The Basic Needs Chart organises twelve areas of wellbeing, from health, rest and daily living to safety, connection, choice, growth and enjoyment. Each area is broken into clear, person-centred examples that can help children, teenagers and adults identify what is missing, important or already supported in their lives.
A clear visual overview makes it easier to discuss needs that may otherwise feel hard to name. The chart groups practical, emotional and social needs into twelve sections, including nourishment, sleep, home, protection, respect, belonging, purpose and pleasure. Each section includes short prompts such as enough food, safe places, someone who listens, freedom to say no and reasons to keep going.
Three A4 landscape chart versions are included: two coloured layouts and a black-and-white version for economical printing, photocopying or colouring in. The table format allows a practitioner, parent or support worker to point to individual ideas while keeping the wider picture of wellbeing visible.
School counsellors, social workers and family support practitioners may use the basic needs assessment chart during one-to-one sessions with children, young people, teens or adults. It can support check-ins, care planning, safeguarding conversations, emotional literacy work and discussions about practical support such as housing, money, health care or transport.
Parents, carers and foster carers can also use the needs list at home to start gentle conversations, especially when a child finds open questions difficult. A person can circle, highlight or talk through the statements that feel most relevant, then identify one need that could be supported now. The wording centres personal choice, consent, dignity and individual identity.
