A new NHS for Lincolnshire What’s being a governor all about Staff awards open for nominations

BetterTogetherLincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s members’ magazine

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ISSUE 13

September 2011

Lincolnshire PartnershipNHS Foundation Trust

Register for Annual Public Meeting

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to the summer edition of Better Together, our regular magazine for members of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all those who took the time to vote in our recent elections for new governors.

We have now appointed five new governors to our Council; they bring with them a variety of experience in healthcare, public involvement and finance. I am confident that they will work hard to ensure the views of our members are well represented on the Council. More details about how they are getting involved will appear in the future issues of Better Together.

Our governors do sterling work and are involved in many different aspects of the workings of the Trust. They give their time voluntarily and always willingly and work closely with the Board as we develop future plans for our Trust. One area they are focusing on particularly is communication with our members and throughout the past few months they have been using a new way of engaging with members and the public and have achieved much success. You can read more about this on page 12.

Lots of things are always going on around the Trust – our annual report and accounts and quality report have just been published and will be publicly presented at our annual general meeting in September (more details on p6).

Thank you as always, for your continuing support of our Trust. I look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Annual Public Meeting.

welcome

Ain’t no mountain high enough

The main tourist route up the mountain involves immense effort. Debbie had trained hard to be ready for the ascent, which she last completed some years ago.

Despite deep snow, blizzards and extreme cold, mother and son were tempted to turn back more than once. But they persisted. Oliver was the only child to reach the summit that day.

Debbie said: “We both had very sore bones and muscles afterwards. It was worth the effort, not just for the money, but also the personal challenge. Oliver is asthmatic and we thought he might not be able to climb that far. I also thought I was too old and out of condition to do it. However we are proof you can do anything if you put your mind to it.”

Debbie and Oliver raised more than £200 to spend on traditional games for the inpatients at Witham Court to enjoy. Engaging people with dementia in supervised and supported activities redirects their energy into positive behaviours and emotions.

To many people experiencing dementia, every achievement feels like they are conquering a mountain. It is this very challenge that a staff nurse at Witham Court, Debbie Armiger, took on to improve the lives of service users on Lincoln’s dementia ward.

Debbie and her son, Oliver (aged 10), set off one very wet and cold May morning to conquer the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Sponsored by family, friends and work colleagues, they aimed to reach the summit - some 1,344 metres above sea level - in less than eight hours.

We need volunteers!Yes, we do, we really do. The Trust is looking for volunteers to help organise and run new fundraising events.From what our existing volunteers tell us, it’s great fun and very rewarding. So if you’ve got some spare time - however little - and would like to get involved with NHS Lincolnshire Charities, please contact Samantha Keating on tel: 01529 222270 or email: Samantha.keating@lpft.nhs.uk

Celebrating green successEarlier this year NHS Lincolnshire held it’s “Celebrating Success Awards” and recognised the achievements of our Green Group. The Green Group beat off strong competition to receive an award for their 2010 Greener Environment Conference, organised in partnership with the NHS and local authorities.

Their award recognises the Trust’s commitment to achieving a reduction in our carbon emissions and our social care, and achievement in other programmes aimed at combating climate change.

Their conference, the first of its kind to be held in Lincolnshire, was designed to inspire and inform delegates on how to make a difference within their own organisations.

The event resulted in a number of new volunteers who are committed to creating a more sustainable environment being recruited. The Green Group’s Supporting A Greener Environment (SAGE) scheme has now been adopted by other public bodies and NHS trusts.

Matt Smith accepted the award on behalf of the Green Group from NHS Lincolnshire chief executive, John McIvor.

“We both had very sore bones and muscles afterwards. It was worth the effort, not just for the money, but also the personal challenge.

Help us save paper!In a bid to be more environmentally friendly we are asking all members to consider switching how they receive their news from the Trust; we have the following options available:-

■ Reading BetterTogether on our website and receiving a notification of the latest edition by email

■ Sharing your copy of BetterTogether and other communication from the Trust such as letters and invitations to events and receive only one copy per household

L-R: Martin Stott, John McIvor (NHS Lincolnshire) and Matt Smith

NHS donation is wheely great Service users with dementia are benefiting from a donation of gifts. The Rochford unit at Pilgrim Hospital has received wheelchairs, canvas prints and comfy chairs to make service users’ stay on the ward more comfortable.

The gifts have been donated in memory of a former inpatient for the care they received whilst on the ward.

Rochford unit charge nurse, Ian Jebbett said, “The gifts are a lovely gesture of thanks that will help to improve the environment for our patients.”

Front cover image: Rochford unit staff with Marianne Overton, NHS Lincolnshire Charities fund committee chairman

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A new NHS for LincolnshireOn 1st April, the NHS serving the communities of Lincolnshire changed when a new organisation, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, was formed.

What do they do & how do they work?

The Department of Health’s Transforming Community Services programme, which aims to provide more choice for patients to ensure they receive the best possible experience, was the driver for this change. The birth of this new trust - originally part of Lincolnshire’s Primary Care Trust – has transformed the local healthcare landscape for the county. The NHS organisations currently supporting Lincolnshire are:

■ NHS Lincolnshire – the primary care trust

■ United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

■ Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

■ Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust

■ East Midlands Ambulance Service

NHS Lincolnshire NHS Lincolnshire is responsible for commissioning (planning and buying) over £1 billion in health care services for the people of Lincolnshire, across hospital services and primary care services; this equates to £35 per second. In addition to its hospitals, Lincolnshire has 102 GP practices, 65 dental practices (75 contracts), 79 opticians and 106 pharmacies.

Its main providers of services in the county are United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lincolnshire Community Health Services and East Midlands Ambulance Service. For more information go to: www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk

NHS Lincolnshire Chairman – Richard Childs (Pictured left) NHS Lincolnshire Chief executive – John McIvor (Pictured right)

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) has some 2,800 staff caring for patients every day. Community nurses and specialist services provide healthcare in, or close to people’s homes. Teams also provide various therapy services including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and podiatry. LCHS provide care at four community hospitals which include palliative care and two minor injuries units, five GP practices, and Lincoln’s walk in centre. LCHS provides services out of hours when GP surgeries are closed. Health visitors and school nurses are provided by LCHS. Some dentistry services are also provided, as are sexual health, smoking cessation and weight management services. For more information go to: www.lincolnshirecommunityhealthservices.nhs.uk

LCHS Chairman – Dr Donald White (Pictured left) LCHS Chief executive – Ellen Smith (Pictured right)

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) provides emergency and urgent care and patient transport services for the six counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire – a combined population of 4.8 million people.

It employs over 3,200 staff at more than 70 locations, including two control rooms at Nottingham and Lincoln, with the largest staff group being A&E personnel.

Its A&E crews respond to over 670,000 emergency calls every year, while its patient transport service and volunteer ambulance car drivers provide care and transport on over 5,000 journeys to and from routine appointments each day – just over one million a year. For more information go to: www.emas.nhs.uk

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) is one of the largest hospital trusts in the country. It runs three main hospitals in Lincoln, Boston and Grantham and also runs services from another four hospitals and range of community locations countywide.

