COP26: Where do I go from here?
- Written by: — ALISS Programme Partnerships Manager
- Published: 17th November 2021
ALISS Programme Partnerships Manager, Angela, shares some thoughts about wellbeing following COP26, and introduces our related ALISS plans.
I don’t remember when I had my first migraine. It feels like something I should know, a significant moment, especially as I likely had no clue what was happening at the time. Some incidences remain very vivid, such as during a seminar group at university or as a bridesmaid at my friend’s wedding, but perhaps the associated ‘brain fog’ has blurred a lot of the memories.
Why am I mentioning this with a “COP26” title?
Earlier this year, I’d started acupuncture to try and help my migraines. One key question the acupuncturist asked when we initially met was “How much time do you spend outdoors?”. I’ve been to many (very helpful and very kind) professionals over the years to consider options for my migraines, but never been asked this. Yet, for me, this is such an important part of my wellbeing.
I’m always in awe of our natural world in Scotland. I hope that I respect it – in fact, my utmost respect/ slight terror of ‘blue spaces’ means I’ve yet to be convinced to surf or paddleboard or get involved in any of the activities some of our team are often trying to sign us up for! My gran was a member of her local Horticultural Society, and I totally loved that when I was wee (there’s now a running family joke from one of these events but that’s not quite suitable for print, I’ll tell you if we speak in person…). I’ve unfortunately never quite been ‘green-fingered’ myself, and it remains an ongoing challenge to nurture the plants and cuttings kindly given to me by team members, but I give it a good go!
Now and then though, and especially with COP26 happening so close to home, I do worry about the mutual responsibility Mother Nature and I have for one another, the personal and collective responsibility we all have. I worry I don’t do enough of the right thing or do too much of the wrong thing. I worry about the impact on everyone and the future of it all. I’m an overthinker – this doesn’t help my migraines! – and the uncertainty can creep in and niggle when I’m totally excited about an epic rainbow on display. Addressing this guilt, and the potentially overwhelming “climate grief”, is something we’ll be exploring as part of an “Our World” theme (more on this below).
The “outdoors” question was just part of my acupuncturist’s holistic approach, and there are of course other things which make up our attempts to manage my pain – but my migraines have thankfully lessened in impact, and I do believe that nature has played a part. I just hope that the conversations I have, personally and professionally, and associated actions, can help me to return the favour.
“Our World” is a key theme for our Engagement Plan, as part of our refreshed ALISS Strategy, which follows our user and technical research and engagement insights. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing more about our plans and ways for people across Scotland to get involved.
We want to hear what matters to you in this, how you would describe things, your thoughts on the ‘language’, where and how we should be talking about this. We’ll be building on our existing work with communities, teams, and organisations to look at climate action, community food, green and blue spaces, physical activity, active travel, and anything else that keeps people well around this theme. We’ll also be working with our ALLIANCE colleagues further on the “20 minute neighbourhood” concept and “Nature Therapy” research. If you’re involved with a group or organisation, we’d love to hear more about what you are doing around this theme.
You can get in touch by emailing us at hello@aliss.org. We’re looking forward to working together.
End of page.
You may also like:
Kelly Muir reflects on the barriers for people with no recourse to public funds when accessing the right to health.
Continue readingSelf Management Programme Manager Grace reflects on the fifteenth anniversary of Gaun Yersel, the Self Management Strategy for Scotland.
Continue readingAutomated reminder emails to users have started, following the most recent technical improvements to ALISS.
Continue readingFor many the nightmare of Long Covid is something they live with every day.
Continue readingPromoting rights awareness through accessible information and the voice of lived experience.
Continue readingThe third sector’s economic contribution and development seems to be too often overlooked.
Continue readingDigital Assistant Director, Chris Mackie reflects how the lack of an appropriate sticker led to the destruction of medical records.
Continue reading"Because no one put a sticker on them."
Continue readingWhy it matters to you to participate in the public consultation on 'A draft outline Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use'.
Continue readingDr Tony Robertson reflects on how we make the right to health a reality for everyone.
Continue readingOver 12 million people live with Congenital Heart Disease globally with a population of 20,000 in Scotland.
Continue readingRory Chapman (Development Officer) reflects on the What Matters to You National Networking Event
Continue readingGiving unique insights into individual's lives, experiences, needs, and sense of character.
Continue readingReflections on a Self Management Reflective Practice (SMRP) session, from a Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Advice and Support Practitioner.
Continue readingLucy highlights some ALLIANCE human rights activity from this year and to mark Human Rights Day 2023.
Continue readingChief Executive of Scottish Care, Donald Macaskill, critically reflects on the Winter Preparedness Plan.
Continue readingCalum reflects on the Community Partnership Conference 2023 in Inverness, which was built on trusting relationships and partnership working.
Continue readingSelf Management Network Scotland members Foundation for Positive Mental Health on how their free app can help with workforce wellbeing.
Continue readingHannah Tweed asks, “what next?” and calls for action from Scottish Government on the findings of the National Audiology Review.
Continue reading"Modern football clubs have a responsibility to engage with and take care of the communities they represent".
Continue readingMark Ballard outlines writes that it is time for the Scottish Government to act on the National Audiology Review
Continue readingCalum reflects on the Design HOPES launch event and the value that the third sector can add to the potentially world-leading project.
Continue readingSenior Development Officer for the Children and Young People Programme reflects on the current nature of funding in the sector.
Continue readingDirect support to disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers would be wiser use of funds.
Continue readingThe essential role integration has to play in delivering the Scottish Government's Value Based Health and Care Action Plan.
Continue reading