Name: William Joseph Ltd.
Price range: $

About this event

Technology in health and care is advancing rapidly, but many people remain digitally excluded. Someone who is not connected in this way could face many challenges when managing their health.

Online portals, telehealth services, remote monitoring, online peer support groups, and opportunities for better communication and coordination: having digital access to reliable information about a health condition can lead to better understanding and improved confidence for self management. It can support adherence to treatment plans, support informed decision making, and ultimately lead to improved health outcomes.

As health and care technology develops, it is important that we ensure that people – particularly those who are marginalised, to avoid widening health inequalities – are also able to benefit from managing their health online.

To address this, a booklet—available in print and online—was developed using Network Weaving principles to help people get connected. This session includes a presentation from the Digital Citizen Panel, a citizen-led initiative by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), ensuring voices from seldom-heard groups shape digital health and care services. The focus is on empowering people to use digital tools for better wellbeing and access, overcoming barriers to exclusion, and supporting Scotland’s national digital strategy.

We’ll also explore how the booklet was created and how Network Weaving tools can support digital connectivity, with opportunities for peer discussion. We will also hear how the booklet is being used in practice.

During the session we’ll explore the impact of tools such as Net Mapping, Ideas to Action, Twosies, Jigsaw Lid Engagement, 1–2‑4-All, and 15% Solutions.

Host and speakers

I have been described as a visionary leader dedicated to improving mental health and well-being through innovative and collaborative approaches. My academic journey began with a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences, further enriched by a Post Graduate Certificate in Social Enterprise.

Professionally, my roots are in mental health nursing, a field I entered in 1983. My commitment to continuous professional development includes completion of numerous leadership and training programs, including the Community of Practice leadership programme, a Diploma in Training and Development, and the ‘’A Place to Be’’ Leadership programme.

My expertise extends to network leadership, community engagement, and co-design and production. I also practiced as a certified MHFA and SMHFA Instructor and an ASIST Trainer, demonstrating my dedication to suicide prevention and mental health first aid, my work and the work of COPE Scotland contributed to Glasgow being awarded Living Works Suicide Safer Community recognition.

I am a proud and very active member of Q, I convene special interest groups on staff wellbeing and network weaving for collaboration and improvement. I have also led many Communities of Practice as well as regularly contributing to the Liberating Structures Users Group.

I am recognized as a community champion in suicide prevention and self-management, also a selfcare Champion.

I was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) and an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List for services to mental health as well as an award for Social Enterprise. I was also one of the nurses featured in the RCN series Nursing at the Edge. The piece was entitled ‘Rebel with a Cause’

Under my leadership which takes the form of servant leader, COPE Scotland, established in 1991, has become a catalyst for building capacity within individuals, communities, and organizations, driven by the mission of sharing ideas rather than building empires.

COPE Scotland has been featured in several case studies including with Evaluation Support Scotland and IRISS

On a personal note, I am a value-driven individual whose moral compass centres on caring for others and creating safe spaces that enable people to reach their full potential. My focus is analytical and rational and my decisions are based on weighing risks, however, my drive is seeing the bigger picture and proactively working with others to move forwards towards a vision of a kinder, healthier, fairer world where people and the planet suffer less.

To unwind, I enjoy gardening, watching old movies and TV series, spending time in nature, visiting places of interest with my husband and spending time with our cats. An avid reader, I also aspires to publish my own book one day. I also enjoy going out for dinner and having a good chat about life the universe and everything!

We’ll be joined by speakers:

Karen McCurrie, Snowdrop Centre MS Argyll
Chigozie Joe Adigew, Digital Citizen Panel, the ALLIANCE

Who is the event for?

Anyone interested in network development approaches and improving their skills and knowledge around it.

About the group

Inspired by the Liberating Structures Users Group, a new initiative, the Network Weaving Tools Users Group, intends to create a similar space dedicated to practicing resources that support effective networks.

The group will meet online every month to explore, practice and trial one or more of the Network Weaving Tools. The meet ups are co-facilitated by members of the community. While there are varying levels of experience with Network Weaving and facilitation in the group, no one is an expert and we rely on peer support. Everyone is safe to try something new and learn together through participation.

The meet ups plan to use exercises from the reflective practice workbook for network leaders. The workbook is available in the Network Weaving Group library and can also be downloaded from COPE Scotland.