We held our third national seminar for frontline practitioners on 24th May in a light-filled space at Nano Nagle Place in Cork where 47 practitioners gathered in person and online to hear our inspiring guest speakers talk about the power of human connection and relationships.
Joan Fletcher, former head of social work at Goldsmith University, London, spoke about the need for more conversations about race. In her gentle, informed presentation, she invited us to be curious rather than censorial and acknowledged that while conversations about race can sometime feel like we are walking on egg shells and can get under our skin, they are essential.
Dr Tom A. Hutchinson, Professor, Department of Medicine and Department of Oncology and Director, McGill Programs in Whole Person Care, Montreal, explored the physician/patient (provider/client) relationship and the difference between curing and healing. Although joining us remotely via Zoom, his warmth and humour were palpable in the room and very well-received. Dr Hutchinson reminded us that it can be challenging to get in touch with our yearnings and desires, and that they don’t necessarily split into our professional self and personal self. He said: “Give yourself permission to get in touch with what you really love about your work.”
Nickie Egan, Principal of North Presentation Primary School in Cork, presented ‘Be curious instead of furious’, spoke from the heart as she shared her whole school relational approach and the positive impact it is having on children, families and staff at the school. Nickie reminded us that teachers “have empathy and compassion in our DNA” and that “everyone has the ability to be that one good person.”
In a follow-up survey, 100 per cent of respondents agreed that having spaces where they can think about their work is important, and that the event had provided a safe space for them to do so. The feedback we have received has been heartening, with many appreciating the facilitated nature of the day and the opportunity to be together to reflect on these important topics.
Jim Sheehan, said: “A common thread running through all three speakers’ presentations this year was the power of human connection and the impact supportive relationships have on health and wellbeing outcomes. Each speaker shared his or her real, lived experiences in social work, healthcare and education about how relating with empathy, compassion and curiosity makes a difference.
“We hope that this event has helped practitioners to reconnect with what drew them to their work in the first place, which, by the very nature of their work, is often a sense of care and a deep interest in supporting others.”
Dr Nicola O’ Sullivan said: “We know from the feedback we have received that this event has been warmly received and welcomed. It is vital that more spaces like this are created so that we can come together to connect with each other and deepen our understanding of what it means to be truly engaged in values-based, heartful practice.”
Dr Maeve Hurley said: “Our hope is to stimulate a national conversation about what more can be done in Ireland to provide emotional and psychological support to our frontline practitioners. Healthcare, social work, social care and educational workplace settings are complex and diverse so the theme of this year’s event reflected this. With people and systems under increasing pressure, our vision is that there are more reflective spaces like this made available to practitioners so that they can pause, reenergise and be nourished and inspired.”
Before attendees left, we invited them to leave a message on our tree and to take a hand-crocheted heart as a keepsake and a reminder of what sits at the heart of their practice.
Our next event will be on Tuesday 4th October 2022 at Northridge House from 10:30am – 1pm when Dr Naomi Masheti, coordinator of Cork Migrant Centre, will share her insight and wisdom around the topic, “Inclusive practice: breaking the silence around race and mental health.”
This CPD event will be open to all frontline practitioners in healthcare, social work, social care and education. For bookings please see Eventbrite or contact sabrina.moris@relationshipsinpractice.ie
