Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

We would like to thank the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for being a stakeholder in the Lincoln Independent over the 12-month period April 2023 to March 2024 inclusive.

The Trust’s support has helped the magazine achieve its ambitions of being a fantastic community resource for the people of Lincoln and the surrounding area.

Thanks to LPFT and other stakeholders we were able to set up a Community Interest Company in November 2023 to underscore that community focus.

In return we have enhanced and enriched the community’s knowledge of the many and various services the Trust, through its dedicated staff, provides. We hope the partnership can continue.

Contact Rachel 07983 460640 or Amanda on 07816 675011

Carol and colleagues clock up almost 1,500 years with NHS

DEDICATED NHS staff at Lincolnshire’s mental health, learning disabilities and autism trust have had their decades of service recognised at a special celebration event.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) recognised the work of 62 staff from across a range of county services who between them have accomplished an impressive 1,480 years of loyal service.

Celebrating 40 years is Carol Rogers, a Senior Occupational Therapist working at Langworth Ward (dementia service) in Lincoln. Carol has been in the NHS since 1982, starting work at St John’s Hospital which was under the North Lincolnshire Health Authority before care in the community was introduced.

In 2005, she trained as an Occupational Therapist and has since been working with older adults with dementia which is her passion.

“LPFT has seen many changes but I have always felt very supported. The Trust has given me the wonderful opportunity to train and qualify as an Allied Health Professional, teaching me skills to make a difference in people’s lives.

“Despite the challenges, the NHS has so much to offer in terms of a career and I have met so many wonderful colleagues.

“The most rewarding part of my role is connecting with and seeing the essence of the person living with dementia, which can come as part of the patient-centred care and teamwork we provide. I also feel incredibly lucky to be able to support carers and families through such a

difficult time, especially when we manage to help patients to return home.”

Sarah Connery, Chief Executive, added: “It is a great honour to be able to congratulate so many passionate staff who have dedicated so much of their lives to working for the NHS. We understand how important it is to recognise the amazing efforts of our staff and particularly reward them when they achieve such impressive milestone years.

“They are a credit to LPFT and the NHS. I hope many others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps, make a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire, and launch a rewarding career.”

Find out more about working for LPFT at www.lpft.nhs.uk/work-for-us

ONE of the last campaigns of St Barnabas Hospice 40th-anniversary celebrations, 40 Faces of Hospice Care – has been launched. Each Friday over 40 weeks, the hospice will share a photo and the story of one of the founders, staff members, volunteers and supporters who have helped contribute to the vital care St Barnabas can provide to those living with a life-limiting or terminal illness and their families. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Choose to be amazing

CHOOSE to be amazing everyday, choose to work for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

That’s the message from the Trust (LPFT), which provides mental health services and a number of learning disability, autism and social care services in Lincolnshire.

It has around 2,800 members of staff who are all focused on providing the best possible care and support helping people to live well in their communities.

And the Trust is currently looking for Healthcare Support Workers to join the teams in Lincolnshire. This could be working on one of the inpatient wards in Lincoln or Boston, on rehabilitation wards at Discovery House on Long Leys Road in Lincoln, on older adult wards at Witham Court in North Hykeham or be based at one of our community teams scattered all over the county.

John (above right) one of our Senior Healthcare Support Workers at Witham Court, said: “I’ve been here for almost 10 years. It is a great job where I can make a real difference to our patients and their families/carers.”

Karen Christer, Associate Director of People at LPFT, comments: “We’re looking for kind and friendly people who like to help and support others.You don’t need to have worked in a hospital before as we will provide you with all the training you need.”

“Alongside our registered practitioners, you will help people struggling with their mental health.”

Becky (above) one our Healthcare Support Workers who works on our inpatient wards at Lincoln County Hospital, explaiined: “The job is so varied and exciting. One day I’ll be supporting a patient getting out of bed or helping them with their meals and personal care. Other days I will just talk and listen to them, or we can play games, do some colouring, or help to write down their feelings and plans for the future.

“A lot of the time it is just being there with a

smile, a listening ear and a positive focus. Everyone needs a bit of help now and again!

“I’m so passionate about my job and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who likes to help people. Alongside making a real difference to our patients, you get to work with some amazing people.”

