On Friday March 2nd several of us from L'Arche Communities around the UK joined other organisations for workshop led by John O'Brien entitled 'Reconnecting Hearts and Minds'. It was organised by Paradigm and there was a really good turn out and a genuine 'buzz' of enthusiasm and desire to bring about change.
One of the issues that came up was how regulations and policies - whether imposed from Local Authorities, National bodies, like Supporting People or self-imposed by organisations trying to do the right thing - sometimes get in the way of good care instead of helping. Why does this happen and why do we do it to ourselves?
Much of the time the reason is that we feel we need to 'protect' people above all other considerations. Now of course we do need to keep people safe but not at the expense of having a life!
Lot's more discussion to be had but at least debate is being sparked. Comments please!
Oh, and a bit surreally, our kid turned up and had his picture taken with everyone. Not sure John O'Brien knew what to make of him! But it's good for our website! We are doing the Manchester Marathon together (what was I thinking?) to raise money for L'Arche Manchester so watch this space!
No comments:
Post a Comment