In these locations, it provides a comprehensive range of hospital-based medical, surgical, paediatric, obstetric and gynaecological services, as well as A&E services that are open 24 hours a day and seven days per week.

ULHT has around 7,800 highly trained staff and volunteers and in an average year, it treats more than 180,000 A&E patients, nearly half a million outpatients and almost 100,000 inpatients. For more information, go to: www.ulh.nhs.uk

ULHT Chairman – Paul Richardson (Pictured left) ULHT Chief executive – Andrew North (Pictured right)

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) provides specialist and wide ranging mental healthcare services; these include:

■ mental healthcare, such as anxiety or depression, in primary care – GP practices, pharmacies, health centres, prisons and other settings within local communities

■ specialist services, including some social care, for adults, children, families and older people

■ assessment and treatment for people with learning disabilities ■ services for people with substance misuse problems such as

drug or alcohol addiction ■ psychological therapies ■ occupational therapy

LPFT’s work is increasingly community based and it provides a variety of mental health and social care services in close partnership with colleagues in local councils, primary care trusts, charitable and voluntary organisations as well as with service users, carers and their representatives. For more information go to: www.lpft.nhs.uk

LPFT Chairman – Eileen Ziemer (Pictured left) LPFT Chief executive – Chris Slavin (Pictured right)

EMAS Chairman – Jon Towler (Pictured left) EMAS Chief executive (interim) – Tamar Thompson (Pictured right)

RESPECT: Continue to work in Partnership

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Staff awards open for nomination Service users from across Lincolnshire are being asked to nominate the health professional, team or volunteer who has gone the extra mile in providing their mental health care. The annual Staff Excellence Awards are run by the Trust to recognise staff and volunteers who provide exceptional kindness, professional expertise, or expert service user care.

Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “It’s such a pleasure to be able to recognise those special employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in helping our service users, and those who dedicate their working lives to local mental health care and well-being.”

The deadline for making a nomination is Friday 2nd September. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in November. To make your nomination go to www.lpft.nhs.uk or cut out and complete the form below:

Staff Excellence Awards 2011Your details:

Your name:

Your address:

Your telephone number or email address:

Your relationship to the person/team you are nominating:

Do you want your name revealed to the person/team you are nominating: Yes/No

Your nomination

Name of individual or team:

Work base (if known)

The reasons way you are nominating this person or team for an award:

Enhanced Practice in Acute Mental Health Care ModuleThe first group of Trust staff have recently commenced the Enhanced Practice in Acute Mental Health Care Module. The course builds on an existing partnership between the Trust and University of Lincoln to support workforce development locally. The course aims to both celebrate acute care and enable acute care practitioners to develop the requisite skills to work effectively in challenging acute environments.

Consultant nurse, Paul Barrett, said: “Acute care has often been viewed as a place that practitioners pass through on their way to other posts. We want to firmly say that acute care is a speciality in its own right. The motivation of the first group has been remarkable – they are proud of what they do and are keen to develop their own and others’ practice. We hope this module can be developed further until there is a clear academic and clinical career pathway for acute care.”

For further details about this or other mental health modules, contact Kathryn Scott at the University of Lincoln, email: lbr@lincoln.ac.uk or telephone: 01522 837348.

Give us a minute – 60 second interviewwith Matt Hulley – Risk control managerQ. Tell us about yourself? I undertook a degree in health and safety hence my current post. Currently I am undertaking a MSc in risk management and governance.

Q. What is your job at the Trust? As the risk control manager I am responsible for the framework of risk management and health and safety for staff, service users and visitors. My main aim is to change people’s opinion and understanding of risk management to enable positive risk taking to benefit everyone, rather than a risk adverse stance that scares many people away from innovation.

Q. Why did you become a risk control manager? I had always intended to enter this field of work as I believe it to be very important to everybody. The aim is to benefit people’s well-being and health without them noticing. I take pride that members of staff and service users return home unhurt because of my department’s work and interventions.

Send to: Post nominations by Friday, 2nd September 2011 to: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, FREEPOST RRZH-RGXR-BLHY, The Point, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 8GG Or email information to: communicationslpft@lpft.nhs.uk

Date & time: Thursday, 15th September, from 9.30am Venue: The Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN1 1EY

An open invitation is extended to all our members, staff, partner organisations and the general public to attend our annual public meeting. The event will showcase some of our latest service-user focussed activities and staff will be available to talk about them in details. There will be presentations on our progress towards improving service user experience and an opportunity for the public to put questions to our Board of Directors and Council of Governors.

Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “Improving the lives of service users through their journey to recovery whilst in our care is our priority. We aim to be the best at what we do and we have been working hard to develop our services to improve the availability of care in mental health.”

“I would really encourage people to come to our annual public meeting to find out more about mental health and well-being in Lincolnshire, our work on improving service user experience, and on mental health services in general.”

How to register:

Confirm your attendance at this event by emailing: communicationslpft@lpft.nhs.uk or telephone: 01529 222270

The programme:

Timings

9.30am Delegate registrations & exhibition opens

10am APM starts – includes Board of Directors’ meeting and service presentations

1.30pm Lunch break - opportunity to tour exhibition, participate in workshops & sign up as a member

2.45pm Council of Governors’ meeting

3.15pm Members’ meeting

3.30pm Workshops & exhibitions

5pm Finish

Annual Public Meeting

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS?Support Network Launch

EXPECTATIONS

Over 100 people from 47 groups and organisations attended a conference at The Showroom in Lincoln on 14 July 2011 to launch the new Community Mental Health Support Network in Lincolnshire. 32 different third sector organisations and seven service user/carer groups were represented, as well as eight public sector organisations. Most people said that they really enjoyed the event, especially having an opportunity to meet up to think about how, together, we can work to support people with mental health problems and the people who care for them. And one thing came across loud and clear:

talking is good, action is better.

What is the Community Mental Health Support Network?As well as public sector organisations like the NHS and local authorities, the network will involve existing and new voluntary, social enterprise, and independent organisations, as well as service user and carer groups. It will be made up of:

■ A “managed care network” of third and independent sector organisations (including social enterprises) with a clear focus on mental health and recovery. Some of these will be contracted by the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of the County Council to provide social care support,

■ A wider support network of service user, carer and other groups, as well as organisations and businesses that help promote good mental health.

Is this really new? In a word… No.There are already lots of people and organisations in Lincolnshire who work hard and effectively to help people with mental health problems.

What IS new is our determination in co-ordinating this effort, and some new contracting and income opportunities for LPFT’s partners.

Promises PromisesEveryone who attended the conference was asked to make a promise about how they will support people with mental health problems.

Our favourite promise?

SHINE AT WHAT I DO.

Perhaps a brand for the network? Or can you think of a better one? If you can, let us know.

Getting InvolvedPretty much anyone can get involved in the network. This includes:

■ Individuals ■ User-led groups & organisations ■ Carer-led groups & organisations ■ Volunteers ■ Voluntary / third sector organisations ■ Social enterprises ■ Public sector organisations ■ For profit businesses

All you need is the passion to help people with mental health problems and their carers.

