Thirty five members from Monaghan CYPSC and Subgroups participated in a "Cultivating Collaboration" event held in Castleblayney, County Monaghan.
This was the first time members from statutory, voluntary and community organisations across the various subgroups and main committee of Monaghan CYPSC came together. The purpose was to look at how everyone can help to improve outcomes for children, young people and families through the development of better collaborative working across all the relevant stakeholders.
The aim was to create a greater sense of connection with each other and to develop a shared understanding of what makes for successful collaboration.
The event was organised by the CYPSC committee and was facilitated by Stevie Johnston from the Interaction Institute for Social Change. Gerry Lowry, Tusla Area Manager for Cavan and Monaghan, welcomed people to the event and thanked them for giving up their time to attend. He spoke of the need for all sectors to work together to advance the wellbeing of children, young people and families.
Stevie introduced David Crislip's The Collaborative Premise;
"If you bring the appropriate people together in constructive ways with good information, they will create authentic visions and strategies for addressing the shared concerns of the organisation or community".
Participants discussed and reported the following ingredients for the collaborative premise;
- The importance of having 'good information' in order to develop shared plans which bring real outcomes.
- The need for 'constructive' approaches to the work so that people are working together towards a common goal.
- The need to have the 'appropriate people' involved and to ensure the voice of service users gets heard.
Many participants reported having enjoyed the structure of the day including the small group work, the facilitation and the space for reflection. Others enjoyed meeting new people, the interactive nature of the day and developing a greater understanding of the changes needed for successful collaboration.
All attendees pledged commitment for the Monaghan CYPSC on a card at the close of the event detailing for themselves the date that they would complete their own particular contribution for collaboration.
Gerry Lowry closed the event by thanking people for their full participation during the event saying that he looks forward to advancing the work of CYPSC in the spirit of collaboration.
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