Book now for Tuesday’s ‘Caithness Experience Matters Advisory Panel’ at Pulteney Centre in Wick
A peer project worker with a charity supporting people with mental health issues and disabilities invites local people to an event at the Pulteney Centre in Wick on Tuesday afternoon (June 24).
Davie Snashall was busy handing out flyers at the Pride event in Thurso on Saturday to highlight the work of Spirit Advocacy which provides services for people who have experienced, or are experiencing, mental health issues or illness via HUG Action for Mental Health and through the work of People First Highland for people with learning disabilities.
Davie talked about the “amazing, new, and pioneering” Caithness Experience Matters Advisory Panel (CExMAP), that he is involved with.
“We have held a number of events over the past year in both Wick and Thurso, with a different focus in each one, with the aim of empowering the CExMAP moving forward, and to bring about real change within statutory and third sector organisations,” he said.
“Our next event is entitled 'Learning Matters' and is at the Pulteney Centre in Wick on Tuesday, June 24 (12.30-2.30pm).”
The event will have people with a wide range of lived experiences from all over Caithness attending, as well as senior management from NHS Highland, together with decision makers in both statutory and third sectors, and including representatives from CHAT and underrepresented groups. Local councillors have been invited to attend as well.
Davie adds: “CExMAP has been incredibly supported by the people of Caithness.
“It includes people from a wide spectrum of demographics, walks of life and 'lived experiences' together with organisations all coming together to share their personal journeys, and where most importantly, their voices are heard and valued.
“Together, we have formed a people’s panel to bring about change by collective advocacy from the people of Caithness.
“Indeed, right from the very start (last summer), CExMAP has gained tremendous momentum and synergy, with representations from numerous areas of the greater Caithness community, and it goes from strength to strength. It has been noted at senior levels of the NHS and other national, regional and local organisations.”
Davie also shared a link to a CExMAP document called Bridging the Gap Report, which can be found at:
“Our latest report shares the voices, insights and learning gathered directly from people with lived experience and those delivering services.
“It highlights where services are working well – and where there are still gaps and opportunities to build more integrated, inclusive and relational support across Caithness.”
Tuesday’s Learning Matters session is described as “a milestone session to reflect, celebrate, and shape the next phase of collaborative work”.
“It will be an opportunity to hear directly from people involved, including NHS Highland, and explore how we continue to bridge the gap together.”
Tuesday’s event starts at 12.30pm with lunch at the Pulteney Centre on Huddart Street in Wick and places can be booked via Eventbrite at: https://bit.ly/CaithnessExMAPLearningMattersSessionEBooking