The Journey So Far…
- Written by: — Development Officer
- Published: 2nd June 2017
Taking some time out to reflect on my fast paced year in the Self Management Team.
It has officially been a year since I joined the Self Management Team and what a quick year it has been so I’m taking some time out to reflect on what has been achieved so far.
When I moved over the Self Management Team, initially the work was desk based research, clueing myself up on different approaches to support self management across Scotland; how people, partnerships and organisations spread the message of self management, their success stories and their challenges. It was a long process but worthwhile before I ventured across Scotland to share my learning with others.
When I am out and about I am inspired each time I’m introduced to people who are on their own self management journey and the strength they have to embrace self management, living as independently as they can and taking control of their own health and wellbeing. It also makes me reflect on my own journey, how can I advocate for self management if I don’t look after myself? I count myself lucky that I have a great team to support me and regularly remind me of this fact.
One of my biggest highlights from the year was the Self Management Awards. Not only the evening in the Scottish Parliament, which itself was a night of celebration and inspiration, but reading through all the nominations didn’t fail to amaze me. Uncovering a range of innovative self management work from all over Scotland including the individual transformational stories was a great way for me to gather this knowledge and allow me to share with others.
Within the year I have also delivered lectures at Universities focusing on self management, something I could never have imagined myself doing. Of course, my knees were shaking but as I increase my knowledge everyday around self management I can confidently say that I believe in the principles and the approach and can see the benefits it can bring to individuals lives. This means I am happy to share this knowledge with others, actually I can now talk the back legs off a donkey around self management.
I have to also mention that not long into the team I was lucky to help deliver a Self Management Network Scotland event in Orkney. Getting out and about to new places is a definite perk of the job alongside meeting people who share an enthusiasm for self management, it really does keep me going and pushes me to continue on my journey.
There’s been many highs and even sometimes a few tears (yes I cried at the Self Management Awards) and I really can’t believe it’s been a whole year. I’m already steeped back into the preparations for this year’s Self Management Week and Awardsand it is gearing up to be our biggest celebration yet. So for now I’m looking forward to continuing my work by increasing my knowledge, learning from others and continuing to work in partnership with a range of fantastic people.
End of page.
You may also like:
Cornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue readingRead some reflections from ALLIANCE colleagues, who had the opportunity to sponsor and attend Scotland's Annual Human Rights Conference.
Continue reading“Our Collective Voice” is a hopeful vision for the next five years, and I encourage ALLIANCE members to bring it into their own campaigns.
Continue readingBy standing together, we can help ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to the compassionate, high quality palliative care.
Continue readingALLIANCE Scottish Sensory Hub Manager Dr Hannah Tweed reflects on the launch of the BSL network for public bodies.
Continue readingSimone Janse van Rensburg reflects on the impact of their Women Living Well event which featured as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingWellbeing Scotland’s Chief Clinical Officer Ashleigh Ronald highlights why we must shift stigmatising narratives around child abuse.
Continue reading