CWP Life - Autumn issue

Issue #13 | Autumn 2021

Cheshire Wirral Partnership

LIFE magazine

Off to the races with CWP's vaccination programme

Page 8

10// CANDDID conference 2021

12// One year of the CWP Crisis Line

14// Neighbourhood Teams pull out all the stops

Welcome to CWP Life

David Harris

Director of people and organisational development

Welcome to the latest issue of CWP Life. Since we last published this magazine, life has been tough for manyincluding many who access CWP services, their loved ones and our staff.

Despite the national restrictions and the challenges of working in new and different ways, I continue to be thankful to #TeamCWP for their hard work and dedication. I am proud that we have still prioritised providing safe, effective and compassionate care.

The COVID-19 vaccination roll-out has brought hope to the nation. CWP is delighted to have led the mass vaccination centre at Chester Racecourse and now, subsequently at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall, in partnership with other local organisations and volunteers.

Over 100,000 vaccinations were given at Chester Racecourse with support from a network of over 800 volunteers who have filled over 8,000 shifts – including staff from the NHS, Cheshire and Merseyside Fire Service, St John's Ambulance and Chester Racecourse. An amazing achievement. You can read more about this on pages 8-9.

The impact of COVID-19 on mental health can also not be underestimated and I'm pleased to share information about the 24/7 urgent mental health line's first year of operation and the significant impact this has had for our local

experience of working at CWP is central to us being a successful organisation, as we know that if we don’t care for ourselves and our colleagues, we cannot provide the best possible care to people accessing our services.

I welcome any opportunity to learn and hear about all CWP experiences and this will become a core part of our emerging new Trust strategy 'Imagining the Future' which will guide us through the coming years.

We still have areas of improvement to address, including additional support for colleagues who have felt unwell due to work-related stress and staff experiencing musculoskeletal problems as a result of work activity.

I hope you enjoy this edition of CWP Life.

Staff Survey 2020 results

• Scored highest in north west for staff being 'happy with standard of care if a friend or relative needed treatment'

• CWP acts 'fairly in regard to pay progression'

communities. In addition, on page 10, you can find out about the CWP Centre for Autism, Neuro-Developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disability conference that was still able to go ahead thanks to the wonders of technology to share essential learning across the UK.

Finally, as director for people and organisational development at CWP, I'd like to share some insights from the national NHS Staff Survey. Staff wellbeing and

• CWP has made 'significant strides' to better improve the equipment available to teams across the Trust

• Highest in north west for staff 'recommending CWP as a place to work' among comparable mental health, learning disability and community Trusts

Toy library service supports families during lockdown

The Starting Well 0-19 Service recently launched its ‘Toy Library Service’, offering play and interaction opportunities safely to families in their own homes during COVID-19.

Toy Library packs are delivered to families and offer guidance, including activity sheets with ideas, top tips for supporting language and video examples. So far, over 350 packs have been distributed to families across Cheshire.

Championing learning disability care increasing annual health checks

A robust risk assessment has been put in place to support with infection prevention control. Staff responsible for preparing and delivering packs follow PPE guidance and only resources with wipeable surfaces are chosen. Packs which are brought back into the centre are cleaned and quarantined in a designated area for seven days before being redistributed.

Robyn Carew, early years lead for Chester and Ellesmere Port, said: “There is a growing acknowledgement that the early years of a child’s life are absolutely crucial for future development. As a service we know how vital our core offer is in supporting families and their children and ensuring all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential to become lifelong learners.”

A family who has used the service commented: “This has been brilliant to keep my little one occupied during lockdown restrictions!”

For more information about the toy library service and Starting Well 0-19 please visit the service website: www.startingwell.org.uk

JourneyMEN join CWP’s quest to improve men’s mental health

CWP is now in partnership with Birkenhead-based community organisation JourneyMEN to improve mental health services for men across Wirral.

This partnership will see CWP’s Mental Health Access Team refer men to JourneyMEN’s therapeutic services.

