NTHNHS | Health and Wellbeing Magazine - Issue 4, August 2022

Your staff health and wellbeing guide for all your physical health, mental wellbeing, financial and spiritual needs

Health

and

Wellbeing

Issue 4 August 2022

CONTENTS

Welcome

3

Have a self-care summer

4

Lottie takes on GNR challenge

6

Chris’ outdoor hobby keeps his well-BEE-ing a top priority

7

A whole a’lotta love

8

Grow your own

10

Green and serene: Getting back to nature for our mental health

11

SPOTLIGHT: Wellbeing sponsors

12

Book review and top tips for reading al-fresco

13

A sporting life

14

Postcards from the heart

15

100 Leaders: Team Green

16

Critical care team climbs new heights

17

Trust snapshot

18

Health and wellbeing support contacts

19

Want to contribute to the magazine?

Do you have an experience, review, picture or story you would like to share that contributes to your health and wellbeing?

To get involved contact nth-tr.communications@nhs.net

WELCOME

Dear colleagues, Welcome to this, our fourth edition of the Trust Health and Wellbeing magazine. It has been a personal pleasure to watch this publication evolve since its inception back in 2021.

What makes this magazine so impressive is the sheer volume of contributors from right across the organisation. It is a platform where all colleagues, no matter your role or department, are invited to share their photos, ideas, reviews and recipes with. It belongs to you.

The focus on health and wellbeing is an important one for all of our staff, both within the Trust and with NTH Solutions. Each publication is themed – our last edition was finance focused, and we have evolved this edition to concentrate on sustainability and affordability.

For this magazine to stay topical, we need to know what matters most to you, our staff. I was delighted that so many of you recently completed our reward and recognition survey. Appreciating that it ran for just three weeks, we received such a positive response rate, and that is because it matters to you.

The responses highlighted so much, and some real key themes are emerging. The full results will be published in August for colleagues to see, with actions and outputs starting to be implemented as soon as possible.

I want to encourage everyone to be part of this magazine ‘community’ – because that is what it is. It is sustainable because you get involved. It will never be a possibility to get all (nearly) 6,000 staff into a room for an event, but initiatives like this offer greater connectivity in supporting one another with ideas and recommendations for a positive health and wellbeing outlook.

So a big thank you again to everyone who has packed the pages of this edition with so many interesting items, and thank you to everyone in this organisation who continues to dedicate to health and wellbeing day-to-day in all that they do.

Best wishes, Julie Gillon Chief Executive

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REFLECTION

Have a self-care summer

By Jim Wright, lead chaplain

Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the United States senate, used to tell the tale...

A

n elderly, quiet forest dweller once lived high above an Austrian village along the eastern slopes of the Alps. Many years ago, the town council had hired this old gentleman as a ‘Keeper of the Spring’, to maintain the purity of the pools of water in the mountain crevices. The overflow from these pools ran down the mountainside and fed the lovely spring which flowed through the town.

With faithful, silent regularity, he patrolled the hills, removed the leaves and branches, and wiped away the silt that would otherwise have choked and contaminated the fresh flow of water.

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Graceful swans floated along the crystal clear spring.

The mill wheels of various businesses located near the water turned day and night. Farmlands were naturally irrigated. The views from restaurants and guesthouses were picturesque beyond description. The village soon became a popular attraction for tourists and many visitors sought out the area for their holidays.

Years passed. One evening the town council met for its semi-annual meeting. As they reviewed the budget, one man’s eye caught the salary figure being paid to the obscure ‘Keeper of the Spring’.

The Keeper of the Purse enquired, “Who is this old man?

Why do we keep him on year after year? No one ever sees him. For all we know, the strange ranger of the hills is doing us no good. He isn’t necessary any longer.” By a unanimous vote, they dispensed with the old man’s services.

For several weeks, nothing changed. However, by early autumn, the trees began to shed their leaves. Small branches snapped off and fell into the pools, hindering the rushing flow of sparkling water.

One afternoon someone noticed a slight yellowishbrown tint in the spring. A few days later, the water was much darker.

Within another week, a slimy film covered sections of the water along the banks, and a foul odour was soon detected. The mill wheels moved more slowly, some finally ground to a halt. Swans left, as did the tourists.

Clammy fingers of disease and sickness reached slowly but deeply into the village. The embarrassed council called a special meeting. Realising their error in judgment, they rehired the old Keeper of the Spring, and within a few weeks, the veritable river of life began to clear up. The wheels started to turn, and new life returned to the hamlet in the Alps.

