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

Elaine Fitzpatrick, Project Manager of Realize Your Potential shares what self management means to her alongside the piece of advice she would give her younger self…

In 140 characters, what is self management to you?

For me, self management is all about starting with yourself and getting yourself right.

Particularly for Young Adult Carers, I believe it is so important from an early age that they are encouraged to believe in their ability to realize their own unique potential.

By getting yourself right, then the positive effects of that can change your world and will start to ripple out to family, the person you care for, friends, others and the community around you. Resulting in happier people, happier families, happier communities…a better world.

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Focus on what matters and feels right to YOU and believe in your own ability to realize your full potential.

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

I think being a judge is such a privilege and will be a great learning opportunity for myself and our own QUEST self management project. To be given the chance to read about all the amazing projects going on from across Scotland and to learn the different approaches and perspectives on how to support people to better self manage will enhance our own development and understandings of the wide variety and diversity of self management work.

What would be the soundtrack to your life right now?

What a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong because…the simplicity in this song always makes me smile and reminds me to try and appreciate the simple things in life.

“I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They’re really saying I love you

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more than I’ll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world”

What’s the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?

To be awarded funding from the self management fund to support and enable us to deliver our QUEST project to benefit Young People.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To be GOD…I would say this to everyone…everyday…

“Good Morning…this is God…I will be handling ALL your problems today…I will not need your help…so relax and have a GREAT day”  ?

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