JourneyMEN provide a person-centred approach to support, including social interventions (such as gardening clubs and fishing trips) and peer-to-peer support to enable people to live their lives as independently as possible.

Todd Jones, Access Services team manager, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with such a fantastic organisation like JourneyMen. By adopting this joined-up approach we will improve outcomes for Wirral men by being better enabled to help them access the best and most appropriate care available.”

Nationally, men’s mental health is a huge issue. According to the Mental Health Foundation figures, published in November 2020, three times as many men as women die of suicide.

Joyce Pooley, JourneyMEN stakeholder manager, said: “This partnership will help enhance the efficiency of men accessing our services and will enable us as a small, grassroots organisation to help a greater number of men in

the Wirral area who could do with our vital support.”

CWP associate director for specialist mental health services, Jo Watts, said: “I am delighted to partner with JourneyMEN in Wirral. We strongly feel that JourneyMEN share our values when it comes to mental health provision.”

If you feel you need urgent mental health support please call the CWP crisis support line on 0800 145 6485.

CWP and NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have partnered together to increase the number of people with learning disabilities having annual health checks, becoming one of nine new NHS England champion sites in learning disability care.

The champion status was awarded to support the NHS Long Term Plan for England, which aims to tackle the

CAMHS Best Practice supports young people at home

Wirral Children and Young People’s Intensive Support Function (CYP-ISF) has established a Best Practice and Peer Support Forum. The forum allows professionals across the North West to share good practice to promote positive outcomes for children and young people. The service has been shortlisted in this year’s General Practice Awards in the Clinical Improvement: Mental Health category.

Launched in January 2020, the Wirral CYP-ISF works with children and young people (5-18 years) with a learning disability and/or autism whose mental health issues and/ or behaviours of concern place them at risk of needing specialist support. Dr Lisa Thompson, consultant clinical psychologist CAMHS/LD CAMHS, said: “I’m delighted that we have now launched our Best Practice and Peer Support Forum, which will mean that children and young people with a learning disability and/or autism will have access to innovative community-based provision."

causes of preventable deaths in people with a learning disability and for autistic people.

Tracey Hartley-Smith, clinical lead, Children and Young People’s Learning Disability Services, Wirral CAMHS at CWP, said: “This project and the champion site status has enabled us to work alongside NHS Wirral CCG to drive forward approaches to improve care.

“People with a learning disability can have poorer physical and mental health than other people. This does not need to be the case. An annual health check helps people stay well and is a way for GPs to get to know people better and help with their health needs, so they get the right care.”

“We are undertaking promotional and publicity work with primary care and health colleagues, special schools, parents/carers and children and young people representatives.

"There is evidence already that the interventions are being effective and the number of 14 to 17-year-olds accessing an annual health check in Wirral is increasing.”

Patient Safety Team up for prestigious award

The Patient Safety Improvement team at CWP were finalists for a prestigious Patient Safety Award.

CWP were recognised for an innovative new Safety Management System which measures and monitors patient safety, as well as proactively taking steps to improve the Trust’s approach to ensuring a safe care environment.

Already recognised as ‘outstanding for caring’ by the Care Quality Commission, the initiative is a further step to put patient safety first.

CWP medical director, Dr Anushta Sivananthan, said: “At CWP, we are always striving to ensure our care is as compassionate, effective and safe as possible. On behalf of the Trust I congratulate our patient safety improvement team on their recognition at this prestigious event and for their incredible work that has led to this.”

Sheena takes temporary role at HCP - Tim Welch becomes interim CEO

Chief executive, Sheena Cumiskey has agreed to take up a temporary three month secondment as chief officer at the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership (HCP).

This is a temporary solution as the HCP goes through the process of making an appointment to the role. At the end of the secondment, Sheena will return to CWP.

Sheena said: "I'm passionate about intergrated health and care and my hope is to provide continuity whilst the recruitment process takes place. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across Cheshire and Merseyside. I will not be applying for the permanent position at the HCP and will be returning to CWP after three months."

