CHIME check for wellbeing

Here is some information on how to look after your wellbeing during your influencing journey

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Spotlight on learning from local partner Moray Wellbeing Hub

The content displayed on this page was produced by Moray Wellbeing Hub and describes their reflections, experiences and learning over the years about lived experience leadership in driving change in healthcare / mental health services.

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Take a CHIME check for your wellbeing

CHIME - Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment - provides a great way to check in on any planning to make sure it will give the best outcomes for your wellbeing. Using these questions builds a deeper understanding of yourself, and as you’re the most important resource in creating change, it’s well worth doing. This will give you an idea of the benefits and the challenges to taking forward any opportunities for influencing change.

Connectedness: How ready am I to connect with others?

With peers: Building connection as part of a group of similar people can take time, but makes a big difference to how your voice is heard. Group membership can amplify your voice and gain resources like peer support. If you prefer not to work as part of a group, you can still be active. This may take more of your own resources of time and energy, with the systems & services you wish to change; this can trigger previous negative experiences if not supported in a way that is right for you just now.

Hope & optimism: How motivated am I to get involved?

Creating change in mental health is not a linear journey, it has its ups and downs. People involved change in their energy and roles, political interest changes, resources change too. What is achievable for me right now? What level of commitment do I want to make? What time do I have and how long can I commit this?

Identity: How do I want to view myself?

Different activist roles can carry positive or negative associations for people and can provide different opportunities to have your voice heard. If you want to be anonymous ensure you take steps in advance of being active.

Meaning: Is my issue about something else as well?

Be clear about what is relevant for the places you choose to get involved in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to find out if you are in the right space.

Empowerment: What resources do I need and where can I get these?

Whilst you can control resources of your own time and energy, others may be needed for other resources e.g., materials, expenses, debriefing, sharing your learning etc. Consider your diversity around mobility, learning challenges, technology access.