Blog: Communication Officer’s log – week 11

I spend a lot of time thinking about how public communications are being framed.

On Monday, we published a great guest blog from Karen Wylie of the Glasgow Disability Alliance. She was reflecting on the first-ever joint meeting of the Cross Party Groups on Poverty and Disability in the Scottish Parliament.

I liked Karen's framing here:

Disabled people must not be left behind by governments and those in power. Rather than warm words, we need urgent and bold action so that disabled people get the essential support to be able to live a life worth living.

Next week, myself and Chloe are presenting at Aberlour's conference on child poverty and public sector debt, talking about how a Minimum Income Guarantee could help. I've pulled out some unpublished research on framing the Guarantee and will be exploring that with people who come along. We had a meeting with Robyn from Aberlour on Monday about the logistics.

I sent some draft graphics to Ruth and Peter to support communications on the Scotland Demands Better March for Justice.

On Tuesday I had a meeting with the chief executive of one our member organisation to support communications around an exciting pilot project they are to be part of. I sent on a draft news release afterwards for comment and amendment.

Wednesday was a busy day, starting with an early morning journey to Greener Kirkcaldy, to deliver Values First training. (I like Kirkcaldy, and I'm a great fan of the Town House and its 'Sower' statue.) I've got to thank the staff at Greener Kirkcaldy for their engagement - they were enthusiastic and thoughtful, and created some well-framed messaging that I hope will help them in the future.

I came back from Fife to the office for my annual appraisal with Ruth. I was touched by the positive feedback from colleagues about my work, and pleased with the goals that we set for the year ahead.

On Wednesday evening, the creators of Fair By Design's 'Give Me Some Credit' exhibition were in the Scottish Parliament.

On Thursday I was in Leith to deliver training on framing and working with journalists to members of the fantastic End Poverty Edinburgh group.

On Friday I started work on building a new online resource developed by the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland, following research we did with them about the needs of our members when it comes to supporting people experiencing mental health problems. It's completely unjust that people on low incomes are so much more likely to develop these kinds of conditions, often alongside other long-term health problems.

I did some training with Robyn Lock, who has been working with Joe McGregor of West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau on a very exciting anti-stigma campaign for local schools. We also had a chat about how the campaign could develop in the future, and I'm looking forward to discussing it with Ruth and other Poverty Alliance colleagues. Here's Robyn with a project update.