Why Supporting Vulnerable People Helps Us All Thrive

Across the globe, countless vulnerable individuals struggle to fulfill their potential. Often, these barriers are hidden—fear, anxiety, or other challenging behaviors that hold them back from living their best lives. These aren’t abstract statistics; they are people we encounter daily—within our families, in our workplaces, and in our communities.

In my five years of experience supporting people—adults, young children, and older adults—what keeps me going, what makes me love my work, is seeing lives transformed. I remember one individual I support who, for most of his life, had never crossed some basic milestones. He had never owned a car, never been on holiday, and never even tried go-karting. But with just a little support—some gentle encouragement, a listening ear, and a steady presence—he began to thrive.

Today, his life looks completely different. He now does so much more: playing basketball, going on holidays, watching movies, listening to songs on his mobile device, and enjoying go-karting—maneuvering the kart with confidence and minimal support. Each time I see him racing on the track, or simply engaging in activities he once could not imagine doing, it fills me with an indescribable joy. Deep inside, I know he is capable of so much more. This is just the beginning—there is so much ahead of him.

But this message is not only about professional support workers. Every one of us has someone close who needs us in order to live their best life. You don’t need a job title, training, or uniform to make a difference. These people are all around us—within our families, in our neighbourhoods, among friends, in public places, and in everyday encounters. A kind word, patience, understanding, or simply showing up can be the turning point in someone’s life. Sometimes, the smallest gesture from the right person creates the biggest transformation.

Without the right support—even just a small helping hand—many achievements would never happen. And this is what should drive us all: the knowledge that with a little care, attention, and effort, we can help others reach heights they never dreamed possible.

I want to encourage every one of you reading this—take a moment, set aside your own concerns, and give a little of yourselves to help others. When we lift up those around us, we all thrive. Together, we can create a world where everyone has a chance to reach their full potential.