Karen added: “The team is made up of nurses, doctors, occupational therapists and healthcare workers amongst others. We all work really closely together, supporting each other and getting on really well– it’s a bit like a big family!

“Our services run 24 hours a day and for some roles you may be asked to work weekends, for which you will receive an enhanced rate of pay. Of course, we can talk this through with you so we can fit around your commitments.”

Search www.lpft.nhs.uk/jobs or LPFT Careers to find out more.

Celebrating a decade of LAAT

THIS year marks the 10th anniversary of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT).

The Trust’s 20 member schools, comprising more than 4,000 pupils and over 600 staff, are celebrating this major milestone with some fun-filled events and activities.

The Trust will be fundraising throughout the year in aid of its newly set up Love As Action - Together Fund and on June 26 staff, pupils and other key people who have played a role in LAAT’s journey so far will come together for a huge celebratory service at Lincoln Cathedral.

How it all began

Jackie Waters-Dewhurst, now CEO of LAAT had a vision to create a Church Multi Academy Trust that would allow church schools to remain as church schools and continue the legacy of 200 years of church school education based on Christian values.

However, there was no blueprint or support to guide Jackie and her colleagues and she recalls that many people said that they could not do it. Determined to prove the doubters wrong, LAAT was established in 2013 by the Diocese of Lincoln to build a mutually supportive family of academies in Greater Lincolnshire who support each

other in providing the very best outcomes for their pupils. Ten years on and LAAT has grown into a successful Trust with 20 thriving schools, an income of c£18 million.

Supporting school improvement

LAAT continues to support school improvement and Christian distinctiveness, whilst maintaining each school as a special and unique place/ LAAT has been approved by the Department of Education as an academy sponsor to operate a number of academies under a single charitable company. It welcomes applications from Voluntary Controlled,Voluntary Aided and Community schools from the full spectrum of Ofsted judgements. “As part of its anniversary celebrations LAAT has set up the Love As ActionTogether Fund aimed at supporting school children who, through financial hardship, are lacking the things they need to access the full life of school and the curriculum,” said Jackie, Member schools and the Trust’s central team are invited to join the fundraising effort to try and remove barriers, promote equality and champion inclusivity.

Building on success

As she looks back over the past 10 years, Jackie is full of hope for the future.

“LAAT’s family of schools has grown beyond our 2013 imaginings and we are committed to building on this success in the years ahead for the benefit of our children, their families and our wonderful staff. We believe it’s been a journey worth celebrating and this year that’s exactly what we’re going to do!”

“I can make a real difference to people’s lives and I work in an amazing team”

PATIENTS living with dementia in Lincolnshire have had their stories and memories shared in a powerful video released in May.

Ten patients from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LPFT) Langworth Ward in Lincoln have had their hands pictured to show the person behind the dementia diagnosis.

Pictures have been shared alongside favourite memories such as twirling around dancefloors, looking after children, making sandcastles on the beach, swinging golf clubs, rescuing people from fires, knitting and making things.

These memories have then been put together in a moving video, which was released as part of Dementia Action Week - see

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Ue8mwt7xkc0

Anita Laskey, is an activity coordinator on Langworth ward: :Patients are with us for a short period of time for assessments, care and treatment. Sometimes people struggle to share how they are feeling, what they need and what is important to them, so we

work with their carers and loved ones to help us understand more – learning about what they did in the past, what they may enjoy doing now, who is important to them and key moments in their life.

By doing this, we can create meaningful activities on the ward which help our patients to relax, reminisce and most importantly, make them smile!

“Sophie, one of our current patients, remembers making sandcastles on the beach, so we try to create and do activities which help her remember how she felt at the time. Dennis, another patient, grew his own vegetables, so we try to get him involved in planting activities.”

Jackie Tyson, staff governor older people and frailty at LPFT, adds: “For us, providing person-centred care is key to supporting patients to live as well as they can with dementia, to socialise, communicate and to continue living a meaningful life. This video is an example of how we try to see the person, not the dementia.”

https://www.lpft.nhs.uk/ourservices/older-adults/memoryassessments

TWO new, mental health wards at Lincoln’s Peter Hodgkinson Centre have opened to patients.

