I am just getting back to my blog after literally forcing myself to take some time off. The jury is still out as to whether my own enforced downing of tools has been helpful. I might be able to unplug my gadgets but unfortunately the old grey matter does not have an ‘off’ switch. This […]
Author Archives: Jacky Niven
Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase – Collaboration and Don’t Kill the Golden Goose
It is becoming increasingly apparent as I continue to explore the next steps of the Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase, that the intention will be to continue on a road already identified prior to COVID19. The Local Governance Review and The Community Empowerment Act (2015) have already paved a way through […]
Step Two – Building Strong Communities- The Route Map to Recovery through Community Participation
My career with the Third Sector happened by accident. I imagine this is often the case with many Third Sector practitioners. Our varied career experience often lends itself well to the diverse nature of communities and TSOs. A lot of my strategic thinking is driven by two aspects of my earlier experience: “Continuous Improvement through […]
Recovery – Route Map for Community Participation
As we enter each new phase of the unlocking of society in the wake of the Coronavirus emergency, we are moving ever closer to tackling the recovery phase. I talked of the need for a Route Map for Community Participation in the Recovery Phase (and beyond) in my previous blog post and I am exploring […]
Catalyst for Positive Change – The Time is Now
I am currently researching papers evidencing the contribution the Third Sector makes to the delivery of public services. This is part of some work being undertaken to demonstrate the value of the Third Sector across Aberdeenshire. What strikes me is that many of the papers are around 10 years old and we are still asking […]
Dignity During Challenging Times -COVID19
The subject of dignity has been part of some recent discussions. Dignity has been something raised particularly in relation to the question of how we are making sure community efforts reach everyone who needs help and how we can remove the stigma of accessing help via food larders or other community resources. We have seen […]
Volunteer Week 2020 – A Significant Recognition
Blog Post 5th June 2020 As another Volunteers’ Week draws to a close, none of us will have failed to recognise the absolute significance of this week at this particular time during the COVID19 crisis. The contribution and response of communities and volunteers has ensured that the isolated and vulnerable in our society are being […]
Mental Health and Wellbeing…
Blog Post from May 20th 2020 Unless you have taken time off the grid this week you will likely be aware that this is Mental Health Awareness Week. This year this annual focus has gained much more attention because the COVID19 crisis has highlighted the need to protect our Mental Health and Wellbeing as a […]
Radical Kindness – Community Response to COVID19 Leading the Way
An unexpected consequence of the COVID19 Crisis is not only the prevailing acts of kindness experienced within our communities but a real emergence of “Radical Kindness”. Food Larders in some areas which are available to all on a “no questions asked” basis have been a real catalyst in reaching those in need who were hidden […]
COVID19 – Unleashing the Power of Community
A couple of years ago I was involved in hosting an event exploring the power of community and how the Community Empowerment Act 2015 could facilitate positive change. There were many learning points from the day, but it was clear that community empowerment had been alive and kicking long before 2015. The Act was the […]