Linda Ellis’s inspiring poem, ‘The Dash’, captures, in a simple but meaningful way, the idea that all that matters is the dash that appears between the dates of our birth and death. That dash represents the opportunity we have to really live our life.
Watch Linda Ellis read her poem ‘The Dash’ below:
The themes of ‘The Dash’ are explored in the latest Podcast from the It’s All About People Personalisation Team. Listen to the It’s All About People Podcast Episode 28: Live the Dash!
In the podcast, Alison from the It’s All About People Personalisation team talks to Karen, who has terminal cancer. Karen is an absolute inspiration, dedicated to making the very most of her ‘dash’ and actively working to improve the lives of others.
Karen’s activities include her involvement with the Lincoln City Foundation Fighting Fit Programme, which supports those living with or recovering from cancer to be active.
Karen is also a longstanding member of a co-production group of people with lived experience led by the podcast’s other guest, Vicky Thomson of Every-One Lincolnshire. Vicky recently hosted a Person-Centred Learning Network session titled ‘Live the Dash’ based on Linda Ellis’s poem and exploring the themes in more detail.
If you work or volunteer in healthcare in Lincolnshire and want to build your knowledge of personalised care, the Person-Centred Learning Network is a great opportunity. These free, monthly ‘lunch friendly’ (12noon – 1pm) sessions provide an informal, safe, and reflective space to explore person-centred approaches. For more information and the dates of future sessions visit the Person-Centred Learning Network.