John R Docherty-Hughes Christine Raffaelli
ROLE
Senior Lecturer , Sociology and Social Policy Programme Leader , Drama and Performance
SPECIFIC PROJECT OR INITIATIVE
QMU and Glasgow Association for Mental Health ( GAMH ) and Glasgow Open Museum
“ Reaching over the chasms between the three worlds of museums , mental health advocacy and higher education has been challenging but incredibly rewarding . Most importantly , the participants ’ magnified self-confidence and reflexive knowledge of social life and art are inspiring .”
This pioneering partnership is a co-produced , multi-sectoral , community-based project between Glasgow Open Museum ( GOM ), Glasgow Association for Mental Health ( GAMH ) and QMU . The project is framed around an accredited Sociology module exploring conceptions of identity , community and society , at the same time as interpreting a range of museum art and artefacts .
The aim of our work was to provide an opportunity for participants from GAMH to explore their own social histories , identities and communities in developing sociological narratives by engaging with theories and concepts and interpreting museum artefacts and objects .
The collaborative relationship between QMU , GAMH and GOM has been truly unique , and has received widespread praise from significant figures in the world of Higher Education , the museums sector in Scotland , MPs , MSPs and local councillors . Indeed , the exhibition launch was marked by an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons , which was signed by MPs from across the House ; a true mark of the esteem with which the project is regarded www . parliament . uk / edm / 2015-16 / 276 .