Supporting better conversations about social security
- Published
- 20/05/2025
Too often, the way politicians and the media talk about social security fuels stigma, making people feel ashamed or unworthy of seeking help.
To challenge this, Turn2us has published two new guides to encourage more positive and respectful conversations about social security. One is for journalists and the other for MPs and policymakers. Both were developed with people who have lived experience of the benefits system. They aim to challenge the negative language that deepens stigma, harms people when they need support and erodes trust in the system.
Polling shows the urgent need for change
New YouGov polling commissioned by Turn2us has found that just 6% of people feel politicians’ language builds trust in the benefits system. Half of people claiming support said that media and politicians should speak about them more fairly.
A toolkit for journalists
The journalist toolkit includes:
- 10 tips for reporting on social security
- Clear explanations of commonly misunderstood terms
- Examples of language that reinforces stigma
- Expert sources for background or comment
A guide for parliamentarians
The guide for parliamentarians and decision-makers explores how political language shapes public attitudes. It provides:
- Language swaps to reduce stigma
- Advice on storytelling and framing
- Tips for putting data into context
- Real quotes and insight from people with lived experience
Together, these guides aim to support better reporting, more informed debate, and a more compassionate conversation about the role of social security in all our lives, grounded in empathy, accuracy and respect.