We All Have the Right to Feel Safe, or do we?

While not everyone will agree with this, we firmly believe feeling safe isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental right that every person deserves to experience.

Whether we’re at work, at home or out in the community, a sense of safety allows us to connect, grow and thrive. That’s the heart of Universal Protective Behaviours (UPB), a framework that empowers people to recognise, communicate and protect this right. And to also respect others' rights to feel safe.

Today, we're discussing how to find clarity in the chaos, so we can respond in ways that reflect our values, even when the pressure's on.

When tension spikes, our nervous system kicks into survival mode. The amygdala, that little part of the brain shaped like an almond that reacts quickly to threats, can take charge while the prefrontal cortex, the part that helps us think clearly and make decisions, takes a back seat. This is brilliant for physical danger, helping us move quickly without overthinking, but in conversations, it can seriously backfire.

Let's take a Pause for Reflection

Can you give yourself permission to take a moment or two to consider your own environment at work, at home or in your community? If you can, you might like to ask yourself:

• When do I feel most safe and supported? What factors contribute to that feeling?

• Is there a time recently when I felt unsure or uneasy? What thoughts or assumptions came up?

• What else could I do when I need to set a boundary or express a concern?
  

Now think of one “micro move” you could try this week to enhance your sense of safety. It might be as simple as checking in with yourself at the end of each day, and maybe jot down one feeling you experienced, the thought that accompanied it and how you chose to act. Notice any patterns.

By making small, intentional choices, we gradually build confidence and create more spaces where we and those around us feel safe.

Want to dive deeper? Explore our training programs or contact us to find out how Universal Protective Behaviours can benefit you and your organisation.