Who We Are: Our Ecosystem and About Us

Our Ecosystem

Sage is part of a broader ecosystem of organisations…

….much like natural ecosystems where living organisms and their environments interact as a unified, interconnected whole.
In the human body, the interstitium serves as a connective tissue, linking systems and facilitating communication and resource exchange.
Similarly, in forests, the mycelial network, a vast web of fungal threads, connects trees and plants, enabling the flow of nutrients and information across species.

Sage Practices reflects these natural systems, acting as a central hub within a diverse network of organisations. Our foundational partners have inspired, encouraged, and supported our growth, exemplifying our commitment to relational care, systems thinking, and embracing the complexity inherent in healthcare.

We believe effective care emerges from the dynamic interplay between patients, practitioners and the wider community. Sage Practices creates a collaborative space where shared knowledge, skills, and experiences come together to support flourishing. This interconnected approach not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare system.

Just as ecological networks grow, diversify, and evolve to foster resilience, Sage Practices cultivates a responsive and ever-evolving community. By embracing continual learning and adaptation, we aim to strengthen the web of care that connects us all, ensuring it remains robust and capable of meeting the changing needs of those we serve.

For more on our ecosystem of organisations click the links or see below…

  • The College of Medicine is the Sage Practices base camp. The College of Medicine was founded in 2010 to reform healthcare so that it works for everyone in a way that’s inclusive, progressive and compassionate. The work of the College aims to redefine medicine beyond pills and procedures, to reconnect practitioners with patients, people with their environment and use both conventional and non-conventional approaches to health.

    https://collegeofmedicine.org.uk/visionandvalues/

  • The British Association for Holistic Medicine and Healthcare (BHMA) is an organisation dedicated to promoting holistic approaches to healthcare. They aim to integrate conventional and complementary medical practices, fostering a comprehensive understanding of health and wellbeing. BHMA provides resources, training and support for healthcare professionals, helping them develop their skills in holistic practices. The association advocates for the recognition and inclusion of holistic methodologies in healthcare systems, while also focusing on patient-centred care and the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health.

    https://bhma.org/

  • Sage Practices has evolved in part from relationships developed within the London Deep End Groups, linked to the original Deep End work from the University of Glasgow and its allied organisation in the North of England, Fair Health.

    Fair Health is a charity dedicated to health equity action and learning. We offer free courses, elearning, blogs, a podcast and much more. All designed to enable healthcare professionals to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in areas of deprivation, with marginalised patients, and to reduce inequalities

    https://www.fairhealth.org.uk/home

  • Greener Practice started as a small group of GPs in Sheffield in 2017. We have since expanded to become a national network of health professionals in primary care and beyond. With over 30 local groups and national special interest groups, we are a network of people encouraging action on sustainability in primary care

    https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/

  • Human Values in Healthcare Forum's main mission is to humanise healthcare. We believe that human values such as compassion, wisdom, integrity, and justice are of pivotal importance in health and social care and more generally for humanity’s future. We recognise that we are interdependent as well as an integral part of the natural world.

    https://humanvaluesforum.com/about-us/

  • The International Futures Forum (IFF) focuses on addressing complex global challenges through collaborative thinking and innovative solutions. It brings together a diverse range of experts and practitioners to explore future possibilities and co-create strategies for sustainable development. By fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing, the IFF aims to influence policy and practice in various fields, including governance, economics, and social justice. Their work emphasises the importance of foresight in decision-making to navigate uncertainties and promote resilience in societies.

    https://www.internationalfuturesforum.com/

  • The National Centre for Creative Health aims to enhance health and wellbeing through innovative arts and cultural practices, fostering collaboration between artists, health professionals, and communities. It promotes the understanding that creativity can be a fundamental element of healthcare, contributing to holistic approaches in support of mental and physical health.

    Allied to the NCCH, the Flourishing Spaces initiative at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) focuses on creating environments that nurture wellbeing and resilience within academic settings. This work encompasses research and practical applications aimed at designing spaces that encourage positive mental health and facilitate meaningful interactions, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students and staff alike.

    https://ncch.org.uk/

    https://www.creativeenquiry.co.uk/

  • The Patient Revolution is an initiative aimed at redefining the interactions between patients and healthcare providers to foster a more collaborative and person-centred approach to care. By championing the voice of the patient, the organisation seeks to empower individuals to take an active role in their health decisions, ensuring that their needs and preferences are at the forefront of the healthcare system. Through advocacy, education, and the development of resources, the Patient Revolution encourages healthcare professionals to embrace a holistic view of patient care, ultimately striving to create a system that is more responsive, empathetic, and effective in addressing the diverse needs of the patient population.

    https://patientrevolution.org/

  • The Transition Network focuses on empowering communities to become more resilient and sustainable by fostering local responses to climate change and economic instability. This grassroots movement promotes interconnectedness and collaboration among individuals, which can significantly influence health outcomes. By encouraging the establishment of local food systems, renewable energy initiatives, and community-led projects, the Transition Network helps reduce reliance on external resources, thereby enhancing food security and access to clean energy. Additionally, the network facilitates social connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental well-being. As communities become more self-sufficient and engaged, the overall health of individuals and the community improves, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces both environmental and social health.

    https://transitionnetwork.org/

    The Ministry of Imagination Manifesto is described as “an imagination-based manifesto for times that need one” . It is the work of Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition Network harvested from the ideas and discussion generated on his From What If to What Next Podcast. You can download the manifesto here.

Meet the Team

  • Laura Marshall Andrews

    FOUNDER

  • Jane Myat

    FOUNDER

  • Young Leader

    DIGITAL COORDINATOR

  • Simon Lewis

    SAGE PODCAST

  • Alasdair Honeyman

    POETRY PHARMACIST

  • Tom Schmidt

    POETRY PHARMACIST

  • Franz D'Souza

    SAGE PODCAST

  • Rupal Shah

    BLOG EDITOR

  • Jens Foel

    BLOG EDITOR