MY HEALTH STORY: Helping people living in Lambeth and Southwark living with chronic health conditions to tell their stories

[Mazcd]

My Health Story is a collaborative multi-media project aiming to capture powerful and personal stories of people living with several chronic health conditions in Lambeth and Southwark. (sorry to those of you who live outside these areas) In the UK, 2.9 million people today live with more than three long-term conditions.

The project will inform the work of local health foundation Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity - MPN Voice is registered under the auspices of Guy's & St Thomas' Charity. The Charity is exploring how an urban environment, deprivation and diversity can combine to impact on people’s health. The Charity has a programme of work to improve the lives of people with multiple long-term health conditions.

Through My Health Story, the Charity wants to learn from lived experience and produce a powerful set of media assets – including photography and video – told by people with chronic conditions themselves. The project will help the Charity to inform, and talk about, its programme of work.

The team running this project are looking for people who:

•Have 3 or more long-term conditions, including (please note the list is not exhaustive): diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart failure, atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm), dementia, stroke/ TIA (transient ischemic attack similar to stroke), morbid obesity, depression, chronic pain, serious mental illness, plus an MPN .

•Come from a variety of backgrounds, ages and circumstances. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with a meaningful project that enables them to gain new skills and share their personal experiences in a supportive setting.

•Are willing to explore their health story, tell it visually and share it with others. No previous experience with film, photography or storytelling is required as training and support will be provided throughout.

For more information about this project and taking part please contact:

Ameneh Enayat, [e-mail] tel: [phone]

This project is recruiting for the next 2 weeks.

[iLuigi]

Hi Mazcd, although I’m a silent participant of de MPN, I rarely right or make comments. But I do want to say thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, even when you are probably running low like anyone else. Your dedication inspire me and reading this post I decide to not postpone and let you know how much I’m grateful for your work.

Regarding this project I think I could fit, but not sure. Should I write to them directly?

Have great day. lcflondon

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to iLuigi]

hello lcflondon, how very lovely of you, that's really nice of you and it has made my day. I am suffering with a bad back this week, stupidly tried to move a very heavy sideboard, so your kind words have cheered me up, thank you.

Yes do get in touch with them directly, they will explain more about it and let you know if you can take part. Best wishes, Maz

[mhos61 in reply to iLuigi]

Well said!

Maz, thanks for everything that you do for us. It goes without saying, we do appreciate you.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that you are also an MPN patient and must have bad days too.

Thanks

Mary x🌷