Tim Welch, who is currently deputy CEO and director of Business and Value, becomes CWP's interim chief executive. Following a two week handover period, this arrangement was formalised in August.

Harm Reduction service launches in Cheshire

Tim said: "I am delighted to accept the role of interim chief executive at CWP for this three-month period. I am looking forward to meeting with colleagues at 'CWP Cares' visits and will be aiming to get out and about to meet as many staff as possible during the coming months. I see how hard everyone is working to support people who access services following a very tough 15 months for everybody."

New Wirral Mental Health Crisis Café Compañeros

Wings in the Willow

New artwork brings the healing power of nature to Bowmere Hospital

The power of nature to influence a person’s wellbeing is now on display at Bowmere Hospital in Chester.

CWP worked with Yorkshire-based artist, Sam Porter (aka Mural Minded), to give the courtyard area of Bowmere Hospital a facelift. The aim was to create an inspiring and uplifting environment for people receiving treatment on Willow Ward, the Trust’s Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.

depression. There is ample evidence that nature-based interventions help with mental health recovery.

The artist chose blue tits in the mural as they are a symbol of hope.

CWP has teamed up with Cheshire Police and the national probation service to deliver a new risk management service.

The Harm Reduction Unit (HRU) involves healthcare professionals and criminal justice professionals working together to manage the risks associated with stalking and serial domestic abuse.

Christina Bromfield, forensic practitioner said: “Our practitioners in the HRU will provide vital interventions to perpetrators of stalking and serial domestic abuse, to reduce the risk of them re-offending and therefore safeguarding current victims and potential future victims."

The HRU is not a response unit and does not take direct reports from the public. In an emergency please call 999, otherwise call 101 to report stalking if you are concerned for yourself or somebody else.

CWP worked with NHS Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local organisation, the Spider Project to develop and create a new crisis café, called Compañeros for Wirral. It opened in September.

Sean Boyle, clinical director said: “The space will offer a genuine alternative to A&E for individuals aged 18 and over, suffering a mental health crisis with experienced staff members on hand for support. It will be a calming environment, with access to one-to-one crisis intervention, wellbeing recovery projects, creative arts and other essential social and emotional support.”

Hannah Lewis, commissioning manager, Wirral CCG, said: “The Spider Project is well established in the local community, having provided wellbeing services in Wirral since 2007. The crisis café is located in Price Street in the heart of Birkenhead.”

Maria Yuen, lead occupational therapist, Bowmere Hospital, explains: “I am absolutely delighted with the mural on Willow ward. It has transformed a formerly drab area of the courtyard into a bright and inspiring space. Watching the art come to life was a really enjoyable experience for patients and staff, as the work took nearly a week to complete.

“We know that being around symbols of nature and being outside are good for mental health so we hope this will be a really positive addition to the therapeutic environment for Willow ward, and we can enjoy for many years to come.”

According to mental health charity Mind – spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and

There has been positive feedback from people on Willow ward with one saying: “I love the flowers. It makes me happy when I look at it” and: “It’s amazing. It has brightened up the atmosphere. If the environment is more pleasant, the experience on the ward is more pleasant.”

Off to the races

We reflect on launching Cheshire's first mass vaccination centre at the world's oldest racecourse

With support from staff, volunteers and partners the vaccination centre at the Chester Racecourse was a success. After only four months the centre had vaccinated over 55,000 people.

CWP led operations at the Racecourse. Reflecting on this, Tim Welch, interim chief executive, said: "We were very proud to play our part, and we would like to thank Chester Racecourse for accommodating the vaccination centre its first few months, their help and support was truly invaluable to help protect the communities we serve.

“The centre utilised a network of over 650 volunteers who filled over 6,000 shifts – including staff from the NHS, Cheshire and Merseyside Fire Service, St John's Ambulance and Chester Racecourse.

“Everyone did an incredible job to launch the largest vaccination programme in our history and the positive feedback from local people for the running of the vaccination centre was fantastic. We look forward to being able to continue to offer this to our wider population.”

