A double bill of events has demonstrated the power of partnership in supporting communities in South Lanarkshire.
Last Wednesday, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) hosted See Hear. The information event was tailor-made for people who experience sensory difficulties and for those who are in a supporting/caring role. Staff from the HSCP, the council’s Money Matters and NHS Lanarkshire Audiology Services were joined by colleagues from organisations including RNIB Scotland, RNID and Sight Scotland.
On Friday, Clydesdale Mental Health and Addictions Network met, bringing together over 70 health and social care staff, council staff, police, fire and rescue, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, third sector and other community planning partners operating in and around Clydesdale. All provide support for people living with mental health and/or addiction issues as well as those in recovery. The purpose was to exchange and build on learning for staff, with guest speakers and seminars.
Professor Soumen Sengupta, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University HSCP said:
“These two events catered for different audiences and needs.
“But they offered a snapshot of a diverse partnership, with individuals from many different sectors, disciplines and organisation pulling together, working in concert and driving in the same direction.
“Despite all of the challenges facing health and social care, it’s important that we stay focussed and harness the collective wealth of experience all of our staff and partners bring to bear in making a difference to countless lives across our communities. These sessions have demonstrated that sentiment in action.”
Professor Sengupta added: “I would like to thank all staff and partners involved and local people who came along. These events were excellent in themselves, but they also typify the cohesion and compassion of our broader networks.”
Cohesion translating to better care
Julia Miller – Operations Manager of Healthy Valleys, a community-led health initiative that provides opportunities for local people to improve their health and wellbeing and build stronger communities, was part of a steering group who organised the Mental Health and Addictions Network event.
“Mental health and addiction issues are sadly on the rise throughout society. It’s increasingly important the staff, partners and volunteers supporting people are supported too and enabled to develop and grow to meet these challenges.
“This is the second event of this kind we’ve had and the feedback we’ve received demonstrates the power of connection, and peers being able to network exchange information, insight and encouragement.
“Fundamentally, this deepens the richness of the partnership here in South Lanarkshire – and that translates to better care for those we all support, quite often at the most vulnerable point in their lives.”
Similarly, Lauren Brown , Head Teacher at Hamilton School for the Deaf, explained the importance of the wider purpose behind See Hear event.
“I attended the event to promote the work of our school and service, and to raise the profile of Hamilton School for the Deaf. There are many people living and working in South Lanarkshire who are unaware of the school and the work that we do. Our good practice has been recognised by both His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and Care Inspectorate.
“Many people approached me on the day to learn more about the work we do across South Lanarkshire and some adults shared their experiences of their own school days and how education is now a more positive experience for Deaf children than it once was. For example, BSL is now recognised as an official language, where once children who used BSL were chastised!
“The event was a great success and showcased all services on offer across South Lanarkshire. It was a privilege to be part of it.”
- The events are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen exemplary, innovative community-based support in South Lanarkshire.
- There will be future See Hear events held across the council area, and information on these will be publicised via social media channels in due course. For more details, please see the video on the council’s YouTube channel.
- Similarly, future Mental Health and Addictions Network events will be published for staff and partners.
