THE recent Self Management Awards shone a spotlight on some of the excellent collaborative work happening in Scotland right now.
Hosted by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland at the Scottish Parliament, one hundred and seventy guests and MSPs celebrated the people who help others to live well with long term conditions – providing real examples of approaches which support people to feel in control of their health and wellbeing.
Scottish charity, Health in Mind, was presented with the Self Management Project of the Year Award for their MAPS (My Assets and Personal Strengths) project.
The award was presented by Jackie Baillie MSP and a delighted Wendy Bates, who is Health in Mind’s service manager, commented: “Health in Mind is a charity promoting mental health and well-being in and around Edinburgh and we are delighted to have been awarded the Self Management Project of the Year.
“The people we support tell us how important it is for them to have control of their health and wellbeing, and the support they receive.
“MAPS supports people to learn more about what keeps them well and how they can use their strengths and their local community to keep them well.
“People who’ve used MAPS have told us how useful it has been and one said, ‘I am so much clearer about what is going on… I learned to stop pretending everything was ok,’ and another said, ‘Being part of this group has been very welcoming and nourishing and I always look forward to it.’
“We have groups planned throughout the autumn and winter and I would encourage who thinks they might be helpful to get in touch.”
Current pressures on our health service indicate the need for transformation to happen across health and social care.
Demographic changes such as an ageing population and the number of people living with long term health conditions are challenging our health and social care workers to work differently.
These changes highlight the need to work in partnership with people who use support and services.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison MSP, addressed the delegates and announced the continuation of funding to support the transformation of services in Scotland.
The Transforming Self Management in Scotland Fund is now open for applications from voluntary and community led organisations.
Successful projects will be led by people living with lon- term conditions and their carers supporting further innovation around self management in Scotland.
The Cabinet Secretary continued: “At a time when we’re working to consider how best to create a Healthier Scotland, it is hugely impressive to see the range of work being celebrated as part of Self Management Week and the Self Management Awards.
“Everyone involved should be proud of the contribution they’re making to enabling people to have ownership of their life and long-term conditions.
“We’re delighted to continue our funding for this work; the Transforming Self Management in Scotland Fund is now open and will provide £2 million investment annually for the next three years.”
ENDS
Caption: left to right – Health in Mind chief executive, Gwenn McCreath, MAPS Support and Development Workers Julia Flockhart and Katie Rowland, MAPS volunteer, Kathleen Sharkey, Jackie Baillie MSP and Health in Mind service manager, Wendy Bates.
For further information contact Health in Mind communications manager, Doreen Graham, on 075 9000 9953 or MAPS service manager, Wendy Bates on 0131 225 8508.
Notes for editors
Health in Mind was set up in the 1980s and was formally known as the Edinburgh Association for Mental Health with the aim of taking over flats which were then rented for ex-patients by the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. Today, the organisation still provides housing as well as many other services which include trauma counselling, befriending services, respite for carers, information services and community based services. The organisation delivers services on behalf of NHS Health Boards and some Local Authorities.
Self Management Week was from 28 September – 2 October 2015
The ALLIANCE’s vision is for a Scotland where people of all ages who are disabled or living with long term conditions, and unpaid carers, have a strong voice and enjoy their right to live well, as equal and active citizens, free from discrimination, with support and services that put them at the centre www.alliance-scotland.org.uk
Awards were presented on 30 September to:
- Self Management Project of the Year: MAPS (My Assets and Personal Strengths), Health in Mind
- Self Management Partnership of the Year: Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and NHS Lanarkshire
- Best Self Management Resource: Link and Learn, a flexible learning resource by Carers Link East Dunbartonshire
- Inspirational Person of the Year: Elspeth Kerr, COPE Scotland
Since its inception in 2006, the ALLIANCE has brought together over 1,200 members and holds an influential position as strategic partner and critical friend of the Scottish Government. Members include third sector organisations, many NHS Boards, people who are disabled or live with long-term conditions, unpaid carers and health and social care professionals.
Self management is a concept where the person living with long-term condition(s) is the leading partner in their health and wellbeing. It is a process of becoming empowered to manage life with long-term conditions. It is not an individual action, a specific treatment or service; neither is it delivered by a single organisation.
Self management is the successful outcome of the person and all appropriate individuals and services working together to support him or her to deal with the very real implications of living the rest of their life with one or more long-term condition.
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Health in Mind contact details…
Contact: Doreen Graham
Phone: 07590009953
Email: doreen@health-in-mind.org.uk
Website: http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk
