NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement Team in Clydesdale has launched a supportive new initiative to maximise the strengths and community connections of local residents called; Clydesdale in Conversation (CLiC).
To launch CLiC, the team ran a competition for budding artists to submit a logo which represents the Clydesdale in Conversation approach and ethos, with 15-year-old Rhianne Black being selected as the lucky winner.
CLiC is aimed at adults living in Clydesdale and works with partners to link opportunities within the community and encourage local people to access early support, join in activity and connect with others. It also allows Health and Social Care staff to have regular and meaningful conversations with those who come along, and come up with strength based solutions together.
NHS Lanarkshire initially developed a conversation café to start good conversations, this was then supported by Healthy Valleys and its Place to Be Programme to continue the initiative. National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) enabled this approach, with three different communities in Clydesdale engaging so far.
Jane Kelly, health improvement team leader, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The CLiC approach is based on having ”good conversations” with local people about what matters to them, and we wanted to reflect this in our branding, which Rhianne absolutely achieved.
“The idea behind the competition was to develop a logo that captured CLiC, whilst encouraging members of the community to get involved and hopefully have some fun sharing their ideas.
“We circulated the competition to our partners to reach local people who may wish to enter. Rhianne spotted the poster and put together an amazing submission. We then worked with South Lanarkshire Council graphics colleagues and Rhianne to develop her vision.
“The logo will be used to build our brand, which will focus on the CLiC work and capture the strong sense of community in Clydesdale.”
Rhianne Black, aged 15 from Rigside, near Lanark said: “I enjoy making art and doing it online, I love how you can create anything your mind thinks of. When I found out I won I was so happy”
Julia Miller, operations manager, Healthy Valleys, commented: “Our Place to Be programme has been a huge success, and we have four welcome spaces where local communities come together, meet friends and access support and information. We focus on providing opportunities for local people to improve their health and wellbeing and build stronger communities in areas of deprivation or where there are service gaps.”
Maureen Dearie, Clydesdale locality manager, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “We’re delighted Rhianne spotted our poster and put together a fabulous logo, which we’re thrilled to use for CLiC!”
