What is a Schwartz Round?

A Schwartz Round is a space created for health and care colleagues (not just clinical staff, anyone in the system) to share their stories of working in the sector and how this work can affect them emotionally, socially and personally. It’s not very often that people are encouraged to talk about the very individual impact that working in care has but this can really help to support our wellbeing and the wellbeing of colleagues.

The rounds help to create a culture of trust, openness and sharing without judgement or blame.

How does it work?

Each Schwartz Round has a theme (the next theme is ‘Asking for help’) and can take place virtually or in person. No matter the size of the group (the last group in Leeds had around 60 people attending) each group needs at least three story tellers. The story teller talks about their experiences for five minutes, after which the group get to reflect on what they have heard and how this resonates with them. It’s not for making suggestions or asking more questions, it’s more about the impact of the story on the listener.

What makes a good story?

Anything! The story teller will be supported in advance by a Schwartz facilitator to pull their story together but as long as it relates somehow to the theme and to working in the sector that’s all that counts. Stories can be very emotional or really uplifting or both or somewhere in between.

What do you get out of it?

Whatever you take from it. A story will resonate with different people in different ways. It might prompt you to go back to work and implement some new ways of working, you might feel reassured that others have shared your experience, or you might be more willing to talk more openly with your colleagues. But if a round encourages people to talk with each other with openness and compassion – even about flaws or difficulties – then that’s a pretty significant culture shift!

How can you help?

The December round is on ‘Asking for help’ so if you know anyone who might have a story they can share, please pass on the information. Or if you would like to be a story teller, please email Paul at [email protected]

You can also watch this video of previous story tellers relaying their experience: Storyteller Youtube Video

A flyer for the Leeds Schwartz Round event titled "Asking for help." The event is scheduled for Tuesday, 10th December 2024, from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm, aimed at healthcare and VCSE sector staff and volunteers. The flyer emphasises the free and confidential space to reflect on the emotional impact of working in health and care. It includes a diverse group of illustrated people with question marks above their heads, signifying confusion or reflection. Attendees can earn a CPD certificate. Registration and further details are provided through clickable links. Logos of supporting organisations appear at the bottom.