Nairn charity founder retires after a almost a decade raising awareness of active listening
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AN ACTIVE listening charity celebrated the work of its founder as she stepped back from her leading role after almost a decade.
Inverness' Glen Mhor hotel hosted a gathering of members from Listen Well Scotland (LWS) as its founder and former National Services Manager Maureen Wilson, based in Nairn, left the helm and joined the ranks of volunteers for the charity.
The charity aims to raise awareness of the power of active and empowering listening to improve mental health and wellbeing and offer classes for adults as well as young people.
LWS volunteers, trustees, staff members and LWS friends were present to share in the presentation of a shawl for Mrs Wilson and a tie for her husband Bill both – made with the first weaving of the charity's own tartan.
Mrs Wilson said about the success of the charity: "This has been a team effort. Taking our 1-2-1 Listening Time 4U and our Active Listening Training online, during Covid, was something that everyone in Listen Well Scotland said yes to.
"I've journeyed so far with Listen Well Scotland in the role that I had but it's now my turn to just step back and let others take on that role. Of course, I'll still be there, doing a wee bit in the background, and supporting all the work.
She told about the work they did recently with students and members of staff in Killearn Primary.
"The pupils were so inspiring," she said. "They absolutely got the listening training we were giving them.
"The headteacher said: 'Thank you for sticking with us through a global pandemic. Now we have six teachers who can train others in confidence-building listening. We are so excited for the opportunities and possibilities this brings'.
"And this is why we do it, and share the importance of listening. Who knows where Listen Well Scotland is going in the future as Chris and Marissa take things forward on a National Level. We must have hope for the future, and all of us will be there as Voulnteers to support what happens in our different parts of Scotland."
The event saw participants reflect on the past nine years of achievements of the charity, which continues to provide training in active and empowering listening to adults and young people as well as free Listening Time 4U (LT4U) sessions to aid mental health and wellbeing.
The National Services Manager role was filled by Marissa Lippiatt and Chris Bryce has also joined the organisation as Charity Leader.
Ms Bryce said: "The day went extremely well, and Maureen and her very supportive husband, Bill Wilson, were delighted with their LWS tartan gifts of shawl and tie.
"Maureen was honoured for all her hard work and inspired dedication to LWS. The words driven, passionate and committed were used to describe her at LWS.
"All enjoyed the hot buffet lunch and the chance to celebrate the past nine years of LWS (as the event was held on LWS's ninth birthday) and to look forward to the next nine.
To mark Maureen's retiral, LWS's CPD-accredited online course 'Let's Get Listening' is available at a special time-limited price of £30.00.
More information on Listen Well Scotland's work can be found at listenwellscotland.org.uk