A large part of my role in the chaplaincy team seems to be encouraging people to allow themselves to feel what they are feeling without embarrassment or guilt. I seem to be continually urging people to “hold themselves gently”, in the midst of personal circumstances or work pressures.

I think we generally find it hard to “hold ourselves gently”, as it is sometimes difficult to see the slow, steady effect of this hidden work. Like the town council in the story, it is easy to forget, that to enjoy the beauty of the spring I must never underestimate the importance of guarding its source.

As I reflect on this old story once again, I find myself challenged by several questions which I can apply on an individual and a team level.

What value do I place on the concept of self-care?

What are the simple daily, weekly, monthly practices I can employ or encourage, to be attentive to the flowing water of life in myself and those around me?

What obstacles hinder employing these simple practices in life and practice?

What will it take to remove these barriers so that we become the best ‘Keeper of the Spring’ in our lives?

Have a great summer.

5.

RUNNING

Lottie takes on GNR challenge

By Lottie Ayres

Community pharmacist Dr Lottie Ayres Nicholson has dusted off her running shoes to take part in 2022’s Great North Run (GNR), raising money for North Tees and Hartlepool Together.

Aiming to raise £250 for maternity services, Lottie is keen to give back to the department who supported her through the birth of her son, Rudy, six years ago: “Having Rudy was a tough experience but the team at North Tees and Hartlepool were amazing. It did not go to our original plan and I ended up in an emergency C-section.

“The team were so calm and comforting; a nurse even held my hand and talked me through the process. I found the birth reflection service they offered extremely helpful for working through my traumatic experience. They took the time to help me understand why Rudy’s birth happened and helped me to own my story.

“I have a huge amount of respect for the department and the passion they hold. My hope is that doing the Great North Run will raise awareness of them and the amazing things that they do.”

Following the birth of Rudy, the 38-year-old became passionate about motherhood and joined various volunteer groups to support areas such as infant feeding. One organisation Lottie has recently joined is the North Tees and Hartlepool Maternity Voices Partnership (MVP), a national organisation established to link maternity services with patient voices.

Their role is to ensure that maternity departments are examining their processes, allowing patients to be part of the process and decision making that affects them.

“Our MVP is a new team. Currently there are three of us working to ensuring that patient voices are listened to.

Now we are looking at co-production and working with the fantastic team at North Tees maternity on their printed material and process. For example, how pronouns feature in labour information.

“I think that labour is a vulnerable time and when patients

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often need the most support. The aim of the MVP is to allow patients to feel empowered to make the decisions that are right for them.”

This is not Lottie’s first GNR experience; in 2018, she took part in the event to raise money for a mental health charity after sadly losing her friend to suicide.

Running has helped Lottie to process these events; likening exercise with friends as a “therapy session”, her training is now underway for the 2022 event.

She also took part in a foraging course which has helped her to see running in a whole new light, noticing the nature around her whilst exercising.

“Last time I was in a rush to get to the end but my plan is to take it all in this time, fully immersing myself in the experience as it truly is magical. The clapping, cheering and energy is indescribable and gave me the faith to continue until the finish line.”

All donations are welcome to Lottie’s Great North Run page: https://greatnorthrun.enthuse.com/ pf/lottie-ayres-nicholson-741ad

Lottie’s top tip for beginners: Find someone else who is on a running journey who you can train alongside. This is great for accountability, as we often do not want to let each other down and skip sessions.

BEE-KIND

Chris’ outdoor hobby keeps his well-BEE-ing a top priority

By Chris Owens-Hunt

Integrated inventory assistant Chris Owens-Hunt is into his second season being a qualified apiarist (registered beekeeper). After having an interest for several years he decided to pluck up the courage and complete the training to become registered.

Chris said: “I have always had an interest in nature and gardening, bees in particular, so I decided to contact Cleveland Beekeepers Association to find out some information. I attended a few of the events they had and soon enrolled onto a course which provided me experience of handling bees and information on the costs, practicalities and time considerations involved. I was allocated a mentor while I was starting out my journey and they supported me through my first year.

first steps for creating an apiary is to utilise wooden boxes which contain wax sheets. The bees will use the wax from the sheets to create their honeycomb. Typically, the queen bee will sit within the colony and order her worker bees to produce the honey. Beforehand, special scents are used in order to attract queen bees to the nests. Throughout the course of the day, bees will collect pollen and nectar from flowers to keep them nourished for carrying out their working tasks. The nectar they collect is then reused and stored within the honeycomb in order to produce honey.

