Angela Millar on why we need to hear the voice of lived experience more
At the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the Alliance) we are continuing to champion the voice of lived experience with our Humans of Scotland campaign.
Starting last December on the International Day of Disabled Persons, the powerful campaign is a storytelling initiative that puts the voice of lived experience at its centre.
We’re inviting people with long term conditions, disabilities, unpaid carers and those who provide support and services to share their personal experiences.
Published on our social media outlets and website, our aim is to share as widely as possible what really matters to people and maximise the impact of the personal stories from those we hear from.
We aim to represent a vast range of people all with their own important, inspiring and insightful messages
We want the initiative to spark ideas, inspire and drive improvements in health and social care.
The experience of those the Alliance represents is at the heart of what we do, and the campaign reflects this all-important aspect of our work.
By giving a platform to people who may otherwise not have an outlet where they can share their stories, the initiative has an empowering element and is driven by those taking part.
The project is Scotland-wide and anyone with a long term health condition, disability, living as an unpaid carer or providing support and services are welcome to take part.
We aim to represent a vast range of people all with their own important, inspiring and insightful messages.
So far as part of the campaign we’ve heard from those living with autism, arthritis and who are carers. An important issue raised so far has been that of misconceptions and of the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities.
It is shining a light on such stories that makes the project impactful. Voices seldom heard from and experiences that deserve air time are shared widely, raising awareness and understanding.
Anyone who wishes to take part can contact our Humans of Scotland Development Officer, Angela Millar at [email protected] or on 0141 404 0231.
You can read all the Humans of Scotland stories on the Alliance website.
Angela Millar is development officer for Humans of Scotland at the Alliance.