The £24m awardwinning development on the Lincoln County Hospital site has been designed with the help of service usersExperts by Experienceand offers private, stateof-art accommodation and care.

See the August edition for full story.

£24m wards ready to help patients in crisis

David proud of Invictus invite

MENTAL health worker David Argyle

has been selected to represent Team UK at the Invictus Games in Germany in September. David, who now works for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), previously served in the RAF for 20 years. He was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans and Osteoarthritis in the later stage of his career, which led to his medical discharge. He said: “My family have been my rock; without their support I wouldn’t be at this point. I have also been very lucky in the fact that since my employment in 2018, LPFT have been very supportive with regards to my ongoing health needs. Because of my personal journey, I find it easier to identify with people who are struggling with their mental health.”

Dave is now an Assistant Practitioner in Lincolnshire’s Child and Adolescent Mental

Joining forces to tackle dementia

WOULD you like to help health professionals and charity workers tackle dementia?

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), which provides mental health services in Lincolnshire, has joined forces with Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire (AUKLSL), a local independent charity which supports older people, to promote a range of research studies.

The aim of the collaboration is to get local people to join the National Health and

Care Research (NIHR) funded studies to improve knowledge and understanding of various mental health illnesses thereby improving the care and support services available for those affected.

LPFT’s Clinical Research Manager, Tracy McCranor, said: “Taking part in research is a rewarding experience and your chance to influence how care and treatment is delivered in the future.”

Visit https://www.joindementiaresearch .nihr.ac.uk to take part.

Health Services Learning Disabilities Team

He is delighted to be joining the 59 strong UK contingent of armed forces veterans and serving personnel at the games, competing in wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. He added: “I’m immensely proud to have been selected for Team UK. If you’d asked me even a few months ago, I wouldn’t have believed in a million years that I would have this opportunity..”

Anita retires after 40 years

ANITA Lewin (pictured) has retired after spending her four-decade career dedicated to mental health services in Lincolnshire.

Anita started as a dinner lady at Rauceby Hospital, completed her nurse training and, before she retired, held the post as Director of Nursing, overseeing the support and development of nursing, allied health professionals and social workers across the broad range of services LPFT provides.

Anita has also spearheaded LPFT’s pandemic response, ensuring staff and service users were kept safe during one of the most challenging periods for the NHS.

Anita said: “I’ve been so incredibly grateful for the range of opportunities I’ve had over the years. There is something very special about LPFT and I’ve been so proud and privileged to have been a nurse and helped support so many patients and their families.”

(left)

Learning from life drawing

ARTIST Tom Humby’s work covers a wide range of media and styles, but he recommends life drawing for its creative and therapeutic benefits. He leads a life drawing session once a month at Southside Community arts venue on Lincoln’s Colegrave Street after attending different classes all over the country for 20 years.

Tom graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2004 with a BA Hons in Illustration: “Although I do get the odd illustration and graphics job here and there, most of my work would be considered fine art. I can produce digital work, but I consider computers just another tool. These days there’s an over reliance on them and I prefer to produce work with my own hands. I’ve always had a natural affinity with paint.”

In the studio Tom works on medium to large scale seascapes and landscapes in oil. “In the last few years, I have tended to

produce more figurative work. I prefer to use oil, but the slow drying time means it’s not always practical. I’ve been experimenting a lot with using copper as a canvas. This is actually a very old technique that appears to be making a bit of a comeback.”

Outside of the studio he produces smaller works and his artist’s kit bag has evolved from experimenting with different media that was more practical to carry around.”

This is the kit he uses for life drawing classes: “I consider life drawing essential practice for any artist. But as well as the means of honing your skills there’s a definite therapeutic quality to it. It can be very mindful.You are present and focused on one task without distractions. Get yourself in the zone and it’s almost meditative. I definitely feel it has a positive effect on my mental health.”

On his return to Lincoln at the end of 2022 Tom found there were few life drawing class options in the city.