Facilities and security manager of Chester Race Company, Neil Farmer, said: “We have been delighted to support the NHS in their roll out of the biggest and most successful vaccine roll out in NHS history and we’re

proud to have played our part. I would like to say thank you to all of our staff and volunteers who helped us through this extremely difficult time.”

Vaccines are safe and are the way out of this pandemic, so far over 40 million people across the country have received both doses of the vaccine, including over 1 million people in Cheshire and Merseyside.

CWP continues to support the national vaccination campaign as it moves into the next phase. If you haven’t yet had your vaccination, then please look out for information on how to get your jab on social media, contact 119 or go to www.nhs.uk

Vaccinators receive High Sheriff Award

Staff and volunteers received a boost for their hard work and dedication with a special visitor.

Robert Mee, Her Majesty’s the Queen’s High Sheriff of Cheshire, praised their hard work and dedication during a visit to Chester Racecourse.

During his visit, The High Sheriff delivered a thank you speech and presented his award to staff and volunteers to recognise their contribution to communities.

The High Sheriff said: “Over 600 volunteers have been involved at this vaccination centre alone and it is important to recognise this huge achievement. Since the start of the year, their efforts have potentially helped save thousands of lives.

“Time and time again I hear about the warm welcome in the car park and the smiles to put people at ease to guide people through their jabbing journey. All our communities will be forever thankful, and it is my privilege to present a High Sheriff Award to them.”

Patient story

The incredible story of Thomas Lockett

Keep calm and CANDDID

Hundreds attend virtual CANDDID Conference 2021 - our second event

More than 300 delegates came together for the 2021 virtual conference of the Centre for Autism, Neuro-developmental Disorders and Intellectual Disability (CANDDID) earlier this year.

Hosted by CWP, CANDDID brings together education, training and research in the fields of neuro-developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities.

The 2021 conference aimed at professionals, academics and students also welcomed members of the public and was opened by Sheena Cumiskey, then-chief executive of CWP.

Sheena said: “The conference shone a spotlight on ADHD and other neuro-developmental conditions and we were delighted to welcome hundreds of colleagues and people from right across the country together with speakers from the UK and internationally with a range of backgrounds and expertise to the virtual event.”

Professor Sujeet Jaydeokar, operational clinical director, CANDDID, said: “This was our second conference since launching CANDDID in 2018 and it's been great to see an overwhelmingly positive response to the day.

“CANDDID is committed to co-production and we’re working very closely with a range of organisations on some exciting research, education and training projects. We now have a thriving programme of research and all our projects are clinically led which has meant innovative solutions

being picked up nationally and internationally.”

Speakers from across the UK and the United States presented including Dr Heather R. Adams, who is an associate professor at the Department of Neurology and Department of Paediatrics from University of Rochester Medical Centre, New York.

Dr Adams presented on ‘Assessment for tics disorder in children with co-occurring neuro-developmental conditions’. Tics are fast, repetitive muscle movements that result in sudden and difficult to control body jolts or sounds.

She said: “The conference offered a wonderful balance of presentations of new research and a review of established evidence-based approaches to the assessment and care of individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities.”

My name is Thomas. My rehabilitation at the Saddlebridge Unit has changed my life for the better and I would like to share why.

I have been accessing mental health services since April 2012. Originally I was admitted to the Spinney Medium Secure unit in Atherton, near Wigan, after being detained under the mental health act.

When a bed became available at the Scott clinic in Merseyside I was transferred to there. Then, in December 2019, I was transferred to the Saddlebridge unit. I also have type 2 diabetes.

This has given me challenges with my mental health and also my physical wellbeing. Since I came to Saddlebridge, the help I have received there has been unbelievably supportive and I am really starting to feel the benefits.

My rehab journey started almost as soon as I arrived here. There is a team of nurses who help me work through motivation issues. I have regular one to one sessions with my named nurse. They also help me with keeping in touch with my family over the phone and supporting my brother to visit me as my nominated visitor.

