A new way of thinking and doing things

I recently retired from the police and had all these great plans of what I was going to do with my spare time. That lasted for a total of six months. The reality of retiring at a relatively young age is that I felt unfulfilled and mentally unstimulated (but very fortunate). During my career, I have at times been reduced to tears seeing how people in desperate need have been let down by the ‘system’. I became increasingly frustrated at the inertia and lack of genuine join-up between agencies, restrained by unrealistic targets to show how good we all are (despite having an abundance of good people who really cared).

I myself, on reflection, have been guilty of working in multi-partnerships but within my own silo servicing internal targets. I have also experienced barriers and entrenched problems navigating around mental health and acutely felt the lack of support provided, being the main carer for a close relative who has suffered long term mental health problems.

That dizzying journey through the revolving door, allowed in only at times of crisis despite our cries for help! Imagine how people in need feel, in a detached world, not thinking straight and having priorities such as where will I sleep, when will I eat?

I joined Changing Futures Northumbria in January as an Embedded Learning Lead, and I’m now focusing on developing a digital platform to help support our learning. So, what brought me here? The job advert initially pricked by curiosity. Was what I was reading right?

A programme looking to do the right thing by the person and be driven by ‘what matters to them’, providing a bespoke service for each individual, set by the person in need? I thought, “I’ll apply and, if I get the chance, I will check this out in interview.”

Now that I’m part of Changing Futures Northumbria, I’m more convinced every day that this might be real, and might realistically forge systematic change for the good, always keeping those in need at the heart of what we do.

It is certainly a new way of thinking and doing things - no performance figures, no wrong way of doing things (ensuring we do no harm and stay legal), and things evolving all the time from what we’re learning. I’m having to rethink the ‘thinking’ I do and unlearn a whole bunch of things.

For me the journey has just begun, and I am enthused by what lies ahead, and the real difference we can make to people lives and fulfilling their aspirations. Learning all the way to spread the news of what the journey has taught us.

Ron Charlton