“The last few years I had often thought

“I can make a real difference to people’s lives and I work in an amazing team”

about running my own classes, so I think there was a bit of serendipity involved when I found Southside. I couldn’t have hoped for a better venue. I really wanted to take some of the best elements of classes I’ve attended throughout the years and make relaxed and approachable sessions for people of all skills. So, if you’re out there and you’ve wanted to give it a try please come down to Southside.”

See our listings pages or visit www.southsidelincs.com

Patients’ awards nod for restraint video

PATIENT power has once again helped shape the future of mental health care across Lincolnshire through a collaboration on a video about the use of restraint.

As a result the patients, who all receive care from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), have been nominated in the Community and Collaboration Award category at the National Service User Awards.

The six-minute footage was recorded in Lincoln’s new multimillion pound mental health wards, explores the perspectives of a patient being physically restrained and that of others on the ward who watch it unfold.

Patient input at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (pictured) has already earned the Trust national recognation and a Best Service User Engagement Award by using ‘Experts through Experience’ to help design the facility

The restraint video will now be used to educate staff within the Trust who are given physical restraint training to be used as a last resort as part of their patient facing roles. Staff who have already watched the video described it as “really emotive”, “powerful” and “showing a real positive approach to coproduced work”.

One of the patients who was involved in the production said: “I loved making the film, it was so much fun! I will remember that day for the rest of my life.”

The team have already had requests from two other NHS Trusts to use the film as part of their

training and a second film will be produced later in the year. Ben Raynor, Senior Prevention Management of Violence and Aggression Instructor at LPFT, agreed that the video is a great example of the power of co-production and ensuring the voices of patients, carers and families are heard.

He said: “Using physical restraint is always a last resort when it comes to patient care.

“We asked for the unique perspective of our patients to allow us to make a positive difference to our training.

“It has been really beneficial and will encourage reflection and influence change across the organisation thanks to the involvement of our fantastic patients.”

Louise Bannister, Ward Manager at Francis Willis Unit in Lincoln, added: “Yet again the patients have stepped up to the challenge and surpassed all expectations.

“I am incredibly proud of all that they continue to achieve.

“Being finalists for these awards is the recognition that they deserve and we have our fingers crossed for the ceremony later this month.”

Design award for new PHC project

A NATIONAL award has recognised the impact of involving mental health service users to help design the two new wards at Lincoln’s Peter Hodgkinson Centre. Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) won the Best Service User Engagement Award at the Design in Mental Health Awards in June. It was also shortlisted as one of the top three projects in the UK for the Project of the Year – New Build.

Judges found the Castle and Ellis wards underlined the Trust’s ‘commitment to eradicating outdated shared dormitories from its sites’.

Throughout the development LPFT engaged with experts by experience, service users, staff and carers alongside key stakeholders from the wider health and care system, to ensure all plans were thoroughly informed by and co-created with the communities it will serve.

Sarah Cox, LPFT’s participation coordinator, who runs the Building Together focus group is pictured (centre) receiving the award at the Design in Mental Health conference: “I am extremely proud of the dedication, passion and commitment the Building Together Focus Group (BTFG) has given as part of this project.

“We set up the BTFG in February 2021 to work alongside the Project Team to offer feedback, comments and views on the design and build

of our new wards.

“The group has been involved in decisions regarding the furnishings, decoration, signage and technology and has felt included and valued throughout the build project. We are absolutely delighted that the achievements of the group have been recognised at the National Design in Mental Health Awards.”

Mark Platts, LPFT’s Director of Finance and Information, added: “I am so proud of the team and everyone involved in the project. By working with service users and experts by experience, we’ve created an environment which is relevant, therapeutic and fit for the future. It is a real accolade to be highlighted as one of the best mental health projects in the UK.”

University students work with stakeholders to create artwork

THE Peter Hodgkinson Centre project team also worked with the University of Lincoln’s School of Creative Arts to create mindfulness artworks for the courtyard areas.

Students Lottie Woodard, Bailey Revill and Erin Taylor were among those included on project briefings including those with architect Sharlene McFarlane of Gilling Dod and workshops using what they had learned were then held back on campus. They also spoke to service users about their experiences and what kind of artwork they would like to see.

“This has been an amazing experience and one we’ve learned so much from, especially the impact art can have on mental health,” said Bailey.