I also have regular physical health checks and follow a healthy lifestyle with regular trips to the gym and eating healthily. I do a lot of running and I recently completed my first 5-mile run. Thanks to this, I have managed to drop my weight significantly and reverse my Type 2 Diabetes. My GP has since recommended that I can stop my Type 2 Diabetes medication which was good news for me.

I’m trying to encourage my friends and other people at the unit to start the couch to 5k programme. I’ve found it incredibly rewarding and my motivation is really good, much better than it used to be.

My rehab has really improved my quality of life.

There are also psychology sessions at the unit. have completed my “understanding psychosis” group sessions. My doctor praised me for being so engaged and I tried my best to say how I felt at different times. I’ve also had individual sessions where we discuss my triggers and early warning signs. Other sessions have involved working on my relationship skills.

My rehab has really improved my quality of life. I’ve found myself experiencing less symptoms of my condition. My motivation is better than ever. I also feel physically fit. This has led to an overall improvement in my occupational and social skills. It feels really good.

Recently I set myself a challenge. I wanted to run a certain distance over all the days in a month. My target was 35 miles. I completed my challenge and the feeling was brilliant. Now, I would like to complete a park run when the COVID-19 rules allow me too.

I would also like to inspire others in their rehab journey. I put in a lot of effort to my rehab and the rewards have been great but my journey is not over yet. Thank you to all the staff at Saddlebridge for their help.

The CANDDID conference will return in March 2022 with a focus on learning disabilities. More details will be announced later in the year.

How to save a life

Val was appointed to the service as an employee of the line in September 2020 and has now joined the team permenantly. One of her colleagues is Paula Elias. Paula worked as an occupational therapy assistant at Springview hospital in Wirral. She joined the service so she could carry on working after shielding from April 2020 onwards.

She explains: “I was asked if I would like to go to support the crisis line and I wanted to stay in work, doing something similar to what I had been doing so I said yes. The whole experience has been great. I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do. It was a new challenge but everyone was lovely and welcoming on the service.”

"We support each other as well those who call into the service. It’s really important because the calls can be very difficult by their nature so having that togetherness is really valuable. Those of us who have been redeployed are able to use the skills we had from our wards but it’s still nice to have the support network around you.”

Meet some of the helpline heroes after one year of all-age mental health crisis helpline

In April 2020, CWP launched a brand-new service for our local population.

Designed to improve access to mental health services for vulnerable people across Cheshire and Wirral, the 24/7 allage urgent mental health helpline was a huge effort by a number of people across the Trust.

Since its launch, over 60,000 calls have been handled by a dedicated team of call handlers. Many call handlers have been redeployed members of staff from elsewhere in the Trust, who had previous experience of crisis care.

Val Proudfoot has worked for the service as a call handler since August 2020. She has worked in the NHS for 30 years.

She says, “I was redeployed to the service in August because I was shielding. I’d been a clinical support worker before and so I thought my skills would be transferrable, even if I was quite nervous taking on the new role.

It was very different to what I was used to. I had to adapt to not being able to see people face-to-face. But it’s been a massive positive for me. It’s really opened my eyes to the

kinds of conversations that happen at the very front line and the difference we can make.

“I feel a lot more confident in dealing with situations and being able to talk to people without the face-to-face contact. I’m proud to be a part of it and I’m still doing something which I love – helping vulnerable people who need support to get better.”

The efforts of call handlers, as well as those who worked on the service in the past year, have been very much appreciated by the heads of clinical services, Sallie Taylor (for Children and Young People) and Dave Appleton (for Specialist Mental Health services).

Sallie says: “Working on this service has been one of the highlights of my career. The journey we have been on has been incredible since our very first call. Since then, the

value of the service has really been shown as we provide vital support to those who really need it in our area.

“There are too many people to thank. There are the call-handlers themselves, the practitioners who support them and the wider CWP workforce who have supported the service.

"For children and young people, nothing like this existed before so it was hugely important and beneficial for this to be in place during a very challenging time for all of us. But this is just the start, which is a very exciting thought.”

