The Athenian Project
Purpose. Turn lived experience into practical, use-now letters, guides, and escalation templates that unlock joined-up NHS Scotland care. We surface what actually works, where it breaks, and the precise wording that moves things forward.
Praxis (what we mean). Praxis = reflective action. We test things in the real world, learn from the results, and fold that learning back into tools others can use.
Case study (lived experience, surgical care). Across multiple surgical referrals and procedures over recent years, recurring faults appeared: unclear ownership between services, long gaps after “we’ll be in touch,” and phone/email loops with no record. Logging each step and replying with time-boxed, polite escalation letters turned “lost in the system” into booked reviews, coordinated calls between teams, and written plans. Those steps—scripts, timelines, and addenda—now power this initiative.
Who it’s for
People seeking care (and supporters), practitioners working within constraints, and advocates who need credible artefacts to secure timely, coordinated responses.
What you’ll find
- Letter kits for GP, CMHT, psychology, and crisis escalation (editable sections + plain-English notes).
- Evidence addenda checklists: meds history, risk indicators, access barriers, reasonable adjustments.
- Pathway maps (localised): who does what, common wait-points, and how to keep things moving.
- Follow-up scripts for phone/email—polite, precise, and time-boxed.
- Outcome trackers to log requests, replies, missed callbacks, and next actions.
How it works
- Draft a letter using the kit (10–15 minutes).
- Send via the right channel (we list roles/addresses to target).
- Log the response and set a follow-up date (template wording included).
- Escalate if deadlines slip, using pre-written next-step letters.
Downloads (coming soon)
- Athenian Letter Kit (GP, CMHT, Psychology)
- Escalation Pack (service manager, board, MSP/advocacy)
- Evidence Addenda & Outcome Tracker (printable + editable)
Get involved
Share anonymised wording that worked—or gaps you hit. We’ll fold it back into the kits and credit contributors.
Safeguarding: These materials support, not replace, clinical advice. If risk is immediate, contact emergency services.