Links to the Mental Health Partnership GroupThe Group is looking for partners to join the Mental Health Provider Forum. If your organisation is interested further details can be obtained from: Helen Doyle at rethink Tel: 01522 536 029 Email: helen.doyle@rethink.org

Something for Nothing?People often say that the ‘Big Society’ idea is just a way of saving money by getting volunteers to do what paid staff once did. Others say they Big Society isn’t new at all.

One thing we do know… between us we can access and raise a lot of funds to help people, and that we can do this much more effectively together.

Just some of the sources of funding are: ■ Public sector funding such as the Community Care Fund which pays for personal budgets,

residential homes, and preventative service ■ Social enterprise trading which generates wealth to be reinvested back into support for people ■ Grants such as the Big Lottery reaching communities programme

There are lots of other pots of money around and you can be sure we will be looking very carefully to see how we can attract as much money as possible to support people with mental problems in Lincolnshire.

What You Said… And What We’re DoingKey messages from the Great Expectation’s conference:

You told us, there is a need to improve the practical support, information and guidance to help people work better together.

You said there’s too much red tape and misinformation.

You were concerned about whether we really can change behaviours and culture for the better.

And you held out hope. There are people who can think and act differently to support each other and the network, and who have the passion, knowledge and skills to make a real difference.

You want action, and lots of you are ready to get involved.

We hear what you say and have got a plan of action. Come and find out more at:

ContactFor more information about the network and how you can get involved you can contact:Marion Christopher at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 01529 222271 Email: marion.christopher@lpft.nhs.ukStacey Gillott at Pelican Trust Tel: 01522 513533 Email: stacey@pelicantrust.org Linda O’Hara at Dimensions Community Enterprises (DCE) Tel: 01522 706584 / 07585 969 733 Email: linda.o@thehealthyhub.co.uk

And finally...Tell anyone you know who you think might be interested about the Network!

Good work,but I think we might need just a little more detail here.

Then a miracle occurs

Are we relying on a miracle? Keep watching this space…

Great Expectations 2: Let’s Get On With It! Thursday 15 September, Drill Hall, Lincoln, from 1pmThis event will run alongside the Annual Public Meeting of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. It will be all about making things happen.

To book your place, email: communicationslpft@lpft.nhs.uk or tel: 01529 222270

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Pedal power for Pilgrims A community mental health nurse resorted to pedal power to raise money for local mental health football team, Positive Pilgrims.Nick Harwood took to the saddle to complete a charity cycle ride to secure the future of the Boston based football team.

Formed some years ago to help people manage their mental well-being, the team is set to receive £300,000. The windfall will help expand the football project, but to secure the funding the team must raise money too.

Each month Nick and coaches from Boston United Football Club are undertaking various fundraising tasks. In July they tackled a 23-mile bike ride around Rutland water.

Nick said: “The money being raised will go directly towards expanding the project to help more people to manage their own mental health.”

Flood drill puts Trust to the test

March’s mock evacuations of our units at Boston tested how our staff would respond to a coastal flood. Whilst no service users were affected by the drill, our staff had to respond as if a major flood was imminent by relaying information to the control centre and acting on information provided.

Exercise Watermark was the UK’s biggest ever flooding emergency response exercise and continued for a week along the east coast. It involved the police, RNLI, Red Cross, Enironment Agency, county and district councils.

Trust security management specialist, Carl Kisby, said: “We continuously work closely with our partner organisations to prepare for widescale flooding and other emergency situations, such as terrorist threats and natural disasters. It is only by working and practising together that we know we will be ready to protect our inpatients and staff.”For more details about the fundraising and the

Positive Pilgrims, contact Nick Harwood by email: nick.harwood@lpft.nhs.uk

Nick Harwood (Pictured Left)

Open letters from your governors

Dear service users, A governor’s role is to be a critical friend to the Trust and that is just what we are. We are never afraid to speak up and this gives us a powerful voice with the Trust Board to ensure service users are considered in key decision making. We also use our voice to get people talking about mental health issues. The more attention we can get people to pay towards their own mental well-being, the less stigma will be attached to mental ill health.We want to listen to your views.Your service user governorsAnn Booth, Celia Evershed, David Bray, Diana Broughton, Evelyn Nicholls, Jonathan Cope, Rebecca Millar, Terry Farrell

To get in touch with any of your governors, contact the Trust’s membership office by tel: 01529 222277 or email: info@lpft.nhs.uk

Dear staff member,As staff governors we are here to represent your opinion in shaping the Trust’s policies, strategies and investments. Staff involvement is important to bring a balance to the overall views of the Council of Governors and for us to work with governors and the Board of Directors to help them keep in touch with the views of the ‘shop floor’. Maintaining this important link is vital and you can help us. Tell us how you think services could be improved. Pass on the ideas and suggestions you feel would enhance service user care or your working life at the Trust. It is important for us to explain that we are not a substitute for staff-side and staff relation matters should be dealt with through agreed staff-side processes. The staff elections are currently underway and some of us may not stand for, or be re-elected. We would like to thank those who have supported us during our term as governors and pass on our best wishes to those who succeed us in the role.Your staff governors Ann Marie Cox, Beth Hutton, Liz Wells, Marina Keal, Roland Woloschin, Steven Roberts

Dear carers,We are writing to you as a group of governors who represent the interests of carers at the Trust. Carers are an important part of the overall support, love and care given to service users. It is often forgotten that carers have needs of their own, they are often slow to seek help and when they try to they often go unheard. If you have good ideas about making things better for carers and for the people that carers so diligently look after, then we would like to hear from you. Your carer governorsAlan Daniels, Ian Roberts, John Clarke, Patricia Massie

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Dear public members,Did you know there are eight governors who represent the interests of the “public” members of our Trust? There is one of us for each district, borough and city council area in Lincolnshire and one for the surrounding areas. We are here to represent you in planning the Trust’s services and quality priorities. We also, along with the other governors, ensure the appointment of a high calibre chairman and non-executive directors. We are volunteers whom you have elected, so we would encourage you to contact us with your ideas, and suggestions for the priorities that the Trust should set for the delivery of good quality services.We look forward to hearing from you and meeting with you at future eventsYour public governors Audrey Pestell, Carrie Forrester, Colette Coleman, David Ogden, Geoffrey Catlin, Lawrence Abrams, Michelle Wiggins

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Governors are elected from the general public, partner organisations and staff governors. Any member of the public and staff can stand to be a governor, so long as they are over 16 years of age.

Following the recent elections, our Trust now has 33 governors, although we are permitted to have 36. They represent the following constituencies:

■ Public governors – residents of the communities we provide care for ■ Service users and carer governors – the people we care for ■ Staff governors – appointed by the people we employ ■ Partner governors – nominated by the organisations we work with

Governors are not responsible for the day-to-day running of our Trust – this rests with the Board of Directors. However, governors do provide an important advisory role to the Board of Directors; they are the eyes and ears of the membership in terms of the quality of the service our Trust provides. There are opportunities to work on specific projects and to represent the Trust locally and nationally. In summary, successful governorship is essential to a successful NHS foundation trust.

