Ubuntu: What can we learn?

The UK is facing several challenges within our care sector, one of which being increased demand for high quality care and support as we experience an ageing population, alongside significant financial constraints across the system.

We all went into the care sector to make a difference to others; our “why” always needs to be at the centre of the care we are delivering, and at times it can be really hard to feel as though we are making enough tangible impact. ?

Having grown up in Zimbabwe, like many clinicians working in our NHS and wider care sector, today I want to share a concept that is integral in African culture.?The spirit of Ubuntu.?Over the last 20+ years working in the UK care sector, I wonder if there are some lessons we can take from this philosophy?

Let’s start with a definition:

"Ubuntu is a philosophy which places emphases on the interconnectedness of all human beings.?According to Ubuntu, we are all bound together in a web of relationships, and our well-being depends on the well-being of those around us.?Ubuntu also stresses the important of community and sharing, with individuals expected to contribute to the greater good of the group."

In the context of the care sector, I wonder if there might be some useful guidance we can apply to move us further towards humanised approaches in our work.?

For example:

1.??????Ubuntu suggests that rather than being a transactional relationship, care could be an interconnected and interdependent relationship between two human beings.?Looking through this lens, those of us working in care could make the choice to intentionally lead with empathy and compassion, recognising the value and worth of every single human being.

2.??????Ubuntu also recognises the power of communities, and how care could be provided in this way.?Rather than relying solely on caregivers, communities could come together and provide support for those in need.?In the UK, we already know that community-based initiatives automatically provide more holistic and person-centred care.

3.??????Another key aspect Ubuntu recognises is that of sharing.?In our context, that could look like sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise.?We have arrived at a time where the only sustainable solution we have is to work together collaboratively and with fluidity.?Intentional open dialogue could support all of us in addressing the crisis in our health and social care sector.

4.??????Finally, Ubuntu recognises the importance of respect and dignity – not just for the people being supported, but for the people providing that support.?Working to ensure our care workforce feel valued could be instrumental in long term sustainability.

In conclusion, the African philosophy of Ubuntu provides invaluable insight into how we can achieve long term sustainability.?As leaders, by placing emphasis on the interconnectedness between all human beings, the importance of community, sharing, respect and dignity, Ubuntu could help to create an even more caring and compassionate care sector in the UK.?

What are your thoughts on how we could implement some of these lessons?

To join a community led with an Ubuntu ethos, contact us at Catalyst Care Group.