Dave adds: “For adults and older people the benefits have been enormous. To have direct, free, safe and effective access to crisis support is so invaluable. People don’t have to go through primary care or other avenues and can speak to a local call handler who can assist them in accessing the right support for their circumstances.

“We want to build on what we have achieved so far and continue this great work. Our partners in the public sector and charity sector have been vitally important to the first year of the service.

“I would especially like to thank some of our local leads as well as the teams they have led to make it all possible. I would also like to thank our call handlers and those who have come into the service from other areas of the Trust. Their efforts have been tremendous.”

"They stopped me killing myself this line really helped and saved my life" - service user

Neighbourhood Services 'pull out all the stops'

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, colleagues from our Neighbourhood Services have gone the extra mile to provide social care support to recently discharged patients, enabling them to remain at home during their recovery.

At the start of the pandemic, Care Community Teams (CCTs) were asked to support discharges from the Countess of Chester Hospital (CoCH) by providing social care packages to patients in their homes.

CCTs are an integrated community nursing, therapy and social work team who work alongside GPs to provide care to people in their local community.

To enable CoCH staff to provide care to patients who were extremely unwell with COVID-19, colleagues from the CCTs changed their usual shift patterns and worked longer hours. This ensures patients received a safe discharge from hospital, supporting them with things such as personal hygiene assistance, meals, medication support and toilet mobilisation. This integrated approach allowed patients to

recover at home rather than in hospital.

Emma Lea, team manager for the Rural Alliance Community Care Team, said: "As a team we felt that supporting the discharges from hospital with a multi-disciplinary team approach had an impact on the future care needs of the patient."

"I am extremely proud of how the team adapted to the task and supported our patients in their own homes until a care package could be sourced or until the patient no longer required one."

Anita Price, team manager for Chester South Community Care team, added: "Staff from both the CCTs and our specialist colleagues, such as the podiatry team showed a great resilience and willingness to work flexibly in order to support the people we care for to be able to return home safely."

"Colleagues from the Podiatry service were also redeployed

to support the Care Community Teams with providing social care packages. Podiatrists and podiatry technicians adapted to their new roles in supporting daily care needs to patients within their homes, providing at-home wound care and assisting in reducing pressures within the hospital."

Emma Gallagher, Podiatry team leader, said: "The Podiatry team worked tirelessly, faced new challenges and carried out work they had never done before.

"They supported patients with dignity and respect and I had glowing feedback from the teams across the whole area about how professional they'd been, how well they'd adapted to new situations and what a huge support they had been to the CCTs."

She adds: "I am immensley proud of what the team has achieved and feel priviledged and very lucky to work with them on a daily basis. Now they are ploughing through our waiting lists to push forward our recovery plan - they are stars!"

Hospital at Home team's partnership recognised with shortlisting at national awards

A service that cares for older and frail people in the comfort of their own home is in line for a prestigious national award.

The Cheshire West Hospital at Home service run by partners involved in the Cheshire West Integrated Care Partnership (CWPICP) has been shortlisted for a Nursing Times award in the category of 'Workforce Team of the Year'.

Hospital at Home provides acute, same-day home

assessments and inpatient-level care in people's homessupporting patients to continue living independently while reducing avoidable accident and emergency (A&E) attendances and hospital admissions.

The award submission described the collaborative efforts by care professionals from CWP, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Together they enabled the delivery of a consistently high standard of service across Cheshire West, responding to urgent same-day needs within two to four hours.

Claire James, advanced clinical practitioner, said: "The launch of the service was crucial as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Multi-disciplinary working also enriched the skill mix of the team, allowing the service to respond effectively to everything from carer breakdown to falls and chest infection.

"Having GP's in the service allows the team to manage more complex and unwell patients in the comfort of their own home without the need for escalation to hospital unless necessary."

The service operates from 8am-8pm seven days a week.

"I am extremely proud to work with such reliable, resourceful and commited colleagues"

- Anita Price

#CWPCares – saying thank you and listening to feedback

This summer has been an opportunity to say a huge thank you to employees and volunteers at CWP.

