Participation Event March 2023
Past, present and future: Where next for the Network?
At this Participation Network Event we looked ahead to the future of the Network, and the different ways that to be involved in shaping this future.
As always, we had a variety of creative and fun activities to stimulate discussion, as well as space to share learning and hear updates from some high-quality participation projects.
There were networking opportunities and the chance to meet participation workers, policy makers and young people and find out more about their work.
This is a critical time for participation in Scotland it was a great place for people to have their say about how the network can be used as a space to learn and improve practice.
It was good to hear why people are involved and what they get out of being part of this network:
At this event, after spending some time catching up with each other, there were opportunities to take part in group discussions which included:
- A mapping activity - matching Network topic ideas with potential hosts
- Giant Jenga - which encouraged people to discuss some of the core aims of the Network
- Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs in a care setting
- A toolbox, asking what participation skills and experience colleagues have learned via the Network, and their impact
A fantastic graffiti wall was created with everyone add their messages and reflections about the Network (click on it to get a larger version).
The Participation Network is moving home!
After five fantastic years hosting the Participation Network, CELCIS is happy to announce that the Network is moving to a new ‘host’ home with Staf (Scottish Throughcare & Aftercare Forum).
The Network has always been a shared community and it’s great to enter a new chapter with fresh energy and ideas driven by the Network’s members with Staf who will provide continuity in hosting the Network events.
Staf has more than 20 years’ experience of bringing communities together through networks and forums and in recent years established a participation practitioners forum.
With the closure of Life Changes Trust, Staf currently hosts two of their legacy projects, The National leadership Network and The Learning Channel and funds/hosts the Champs Board Co-ordinator Network across Scotland. As active member of the Participation Network already, they are fully committed to supporting the Network’s evolution.
After some exciting discussions at the latest meeting of the Network on 13 March there’s so much ahead for this brilliant community and CELCIS will continue to be part of the Steering Group.
What this means for existing members of the Network
To continue to be part of the Participation Network, just sign up to a new distribution list which Staf will manage for the Network. This will be used to share details of upcoming Participation Network events and any accompanying resources, just as CELCIS has been doing over the last five years.
The Network will continue to hold the same ethos and open forum for anyone interested in participation practice. There is no fee required.
Sign up here to remain part of the Participation Network: https://www.staf.scot/participation-network-sign-up
Why not also take the opportunity to also share with others who you think may be keen to join the Network too!