Our aim in Attuned In Practice is to provide in-depth learning and reflective spaces for practitioners across Health, Social Care and Education Settings in Ireland. Our intention and focus is on creating a safe space so practitioners can gather and take time to reflect on the values, sense of mission and purpose that drew them to their work. In offering a unique learning opportunity to practitioners we choose experienced and thoughtful educators and practitioners to speak, facilitate and reflect at our conferences and touch points. This method of learning and reflection we believe invites deeper thinking and connection to the work.
To be a source of support and innovation in the care and professional development of frontline professionals. We envision a future where every organisation recognises the importance of reflective spaces for their practitioners and invests and supports this across their organisation in a structured and ongoing way. Creating a safe space to consider the work can contribute positively to practice, and potentially enhance the emotional, intellectual, and practical resources practitioners have.
Dr. Maeve Hurley, founder of Ag Eisteacht (2001-2022) and Relationships in Practice, is a former GP who works to highlight the key contribution of relational skills (relational capability) and knowledge of relational health to improving outcomes for practitioners and clients. Her work includes the delivery of evidence-based training with a focus on supporting practitioners' ability to offer clients time, attention, and respect in a time-bound manner. Maeve has also contributed to several conferences, including the IFCA International Conference and the Royal College of Physicians Conference (2018) in Ireland. She works with GP registrars at UCC on an annual basis, supporting their skills and ability to offer relationship-centred care. As a member of the Attuned in Practice Alliance (formerly Heart of Frontline Practice), Maeve hopes to highlight the importance of reflective, restorative spaces for practitioners as a key element of care for those working in these roles. Working with collaborators and experts, we hope to provide experiences that are enriching and supportive to those working on the frontline.
Dr. Nicola O’Sullivan is an independent social care consultant and visiting lecturer at the Tavistock and Portman Trust NHS, London, MTU Cork, and Trinity College Dublin. She earned degrees from University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin. Nicola received a Professional Doctorate in Social Care & Emotional Wellbeing in 2017 from the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation Trust. In 2021 she received a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Supervision from Dublin City University. With 23 years of experience in Irish community and residential settings, Nicola specialises in providing reflective practice spaces and clinical supervision for practitioners and teams in Hospital, Health and Social Care Settings. She has researched and published on the subject of reflective practice and supervision.
As founders, we believe deeply in the power of connection and reflection. Our mission is to provide a nurturing space where frontline practitioners can think and feel, an invitation to be there for their clients and to be there for themselves. Every day, we strive to support those who dedicate their lives to serving others.