St Helena : Meet the VSOs for St Helena
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Nathan Prince) 11.02.2011 (Article Archived on 25.02.2011)
Following representations from the Department for International Development (DfID), Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) agreed in 2010 to help with the recruitment of personnel for St Helena. This programme is funded by DfID and as a result of this three volunteers are currently on the Island working with SHG and Civil Society.
Meet the VSOs For St Helena
Civil Society Officer
Following representations from the Department for International Development (DfID), Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) agreed in 2010 to help with the recruitment of personnel for St Helena. This programme is funded by DfID and as a result of this three volunteers are currently on the Island working with SHG and Civil Society.
This is the first article in a three-part series where SHG will introduce each of the volunteers. This week we meet Liz Johnson-Idan who is helping to establish a stronger Civil Society.
Coming from the rural county of Somerset in the South West of England, Liz has previously worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and has more than 30 years experience of community development in Ghana.
During her two year voluntary work here, Liz will be working with as many civil society, community and voluntary organisations as she can find, offering her support to help make them stronger and more effective.
Liz has promised that all training will be ‘practical and fun!’ While here Liz is also particularly interested in looking at the possibility of establishing a Tenants Association with tenants of Government Landlord housing. In addition Liz will see whether there is a need for a support and training group for Civil Society Organisations.
Part of Liz’s focus will also be working with young people to look at the establishment of a Saint Helena Youth Parliament or Council to enable consultation with young people and provide an opportunity for young people to make their voices heard.
Liz said:
“If anyone thinks that they would be interested in hearing more, don’t be shy or think you don’t have anything to say – there will be lots of support and opportunities to learn about how human rights and democracy work as well as things like public speaking, drama and other activities. This is led by the people who are part of it so now is a good time to get involved and make your opinion count.”
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
3 February 2011
Meet the VSOs Part 2 – Occupational Therapist
This is the second article in a three-part series that introduces the three volunteers who are currently on the Island. This week we meet Joanne Lee who is helping to develop the Occupational Therapy Service on the Island.
Joanne comes from Birmingham and is a Professional Lead Occupational Therapist and Manager of an Occupational Therapy Service (OT).
While on the Island, Joanne will share her knowledge and experience with local staff at the Public Health and Social Services Department (PHSSD), through training, coaching and mentoring. Joanne is also working closely with a trainee who will be providing OT services upon Joanne’s departure.
Joanne said:
“Occupational Therapy is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a health profession and most developed countries train and employ Occupational Therapists. As Occupation Therapists’, we work with people who, because of a health problem, disability or due to the effects of aging, are having difficulty completing their everyday activities. We aim to support people in becoming independent in those activities they need, want or are expected to do. We also use activity or ‘occupations’ as a therapeutic medium to improve health and functioning”
Joanne is here until 1st July 2011 and will be working mainly with PHSSD. However she will also work closely with the education service and some employers.
She said
“From what I have learnt about St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE) I can also envisage that I will be recommending people to attend the Centre to promote their recovery, as although it is a social enterprise it undoubtedly provides a form of therapeutic activity and supports rehabilitation.”
The benefits of Occupational Therapy will mean that service users will enjoy improved health, wellbeing and quality of life. As a result people with disabilities will be able to lead a positive life and take an active role in society.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
10 February 2011
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