“As a hobby it provides ‘head space’ away from the world, almost a form of meditation. It’s so interesting to observe the life cycle of bees and the social structure within the hive. It’s lovely to have a hobby that goes alongside my other passion, gardening. My hive is located at the end of my garden so I have my two hobbies in one place.

“For anyone with an interest in apiculture, I would recommend visiting your local beekeepers association, as well as doing my training through mine I also attend regularly to help out and meet fellow apiarists.”

As well as being a great and interesting hobby, there are many benefits of beekeeping. Bees provide high value pollination to plants and flowers around the garden environment. Without bees, there would be a considerable decrease in the way common crops grow and they would more often than not die due to a lack of pollen. Garden enthusiasts will tell you that having one or two beehives in the garden would see a considerable improvement in the way crops grow throughout the summer. Notably, another obvious reason for beekeeping is their production of beeswax and royal jelly. Both have high commercial values, and can be useful for many everyday resources, such as shoe polish, candles, and cosmetics.

An apiary or (bee yard) is where the bees store their honey and is their colony. This is essentially where the bees work their magic in producing these highly useful resources. The

7.

GREEN THUMB

A whole a’llotta love

By Katie Coulson

Trust systems administrator Katie Coulson took over an allotment at the start of the year after wanting to try her hand at growing her own vegetables and to spend more time enjoying the outdoors. Katie shared her experience of tackling this whole new project one morning over a discussion in the North Tees Rainbow Room: Katie: I’d registered my interest in getting an allotment space during lockdown – after being shut in for as long as we all have been, the idea of getting outdoors and digging in the dirt really appealed to me. It was a bonus that the allotment site is only a five minute walk from my home in Saltburn.

We also had to spend a few days just shovelling fertiliser to ensure our soil was nice and nutrient rich so things would grow easier.

However, one thing I will happily say is that it’s a lovely little community and my allotment neighbours have been amazing in offering tips, tricks, advice and even some seeds to start growing with. The community aspect is also a positive that makes looking after an allotment all the more fulfilling – making new friends and having an additional green thumbed support network has been lovely for my mental wellbeing.

I’m down most weekends with the family now, even if it’s just to give things a bit of a water and to check on how things are growing. After all that I’m also really into the environment and living more worry as to whether things would grow or not, sustainably and wanted to take up a hobby that starting to see our first crops of lettuce, rhubarb would support my health and wellbeing – time out and carrots has been really enjoyable. It’s all been in the fresh air with space to think. I had already a bit of trial and error, but it’s been great fun along dabbled in trying to grow a few things in my own the way. garden and found I’d been bitten by the gardening bug so getting that plot of land to make my own It’s also been a great educational opportunity for back in February was an exciting, if daunting, my son. He started out sitting on his electronic prospect. device while the work was going on around him, but he’s really becoming interested in everything I won’t deny it was a bit stressful at first – it took we’re doing and in getting involved in the whole some time to get my head around what I was growing process as well. going to do with the space I’d been given and if I was going to be successful in growing anything.

What is the plan for the allotment in the long run? My hope is that the allotment will become more sustainable as time goes on and we will be able to plant, grow and eat our veg more seasonally. I’ve also started researching into getting a polytunnel to help extend the growing season of my veg.

Do I have any suggestions for staff members who may want to try their hand at growing their own for the first time? I’m still constantly learning but I’d say that everyone can try their hand at growing something, regardless of if they have their own garden. If you do have a bit of space, sunflowers and runnerbeans are a good beginners place to start – they grow quickly and it’s really satisfying.

Otherwise, things like herbs, chillis and pea shoots can be grown on a windowsill. I’ve managed to propagate an avocado in the fridge –it’s really just about having a go and seeing what happens. If you have instructions on your seed pack, just follow them!

At the end of the day, when you’ve managed to successfully grow something with your own hands there is an enormous sense of accomplishment and it’s definitely time well spent away from the TV or from housework when you get to create tasty food with your own produce.

9.

GROWING

Grow your own

fruit and veg Did you know you can regrow . re’s just a few you can regrow from your kitchen scraps? He e pennies... som wing your own and pinch Why not try your hand at gro

CARROT

Cut your celery and leave an inch or two on the base. Leave it in a bowl of water and in decent sunlight. When new leaves begin to sprout, wait a week and then transfer it into a pot with soil.

ONION

POTATO

One of the easiest veggies to regrow – cut the root end of your onion, place it in a sunny location in your garden and cover with top soil. Keep the soil moist by watering as needed.

