Respair: The Return of Hope

“The work of restoration cannot begin until a problem is fully faced” -Dan B Allender

After what can only be described as an uncertain and difficult 16 months – where family life became intertwined with working life, where working life was lived through a computer screen and workdays lasted long past when they should have finished. There does seem to be a small chink of light at the end of the tunnel.

The Partners for Integration (PfI) team, like everyone else, has worked hard during this time with resilience and tenacity, going above and beyond what is expected of them. But they also at times felt isolated and anxious, having sleepless nights and wondering if there will ever be a time when things will get back to “normal”.

However, after these long hard months, we must look for some of the positives. There is no point in being inward-looking, we need to acknowledge that this has been hard and traumatic for many people in many ways, but if we don’t acknowledge that, how can we begin to learn and move forward?  Recognition of where we have been is important. Some reflection of the learning is vital but most importantly coming together, being courageous and warmly supporting one another to bravely take those important steps to recovery as one.

Along with many people, the PfI team have had to change and adapt how they have worked. Looking for how they could continue to represent and support the sector from the confines of their own houses. They have achieved this by providing support in a variety of ways to those who needed it across Scotland.  There have been many shared and difficult emotions – some many of us will never forget, yet we have realised how important our relationships are. They are relationships that will carry us through to recovery from this difficult time.

New collaborative relationships have been established; old relationships strengthened. Teams are working closer together with a greater understanding of everyone’s role in that team and we have many quotes from providers and peers that have shone a very positive light on the vital role of the team during this time. Relationships have been developed across Scotland which will last way beyond the pandemic, and we hope will take a different supportive pathway going forward as we look to what the future will bring.

The new different relationships will be what we embrace going forward. They are relationships based on respect and value. The answer was always within the virtual room, and we have grown to discover, realise knowledge and cherish the ability to share across the miles. This must be what we hold onto going forward, this has to be what we build on to create a positive and flourishing future for the sector. No one says it will be easy, but like the phoenix, it’s time to rise!!!

“You’re off to great places, today is your day, your mountain is waiting so get on your way!!” – Dr Seuss

Janice Cameron

Joint National Lead for Partners for Integration