Staff governorsEvery NHS foundation trust is required to have at least three staff governors, elected by its employees. Our Council has six staff governors, elected from the separate service directorates: 1. Adult services 2. Child & family services 3. Corporate services 4. Older adult services 5. Psychological therapies & primary care 6. Specialist services

The staff governor’s role is very different from trade unions, professional bodies, and staff-side organisations. They do not deal with any individual or personal issues that may involve staff, such as disciplinary procedures or changes to staff contracts.

Public governors Every NHS foundation trust is required to have a majority of public governors on its Council of Governors. Our public governors are elected from eight separate local constituencies.

Stakeholder governors Every NHS foundation trust is required to have stakeholder governors from the primary care trust, local authorities, and contributory organisations. Our Council includes Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire County Council, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, district councils, National Offender Management Services, and NHS Lincolnshire.

For more information about becoming a governor, visit our website: www.lpft.nhs.uk and follow the link to the ‘Get Involved’ section.

What’s being a governor all about?One of the important elements of foundation trust status is the creation of a Council of Governors to hold the Trust Board of Directors to account. Governors represent all members and are a key part of the stronger governance arrangements that ensure greater accountability of foundation trusts to the local community and NHS staff.

Invite a governor to your event!If you are a member of a social group, organisation or network, why not invite one of our governors to attend a meeting? Our governors are happy to attend evening or weekend meetings too, and can talk to the group about our Trust and give members the opportunity to share their views on services. If you are interested in inviting a governor to join your event, please email: info@lpft.nhs.uk or call: 01529 222277.

New governors elected The votes have been counted and verified, and two new governors join the our Trust’s Council of Governors.

The two new governors are:Terry Farrell – Service user governor, older adult servicesSteven Roberts – Staff governor, older adult services

Terry Farrell “I have worked in adult education and industry for 52 years, from shop floor to senior management. This equips me with a

wide varied background to draw upon. With negotiation and counselling experience from both sides of the fence, I bring a balanced view to most situations. Now retired, I qualify to represent older adult service users, frequently using those services myself. In times of financial constraints, mediation and understanding are essential from service users and suppliers.”

Steven Roberts“During 17 years of dedicated practice I have actively innovated, progressed and managed both ward-based and

community older adult services; at both operational and strategic level. I also continue to undertake high-level research to forward the care of older adult service users.”

“This background affords me extensive clinical and operational knowledge and understanding of the broader political picture that informs the care decisions. I can provide the strong and knowledgeable voice our service deserves and needs.”

Lead governor, Carrie Forrester, said, “We are delighted to welcome the new governors, and look forward to working together. Governors play a very important role in the life of our Trust and we value their contribution and commitment.”

Caring on the coastCarers and caring were the focus of a Trust membership and involvement event held in Skegness in June.

Presentations were made by clinical staff and carers to the audience which included a number of local carer support organisations.

Long-term carer and Trust governor, Ian Roberts, said: “I was pleased to attend and participate in the Carer’s Involvement Day. It was interesting to hear other people’s experiences and also their concerns. All too often carers feel their voice isn’t heard, so I do hope the message is coming over that the Trust truly values their input and feedback.”

Accessing Emergency Services A 1950s ambulance rattled into Sleaford to support the Accessing Emergency Services event in May. Its presence next to the latest vehicle in the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) fleet was striking.

Presentations on how to get help from the county’s health services in an emergency were delivered by staff representing EMAS and the Trust. Health service professionals demonstrated some basic first aid skills and gave advice on when to call for professional help. EMAS gave an overview of the services they provide and talked about what happens during the patient journey.

Clinical staff from the Trust were available to talk about the range of specialist mental health and well-being services available locally and how to access them for help and support.

EMAS membership manager, Annie Palmer, said: “This was a great opportunity to learn more about our services and for us to engage with members and the public about their experiences of calling 999.”

For more details contact the Trust’s membership team by telephoning: 01529 222227

Dementia – strikes anyone at any time

Clinicians from the Trust provided information about dementia and the services available at a free public event in Spalding. Local representatives from charities and support agencies Age UK, Falls Prevention Service, First Connect and Carers Connect also participated at the event in July.

The dementia event included the Trust’s annual members’ meeting as part of the programme for the day. Trust governors, Evelyn Nicholls, Steven Roberts, Terry Farrell, Geoff Catlin, and Celia Evershed, attended the event. The governors spoke with Trust members and others present about local mental health services and how people can get more involved in Trust activities.

Evelyn Nicholls, said: “It was a very informative, worthwhile day. Lots of information was available so everyone who attended took away something that could help them. We hope to repeat this event next year in another part of the county.”

*Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7846930.stm

■ Within 10 years, one million people will be affected by dementia.

■ By 2051, this figure could double.

■ Within 30 years, dementia could be costing tax payers £50 billion a year*.

Future eventsA programme of membership and involvement events is being held around the county, each one is leading on a different mental health issue. Trust governors are always in attendance to provide the important link between local communities and mental health services.

Details of future events are listed below:

15th September - Annual Public Meeting and members’ meeting 2011 Time: 9.30am - 4:30pm Venue: The Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln

Date: 13th October Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm (doors open at 9:00am) Venue: Gainsborough Topic: Personality disorders Governor lead: Celia Evershed

Date: 19th November Time: 2pm - 5pm (doors open at 1:30pm) Venue: Stamford Topic: Learning disability Governor lead: Audrey Pestell

RESPECT: Take pride in what we do

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Trust clinical lead, Ann Dodd, said: “Selecting the right name is a crucial part of the new rehabilitation unit’s identity. Discovery House really reflects how mental health care is focused on working towards independence and recovery.”

Discovery House is due to open in February.

Time capsule As the countdown to the opening of Discovery House begins, Trust staff and service users are to bury a commemorative time capsule.

The ceremony will take place on 1st September at 11.30am in the grounds of Discovery House on Long Leys Road in Lincoln. Photographs will be encased in the capsule alongside artefacts of current life and expressions of mental health in 2011. Copies of local, regional and national newspapers will also be included to represent the news of the day. The time capsule is to be opened in 60 years’ time in 2071.

The name of our new rehabilitation unit has been unveiled. The £15 million, purpose-built facility on Long Leys Road in Lincoln will be called Discovery House.

The new unit, being built on the former St George’s hospital site, has been carefully designed to achieve the very best therapeutic and healing environment for people recovering from long-term mental health issues. The new pathways delivered through Discovery House will allow more local people to be treated closer to their own homes and the other support organisations so crucial to their longer term recovery.

New name discovered for rehab

Nomad Trust benefit from Discovery HouseContractors, Costain, who are building Discovery House, has been demonstrating that keeping a site safe can benefit everyone. Their exemplary safety record on the St George’s site has enabled Costain to donate £500 to local charity, Nomad Trust.

When a Costain construction site is able to demonstrate it is regularly meeting its company’s high health and safety standards the local site manager is given £500 to donate to a local charity.

Discovery House site manager, Kevin Miners said: “Safety is our top priority. We are very pleased to have been able to meet these standards, and as a consequence help a very worthwhile local charity.”

