“It is harder to come out of COVID lockdown than it was going in…..”
The observant amongst you will have noticed that there haven’t been any notes for a couple of weeks. The week before last we ended up having a bit of a moan to be honest. A bit of a moan about certain people and certain things which frustrated us (political media appearances and big claims about stuff they know nothing about). We all need to let off steam in a place which is safe and we know won’t be documented or held to account. So sometimes I may have to make that decision that what is said in the room stays in the room. Mainly we try to find a solution to a problem in the facilitators room, but in certain circumstances it is hard to navigate out of the political landscape constructively. However, it did feel good to talk – one of my favourite expressions is ‘better out than in’ as Shrek would say. I think Shrek was talking about windy matters where as we were talking about alot of hot air.
Last week I had to cancel the meeting due to my own fatigue and body saying ‘hang on a minute’. This feels like a common theme being experienced by many right now. It has been a tough 16 months. We all channeled so much energy into strategies for supporting our groups for such a long time in a creative way. Now we are facing the challenges of coming out of lockdown with great degrees of uncertainty and fatigue.
It can be really frustrating to hear that other groups are out and about and having fun when the organisation supporting your group is unable/or not willing to be flexible. Steve and Cynth said ‘be flexible’, but sometimes that is not possible. Anna spoke of a local group meeting outside and doing great stuff, whilst her group are feeling tired by only meeting on Zoom. What is reassuring is hearing that you are not the only person/group feeling frustrated. It also gives hope to hear about different ideas.
Michelle spoke about the many hours and effort she has put in to trying to engage with people in her community. She continues to provide a monthly newsletter but special events on Zoom have not attracted people to attend. She is thinking about offering one to one sessions to build confidence in using Zoom and find out more about what people want. She talked about an outdoor exercise session in a local park which had people spontaneously joining in! They have also just started a new walking group which, whilst low in attendance was very successful. Paul shared that one gentleman in their group started talking and was happy chatting along on the walk. His wife said he hasn’t spoken for two weeks, so she was amazed. He stopped talking again afterwards. We wondered what it had been that enabled him to chat so freely on the walk. Does he not feel able to talk or feel listened to at home? Is that something relating to walking in his past that was around conversations? Or we also talked about the theory that people talk more freely when walking rather than sitting face to face round a table.
Out of the 9 groups represented on this facilitators Zoom 5 groups are running walking groups. We made reference to the training/resouces available through https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/lets-walk and https://dementiaadventure.co.uk/what-we-do/training-and-consultancy/outdoor-experiences-and-sensory-walks/
Steve and Cynth have experienced disappointments in trying to engage/re-engage with some group members, sometimes not hearing anything back at all.. However they are re-heartened by the impact of supporting 4 new ladies to take part. See their ‘Great Escape’ item here: https://www.dementiavoices.org.uk/great-escape-at-gedling-country-park-07-06-2021/ Their message from ‘Friends for Life’ feels like you must keep on trying and try new ways of engaging, including things like listing the group in their local magazine.
Anna shared that there has been a second print run of the Welsh version of ‘Knowledge is Power’ – so there are another 1,500 copies which are going to be circulated in Wales. They are also working on a top tips booklet too.
Michelle shared some of the positive feedback from the ‘Knowledge is Power’ booklet in Scotland. She said people have remarked just how much really useful information is in it.
Several members of the session today support the idea of creating an England version of ‘Knowledge is Power’. It has been agreed that we will work with 6 groups to research, adapt and check an England version. Rachel will go away and see how we might be able to get some funding and open up the opportunity to others in the network.
George said that his blog had an impact with his local CCG and commissioners who have now decided to listen. The power of having a voice – read George’s blog here https://georgerook51.wordpress.com/2021/05/
They have said they would listen before, but maybe this time? Moral of the story is never give up.
So, in summary we all lose our mojo/our energy from time to time. But for one I always feel inspired/invigorated/reassured after these sessions that we are not alone in our boats.
At the risk of being corny, we are in this DEEP sea together.
Dates for your diary for forthcoming facilitators sessions:
All sessions run from 12.30 – 1.30
Thurs 10th June – (Prof) Rachel
Weds 16th June – (All)
Thurs 17th June – (PLWD)
Wed 23rd June – (All) Rachael Litherland
Wed 30th June No session
Wed 7th July – (All) – Liz Rose Young Onset
Wed 14th July – (All) Bring and share – bring something to showcase your group.
Thursday 15th July – (Prof)
Wed 21st July – (All) Our DEEP News Editorial session
Thursday 22nd July (PLWD)
Wed 28th July – (All) Regenerate – Open invite
Focus on new or interested groups in becoming part of DEEP
To book your place on any of the above sessions you must register by contacting Anna@myid.org.uk
