2017 was a year of change for me. Leaving PHE in the summer was a big step but it has given me the time and energy to pursue some other avenues and improve my overall wellbeing. More of that later.
This year I have plans to continue working with the PHE Screening QA Service. I thoroughly enjoy being out in the field visiting hospitals and working with such a wide range of amazing professionals. The best bit is witnessing those “light bulb” moments when peer to peer conversations provide a safe space for NHS providers to reflect on what they do well and what they could improve.
Voluntary work has been something I’ve missed in the hectic last few years so I am pleased to be able to work with a small, international charity, Sparkle Malawi. Sparkle provides vulnerable children in Malawi, with sustainable education provision and health support. I am looking forward to using my public health skill set to help the trustees measure real improvements in relevant outcomes for local people.
I will be working on my own projects this year including an exciting opportunity to work with a community healthcare social enterprise to pilot an innovative model of workplace wellbeing support.
And lastly, back to personal wellbeing. I have become a qualified yoga instructor. This has had a huge impact on my mental and physical wellbeing and I am struggling to combine my deep need for an evidence base before I commit to anything, with the absolutely amazing changes a strong yoga practice has brought! I feel a bit of an evidence review coming on…..watch this space.
“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to [] keep our mind strong and clear.”
In summary, I am nice and busy but please do get in touch if my public health skill set suits your needs.