A quick guide to Appreciative Inquiry

Criticises problem solving Assumes our societies are problem focused Problems attract attention and resources This attracts people to look for more problems PROBLEMS ATTENTION & RESOURCES

Uses a Solution Focus Best way to sustain change is to: Identify things that work well Conserve what works Build on what is working to create a vision for the future

DISCOVERYDREAMDESIGNDESTINYDEFINITION Appreciative Inquiry Cycle

Qualities Power of positive mindset The way we talk about things plays a part in what we create around us Participative Whole system

Involves everyone through all the processes of the inquiry (research and action) through: Sharing stories of what works (data) Conversations between the ‘right’ people leads to action (analysis to implementation)

Examples of ways I have worked with AI With Overview and Scrutiny Committees on health inequalities Training of Health Trainers, locality workers, multidisciplinary groups Away-days with voluntary sector organisations, community development workers, public health departments Evaluation and scoping exercises Developing tools for action on safety and wellbeing in schools

Insights from participants

‘ The best of it was getting the stories. At first people said they could give minutes, on average they gave an hour. The interviewees set the agenda which is why they gave more time. They felt valued, that someone was listening.’ Scrutiny committee Councillor, S.Ribble

It enabled me to connect with groups. There is lots that can be done to improve life expectancy. There are people with leadership potential which I hope will be developed. Partners are signing up to it. We are breaking the cycle of blame. There are funding streams which could be available. We have got a lot out of it. Councillors deal with negatives all the time.’ (elected member)

Stockport Overview & Scrutiny Committee On Health Inequalities

Outcomes For individual residents: “I felt listened to, not talked at for a change. People are fed up of being talked at!” “It wasn’t just a paper exercise – it will lead to something”

Outcomes For individual residents: Refugee; 10 family members lost in conflict in home country; diagnosed with cancer; feeling very isolated. Through the AI: connected with different people; moved on to other activities; “on her feet again”. Outcomes For individual residents:

Outcomes For the community as a whole: A healthy walking group … link with neighbours … involved in other activities: Treasure Hunt involving 120 people developing local knowledge about pathways and natural history; On food and environment with children, staff and parents at a local school. “Everyone won on that day!” Outcomes For the community as a whole:

Outcomes For the community as a whole: I wanted to set up a fruit and vegetable stall … someone from Healthy Living Network could help with initial funding and resources … I set up a stall which sold affordable fruit and vegetables

Outcomes For local workers and officials: New services to meet specific need: Mums- in-Art project; extra parenting courses; new locations for antenatal care. Extended Schools Manager ‘impressed by the energy release … a feel of what was going on in the community... bring them together … develop new ways of working … AI was a good way to start.’ Executive Councillor for PH ‘AI embedded in health scrutiny … rolled out in the health inequalities strategy’ Associate Director PH