iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

After building an app to bring eye care to millions of people, eye surgeon Andrew Bastawrous confronted a new question: What do we lose when health care chases speed and efficiency? ▶️ Watch Andrew's talk on how connection can serve as a measure of success in #health: www.ted.com/talks/andrew...

ted.com

A different way to measure success in health care

After building a smartphone app to bring eye care to millions of people in remote areas, eye surgeon and TED Fellow Andrew Bastawrous confronted a new question: What do we lose when health care…

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Paul Stepczak created the ‘Do With, Not To’ scorecard tool for public services and private companies to evaluate their progress in working alongside communities to make a real difference. Get stuck in: padlet.com/paulstepczak...

padlet.com

"Do With, Not To" Scorecard (Excel Version)

Feel free to download and complete the assessment. I've also created digital versions that will send you a PDF report: bit.ly/DoWithNotToScorecard (36 Question 'Deep Dive') bit.ly/DoWithNotToLite…

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

In our September newsletter, we explore #relational #policymaking, rewilding healthcare, #evaluation, and more... 🗞️ Read the full newsletter: mailchi.mp/relationship... 📥 And subscribe to receive future editions directly in your email inbox: eepurl.com/h573kP

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

RESOURCE: Early Years Educator & Tapestry's guide on communication and connection sets out good practice for creating and maintaining effective relationships in the Early Years Foundational Stage and promoting an equal partnership between settings & families: education.tapestry.info/articles/the...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Do you know we recently launched a 'Pattern Library' for relationship-centred practice? It's a community-built wayfinder supporting you to navigate common challenges in relational work, featuring insights contributed by the community of practitioners. 🧭 relationshipsproject.org/pattern-libr...

relationshipsproject.org

Pattern Library | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In this blog, we argue that the approach the government takes to overhauling our creaking #SocialCare system in the coming year will provide vital insight into whether it will in fact pursue a meaningful project of relational public service reform: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

In part two of our 'A season for change?' series, we discuss how the government’s emerging public service reform agenda could make a guiding focus on the power of human relationships a core feature of how the modern state works: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

A season for change? In this 3-part series, Rich Bell explores the possibility & pitfalls of #relational reform under the Burnham government. 🍂 Part one explores the possibilities of #devolution: a necessary but insufficient condition for relational reform: relationshipsproject.org/a-season-for...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

As the Burnham government aims to 'rewire the state', Koen Bartels argues this will only be achieved if it embraces relational policymaking, and details what this might mean in practice: relationshipsproject.org/to-rewire-th...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Positive relationships at school can play an important role in student wellbeing. 🏫 In this article, Trynia Kaufman, author of 'Overcoming the School Trauma Cycle', shares practices backed by neuroscience for strengthening teacher-student relationships: childmind.org/article/buil...

Graphic sharing findings from the mentioned resource. Title reads: "Positive relationships with students:." Bullet points read: "builds motivation; creates safe spaces for learning; builds new pathways for learning; improves student behaviour." Reference reads: "Building Positive Relationships With Students: What Brain Science Says by Trynia Kaufman."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Want to connect with others interested in relationship-centred practice? Come along to Time Together: a space hosted by the Relationships Project for those in the field to share a bit about each other’s work, make new connections, and explore areas of shared interest: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

A medium dark blue background featuring a graphic of the world with three people appearing to be in space, all looking and exploring the tiny world together. Title reads: "Time Together." Body text lists the next dates of the Time Together sessions. Text reads: "Thursday 17th September, 12-1pm; Wednesday 18th November, 10-11am."

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

This month, our Relational Funders cohort turned their attention to #evaluation – with the challenge of examining current practices and what a future could look like that better considers both grant makers and holders. Read more in our latest blog: relationshipsproject.org/learning-out...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Sachin Jain, an emergency physician, highlights a critical flaw in US healthcare: its over-reliance on complex metrics while neglecting basic patient relationships. 🫀 His proposed solution? Make sure every patient knows the date of their next primary care appointment: www.forbes.com/sites/sachin...

Quote reads: “The point isn’t the appointment itself. The point is continuity. If you know the date of your next appointment, someone is expecting you. Someone owns your care. Someone will notice if you don’t show up. If you don’t know when you’ll next be seen, there’s a good chance no one owns the space between today and the next time you become sick enough to seek help.” By Sachin H. Jain, author of the article linked in the post.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

In this thought-provoking piece, palliative medicine doctor and qualitative researcher Sarah Yardley asks what might happen if we stopped designing #healthcare around the illusion that we can control #uncertainty – and started designing it around #solidarity: relationshipsproject.org/rewilding-he...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Could a highly supportive chatbot help us feel less lonely? 🤖 A 2026 study offers an interesting answer: not as much as another human... doi.org/10.1016/j.je...