Associate Professor Rachel Baynton said: “It’s been wonderful to support our students to work with current patients and LPFT staff, and to really see the powerful connection between art and wellness.

“For many of them this has been a first experience of applying their skills and talent in clinical settings, and

working directly with a community.

“We’re delighted with the results of this collaborative process and ho the artwork in the courtyard helps people for many years to come.”

The students and project members are pictured by the artwork with University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor Neal Juster (far left).

£24m mental health wards take care to the next level

TWO state-of-the-art mental health wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre in Lincoln will ensure patients in crisis have space, dignity and feel part of their recovery process. Based at Lincoln County Hospital and run by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), the two new £24m wards, Castle and Ellis have 38 private ensuite bedrooms, multi-purpose community areas and relaxing outside spaces.

This development is part of an ambitious £37m plan to update facilities across Lincolnshire and provide single ensuite rooms for all patients, removing old and outdated shared dormitory accommodationplanning permission was recently granted for a 19-bed ward in Boston.

The new Lincoln building has been designed in partnership with patients, staff, carers and people who have previously used LPFT’s services –designated experts by experience.

These included Liz Hawker of Lincoln, who has previously been in Ward 12 at Boston Pilgrim Hospital .

“My experience wasn’t great and I thought if I could do something to improve things, then I should be involved in the project.”

Watching the development of the PHC site Liz knows her views and those of others have been listened to.

“One of the biggest things was privacy and having your own space as well as feeling you have some control,” said Liz, who is still involved with the Boston

development.

“It has been a privilege to be part of this - taking mental health care to the next level. Patients will have their own space and will be treated with respect and dignity. I would love to be a fly on the wall when the patients come in and see it.”

All 38 bedrooms are on ground level, have outside views and are equipped with the latest technology, which enables patients to monitor their treatment.

Sarah Connery, Chief Executive at LPFT, said: “We are delighted with our new wards. As soon as you enter, the bright and spacious environment is immediately inviting and there are lots of windows which bring natural light onto the ward area. “The outside areas are fantastic and will really give our patients the space they need to help them on their recovery journey.”Kevin Lockyer, Chair of LPFT, adds: “I am really proud that we have been able to work so closely with current patients, experts by experience, families and carers. They have been deeply involved in everything from construction to room layouts and colour choices to furniture options. These two wards will help us provide the best possible care for

people when they need it most.”

Brian Fitzgerald, an expert by experience at the Trust, said: "It's been great to use my own lived experience from using services to help build and shape the project. For me, it helped increase my self esteem as I felt like I was giving back to services which have supported me so well. It has been a real privilege to be involved in creating such a great space.”

In celebration of the opening, a time capsule has been buried full of artwork from current patients and staff, hopefully to be opened by service users in 100 years’ time.

Expert by experience Liz Hawker (centre) cuts the ribbon to open Ellis and Castle Wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre watched by Mayor of Lincoln, Cllr Biff Bean (centre right) and LPFT Chief Executive Sarah Connery (far left).

On site pictures: Chris Vaughan.

AERIAL PICTURE: LEE BLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

City shows its support with pride

LINCOLN Pride has been described as a fantastic event by the county’s police chief.

Around 3,000 people attended the mainly happy and peaceful event and Chief of Lincolnshire Police Constable Chris Haward said his officers’ interaction with the crowds showed their human side behind the uniform.

“I’m really pleased to have seen so many of our officers and staff engaging in the way they did. This can only help to build the trust and confidence our LGBTQ+ communities have in us and show that Lincolnshire Police are here to support them and keep them safe.”

The Chief Constable had been urged by the Peter Tatchell Foundation to apologise for ‘the witch-hunting’ of the LGBTQ+ community in the past. His post Pride statement did just that: “This will help to restore trust and confidence that has been affected by past injustices and inequity due to historical laws, policies and processes not always being used correctly. As Chief Constable I am sorry our LGBTQ+ communities have been disproportionately affected in this way and there is no doubt this has damaged their trust in the police. I want to make sure we move forward in a positive way and deliver a service that is reflective and inclusive of all the communities we serve, treating everyone fairly, with respect, to ensure they are protected from discrimination.”

Ahead of Lincoln Pride three rainbow benches were unveiled to brighten up the High Bridge and celebrate the diversity of the city.

