Lizzie’s (Trainee Psychologist) Leaving Reflections

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Written by Lizzie, a trainee psychologist and DASH facilitator.

Before leaving my final placement as part of my training, I wanted to share my appreciation and reflections on the DASH group. 

From my very first meeting, I was struck by the balance between warmth and support and productivity and purpose that DASH creates. In training we often hear about co-production and service user involvement, but opportunities to actually experience it are rare. On occasions when these have been possible, meetings have often felt awkward, cold, patronising or directionless - this could not be further from the environment created by the DASH members and team. 

To me, the DASH environment is a welcoming one - in all ways. Everyone is welcome, differences in opinions are welcome and treated respectfully and trainees who drop by (before leaving after 6 months) are treated like valued members - able to contribute and benefit from the varied experience within the room. 


DASH has been a great example to me of the value of lived experience more generally, as well as demonstrating the possibility of life well lived with dementia. Thank you to all the members and team for helping to make me so enthusiastic about the future of co-production and dementia care. 


I have valued my time getting to know each member, old and new, and am so grateful for how they welcomed me in, gently guided me towards the DASH ethos and shared their experiences so generously (all alongside humour, resilience and a good cup of tea!) 


In a presentation we gave together, Andy (DASH member) shared an interesting proverb “when an old person dies a library burns down.” To continue this metaphor, thank you for granting me library access by allowing me to be a part of DASH and for sharing your stories with me. I will make sure to hold onto them throughout my career, alongside the memories and experiences we shared. 


I wish the whole DASH group (team and members) all the very best for the future and hope our paths cross again. 


Best wishes,

Lizzie 

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