Sharing a Story

By Gail Mann, Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Portsmouth. 

Practitioners and volunteers working with the public are dealing with emotional situations and sometimes there are not enough spaces to reflect on or share these experiences. Creating space to share experiences provides emotional support and kindness, enabling people to listen to and empathise with each other, when often there is not time for this in day-to-day volunteering or work. This can happen through an initiative called Schwartz Rounds.

Working with the University of Portsmouth and through the Relational and Restorative Practice Community of Inquiry, we have enabled Schwartz Rounds to be offered to those who work in the voluntary or public sector who would value access to a space that enables participants to listen to others’ stories, and if they want to, share their own. HIVE Portsmouth, Community Kettle, Portsmouth City Council and the University are all involved in this project. If you are interested in finding out when you can join us, you can email HDRC@Portsmouthcc.gov.uk for details.