“These rainbow benches are a visual representation of Lincoln’s dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting an inclusive atmosphere for all residents and visitors,” explained Jack Marshall,Vice Chair of Lincoln Pride UK.

The benches on High Bridge were provided through the collaboration of Lincoln BIG, City of Lincoln Council, and Lincoln Creates to bring a symbol of unity and acceptance to the heart of the city. www.lincolnpride.co.uk

“I can make a real difference to people’s lives and I work in an amazing team”

Community care expanded

MORE people in Lincolnshire will be supported back to living independently, with the expansion of community mental health rehabilitation service for those with severe and long-term difficulties.

The service is being expanded following the permanent closure of Ashley House, a mental health rehabilitation ward in Grantham first shut in February 2021 following staffing pressures.

During its closure Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) piloted a new community rehabilitation approach. This had such a positive impact that it was decided not to reopen the ward and expand the community rehabilitation team to cover the entire county instead.

shown just how successful this approach can be in reducing hospital admissions and improving people’s experiences and confidence.

“Feedback through consultation told us people preferred receiving care in the community rather than in hospital and our data has continued to show we can meet demand for this type of care in our remaining unit in Boston or through the community rehabilitation service - meaning even less people will have to travel for hospital care, as they will be able to receive care in their local community.

The team will provide intensive community support to enable more people to get back to living independently in their community.

Chris Higgins, Director of Operations at LPFT (pictured) said: “Providing more mental health support closer to people’s homes, rather than in hospital is an ambition for both the Trust and NHS nationally. The introduction of community rehabilitation in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Grantham over the past two years has

“We were also able to seek an independent view from clinicians across the East Midlands Clinical Senate and Lincolnshire Health Scrutiny Committee, who supported this as a future approach.”

Funding previously allocated to Ashley House will be used to to recruit and expand the team to all areas of the county. It is expected to take around nine months to fully mobilise countywide.

The Trust will also now be working with local partners in NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board and Lincolnshire County Council to assess how the vacant ward could now be used in the future.

Find out how talking helps

A SPECIAL event on World Mental Health Day will help people find out more about Lincolnshire’s mental health talking therapies service.

Lincolnshire Talking Therapies, a service provided by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, works specifically with people experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.

The service has helped thousands of people since it launched in 2008 and earlier this year adopted its new name, having previously been called Steps2Change.

A virtual celebration event has been planned for Tuesday, October 10, when anyone is welcome to attend to here of speakersincluding a former patient and a range of teams (pictured right) that work with the service.

Claire Hancox, Service Manager for Lincolnshire Talking Therapies, said: “We are really proud of the service we offer and want to use World Mental Health Day as a chance to say that although we have a different name, we are still providing the same treatments.

Book your place on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lincolnshire-talkingtherapies-celebration-event-tickets-698325017927?aff=oddtdtcreator.

New psychological cancer support service launched

NEW figures reveal one in four people living with cancer in the East Midlands are struggling with their mental wellbeing.

A new Macmillan Cancer Support service has been launched in Lincolnshire to help people struggling with complex psychological needs as a result of their cancer diagnosis.

The statistics from Macmillan show that people with cancer in the East Midlands are more likely than average to be affected by sadness or depression or worry, fear or anxiety as a result of their diagnosis, with one in four (27% - equating to more than 50,000 people in the region) currently struggling with these feelings compared with 24% of people with cancer in England overall.

The Macmillan Cancer Psychology Service Lincolnshire, developed in partnership with the East Midlands Cancer Alliance and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will fund a team of four clinical psychologists to work across the county to provide this vital support.

Through a series of fully personalised therapy sessions the service aims to improve quality of living for people with cancer, whether newly diagnosed or at end of life.

It is hoped that the psychological support could also have a positive impact on cancer survival rates and help to reduce emergency hospital admissions.

Natalie Leatherland, 34, from Grantham, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 when she was six weeks pregnant. Going through cancer while pregnant, and then afterwards coping with being a new mum alongside treatment, led Natalie into depression and anxiety.

Natalie was referred to Clinical Psychologist Jennifer Carty, from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who supported her throughout the experience.

