Topics relating to vulnerable people

There is no single way of defining if someone is vulnerable across public services and there has been a shift away from defining vulnerability based on personal characteristics to a focus instead on the circumstances that make an individual vulnerable and the support activities required.  For example a person may be vulnerable if in receipt of social care or while in hospital, if disabled, with a long-term health problem, in a domestic abuse situation, or becomes homeless or if their home is flooded.  These circumstances may not be long-term.  For further information on defining vulnerability see the discussion document in the 'related documents' box.