Ann Dodd, said: “When Kevin told me that the excellent safety on site had allowed them to be able to donate this money we were delighted. Not only is Discovery House a safe construction site, it is already helping others even before it is open for business.”

“We have an excellent relationship with Nomad Trust and we were happy to suggest them as a worthy beneficiary. Nomad Trust play a vital role in assisting our assertive outreach teams find service users a temporary place to stay, otherwise they could end up in a ward bed.”

Nomad Trust service manager, Brenda Shiels, accepted the donation on behalf of the charity; she said: “We are very grateful to Costain for this donation and to the Trust for suggesting Nomad Trust. It will really help us continue to support homeless people in the county.”

Who is the Nomad TrustThe Nomad Trust is a Lincoln based charity which helps the homeless, needy and vulnerable people by providing an emergency night shelter, a charity shop, life skills and resettlement advice.

www.nomadtrust.org.uk

Drugs & alcohol team extend Operation RudolphIt started with the simple idea of raising awareness of what services were available to help people visiting the drugs and alcohol team in Lincoln over the Christmas period. However, the event was such a success with service users that similar events are now held monthly.

Operation Rudolph was held during the weeks leading up to Christmas 2010. A number of partner agencies set up stalls in the entrance of The New Avenue (Lincoln’s drugs and alcohol centre) to engage service users and give out information about the services they provide.

Staff from both Addaction and the Trust facilitated the event and were able to get various food establishments to donate soup, bread rolls, mince pies, tea and coffee to help encourage people through the doors.

The team also erected a remembrance tree in reception where service users could add notes to remember loved ones past and present, and write about their aspirations for the future. The tree was decorated with many moving tributes, hopes and dreams.

Events are now held regularly and the team are grateful to organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Oasis, the Lincolnshire Credit Union, and Lincoln College for the information they have been able to share with service users.

Service users have really appreciated the opportunity to talk to the organisations involved. At the Lincoln College session several service users even completed application forms to attend courses in September.

For more information about the events please contact Debbie Newton, harm reduction lead coordinator on tel: 01522 301360 or email Debbie.newton@lpft.nhs.uk

L-R: Ann Dodd, Brenda Shiels, Kevin Miners

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The Trust was one of the organisations on Tony’s walk and greeted him with a welcoming reception on Lincoln’s City Square.

Tony, who started his walk in Kent, was raising funds to support the work of Breakthrough Art and the charity Combat Stress, which supports ex-service personnel with mental health problems.

Works of art produced by the Trust’s Gemini art group were on display in City Square and one of the pieces was presented to Tony for his relay. Souperb, the Trust’s promotional mobile soup kitchen handed out free organic soup tasters to passers by. The ingredients for the soup are grown on local allotments tended to by service users.

Tony, who has suffered from mental health problems himself, believes that publicising the talents of people with mental health problems can help to restore their self-worth and confidence.

National relay of artAs Tony visited each mental health organisation on his route north, he relayed a piece of art to highlight the creative talents of people who have experienced mental distress. Each piece relayed was donated by the last organisation he visited.

Trust chief executive, Chris Slavin received some artwork donated by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Art occupational therapist, Terri Overton joined Chris in presenting Tony with a

landscape of Lincolnshire produced by Gemini to take on his walk to Doncaster.

Tony said: “I had a breakdown some 20 years’ ago. I use art and campaigning on mental health issues as ways of coping when things start getting me down.”

Breakthrough Art promotes positive mental health through the creative arts. It showcases the artistic talents of people with mental health problems and campaigns to influence national policy on art and mental health. www.breakthroughmhart.com

25 Years ago, Tony Russell walked to every professional football club in England and Wales - a staggering 2,355 miles - to raise money for cancer research. In April, at the age of 56, he trekked the same epic distance - this time walking between mental health organisations.

Coast to coast walk for art’s sake

By royal invitation Trust consultant psychiatrist, Dr Anne Thompson rubbed shoulders with royalty in July when she attended a Royal Garden Party. Royal Garden Parties are held at Buckingham Palace three times a year and people from all walks of life are invited. When the Department of Health invited the Trust to put forward names to attend this year, Chairman, Eileen Ziemer nominated former winners of the Chairman’s award from the Staff Excellence Awards 2009 and 2010.

Dr Thompson’s experience:

“It was very definitely a royal event, with guardsmen wearing bearskin hats on guard, beefeaters looking like they had just slipped through a time warp, icing crowns decorating the chocolate cake and – through a sea of hats and umbrellas (hmm yes it was raining by then) – a glimpse of HRH the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.”

“The garden was surprisingly big and very peaceful for central London, with gravel paths leading round lawns, borders and a big lake. I enjoyed thinking of heads of state walking the same paths over the years while they pondered matters of national importance.

“As a party it has to be said it was sedate – tea and lemonade but no alcohol, not a public address system in sight and everyone off the premises by 6pm. But it was a happy gathering with lots of us just smiling at finding ourselves in the middle of an iconic scene. Thank you, madam Chairman.”

RESPECT: Recognise & value people’s differences

PHC receives spiritual blessingA new multi-faith room has been opened at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) in Lincoln, for people who use mental health services, their carers, NHS staff and other visitors. The room provides a space for people to practice their chosen faith or simply relax and unwind in peace and quiet away from the stresses of daily life.

The Bishop of Grantham officially opened the multi-faith room with a formal blessing of prayer followed by a sprinkling of holy water. People representing many different faiths joined him and the Trust’s chaplain, Angela Pavey for the special service in July.

Canon Angela Pavey, said: “The spiritual environment can help recovery and this new multi-faith room will give people the space they need to think and practice their faith. The room is for all faiths and none; you don’t have to be religious to use the multi faith room. It is available for anyone to use so they can be alone to contemplate in peace.”

Service user and practising muslim, Mohammed Al-tiyie, attended the ceremony; he said: “It’s wonderful to have so many people from different faiths holding out their hands to each other.”

The multi-faith room is located in the reception area of PHC and is open all day and night. It has been designed to be welcoming for all. The cupboards contain artefacts for different faiths which can be taken out and used as appropriate. It also contains a growing library of spiritual and religious books, which anyone who visits the multi faith room can use.

A new approach to alleviating the challenging behaviours of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been achieving great results.

The American-developed Nurtured Heart Approach involves helping parents refocus their emotional energy away from the problems and toward building stronger and positive relationships with their ‘intense’ child. The success of this philosophy has led to schools and forensic services being developed with Nurtured Heart at their core.

At the invitation of Trust consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Professor Sami Timimi, a workshop was held for interested clinicians by the founder of the Nurtured Heart Approach, Howard Gasser.

Howard, a self confessed former disruptive child, qualified in psychology and subsequently became a family therapist. He recognised through his own childhood experience that the recommended approaches for parenting challenging children did not work. This knowledge, combined with his academia helped him to scope out the Nurtured Heart Approach.

Sami discovered Gasser’s work as a result of his own interest and research in ADHD. Impressed by the results, Sami invited Howard to lead a clinical workshop in Sleaford. The level of interest in this teaching soon had the event oversubscribed.

Sami said: “This versatile approach can be used one-on-one, in group work with parents, and with children.”