When Natalie was nine weeks pregnant she had a mastectomy and lymph node removal. She started chemotherapy when she was 16 weeks pregnant, with every cycle followed by a scan to check on her baby’s health.

She said: “Straight after surgery they checked the baby was okay and he was. His heartbeat was really strong and I knew he was a fighter and that we’d get through this. That was the first time I allowed myself to bond with him.”

Treatment was paused while she gave birth to baby Theodore and resumed again when he was just four weeks old.

Natalie said: “After Theodore was born, that’s when my mental health hit its biggest wall. I came home and my husband who had been my rock, suddenly had to take care of Theo. All I could see was more chemo, another surgery and radiotherapy to get through. Everything felt too much. I felt like I couldn’t be his mother because I was too ill. I just needed it all to stop. Jen was there for me. She was the anchor in the storm. I always say more people need a Jen in their lives.”

“Natalie has now finished treatment and has just celebrated Theo’s first birthday.

She said: “I can honestly say I have never been happier. I’m finding my feet with being a mum and starting to live again.”

Ruth Willis, Macmillan Partnership Manager, said: “Being diagnosed with cancer can be a traumatic experience, with many people experiencing psychological needs on top of their physical

support service operating in Lincolnshire, with very long waiting times. We’ve worked closely with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to fill this gap and ensure people can access the vital psychological support they need.”

Chris Higgins, Director of Operations at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust added: “We recognise that people’s mental health and wellbeing can be significantly impacted by having a cancer diagnosis and so our aim is to ensure individuals living with cancer, as well as their families and carers, receive the help they need to maximise their quality of life.”

f you are living with cancer in Lincolnshire, speak to your healthcare professional for more information and to find out if you are eligible for support.

Creative care leads to national award

A LINCOLN mental health team which supports children and young people has won a prestigious national award.

Lincoln Core CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), a team provided by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT), has been crowned Psychiatric Team of the Year: Children and Adolescents in the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) Awards.

RCPsych is the professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers and in setting and raising standards of psychiatry in the United Kingdom. The RCPsych Awards mark the highest level of achievement within psychiatry and are designed to recognise and reward excellent practice in the field of mental health.

Dr Walid Sorour, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, attended the awards ceremony with four other team members: “It’s an honour to have taken part in representing the whole team at the awards ceremony and we’re delighted to have been recognised for our work.”

Lincoln Core CAMHS works with children and young people (that have been identified as potentially having moderate to severe mental health needs) and their parents and carers.

Since January 2022, the team has undertaken a project to transform the service using a collaborative, developmental approach, empowering team members and enabling the delivery of better outcomes.

Dr Sami Timimi, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist within the Lincoln Core CAMHS explained: “Over the last year we have implemented and adopted a new way of working, which has empowered the team to each have a voice in the development of the service.

“By creating a variety of new formats for team meetings, focusing on different topics each time, we have unleashed a wave of creativity that has led to new initiatives being created to support patients.

“This has included creating a hybrid model of service delivery that incorporates both online and face-to-face support, parent groups, a new review system, a group programme of support and a focus on supporting discharge.

“As a result, waiting times for treatment have halved and we’re really proud to see that other Trust’s CAMHS teams are now replicating and implementing versions of our team model.”

Feedback from the judges was that they were impressed with the quality improvement approach the team has used to improve the team culture and functioning, with clear improvements in the quality of service delivered, the morale and competence of team members and workforce retention.

Amy Butler, Head of Children and Young People Services at LPFT, added: “I am beyond proud of this achievement for our Lincoln CAMHS team.

“Our services work hard every day to continuously improve and make a difference and this award is great recognition for one of the teams working creatively to get better outcomes for children, young people and their families.”

Find out more about the team at www.lpft.nhs.uk/corecamhs

This picture: the Lincoln Core CAMHS team celebrate its nomination for the award and (below) representatives at the ceremony.

Tackling the January blues

IT’S natural to feel a bit down in January especially with dark nights, cold temperatures and the high of the Christmas festivities fading.

Lincolnshire Talking Therapies is a free NHS service that provides a range of evidence based talking therapies to help with conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety.

