We’re delighted you’re going to be joining us for our Emotional Touchpoints workshop in Edinburgh. Please read on for more details…
When?
The workshop is on Tuesday 2 December from 1.30pm to 4pm. You’re welcome to join us from 1.15pm for tea and coffee.
Where?
The workshop will take place in the Horizon Suite at the Napier Sighthill Campus.
The Horizon Suite is on the top floor. The Sighthill campus is made up of several buildings, which are all joined. The easiest way to reach the Horizon Suite is:
- Access through the main entrance from Calder Road
- Turn to your right, and go into the library space (LRC1) where the reception desk is
- Once you’re in LRC1, please turn left where there are lifts and stairs
- Head up to the top floor, where we’ll meet you
If you get lost, please call Dawn on 07803 576740
Catering
We’ll have tea and coffee, mince pies and other snacks to keep you going through the afternoon. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements you haven’t already mentioned. If you’d like to have some lunch before we start, there is a canteen and cafe on the ground floor.
What’s the workshop about?
The workshop will focus on looking at the Emotional Touchpoints process, and the touchpoints which have been created by Public Engagement Professionals (PEPs) in two previous workshops in Bristol and Manchester. The project has been funded by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) to develop a resource which can be used by PEPs to support them, recognising some of the unique challenges which PEPs face in their work. We will be using the PEP touchpoints, and seeing how effective you think they are, in a facilitated environment.
Our participants in Bristol and Manchester have told us that the workshops were helpful, and helped them to reflect on their work engaging with different people. We will be sharing the final resource with the workshop participants from Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, so that you can use these in your work, ahead of sharing them more broadly with PEPs in mid-2026.
Who’s the workshop for?
The session is intended for PEPs, or people who work, or have worked, in similar roles, which bring together researchers (or similar experts) and communities. We have invited you to attend as we understand this includes you. you may find there are aspects that you can use in your work supporting researchers, communities, or other people in the future, but this isn’t its primary focus.
Who will facilitate the workshop?
The workshop will be run by three of us who work at Edinburgh Napier University.
Mandy Gentleman is an adult and mental health nurse and is currently a lecturer in the School of Health and Social Care and as Programme Leader for MSc Healthcare Management, she supports learners from a range of healthcare professions and diverse cultural backgrounds. Mandy is also the university’s lead for academic integrity. With Stephen, Mandy has used Emotional Touchpoints extensively to support students and healthcare professionals.
Dawn Smith is a Public Engagement Manager and has led public engagement at Edinburgh Napier University since 2015, and worked in a similar role at The University of Edinburgh before that. Dawn actively advises and supports public engagement, and chairs Napier’s Public Engagement Forum.
Stephen is an adult and mental health nurse and his current role is as an Associate Professor. Since 2015 he has been the academic lead for public engagement in the School of Health and Social Care. Stephen undertakes research in compassionate care, experience living with dementia and experiences of emotional wellbeing and retention for care home staff. He led the development of Emotional Touchpoints in health and social care through a four-year Leadership in Compassionate Care action research programme.
No, you don’t need to do anything ahead of the workshop, or bring anything with you. There’s a workshop handbook which we’ll be giving you on the day – you’re welcome to have a look through beforehand if you’d like to.
Emotional Touchpoints PEP workshop handbook, 2 Dec 2025
Mental health support
The workshop is not designed to take the place of clinical mental health support, and we won’t expect you to talk about any specific situations you may have encountered. We may talk in broad senses about some of the challenges you face, but there will be no obligation for you to do this. In previous sessions we have talked about broad topics (for example, the challenge of working with vulnerable people, the challenge of working with multiple project partners etc).
If the session leaves you feeling you need some additional support we would recommend that you access any support provided by your employer, or NHS or other services. Please tell us if you feel upset, and we will help to signpost you.
Accessibility
Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or questions before the workshop by emailing publicengagement@napier.ac.uk
Car parking
Some of you have requested a parking space at the Sighthill campus. You will receive a separate email about this. Please don’t park on campus unless you have told us you need a space (the parking attendant is ever diligent in his duties!)
No longer able to attend?
Please let us know if you’re no longer able to attend so that we can plan accordingly. Likewise, if you know someone who would like to join us, please ask them to email publicengagement@napier.ac.uk.