#SDHI2015 New opportunities for interdisciplinary research – join the discussion

As the University of Dundee is completing a process of structural re-organisation an even greater emphasis and focus is placed on high quality interdisciplinary research. SDHI has entered its ‘teenage years’ as a broker and platform for innovative research across disciplinary boundaries. We would like to invite you to reflect with us about new opportunities for SDHI to engage across and between the universities, to facilitate new partnerships with community partners and the public, and to maintain a vibrant and supportive environment for experienced and novice researchers to learn and develop ideas in response to social and health-related challenges of the 21st Century. Join us in person on the 16th June at 2pm at the University of Dundee or engage with us by email sdhi@dundee.ac.uk or via Twitter @SDHIresearch #SDHI2015 

Woodland Activity Programme or People with Early-Stage Dementia

Mandy Cook, Forest Ranger and PhD student in Dundee who is co-supervised by SDHI team members Ed Hall and Thilo Kroll is currently evaluating the benefits of a Woodland Activity Programme that has been designed and organised collaboratively between the Forestry Commission Scotland, the University of Dundee and Alzheimer Scotland.

“Forestry Commission Scotland is inviting families and friends of people with early-stage dementia to get signed up to an innovative, exciting and fun programme of woodland activities.

The programme includes many different woodland based activities, such as woodland walks, scavenger hunts, bulb and tree planting, bushcraft activities, environmental art and learning about tree and bird identification.

Two programmes are being run, one in South Lanarkshire and the other in Falkirk.

Julie Hamilton, Social Programme Manager, Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

“The Woodland activity programme includes lots of fun activities to help people with early-stage dementia

“All equipment will be provided, including waterproofs and participants will also be given a pair of welly boots that they can keep at the end of the programme to encourage them to continue taking to the outdoors to enjoy nature.

“A member of the family, friend or carer is also welcome to take part in the activities with participants.”

The ten week programme will include a small group of up to 12 participants. The dates, time and South Lanarkshire venue will be confirmed in due course. The Falkirk programme is in Callendar Wood starting on Thursday 28 August from 11am to 2pm.

For more information on the South Lanarkshire programme, please contact the South Lanarkshire Ranger Service: 01355 276 784 / abi.boyd@southlanarkshire.gsx.gov.uk

For the Falkirk programme contact Gordon Harper, Forestry Commission Scotland ranger 07798 668 125 or scottishlowlands@forestry.gsi.gov.uk ”

(Source: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/WebNewsReleases/42AD4BC0F6C4970E80257D3C004471AF)

Mandy’s work and preliminary findings have recently been highlighted in a research brief soon to be issued by the Forestry Commission Scotland.

PhD Studentships: exploring research-informed service change in the Scottish NHS

Funded PhD opportunities are available, hosted jointly by The Scottish Improvement Science Collaborating Centre (SISCC), the Research Unit for Research Utilisation (RURU), and The Social Dimensions of Health Institute (SDHI) at the Universities of Dundee & St Andrews. These studentships (fees plus stipend at Research Council rates) are to explore aspects of research-informed change in the Scottish NHS. More details can be found here or through links at www.siscc.dundee.ac.uk, and www.ruru.ac.uk

Humanising Healthcare Conference – 9th & 10th June

NHS Boards in Ayrshire and Arran, Fife, Dumfries and Galloway, along with NHS Education for Scotland (NES), are hosting this free opportunity to attend the Humanising Healthcare Conference to share learning, explore health and social care today, consider the impact of working in this environment and what can be done to support staff to be more resilient.   The conference is taking place on Tuesday 9^th and Wednesday 10^th June 2015 in the Beardmore Conference Centre, Glasgow. 

Please see programme, booking form and workshop information.   Closing date for registration is Monday 1^st June 2015.

Radical Community Development Practice: What can be done

This seminar which will be held on Thursday 4th June from 1pm-5pm in the Steeple Church, Dundee is an opportunity for academics, community workers, community activists and students to come together to explore the challenges facing radical community work practice in the UK.

With guest speakers:

• Margaret Ledwith, Emeritus Professor of Community Development & Social Justice, University of Cumbria.
• Stuart Fairweather, Communities Officer, Dundee
• Dave Beck, Co-editor, Radical Community Work Journal

Themes will include:

• How do we identify, define and enhance radical community work practice?
• Making time for radical practice – what are the challenges and opportunities?
• How do we work together to effectively contribute to community empowerment and social change?
  

Further information will be available soon….

A collaborative event between TCELT, University of Dundee and Glasgow University.

Citizen Wellbeing Assembly Scotland

Bookings for the ‘Citizen Wellbeing Assembly Scotland’ Annual Conference are now live! This year’s conference will be held on 25 June in Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.

Join the Citizens Health Wellbeing Assembly to share your experiences, debate pertinent issues, and generate ideas to create a future where we can all enjoy good health and wellbeing across Scotland.  We will collectively identify where these ideas are already being turned into reality and make the connections needed to drive our health and wellbeing.

For further information please see the conference flyer and the Alliance Scotland website