How do we measure Hope and Compassion

For the last 6 months I have been working with a fabulous organisation in Cumbernauld called Now You're Talking.  I have been working with them to deliver 4 x 2 day WRAP workshops over a 12 month period for their members, funded by Alliance Scotland 
I came across NYT by chance way back in late 2012 and I liked the sound of what they were doing.  So I popped over to see the project for myself one day and from the minute I went through the doors I felt welcome.  On Tuesday the 18th March I joined NYT in celebrating their 5th birthday party, and also officially opening their community café - Happy Talk Café. 
Over 100 people attended, a fantastic and well deserved turnout.   In the crowd were staff from Department of Work and Pensions as NYT were receiving an award for being a Disability Friendly Employer.  There was also a really good turnout from other local voluntary sector groups including Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire who have supported NYT since day 1.  They presented NYT with a Volunteer Friendly Award in recognition of the fantastic volunteer opportunities they provide.
There was a noticeable lack of representation from the local health board and also the local social work department.  It is no secret that organisations that are peer led often are misunderstood and don't receive the support they deserve.  Maybe its because their achievements can't easily be measured in figures, spreadsheets and statistics. 
How do you measure the hope that someone gets from being involved with a project like NYT?  How do you accurately portray the levels of compassion found in organisations like these across Scotland?   The only way that you can do it is to walk through the doors and see and feel for yourself the difference that these projects are making in peoples lives.  Speak to people - listen to their stories and then decide if these projects are worthwhile.  I am so glad that I walked through the doors back in 2012.
As I venture into this world of social enterprises and peer led projects with my new project The Hope Cafe Lanarkshire, I am extremely fortunate that so far we have received excellent support and encouragement from our local authority and health board - and I hope that this continues. 
For organisations like Now You're Talking - my message is  simple - don't change what you're doing, because what your doing works and is making a difference to many many lives.  Keep your head held high and be proud of what you have achieved.  Don't let anyone dull your sparkle :)

And to anyone who doubts the value of a peer led project - take yourself through the doors.  Spare an hour to speak to people and listen to their stories - then make your judgements.

What do we mean 'Education' and why is it important for Recovery?

I don't know about you but when I first heard that Education was a key concept of WRAP I thought that it meant 'formal' education - ie get yourself onto a college course or something.  But through our discussions within WRAP it quickly became clear that it means something much bigger and wider.  For me education has played a large part in my recovery journey in the sense that I have had to educate myself about myself!!!  For me - in order to take control - I had to learn about my illness and treatments available.  I had to learn what suport groups were out there to help me on my journey.  I spent alot of time researching specialist doctors - and then a lot of time advocating for right to be seen by these specialists.  Further down my road to recovery I had to spend alot of time just getting to know myself again.  I had lost myself in alot of ways - and I didn't know who I really was anymore.  This part wasn't easy - it was quite difficult for me to look at myself closely - but it has been worth it in the long run.  I know have a much stronger sense of 'me' - who I am.
The world is your oyster when it comes to education these days - there is so much information available out there via the web - but pick your sites carefully and always exercise caution.

Welcome to my #MacWRAP Blogspot - Learn about Wellness Recovery Action Planning

Hi and thanks for taking the time to visit my blog.  This blog will be a way for me to help spread the word about Wellness Recovery Action Planning, or WRAP as its better known.  I was introduced to WRAP about 4 years ago and immediately saw the benefits that this self management tool could bring to me.  After using it myself for a few years I was delighted to be given the opprtunity via Scottish Recovery Network to become a WRAP Facilitator.  I have now been facilitating WRAP for 16 months (as of June 2013) , and it continues to change my life.  Over the coming weeks I will introduce you to WRAP and share with you my own refelctions on WRAP.  I will also share the many reflections of people who have participated in WRAP - and how they feel it has helped them.  In the meantime you can read more about WRAP here in Scotland via Scottish Recovery Network - www.scottishrecovery.net  
See you soon :)