“It helps parents re-focus their emotional energy on finding strengths and celebrating their child.”

Nurtured Heart tempers ADHD

Angela (pictured far left), Bishop of Grantham (pictured far right)

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VolunteerVoice

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Volunteers wanted for new project Volunteers are needed for just a few hours a week to help out with a new project at the Hickman Street Clinic in Gainsborough.

Volunteers are needed to welcome people attending clinic sessions by putting them at their ease and helping them whilst they are on the premises.

Volunteer services manager, Rob Kendrick, said: “Volunteers play an important role within the organisation and provide a real helping hand to staff. In return for their time, volunteers gain experience, confidence, meet new people, and make new friends. They get the chance to try new things which may help them into paid work, or a change of career in the future.”

“We need people who enjoy chatting to people they don’t know, to help them feel comfortable in a mental healthcare setting. Clinic sessions take place during the working week only. All our volunteers receive appropriate training before they start.”

Volunteers come from all backgrounds, ranging from students to those who are retired. If you are interested in giving some of your time and enthusiasm to helping others you can apply by contacting Rob Kendrick on tel: 01522 518500 or by email to: volunteerservices@lpft.nhs.uk

Jenni brings books to Boston

In-patients have received a stock of brand new books to read, thanks to a local volunteer who bid for them to mark a national book event.

World Book Night took place in March and saw one million new books given away by an army of passionate readers.

Trust volunteer, Jennifer Robbs, secured 48 brand new copies of the award-winning New Selected Poems, to give to our service users.

Jennifer runs a weekly poetry and reading group on the Rochford unit at Pilgrim Hospital. The group is well attended by service users who enjoy the mix of reminiscence and discussions of reading matter.

Earlier this year Jennifer saw an advertisement for World Book Night which promoted a range of books people could apply for to give away. Jennifer explained her role as a volunteer and the group she ran. To her surprise and delight she was one of 20,000 people chosen.

Jennifer was given copies of her selected book, which she has handed out to inpatient units around the Trust.

World Book Night is organised by the Publishers Association, the Booksellers Association, the Independent Publishers Guild, the Reading Agency with libraries, World Book Day and the BBC.

Using my love of drama to help others

Using a love of art and drama to help people with mental health problems is what volunteer, Sammy Schofield did whilst studying for her drama degree.Sammy has now finished her degree; however her passion for helping people with mental health problems express themselves through dramatic arts has been rewarding.

She has been volunteering as part of the Trust’s drama projects for over a year. At 21 she is one of our youngest volunteers and her passion and energy has really helped the young service users at Ash Villa as well as the adults involved with the ‘The Mysteries Group’. With all ages she encouraged individuals to engage with the drama activities, by helping them to express themselves through improvisation and adopting different characters.

Sammy said: “It has really opened my mind and challenged some of my stereotypes of people suffering with mental health problems. I’ve learnt a lot from the people I’ve met in the drama groups and they have really given me a different perspective on things. Working with people older than me was daunting at first, but it has helped me mature and learn different techniques for interacting with different people.”

“I’ve met people who are very unique and creative and who have some very refreshing views on the world which I have particularly liked.

“I did my final dissertation for uni on drama in the community and how it can help communication, and my volunteering has given me a helpful understanding of how my theory actually works in practice.

“I would encourage everyone to volunteer in projects and initiatives like these.”

Trust clinical studies officer, Diane Brennan, said: “We were very impressed with the level of interest in research from the group, we shared our ideas and their feedback has been very valuable in helping us to shape our plans to involve people more proactively in the work that we do.”

The Group of 1,000 concept was first suggested at the Trust’s involvement committee over a year ago. Committee member, Andrew Harrison, introduced the idea after his own experience of being involved in City of Lincoln Council’s Citizen’s Panel.

Andrew said: “It is a good way of getting together a focused active group of Trust members at short notice and to have quality outcomes.”

How it runs When there is a need to involve people externally to the Trust to provide input into surveys, focus groups, the Trust contacts the Group of 1000. It is then up to the specific service to lead on it and how they want the people who have expressed an interest to move projects forward.

At the Trust’s annual public meeting (see p6) the Group of 1,000 will be hosting a workshop to share ideas for future involvement and the benefit their direct involvement is having on improving services for more positive service user experiences.

New group has thousands of ideasIn the economic downturn, it’s even more important that everyone is aware of what they can do to help look after their mental health. Trends show that when home repossessions and unemployment increase, more people are at risk of developing serious mental health problems.

The Trust’s new Group of 1,000 is already making an impact. Over 40 members expressed an interest in mental health research. 25 members recently met with the research team to pool their ideas on how best to encourage other people to get involved with national studies.

Any one can participate in the Group of 1,000. All you need to do is contact the Trust’s membership office by telephoning: 01529 222277, or by emailing: info@lpft.nhs.uk

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Lincolnshire

Choosing Life It’s time to talk

Date: 7 September 2011Open: 10am - 4.30pmVenue: The Showroom, Tritton Road, Lincoln

Lincolnshire’s Suicide Awareness DayThis is a free and open suicide awareness and information raising day available to everyone aged 16 and over.

Suicide can touch any of our lives, in fact, at any one time 1 in 20 people are having thought of suicide. Come and find out more about reducing the risk to yourself and others. You could save a life.

Learning how to save a life at risk of suicide•Workshops on Suicide Awareness Training•Films from people that have attempted suicide•Marketplace stalls•Live music•Drama•Free entry to activity suite, climbing wall etc for people aged 16-24.*•

* Subject to first 50 places and availability of activity.

For more details contact ASIST and safeTALK lead, Ken Wilson or Sue Broadbent on:

Tel: 01529 416251 Email: sue.broadbent@lpft.nhs.uk

Care Programme Approach (CPA) is the national process used widely used across the Trust when somebody with complex care needs requires a greater degree of coordination in their care planning. A review is currently

taking place to see how this approach is put into practice in the varied services across the organisation, and Francis Willis Unit is one of the first areas to develop a set of core standards, individual to the needs of the department.

The Francis Willis Unit is a 15 bedded low secure inpatient unit which provides assessment and treatment for males aged 18 to 65 years with a primary diagnosis of mental illness, who may exhibit challenging or high risk behaviours.

To fully represent the needs of service users staying on the unit, it was important that the new standards were all developed with full involvement and consultation with carers and family and staff. This process has taken several months however the team now has an agreed set of standards that demonstrates what everyone can expect when planning care.

Service users are encouraged to write and update their own assessments and reports. A service user in Francis Willis, said:

“Things are changing for the better. There needs to be mutual respect and teamwork. Our involvement as service users is not just a token gesture.”

The new standards were officially launched in April and are being closely monitored to ensure that they are properly embedded in the unit’s approach to CPA.

Ann Munro, assessment and care planning coordinator said: “This has been an exciting project to be involved in. It is really rewarding to see the residents of Francis Willis Unit having a real say in how they want their care process to look and feel from now on.”

Francis Willis Unit pledge to involve people in care planningThe Trust has further demonstrated its commitment to involving service users in decisions about their care and treatment, by creating a set of core standards for service users at Francis Willis Unit in Lincoln.

