types of cancer and other health problems. Finding problems early on makes them easier to treat.
Screening programmes
Screening programmes offer different tests to check people for some types of cancer and health problems.
Segregated
Segregated is when people are kept apart.
Seizure
A seizure is a sudden burst of activity in the brain. It can make things happen to your brain and body. You might go stiff , shake or fall down. Some people call seizure fits.
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy is when a person speaks up for themselves.
Self-Directed Support
Self-directed Support means that people can choose how they get support and where they get it from.
Self-harm
Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose.
Self-isolating
Self-isolating is staying at home to prevent the spread of illness.
Self-neglect
Self-neglect is when someone cannot or will not take care of their basic needs. Things like washing and eating.
Sensory disabilities
Sensory disabilities are when people have problems with seeing, hearing, or touch.
Sepsis
Sepsis is also known as blood poisoning. It is caused by an infection or an injury. It is very serious and can lead to death.
Serious and organised crime
Serious and organised crime is when people or gangs plan and carry out
serious crimes. For example, drug dealing. But there are many different
types.
Service providers
Service providers are the people who are paid to run services.
Services
Services are things like:
• Your doctor’s surgery
• Your local sports centre
• Community transport
• Supported housing
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel upset or scared.
Sexual identity
Sexual identity is about who you love and are attracted to:
• lesbian - a woman who fancies and loves other women
• gay man - a man who fancies and loves other men
• bisexual - a person who fancies and loves both men and women.
• heterosexual - a woman who fancies and loves men and a man who fancies and loves women.
Sexual orientation
Who you are attracted to, for example men, women or both.
Sexual violence
Sexual violence is a sex act done to someone when they do not agree to it. It is against the l aw.
Sexuality
Sexuality is about who you are attracted to.
Shortlisting
Shortlisting is when employers look at lots of job applications. Then they pick a small group of the best to interview.
Siambr
The Siambr is the name of the room where members of Welsh Parliament meet.
Side effects
Side effects are when you take a medicine and it makes you feel ill. Side effects do not happen to everyone. They are usually nothing to worry about and do not last long.
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
In this system voters rank the candidates in the order they like them best. For example, number 1 would be their favourite candidate. Number 2 would be their next favourite. Each constituency would choose more than 1 person to represent them.
Slavery
Slavery is when someone owns a person. They may make the person work without pay. The person is not free to leave.
Social Care
Social care is services that help people with their daily living. It can be help at home, in a day centre or from a social worker.
Social Care Services
Social Care Services support people who need extra help to live in their home. Social care is also day centres and social workers.
Social Care Wales
Social Care Wales works with people using care and support services and groups to make social care better in Wales
Social care workers
Social care workers provide support to people in need, helping them to improve their lives and enjoy a better quality of life.
Social connection
Having friends, family, or support from the community is very important. This is called social connection.
Social Enterprise
A social enterprise is a company that uses some of its money to help people and communities.
Social Enterprises
Social enterprises are businesses that help people or the planet instead of just making money.
Social Housing
Social housing is homes that are affordable to people with not much money.
Social Landlords
Social landlords provide social housing. People pay them rent and they look after their homes.
Social media
Social media is websites like Facebook, X and Instagram.
Social Model of Disability
The Social Model of Disability says that the way society works can stop disabled people from doing things non-disabled people do.
A person is not disabled by their impairment or difference. A person is disabled by things in our society.
Society needs to change and adapt so services meet people’s needs. This includes people’s attitudes and understanding.
Social Policy
Social Policy is all the laws and guidelines that make sure people can live full lives in their community. It includes rules about:
• benefits
• housing
• social services
• health.
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing helps connect people to groups and services in the community. It is a way to help them manage their health and wellbeing.
Social services
Social services are a department in your local council. They help people that need care and support.
Social Services and Well-being (Wales)
Act
The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act is a law that aims to improve the health and well-being of:
• people who need care and support
• carers who need support.
Social Services Managers
Social Services Managers work for the council. It is their job to make sure that
Services are run well and given to the people who need them.
Social Work
Social Work means when someone is given help with problems to make their lives better.
Social Worker
A social worker is someone who helps people with problems to make their lives better.
Solicitor
A solicitor is someone who knows a lot about the law. They can explain your rights, give advice and make legal documents.
Speech and language therapist
A speech and language therapist helps people with talking, swallowing and communicating.
Spiritual care
Spiritual care is about helping someone with their beliefs.
Standard
A standard is how good a service is expected to be.
STI
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. These are infections that you catch through secual contact with someone else
Stillbirth
A stillbirth is when a baby is born dead after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Stonewall
Stonewall help and support the rights of LGBTQ+ people
Strategy
A strategy is a plan to reach certain goals.
Stroke
A stroke is a serious illness that stops your brain working properly. A stroke can affect how people talk, walk or use other parts of their body.
Substance misuse
Substance misuse means taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
This is when the baby that seems healthy dies suddenly and no-one knows why.
Suicidal thoughts
When someone thinks about or plans suicide. These thoughts can be serious and detailed, or passing.
Suicide
Suicide is when a person is very sad and they kill themselves.
Support plan
A support plan explains what help you will get and how it will meet your needs. It says when you will get it and who will provide it.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment is where disabled people get support to find and keep a paid job.