Anyone in the county can be referred by their GP or you can self-refer using the Lincolnshire Talking Therapies website.

The question is, how do you know when to get help and what signs do you need to look out for?

Jade Hamilton, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner for Lincolnshire Talking Therapies, explains: “The way I always look at it with clients is by comparing the body and mind to a mobile phone.

“We don’t let our phones run out of battery and we always recharge ready for the next day, so why not do the same with yourself?

“We really advocate for self-care. We encourage taking time for your hobbies, doing things you enjoy, getting out and about during the daytime and prioritising a good sleep every night. All these things will make a huge difference.”

In her role, Jade delivers Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (guided selfhelp treatment), which encourages clients to agree actions and goals to complete before their next appointment.

Jade says: “An example we see frequently due to the COVID pandemic is increased anxiety and people feeling afraid to go to busy places such as shops during peak hours.

“I work with clients to create a plan where they take gradual steps and I encourage them to think about the reasons holding them back so that we can address any fears they have head-on.”

James Nutting is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and Eye Movement

Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is all about understanding why you feel certain emotions in different situations.

James explains: “Most people in January come up with New Years’ resolutions which are viewed by most as motivational tools to make a positive change to your lifestyle.However, this can be the complete opposite because the key is making goals achievable but also setting them up incrementally.

“For example, if a person wants to complete a marathon, that’s great as it means lots of exercise. However, you would need to set it up in stages and make smaller goals at first to be able to achieve the big outcome.

“If you break down those goals into running an extra two miles a week for example, it helps make the goals more manageable and then you are more likely to succeed.”

EMDR therapy involves using eye movement while addressing trauma. It helps the mind utilise the ability to use its own adaptive information processing (AIP) to heal itself naturally.

James said: “The biggest thing we notice is people trying to avoid trauma completely and suppress painful memories. This may work in the short-term but long-term it only does more damage when inevitably they are forced to confront the problem linked to that trauma.

“Engaging in EMDR therapy or trauma focused CBT can be a powerful step in processing trauma memories, the themes associated with the trauma experiences and your confidence to make changes for the future.”

If you want to find out more about Lincolnshire Talking Therapies, visit www.lincolnshiretalkingtherapies.nhs.uk.

Taking to the sky for charity

THIRTY intrepid health workers have signed up to do a 14,000ft charity skydive to raise £15,000 for Lincolnshire NHS Charity.

The staff from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) will jump at the Langar Skydive centre, near Nottingham, on Saturday, June 22.

The money raised for the dedicated NHS charity of both LPFT and LCHS will go towards items and services that go over and above NHS provision to enhance patient care and staff wellbeing.

The participants will experience an adrenaline-packed free-fall at 120mph before gently floating to the ground for five minutes by parachute.

Mark Platts, Executive Director of Finance, Digital and Estates at LPFT (pictured above) said: “I’m really looking forward to the skydive, not because I’m counting down to jumping out of a plane at 14,000ft, but because I’m really looking forward to being part of a great event that is bringing so many of us together to help raise as much as we can for our charity.

“From recent discussions with patients and staff I know the funds

we are raising can and will make a real difference, which is the best motivation anyone could ask for.”

Sarah Chaytor, Effective Practice and Education Lead at LCHS added: “I’m really excited to take part in this charity skydive, it’s a great way to raise money for Lincolnshire NHS Charity. As a staff member, I see first-hand the amazing work the charity does.

“I will be joined by three of my other team members, and we thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for us to bond. It's not every day that colleagues get to experience a charity skydive together!”

Lincolnshire NHS Charity recently launched its new website with the support of NHS Charities Together, which features its new logo and strapline - For the little extras that make a big difference.

To donate visit www.justgiving. com/campaign/lincolnshirenhscharityskydive.

For more about Lincolnshire NHS Charity visit the new website at www.lincolnshirenhscharity.org.uk or call 01522 459552.

We use the latest in computer technology to give you the ability to ‘walk around’ your new kitchen before it’s built, allowing you to amend any small features along the way including the use of soft close drawers and a choice of storage metalwork – small features that really make your kitchen stand out.

Once we’ve agreed your bespoke kitchen design, it will then be built within our Lincolnshire factory using the highest quality materials and our modern machinery.