Often uncomfortable, totally necessary, always important – Consequences…

As I drove home from last nights Consequences session Radio 4 offered its usual wisdoms. A program called Class Talk discussed the need for the inclusion of people with related lived experiences in the structures of organisations and when constructing policy. It spoke of the benefits but also the uncomfortable conversations that will ensue. Uncomfortable – because of course stuff is said that is challenging and sad and unbelievable – hard to hear things that change us. Uncomfortable is how I’ve felt listening to many of the stories recounted by women across this project, but like the presenter on Radio 4 said uncomfortable is necessary – it impacts us. One woman wrote at the end of the session: “by listening I’ve learnt about myself and had to think more about what I believe” – I would go further and say its made me think more about what to do.