In the lead up to the Self Management Awards, we find out more about our judges and what self management means to them.

Renée Blomkvist, Researcher at Pain Concern tells us the best thing about being a judge for the Self Management Awards and more

What is self management to you?

Self management to me is about getting to know your body – making the most out of its strengths and accepting its limitations.

If you could trade places with anybody, who would it be?

Probably the family dog…

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Trust yourself! You know what you’re doing.

What is the best thing about being a judge for the Self Management Awards?

Getting to help raise awareness and celebrate the great projects that are going on.

What would be the soundtrack to your life right now?

“People have the power” by Patti Smith

What three people would you invite to a dinner party?

Michel Foucault, Toni Morrison and Kristen Wiig.

 

End of page.

You may also like:

Written by: Kerry Ritchie, Programme Manager – Lived Experience, Integration and Engagement Hub Published: 14/04/2026

As part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.

Continue reading
Written by: Sara Redmond, Chief Officer, the ALLIANCE Published: 02/04/2026

In 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 reading
Written by: Hannah Buckingham, Senior External Affairs Adviser, Macmillan Cancer Support Published: 30/03/2026

Cancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May

Continue reading
Written by: Mhairi Campbell, Lecturer in Law at the University of the West of Scotland and is a lead author of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and the Welfare State: Recommendations for Reform. She leads the teaching on social security law. Published: 27/03/2026

Mhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.

Continue reading
Written by: Louise Hall, Pain Health & Wellbeing Coach, Pain Association Scotland Published: 11/03/2026

Louise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.

Continue reading
Written by: Lauren Ferrier, Events and Communications Officer and Jane Miller, Academy Programme Manager, the ALLIANCE and Gozie Joe-Adigwe, Digital Network Officer, the ALLIANCE and Rhona McMillan, Development Officer, the ALLIANCE Published: 20/02/2026

Read some reflections from ALLIANCE colleagues, who had the opportunity to sponsor and attend Scotland's Annual Human Rights Conference.

Continue reading
Back to all opinions