Good practice recognisedThe work undertaken at Francis Willis Unit was recognised at the CPAA Good Practice Awards this year. The Trust was highly commended in the ‘Excellence in CPA Policy and Practice Standards’ category and Ann was presented with a certificate.

Trust governor, Pat Massie, said: “The meeting was particularly useful to the rethink group who were able to share what services are available.”

There was a range of speakers from both organisations, as well as some personal accounts of caring by young and adult carers. A number of other local charities and support organisations were also present to provide essential information to assist carers in their caring roles.

Carer, Frank Blades, said: “I thought it was a marvellous event and very well attended. It was nice to speak to other carers and share experiences.”

Both rethink and the Trust are part of the Lincolnshire Carers Partnership.

Trust involvement assistant, Marion Christopher, said: “The Trust and rethink work closely together on being more responsive to carers and working together in partnership to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

National Carers Week is organised by a partnership of nine charities: Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK and the Princess Royal Trust for carers. www.carersweek.org

The vital contribution that carers make to their families and local communities was celebrated by the Trust with mental health charity, rethink during Carers Week (13th-19th June).

A carer’s event was held at the New Life Centre in Sleaford on 14th June to highlight the unsung heroes who provide unpaid care for people who are ill, frail or disabled. Its theme was, ‘the true face of carers’ and its purpose was to generate greater recognition for the diverse range of people who give up their time, money and health to look after somebody else.

Celebrating the true face of carers

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Cash boost for child & family services

Consultant psychiatrist, professor Sami Timimi led a team from our child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in a successful application to the NHS regional innovation fund for cash to pay for a project known as Outcome Oriented CAMHS (OO-CAMHS).

Professor Timimi said: “The outcome information provided by OO-CAMHS encourages learning and improves practice in treating the individual child, their family and carer by giving the service user a central role in decision making and reducing unnecessary replication of therapeutic endeavours.”

Critical to OO-CAMHS success is the active involvement of the child and their parents in their own treatment. Progress is measured at each session which is then used to discuss progress and change the direction of treatment, type of treatment, or therapist, if this is indicated. This helps to improve outcomes, reduce drop-out rates, and ultimately saves money as it improves therapeutic efficiency.

The innovation fund award will pay for the current OO-CAMHS model practised by the CAMHS teams in Sleaford and Spalding to be enhanced to:

■ Collect real time data ■ Develop a training package to train other staff ■ Draft a manual for organising teams into an OO-CAMHS service ■ Designing a website for OO-CAMHS ■ Train other local CAMHS teams to use the OO-CAMHS model

Over the 12 months that OO-CAMHS is being funded, it is invisaged that substantial savings can be made on annual CAMHS costs. Such positive outcomes should make OO-CAMHS attractive to CAMHS teams in other parts of the country too.

Bidding for the grant involved three stages. The final stage included an event referred to as ‘the Dragon’s Lair’, where Professor Timimi and Dianne Tetley, assistant director of research and effectiveness, pitched their idea against others from across the region, giving a short presentation and taking questions from the fund panel.

East Midlands’ regional innovation fund - £400,000 has been invested in just 11 of the 84 regional projects bid. The fund offers healthcare staff the opportunity to turn their ideas for quality improvement into action to improve services.

Children and young people in Lincolnshire will benefit from a £46,000 grant to introduce a new service approach which will improve treatment and outcomes, after a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style bid.

OO-CAMHS has since been shortlisted as a finalist for a Medipex innovation award (NHS Innovation Awards & Showcase 2011).

Mosaics in Pete’s Place Service users, volunteers and staff from the day ward at Lincoln’s Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) came together earlier this year to make a mosaic for the garden at Pete’s Place. A ceramic mosaic depicts the name of the garden and it is fixed in the courtyard garden. Small images have been created in tiles to symbolise activities that take place at PHC, for example, a book to symbolise the library, a cup and saucer for the café, scissors for crafts, and a plant for the garden.

The Ecominds project based in Norton Big Wood, is now up and running offering a programme to help people with experience of mental distress get involved in local environmental projects. The programme is designed to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing by involving people with in a range of volunteering activities.

The project is currently offering practical outdoor skills in fire lighting, using basic hand tools, building basic wooden shelters, rope working (knots and lashings), woodland management skills (coppicing, tree felling and ancient woodland management) and basic outdoor cooking skills. There are also opportunities to develop more creative skills including photography, art, drama, music, willow weaving, green woodworking, and wood sculpturing.

Anyone who has experience of a mental health problem can participate in the programme, which is planned and developed by Nikki Gibson an occupational therapist (on secondment from the Trust), and Ian Beeson, woodland ranger, who both work for the Ecominds project.

During their time with the project, people can develop their creative thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. The activities can increase confidence and develop self-esteem, and participants learn to work as a team and develop their social skills as part of the many activities they can get involved in. New skills are learnt whilst re-engaging with previous skills and interests to develop and sustain motivation, purposeful activity and occupations.

Currently the programme runs five days a week (Mon to Fri) and can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. You don’t have to be directly referred by a health professional to get involved and can contact the team direct if you feel this is something that you could benefit from.

The programme is currently free, apart from a small charge for transport, which has local pick-ups around the Lincoln area. People from other areas in the county who may want to be involved can also come along, however there is currently no transport provision outside Lincoln.

Kevin, who is currently one of the Ecominds volunteers taking part in the programme, told us that the work has been really beneficial to his lifestyle. He said:

“I really enjoy my time at the project and am glad I’ve got involved. It’s nice to have something constructive to do with my time and I’ve learnt some great skills since I started to come along.”

Duncan, another participant at the project added:

“It is so peaceful here and I get to work at my own speed and skill level. I particularly enjoy getting to watch the local nature and learning all the new skills I’m being taught whilst taking part.”

The Trust fully supports the work of the Hill Holt Wood Ecominds project and has been working closely to support the development of the project. Paul Jackman, associate director of strategic partnerships, said:

“The Trust has been working with Hill Holt Wood in setting up this project because it is exactly the kind of scheme that can make a very real and positive difference for people’s lives. Already we have seen some fantastic personal success stories and we will continue to work with Hill Holt Wood and others on developing a community support network for people with mental health problems right across Lincolnshire.”

For more information contact Nikki at Hill Holt Wood on tel: 01636 892836/ 07582937244 or email nikki@hillholtwood.com

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Earlier this year Trust care ambassador and clinical systems trainer, Kevin Atterbury, was joined by student nurse, Megan Woods at a World of Work event with year 11 students at Kesteven & Sleaford Girls High School.

At the event students had the opportunity to talk to and hear from real people doing real jobs. Kevin talked about the different opportunities provided by nursing, and in particular those available in mental health nursing.

Feedback from the school has been very positive. Some of the comments by students on Kevin’s presentation are listed below:

■ Gave lots of useful information about all different jobs in psychology. The trainee mental health nurse gave lots of good info on courses at uni.

■ I want to do psychology and this helped me. I learnt a lot about possible careers.

■ Their presentation inspired me to consider forensic psychology.

Kevin is one of 20 people that work for the Trust, who have volunteered to act as care ambassadors. They represent the Trust, and the nursing profession in general by going into schools to discuss the range of work opportunities available and the study routes into those careers.

