The Reaching Milestones Research Project is an Empower Women for Change initiative Launched in November 2022, the project's main objective is to conduct research and generate recommendations based on the experiences and perspectives of ethnic minority women regarding their accessibility and utilisation of health and social care services in Glasgow. These recommendations aim to enhance the accessibility and quality of these services. The project also focuses on assessing the effectiveness of co-production in empowering ethnic minority women to maintain and improve their health and well-being.
The Reaching Milestones project conducted eight diverse art workshops that encouraged creative expression and dialogue on health and well-being. These workshops included Mandala Art, Acrylics on Wood, Stencilling, Felt Brooches, Acrylic Painting on Wooden Circles, and Glass Painting. These activities enabled participants to express themselves and facilitated meaningful discussions. The workshops were inclusive, bringing together individuals of various ages, nationalities, and geographic backgrounds, enriching the exchange of perspectives and experiences.The research conducted by the Reaching Milestones Project resulted in the 'Reaching Milestones' Report, which makes a valuable contribution to the ongoing development of the Maximising Independence (MI) Asset-Based Practice. This practice aims to transform how the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) engages with communities to identify and mobilise strengths and resources. The 'Reaching Milestones' report introduces an innovative approach tailored for MI to engage with the community, fostering more inclusive and effective engagement in this specific context.As the Reaching Milestones project comes towards its end, we have created a research report to publish our findings throughout the project. The report details the methodology used, case studies and of course in-depth findings. Also included are the all-important next steps and our recommendations, based on our findings.We celebrated the launch of our Research Report and Exhibition for Reaching Milestones at the Gallery of Modern Art, where presentations of the project’s findings were given, and the artwork produced during the project was displayed.
“This was such a great opportunity where we did therapeutic art, and we also got a chance to share our problems and struggles with the hospitals and surgeries. Thank you for this.”
— Reaching Milestones Participant
“Thank you for creating an environment for us to see people from different cultures and religions. A warm place for us to talk and share our situations, problems, and support ourselves by gaining self-confidence, when we try to speak without being ashamed of making a mistake. Thank you for listening, connecting and trying to solve our problems and needs.”
— Reaching Milestones Participant
“Today I learnt a lot. I often get very stressed and depressed which makes me feel that I have no control over the situation. But today I learned how to control and how to divert myself from the stressful situation. In today's art session I felt so relaxed that I forgot about the stress I had. I felt so happy and calm.”
— Reaching Milestones Participant
“I really enjoyed today. It was the first time that I did art, and I am so proud of myself that I was able to make a beautiful artwork. I felt so confident. I met new people and made new friends. I felt Independent.”
— Reaching Milestones Participant
