Low threshold
Low threshold or low threshold refers to the property of a service or offering that the users only require little effort to actually use it. Low threshold can express itself on different levels, e.g. B. in the fact that the user is required to have little prior knowledge or that they do not have to go far. The designation of an offer as low-threshold is used more frequently both in the field of social work and in the development of democratic participation processes. The terms have been used since the mid-1980s.
Social work
In the area of social work, the low threshold covers a large number of spatial and social aspects. Whether and when an offer can be considered low-threshold always also depends on the situation and the perspective of the person concerned and that of the professional (e.g. social worker , social pedagogue, etc.). Low-threshold facilities should reach people who do not want to or cannot use high-threshold offers for a wide variety of reasons. They often mediate (at the request of the client ) on conventional offers and, conversely, also provide opportunities to withdraw from them.
Examples of the low threshold of a social service can be:
- A facility should be spatially easily accessible, i.e. centrally located and z. B. handicapped accessible .
- The opening times of a facility should be based on the time possibilities of the users.
- An offer should be based on the actual usage needs of the target group.
- A service should be offered in a form that enables people to perceive it without social exclusion and feelings of shame.
example
Examples of low-threshold social services are for example:
- The station missions as a well-known, central contact point for those in need.
- Mobile counseling offers (e.g. street workers ) that clients actively seek out.
- The telephone counseling service that one anonymous enabling and non-public consultation.
- Family classes in the field of school and parental work
- Baby flaps to protect newborns and allow parents to remain anonymous
participation
In terms of participation, a low threshold plays an important role in ensuring the broadest possible group of participants in an offer of participation. Low-threshold procedures can regularly induce significantly more people to participate democratically, which means that low-threshold procedures are of great importance for ensuring the democratic legitimation of a procedure.
Examples of the low threshold of a participation offer can be:
- An on-site event (e.g. a citizens' meeting ) can be reached centrally and is handicapped accessible.
- An on-site event takes place at times when the broadest possible section of the target group can actually take part.
- An online participation offer is clearly structured and enables, for example, participation without prior registration or verification of the person.
- The information on a participation process is kept in a language that is easy to understand and made accessible.