As a champion of Moray Wellbeing Hub and a partner working within tsiMORAY I went along with Heidi to an Alliance Networking event in Glasgow. This event was for projects that had been successful in gaining support from the Transforming Self-Management in Scotland Fund. Moray Wellbeing Hub was one of a number of projects in Scotland who were successful and this event provided an opportunity to connect with others to learn and share experiences.
This event highlighted the diversity of activities across Scotland to support self-management and opened my eyes to a number of creative projects supporting all age ranges. From music for young people with asthma to digital word matts for individuals with communications issues. For me, it did highlight the progressive way in which MWH is working, with people of all communities across Moray, promoting the collective and the power within this.
National Networking events are always a great opportunity to
National Networking events are always a great opportunity to connect with the wider context of things happening across Scotland. Which can be inspiring. And an opportunity to share some insight into the fantastic, exciting and innovative things that are happening on our doorsteps, in Moray. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on what is happening locally as sometimes we become so absorbed that only until we lift our head above water we can recognise what we are doing.
Holly, MWH Champion.
National networks often spark ideas for the hub, but this event was particularly inspiring with great effort taken in using creative ways to network and connect. We used a method based on the monopoly game with cards at each table that asked questions much wider than just on our project. It was actually quite emotive for some, for example one question asked, “If you could travel to any time when would that be and why?”. The answers were varied, but what emerged was a level of concern about the future of world and how those we cared about and helped to support with self-managment, and wider wellbeing, will survive.
Deeper reflective moments aside there were some excellent projects that we definately want to learn more from and share our work if possible. We met Karen from the MS center in mid-Argyle who’s centre has developed to become a “community centre with a special interest” – something that alines with ideas for our future physical space. Sarah, who runs the Health and Social Care Academy, was another key contact. They share a lot of ideas regarding innovation in health and social care with us that would be great to explore more. Fiona, from the National Autistic Society, offers skills training right accross Scotland, and Renee from Pain Concern was developing tools to improve communication between patients and consultants.
Other interesting reflections that I noted included:
- Using theraputic photography techniques for self-evaluation
- Reminding ourselves that ideas are neither good or bad, and to explore how you can define the end point for an idea.
- Collecting ideas in an ‘Ideas Factory” might be useful as we develop.
- Exploring what conferences our champions might want to speak at to inspire others.
- Develop training for chamions in ‘customer service’ approach
- Leadership is not ownership – a useful reminder for those worried about comming up with ideas and feeling they have to hold on to them.
Finally, the event was a great reminder about self-management week 2017 and the awards this year. We hope that people vote for us!
Heidi, MWH champion.
