The video was developed from an idea by Steve Miller, Occupational Therapist, from Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke. Steve wanted to create a video to support the My Shared Pathway workshops that take place regularly at Kewstoke. These workshops are usually well attended and result in lively discussions between staff and service users.
Explaining the rationale to invite Ian Callaghan along to Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, Steve said: “I have attended a number of events where Ian Callaghan connects with service users and shares his experience of life in secure care and explains how he came to be involved in the My Shared Pathway project. I am always struck by Ian’s ability to inspire those around him, be it service users or staff. I wanted to capture this on film and make it accessible to as many people as possible. The highlight of the day for me was the energy and enthusiasm generated when Ian joined the on-ward discussion group.”
Ian’s visit coincided with work that was being carried out by Cygnet for the National Recovery and Outcomes Steering Group. The Steering Group wanted to refresh and reinforce the My Shared Pathway main messages and to provide ideas for implementing My Shared Pathway, and to that end we developed a new My Shared Pathway main messages document.
A question and answer video with Ian seemed to be an ideal alternative format to support this piece of work. Cygnet created two versions of the video with Ian, a longer one to support the My Shared Pathway Workshops at Kewstoke, and a shorter one to support the My Shared Pathway main messages project. Both videos give examples of how My Shared Pathway can improve the service user experience. As well as questions asked by Steve, service users also had the chance to pen their own questions and put them to Ian.
Commenting on the video Ian Callaghan said: “I was delighted to be asked to take part in this video project. I’ve always been really impressed by the great work going on at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke to implement and make the best use of My Shared Pathway. The day of the filming was great as I was also able to spend time with service users and answer their questions. I very much hope the video helps support other services to achieve the benefits that My Shared Pathway can bring.”
The shorter My Shared Pathway main messages video is freely available to view, download or share on Vimeo and can also be viewed below.