Quote by Joseph Weizenbaum. Text reads: "There are aspects to human life that a computer cannot understand—cannot. It's necessary to be a human being. Love and loneliness have to do with the deepest consequences of our biological constitution. That kind of understanding is in principle impossible for the computer." Sub text reads: "Joseph Weizenbaum, the creator of the first chatbot Eliza (mid-1960s)"

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

You can now watch David Robinson's keynote speech on why relationships matter at Stronger Things 2026: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlGv... The annual festival by @wearenewlocal.bsky.social brings together hundreds from public services, the third sector and beyond to shape conversations that matter.

youtube.com

#StrongerThings2026 Sir David Robinson's Keynote address: a place called us

YouTube video by New Local

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The Relationships Map is a directory of brilliant individuals and organisations across the UK working towards a more relationship-centred future: relationshipsproject.org/the-relation... If you believe in the importance of relationships, please put yourself on the map: airtable.com/shr6pVk5hFEH...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Building a culture of #belonging is not just a 'nice-to-have'. Grant Oliphant, CEO of The Conrad Prebys Foundation, shares his insights, and describes what it means to be in 'a true relationship' with another: www.prebysfdn.org/stories/blog...

prebysfdn.org

Why belonging? It’s the easiest and hardest thing we can address.

The Conrad Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant discusses his early experience of belonging in San Diego with the of Macedonio Arteaga.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In 'Flourishing Kin', Dr. Celidwen identifies 7 principles found in Indigenous cultures worldwide that support us to overcome isolation and climate anxiety, nourish healthy relationships, and build strong foundations of wellbeing for the benefit of our whole planet: www.yuriacelidwen.com

yuriacelidwen.com

Home - Dr. Yuria Celidwen

Indigenous Contemplative Science: Ethics of Belonging

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

“What’s been overlooked is the Indigenous perspective of relationality. It is the understanding that happiness is only possible in community, when we cultivate our relationships toward all kin, from human to more-than-human, and our living Earth.” - Dr. Yuria Celidwen

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

What is it about human-to-human relationships that can’t be replicated by technology? What is unique to our relationships? relationshipsproject.org/what-is-unique-to-human-relationships/

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

New research suggests that NHS trusts with higher levels of empathy have better patient outcomes and improved staff wellbeing, and also benefit financially: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Le-Anne Goliath explores how teachers' #relationalpractice can sustain students' participation in the classroom, and invites secondary schools to take part in her doctoral research on classroom conditions that support participation and student belonging: relationshipsproject.org/present-on-t...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Our Relational Funders cohort has been exploring the potential to not only learn to navigate permissions more skilfully, but to reshape them – in other words, how funders can help lift future organisations out of the rules that constrain us: relationshipsproject.org/learning-out...

relationshipsproject.org

Learning out loud in relationship-centred practice: Changing our permissions | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

2) Read our full newsletter here: mailchi.mp/relationship... And subscribe to receive future editions directly in your email inbox: relationshipsproject.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

mailchi.mp

How to have challenging conversations in relational ways

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

1) We've just published the June edition of our newsletter. It's jam-packed with events for your diary, and recommended reading, listening and watching from across the relationships field. Plus something we've been working on for a while: How to have challenging conversations in relational ways

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Drawing on rich sociological research and extensive interviews, Allison makes a powerful case for why human connection lies at the irreplaceable core of certain kinds of work. Read more and sign up to the free book club event here: relationshipsproject.org/connect/

relationshipsproject.org

Connect | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

In it, Allison examines the deeply human labour at the heart of our most meaningful interactions — from teaching to caregiving to therapy — and challenges us to consider what is truly at stake as automation and AI continue to transform the workplace.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

One week to go until our next book club event! This time we'll be joined by Allison Pugh ((Professor of Sociology at John Hopkins University), who'll be discussing her brilliant book*, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World (2024).

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

In our latest learning out loud blog, Katherine Perrin reflects on the last session with our #relationalfunders: relationshipsproject.org/learning-out...

relationshipsproject.org

Learning out loud in relationship-centred practice: endings and beginnings | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

"If the beginning and endings of relationships are where power concentrates, where meaning is made and where trust is built or eroded, what does it mean to deliberately design for them, rather than treat them as administrative tasks to complete?"

