Ceartas is an independent advocacy organisation in East Dunbartonshire. Still Game is a project that encourages people who have had an advocate develop their leadership skills so that they can play a part in how the organisation runs.
Still Game started because Ceartas are keen to get real people involved at the heart of the organisation. Ceartas want to hear what they really think about the services they use. It is also about helping individuals take control over their lives, speak up and influence the social care services they use.
David Douglas from Heartfelt has worked with “Still Game” over the last couple of months building up their confidence and presentation skills. He also consulted the group on their views of the services they use and what their experience of using Ceartas has been like. Together they put all this into a presentation.
This presentation had its first official unveiling at our AGM in February. Pauline and Rona from Still Game (pictured) presented the AGM with a very interesting look at what they think about the services they have used, including Ceartas, but quite poignantly ended by telling the group what Ceartas means to them.
“Still Game” – what’s in a name? The groups chose this name as they have been through tough times in their lives but are still able to have a laugh! They now want to contribute to Ceartas and be supported to influence other services and ultimately have a real say in Ceartas.
Contact Heartfelt: heartfelt_ltd@yahoo.co.uk
This is a good example of the following Citizen Leadership principles:
- 2. Development
- Bringing in a consultant with special skills in citizen leadership is one way to nurture people’s leadership qualities
- 4. Person-centred Leadership
- Ceartas and Still Game have spent a lot of time thinking about each members leadership qualities, and working out how they can use these skills to benefit the organisation