Tim Welch, interim chief executive, said: “It’s 18 months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and what a challenging time it has been. I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has helped us get through such a difficult time.

“Throughout the summer, directors have been visiting teams - either face to face or virtually, to take the opportunity to say thank you in person.

“Over 60 of these visits have taken place so far with another 40 planned into September. We have been using this time to listen to feedback as everyone continues to respond to incredibly difficult circumstances.

“The ‘can do’ attitude of staff, and the volume of great ideas and enthusiasm I’ve seen despite the many challenges faced, is a true inspiration and I look forward to helping to put some of those great ideas into practice in the coming months.

“We are now beginning to look to the future and what the

next steps are for CWP and we would like the thoughts of everyone including staff, volunteers, members, partners, people who access our services and carers on a range of topics from improving mental health and wellbeing, to delivering services in the community and making our environment more sustainable."

What is Imagining the Future?

"'Imagining the Future' is how we help to improve the lives of everyone in our communities by setting out plans that take on board people’s views and are about working in partnership.

“An example of what this could involve is working alongside partners and people with lived experience to provide new safe spaces (crisis cafes) for people in self defined crisis. Also piloting initiatives with community organisations such as Citizens Advice to provide support,

skills and physical health checks for people with serious mental illness.

How can people share their views?

“Your feedback will help shape the next steps on our journey out of the pandemic, which brings a range of new challenges including high demand for NHS services. We would really value your views on how you think we can achieve this together.

“Please visit our website and you’ll find more information and a survey that has been designed to allow you to share what is important to you, what is working for you, and what is not working for you.

“We are also attending a number of meetings and events with staff and within our communities to hear people’s views in person.”

What will happen next?

“Liverpool John Moore’s University will analyse everyone’s feedback and provide CWP with a report which we will use to help inform our next steps.”

'Imagining the Future' We talk to Tim Welch to find out more

Sue takes home the Kindness Cup!

A huge congratulations to Sue Carruthers, receptionist at Old Hall Surgery, who received Primary Care Cheshire’s ‘Kindness Cup’ award!

Starting Well awarded social value status

CWP's Starting Well service creates employment opportunities and apprenticeships for people in the community. This commitment has seen them awarded the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Award by the Health and Care Partnership!

CWP is Disability Confident

Thanks to the hard work of the Patient and Carer Experience team, the Disability Network and People and Organisational Development Services, CWP retained status as a ‘Disability Confident Employer’. This shows that CWP prioritises Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace in everything we do.

CWP’s Euro Vision

CWP staff appeared on a virtual conference hosted by the European Psychiatric Association to share their fantastic work. Their presentation focussed on evaluations they had done regarding a remote consultation model in response to COVID-19. A huge well done to all involved for representing #TeamCWP.

East Cheshire Memory service accredited

The CWP East Cheshire Memory Service has been accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Receiving accreditation status, in particular during the challenging pandemic time, clearly shows the excellent functioning of the service. Congratulations to the team.

Joy for Jennifer

Huge congratulations to Jennifer Southern, senior specialist mental health pharmacist who was recently awarded an MSc in Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice with Distinction. Congratulations Jennifer!

#ConnectWithNature

Vocational rehab during COVID-19

During the pandemic, occupational therapists within the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) service have supported 12 people in returning to work and have supported one person with pursuing higher education. This involved putting in place reasonable adjustments to support the employee to perform their role. Well done to everyone involved!

CWP is a Foundation Trust that provides health and care services for people in partnership with other organisations. Services include mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care. We have services across Cheshire and Wirral as well as Trafford, Bolton, Warrington, Halton, Liverpool and Sefton.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week people from across CWP shared some of their favourite ways to connect with nature!

favourite way to #ConnectWithNature is to get out walking with my camera and switch off!" - Ann-Marie Taylor, Community Assistant Practitioner Warring

"Swimming under the sky really is food for the soul"- Yvonne "I like to take a walk along my favourite Northumberland beaches with my family" Jen Adams, IPC Nurse