Kevin said: “In a competitive jobs market students need to have the right information about the career path they want to undertake. Care ambassadors give a good insight into the different types of work that the Trust undertakes in helping people with mental health problems. The help and guidance we give students now can help us attract the right people later on who may wish to come and work for us.”

Care ambassadors

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Ecominds at Big WoodPeople with mental health problems are learning the benefits of the outdoor environment with a new environmental social enterprise in the county.

Following a successful bid for National Lottery funding, and support from national mental health charity Mind and the Trust, environmental social enterprise, Hill Holt Wood, has extended its current programme to now offer adults with mental health problems a refuge and place to learn a range of new skills.

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Guest speaker, Professor Mal Leicester, talked about difference and discrimination which was followed by lively debate and discussion. This event is one of the regular recovery and hope forums which provide an open public opportunity for reflective practice and informal discussions around issues relating to mental health.

Trust NHS specialist practice educator, Cathy McNulty, who organises the forums, said: “These events do great work to challenge mental health discrimination and Professor Leicester’s presentation gave us a lot to think about.”

Personal recovery & attitudeIn May the forum discussed personal recovery and changes in attitude towards mental health.

Glyn Butcher, a carer for 27 years, and service user for 15 years, talked about how changes in attitude towards mental health can make a real difference in personal recovery. He drew on his own personal experiences to provide a fascinating presentation on coping with mental health issues.

Clinical coordinator, Ann Dodd, said: “I was so impressed with Glyn. The student nurses in the audience said they had learnt more about mental health and the service user experience in one hour with Glyn than a term in university. Their tutor said it had opened her eyes to learning in different ways.”

For more details about these forums, please contact Yvonne Swain on 01529 307 733 or email yvonne.swain@lpft.nhs.uk.

Talking about mental illness

The latest in a series of mental health forums examined the subject of difference and discrimination towards mental health at an event in July.

Sherrie is always accompanied by her owner, volunteer Christine Addlesee, who is a member of the national charity, Pets As Therapy.

Sherrie helps Occupational therapy assistant, Tyrone Halliday, recognises the therapeutic benefits of Pets As Therapy dogs. He said:

“Everyone enjoys meeting and spending time with Sherrie. She is very well behaved and people’s faces light up when they see her. Some of our more withdrawn service users do relax more in her company, and that has a lasting benefit on their well-being long after she has gone home.”

Dog-gone forensics! Sherrie is a five-year-old greyhound who visits staff and service users at the Francis Willis Unit each month. Sherrie’s appearances at the adult male forensic mental health unit give the resident service users the opportunity to interact with her and a break from the unit’s clinical environment.

Easy as ABC!Clinical systems trainer, Kevin Atterbury, has qualified as a trainer to help Trust staff with disabilities to use IT systems.Kevin’s training in Texthelp Read & Write Gold will allow him to help staff with reading and writing difficulties use computer systems more easily.

Kevin said: “We do employ staff who suffer from dyslexia and we use a number of tools to help them function in their roles. This training allows me to support members of staff who are having difficulties with their literacy.”

Cathy

Acorn music group has been meeting weekly for the past three years in Boston to provide musical creativity in a friendly, safe environment. Service users and their carers can play instruments and sing to enhance their abilities, build on their self-confidence and improve their social skills.

Acorn’s objectives are team working, while retaining individuality; reducing the stigma of mental illness labels; practical peer support; and integration into the wider community.

The group’s members’ abilities range from those who have been singing or playing instruments for many years, to those who have never had any musical involvement before.

Acorn’s membership has steadily increased with its popularity. It is headed up by volunteer, Neave Taylor and his wife, Annette. They meet every Friday at The Acorn Centre on Horncastle Road in Boston from 11am to 1pm.

Neave said: “If you just get pleasure from music and good company then this is a positive place to be. The music is varied; we can accommodate anyone. A natural development of making music together and socialising has led to group members to support each other with practical issues, everything from giving each other lifts to resolving much more demanding problems.”

Music group soothes the soul

Making music and singing are sources of expression which provide valuable outlets for many people. It is particularly therapeutic for individuals with complex communications needs who find it difficult to process their emotional experiences verbally.

New members who currently have a care coordinator are welcome to join the group. For more joining details, please call Trust community psychiatric nurse Karen Le Boeuf on tel: 01205 445151

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This publication can also be made available in large print, other languages, braille, audio or electronic formats.

This magazine is printed from 100% sustainable source materials. Please recycle when you have finished reading.

Double win for young carersYoung carers from the Lincolnshire Young Carers Partnership not only scooped a national Healthcare People Management Association Excellence award but also the judge’s special award.

The awards were given for the young carers See Me Talk to Me project. The project raises awareness of young carer’s issues with health care professionals; one of its successes has been the young carers’ card. The judges were bowled over by the carers’ positive can-do attitude and by the vast potential for rolling out the scheme. They felt it was a brilliant, original and inspirational project, which has challenged the professionals to confront age discrimination. One judge commented “the young carers project was one of the most fantastic projects I have seen in a long time” (sic).

Carers lead, Sarah Oliver, said: “Young carers have been the driving force behind the See Me Talk to Me project. The Young Carers Card was designed and developed by this project. Winning two awards is a fantastic achievement and recognises the massive amount of work young carers have put in to this project.”

■ There are approximately 6,000 young carers in Lincolnshire. ■ Action for Young Carers works with some 1,500 young carers in Lincolnshire. ■ 140 Young carers now carry the Lincolnshire Young Carers Card.

Lincolnshire Young Carers Partnership was set up on April 2008 as a way of giving young carers a voice and to ensure support for young carers in Lincolnshire. The card is designed and developed by Young Carers themselves.

For more details about this organisation, contact: Simon Murphy Lincolnshire Carers Partnership Officer Tel: 01522 554214 email: simon.murphy@lincolnshire.gov.uk

HeadworxYoung people’s page

Garden fete at Ash Villa – a thank youA big thank you goes to every one who supported the Ash Villa garden fete in July. It was a fabulous day with lots of people helping out and contributing all sorts of items, from plants to cakes, football shoot out, guess the sweets, and craft stalls. Prizes were donated by local organisations to the big raffle.The fete raised a massive £500 which will help support activities for all the young people at Ash Villa such as horse riding and their recent purchase of bikes.

Ash Villa is holding a ball in February 2012 with a raffle and auction.

For details and tickets contact Trudi Dowson at Ash Villa on tel: 07824 397570 or email trudi.dowson@lpft.nhs.uk

Make a difference, Lost Luggage needs youA group of young people whom wanted to make a difference to local child and adolescent mental health services formed Lost Luggage a few years ago.

They get involved with lots of interesting activities and are always looking for new members to join the group. You don’t have to have a mental health problem to be involved with the group. If you are aged between 12 and 17 years and are interested in mental health issues, we’d like to hear from you.

Contact Amy or Kerry on email: lostluggage@lpft.nhs.uk or tel: 01522 535189. There are more details on the ‘Get Involved’ section of our website: www.lpft.nhs.uk