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

A beautiful piece from @tadafrazer.bsky.social on the quiet, powerful work of people in #Gateshead showing up for one another: "sometimes - if you’re lucky - it becomes something that feels a bit like a relational revolution." relationshipsproject.org/be-more-batt...

relationshipsproject.org

‘Be more Battenberg’…A love letter from a Gateshead Community Bridgebuilder | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

"Meaningful change doesn’t start with programmes or policies—it starts with relationships." relationshipsproject.org/be-more-batt...

relationshipsproject.org

‘Be more Battenberg’…A love letter from a Gateshead Community Bridgebuilder | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

3) Learn more about the free event, and sign up here: relationshipsproject.org/connect/

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

2) Gillian's book, Once Upon a Stranger, has just been published, and focuses on all the reasons to push past your fears and reach out to people: joy, connection, learning, a sense of possibility, the opportunity for kindness. It ends with a "how-to" appendix, with practical tips.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

1) 10 days to go until our event with the brilliant Dr Gillian Sandstrom about the importance of talking to strangers. When: Thursday 23rd April 2026, 1pm-2pm (BST) Where: Zoom

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Join us this spring for a series of discussions with the authors of three brilliant books – all about relationships. Learn more and RSVP: relationshipsproject.org/connect/

On Thursday 23rd April, 1-2pm BST, we'll be speaking to Gillian Sandstrom about her upcoming book, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How "Small" Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life (out on 31st March 2026) On Tuesday 12th May, 2.30-3.30pm BST, we'll be joined by Allison Pugh to discuss her book, The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World (2024) And on Thursday 18th June, 1-2pm BST, we'll be hearing from Maff Potts about his book, Friends and Purpose: Stories from Sofas on the Streets and Some Confounding Ideas for Tough Times (2025)

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Did you know that loneliness can have real health implications? Our latest article explains how human connection is integral to delivering good public services. #CivilService #Delivery #PublicPolicy @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

The Sixth Edition of Heywood Quarterly – Time to deliver – is out now! Dive into articles on delivery, long-term thinking and leadership. heywoodquarterly.com/editions/ #CivilService #Policy #PublicPolicy #Government @profserious.bsky.social @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

It makes us very happy that after connecting in the space, people have told us that they’ve met up in person, appeared on each other’s podcasts, found useful research papers, and started working on projects together. The next session is taking place on Wednesday 11th March, 9.30-10.30am (GMT).

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Each month, we host Time Together, space for those in the relationships field to learn about each other’s work, make new connections and explore areas of shared interest. We'd love you to join us. Sign up here: forms.gle/wTojLYhBkHCY...

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

In this blog, Rich Bell explores why revitalising grassroots democracy and community life must mean directly supporting people to develop the relational skills that make the work of weaving community possible. relationshipsproject.org/beyond-pound...

relationshipsproject.org

Beyond pounds and pence: from rhetoric to reality | Relationships Project

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

The case for shifting power into communities has never been more clear in the wake of last week's Mandelson-Epstein revelations, and delivering on the programme's potential will take bold action to strengthen the relational foundations of our communities.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Last Thursday, the Prime Minister made a speech that would - in any other week - have made some waves. In it, he announced the expansion of the government's Pride in Place programme into forty new areas.

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Reposted by Relationships Project

Heywood Quarterly @heywoodquarterly.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

In the latest article from our Sixth Edition, Ray Shostak, Richard Bell and David Robinson explore the power of human connection in public services. Read the full article here: heywoodquarterly.com/the-role-of-... #Government @rshipsproject.bsky.social

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

And we interrogated the relationships scale. Some of the group described this as an "aha" moment – the understanding that sometimes deep relationships are needed and sometimes a transactional relationship is more appropriate. (more on this here: relationshipsproject.org/what-we-mean...)

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Change doesn’t start with systems. It starts with relationships. We've assembled 10 funders who are getting into the possibilities of relational funding over a year-long programme – testing approaches and working through challenges together. On Friday, the cohort came together for the 1st time.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

What if we enlarged the human element in 2026, refusing to subordinate it to process and protocol? relationshipsproject.org/make-yoursel... #relational #relationships

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Too often systems and organisations make us small. Increasing dependence on rules and automation and transactional processes diminish us all, stripping away the agency, the compassion, and the common sense.

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Relationships Project @rshipsproject.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

In a new blog, David Robinson shares the wisdom of Wes, his son's football coach who would "scream from the bench like his tracksuit was on fire, “Make yourself big! Make yourself big..."

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