We took our first, slightly wobbly, steps into life in 2016. Much like a newborn, we were dependent on the support, enthusiasm, skills and ideas of our community. The community is who we are, and we wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who’s been involved so far and helped us get on our feet. We don’t have time to name you all, so here’s just a few snapshots from our first year.
With the help from over 180 people including our Steering Group, who gave expert advice on building the project, we launched on July 18th. Thanks also to all our partners and funders, University of Sheffield, Human, Hive, Now Then, Sheffield Health and Social Care, Sheffield Hospital Charity, Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network and the Big Lottery!
The site now has over 50 inspiring stories from our network of Creative Content Producers and contributors, as well as the wider community. From Pixie’s Pokémon Go story to Julian’s portraits, together we have gathered a treasure trove of real life experiences.
We’ve had four monthly themes (creative arts to mental health history) with related events, all carefully chosen in partnership with our Editing Panel.
And we’ve trained up a team of Digital Ambassadors, who have started running workshops in NHS waiting rooms, community venues and other places across Sheffield to show people what the site does, and help them get online.
In November, the engine that drives what we do, charity Recovery Enterprises, received the runner up award for Excellence in Community Engagement at the VAS Make a Difference Awards. As part of the awards our Chair Brendan Stone and our our Volunteer Coordinator Lisa took part in a video:
So if you feel inspired, do get involved, perhaps contribute your story, become an ambassador, chat or sign up to our community and add your comments to a post which has touched you!
Go well over the Christmas period and our warmest wishes for 2017.
