A Lancaster University initiative which ‘shares stories’ about mental health to improve knowledge, understanding and practice in Uganda and the UK has been singled out for an award.
Sharing Stories is a collaboration between Lancaster University clinical psychology training community and Ugandan people, services and communities.
The venture has won the Learning Together in Health and Social Care Project Award in the Health Education NW Adult Learners’ Week North West England Awards.
The award, which will be presented on June 11, centres on developing a shared culture.
Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Tutor Dr Jen Davies, from the University’s Division of Health Research, who leads Lancaster’s involvement in the project and who used to work in Uganda, said: “Everyone from Sharing Stories Uganda and the UK is delighted to receive this award. It is wonderful to have our work together recognised.”
The project, which runs activities in both countries, includes workshops, listening events, research, training and teaching programmes and sharing experiences through, for example, the development of an online presence.
“We believe that the best learning takes place through building strong relationships and then being able to ask each other questions that stretch our understanding ,” explained Dr Davies. “A key part of this is really listening to each other and valuing all voices equally”.
“We believe that the benefits of Sharing Stories can have a positive impact for people who access services, their families, friends, their wider communities and the professionals and services that support them.”