The Rowboat and the Jetty – a cautionary tale – Authentic PPIE

Image: source unknown

Before I worked in the NHS and caught the research bug, I used to work as a freelancer in creative engagement. I was in this space for ten years and essentially I would think about what kind of conversation might be needed about a particular topic with a particular group of people, and then think about what kind of creative approach might work best for that situation. Unlike a lot of artists and creatives, I didn’t have a specialism – I wasn’t a sculptor or a poet or a dancer. I liked everything* and I wanted to use whatever felt like the best fit for the people and situation I’d be working with.

Having said that, storytelling was one of the things I was particularly good at, and I have presented at public involvement conferences to tell stories and use them as a prompt for discussion and reflection. A story has the advantage of being indirect – it’s not a full-frontal assault or challenge about a situation, but rather a reflection using fictional people and places. It allows a bit of space; a sense of detachment, which invites people to reflect without having to defend. This in turn means that people may be more open to learning and considering change, which is really important part of the reflection-improvement process.

Anyway, a week or so ago I had a really valuable conversation with some colleagues working in public involvement, and it reminded me of a story I’d written some years ago, as a reflection on a community engagement project I’d been involved in as a freelancer.

I’ve finally been able to get hold of the original audio and I really wanted to share it because it feels so timely even though the project it relates to has probably closed by now?! It’s not the highest quality recording, but you should be able to hear it well enough.

I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts and what this story might evoke for you?

A word of caution though – if this story does remind you of some challenging experiences in the past, or frustrations you’re currently living with, please make sure you find someone you can trust to talk it all through with. Don’t let it churn and fester – that’s not good for you or the people who care for you.