Supported Tenancy
With a supported tenancy you rent your home and get help to live on your own.
Sustainable
Sustainable means something that will last for a long time. It is about planning for the future in a way that is good for people and the planet.
Sustainably
Sustainability is about making sure we do things in a way that helps the environment. It means choosing not to use up too much so there is enough left for the future.
T Back to top
Target
A target is something you want to get done by a certain time.
Tax
Tax is money you have to pay to the government or your council. They spend it on things like hospitals, schools and roads.
Technology
Technology is things like computers and smartphones.
Telecare
Telecare is equipment and alarms that help disabled people live safely on their own.
Tenancy Agreement
A tenancy agreement is a written document between you and the owner of your house. It explains your rights and how you must look after your home.
Tenant
A tenant is someone who pays rent to live in a home owned by someone else.
The arts
The arts means things like:
• Theatre
• Music
• Writing – like books, stories or poems
• Crafts – like sewing or knitting
• Art – like painting or making things out of clay
• Performance – like dancing or singing.
Third sector
The third sector is charities, voluntary groups, and non-profit organisations. They are not part of the government or businesses.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is when you get holes in your teeth. It can happen if you have sugary foods and drinks and do not brush your teeth well.
Tourism
Tourism is when people travel to different places for fun, to relax, or to explore new things. They spend money which can help the local area.
Toxic chemicals
Toxic chemicals can make you sick or hurt your body if you touch, breathe, or swallow them.
Transformation
Transformation means to change something and make it better.
Transgender
A transgender or trans person is someone whose gender is not the same as the sex they were thought to be when they were born.
Transition
Transition is a time of big change like starting or leaving school.
Trauma
Trauma is when something bad happens, and it makes someone feel sad or scared for a long time
Trustee
A trustee helps decide how a charity works and spends its money. They do not get paid.
U Back to top
Unacceptable
Unacceptable means something that is wrong and should not be done.
Unconscious
Unconscious means you are not awake or aware of what is happening around you.
United Nations
The United Nations is a group that includes people from different governments in different countries. They work to make the world a better place.
United Nations Convention on the Rights Of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
This is an agreement that says disabled people have the same rights as everyone else. It says what governments should do to make sure disabled people have these rights.
Universal
Universal means for everyone, everywhere.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment from the government to help with living costs. It is a type of welfare benefit.
V Back to top
Vaccination
Vaccination is the way we give someone a vaccine.
Vaccine
A vaccine is a medicine that helps your body fight diseases. It helps keep you safe from getting very ill. Most vaccines are given by injection. Sometimes people call them jabs.
Valued
This means your views were thought of as important and you were listened to.
Values
Values are the things we think are very important. They guide us in how we act and work.
VAWDASV
VAWDASV is short for violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Venue
A venue is a place where events happen, like concerts or meetings.
Victim
A victim is someone who has been hurt or harmed by something or someone.
Victim Support
Victim Support is a charity that helps people who have had crime or other bad things that happened to them. They give support, advice, and practical help.
Victimisation
Victimisation is being treated badly or picked-on by others.
Violence Against Women
Violence against women is when someone hurts or harms women or girls.
Visa
A visa is usually a stamp on a passport or document that means a person is allowed to be in a country. A working visa allows the person to work in that country.
Vision
Vision means looking ahead, using what we know, and making plans for the future.
Visual Impairment
Visually impaired means someone who has problems with their sight.
Vocational qualifications
These are qualifications that train people to do a specific job or trade.
Voluntary work
This means work that you do not get paid for. It is usually for charities to help people, animals or the community.
Vulnerable
Vulnerable means being at risk of harm
W Back to top
Wards
Wards are areas split into smaller parts for voting. 1 or more councillors are voted in for each ward. There are about 4 thousand people in each ward.
Welfare Benefits
Welfare benefits is money from the UK government to support people. They are called things like Universal Credit, Child Benefit or Personal Independence Payments.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is about feeling comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Wellbeing Assessment
A wellbeing assessment is a way of checking the wellbeing of our area. It helps us understand what matters for our future wellbeing.
Wellbeing Goals
The wellbeing goals come from the Well-being of Future Generations Act. They are a list of things that will help make Wales a better place to live in the future.
Wellbeing objectives
Our wellbeing objectives are things we need to do to improve well-being in our community.
Welsh Government
The Welsh Government runs Wales. It:
• has Ministers who are in charge
• makes sure laws and policies are carried out.
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing is when a member of staff passes on information:
• about their organisation
• because something has been done wrong.
White Privilege
This means that white people often have better chances in life than non-white people.
Witness
A witness is a person who saw something happen.
Working days
The working days are when businesses are open. Usually Monday to Friday.
Working group
A working group is a group of people who meet to share ideas and make something better.
World Health Assembly
This Assembly makes decisions about the work of World Health Organization.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a part of the United Nations that works to make health better across the world.
Y Back to top
Young carer
Young carer means a child or young person who helps to look after someone else. For example, a parent who is ill, or a disabled brother or sister.
Youth Forum
A youth forum is a group of young people who speak up for young people.
Z Back to top
Zero hour contracts
Zero hour contracts are when an employer does not have to give you a set number of hours to work each week. This means people may not earn enough money some weeks.
Zero tolerance
Zero tolerance means not putting up with behaviour that upsets people – like bullying.
English 
Welsh