Pick a spud that has formed good eyes and cut into a 2-3 inch piece and allow cut area to dry for a few days. Mix some compost into your soil and plant your newly cut bit of spud about 8-inches deep with the eyes facing upwards.

LEEK

BASIL, MINT AND CORIANDER

Cut your root and leave about two inches of leek from the bottom – place in a bowl of water.

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CELERY

You can regrow your carrot top to add to soups, saute or even turn into a tasty pesto.

Leave the top of the carrot in a plate or bowl of water and in decent sunlight.

A lot of herbs can be regrown by leaving around 2-3 inches of the stem. Place the stems upright in water and when roots begin to sprout transfer into soil.

CONNECT

Green and serene

Getting back to nature for our mental health It’s important to look after not just our physical health – but our mental health and wellbeing as well. And there are little things we can every day to support this, including getting back to nature.

How much nature we notice around us, our appreciation of our natural surroundings and even how much we think about it – our relationship with nature is critical in supporting good mental health and preventing stress.

But nature doesn’t just mean woodland, forests and beaches – it can be as simple as the trees on your street, your own garden, and even indoor plants. Even watching nature

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Find nature wherever you are During busy periods, you might not have time to visit the seaside or the park. But you don’t necessarily need

documentaries has been shown to be good for our mental wellbeing.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 70% of UK adults believe being close to nature improves their mood and 45% said that visiting green spaces helped them to cope during the pandemic.

However, did you also know that 16% of UK adults spend less than an hour around nature each week?

We’ve put together some tips to help you connect with nature.

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Bring nature to you If you can’t get out to nature at the moment, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways you can bring nature

to actively seek out nature. It’s all around us – it just

inside. By adding plants to your home or growing

needs a little more attention. Eat lunch in your garden

flowers in your garden, you’re creating a meaningful,

instead of at the dining table, watch the birds and the

nurturing relationship with the environment. If

trees through your window. Wherever you are, whatever

the weather’s bleak, you can also watch nature

you’re doing – try to notice the nature surrounding you

documentaries – we suggest one narrated by David

in a meaningful way.

Attenborough’s soothing voice to further relax.

Use all your senses Put your phone down for a while and take some time to be mindful while you’re out in nature. Listen to the

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Combine nature with creativity Activities where we feel emotions such as compassion or where we’re actively seeking out beauty can develop

birds, watch how the clouds move, take notice of how

our connection with the natural world. Take the

the warm sand feels on your feet. Using your senses can

passions and skills you already have outside – whether

help to develop your connection with nature.

you’re a dancer, a photographer or a cross-stitcher. Who knows? You may find some new inspiration.

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Get out in nature There are fantastic opportunities in the Tees Valley to get back to nature. From green spaces in Hardwick

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Protect nature Nature is wonderful and should be protected. There are simple things you can do every day to help look after

Park and Guisborough Forest to blue spaces such as

our environment – recycling, turning the lights off and

Seal Sands or Coatham Marsh – there’s something for

choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving to the shop. By

everyone here. And you can even combine nature with

taking care of nature, we are doing our part for the planet.

your exercise to release even more endorphins.

And just doing good can make us feel better.

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SPONSORS

SPOTLIGHT

Wellbeing Sponsors Our Trust currently has 77 engagement and wellbeing sponsors to support you in your physical and mental health and wellbeing – in and out of the workplace.

the sponsors actively contribute to upcoming wellbeing initiatives, encourage staff to take part and can signpost you to further support, advice and information.

Our sponsors are warm, approachable and welcoming with a wealth of information about the initiatives our organisation has in place. They work closely with our people development team to keep you healthy and to help you cope with any pressures you might face.

If you would like to become a wellbeing sponsor or if you’re not sure who your wellbeing sponsor is and would like to reach out, please contact the people development team on:

nth-employeeengagement@nhs.net

Whether you’re looking to quit smoking, need help with your mental health or would simply like to take up some group exercise after work –

Meet one of your sponsors Lisa Tomlinson-Cowie, registered nursing associate

I’ve been a wellbeing sponsor for a couple of years and support colleagues in centralised outpatients across both hospitals. I became a sponsor as I could link it into my health promotion work, including cancer screening and the annual flu jab.

It’s so important staff are supporting each other because communication is key. It allows everyone to have access to the support and information they need without any crossed wires.

Being a sponsor gives me satisfaction in knowing that I’m helping to spread the word and promote health to staff.

If they only want a chat and don’t want to take it further, that’s fine - I’ve made that first step into maybe helping someone to look at their lifestyle in a different and more positive way.

Making it fun, informative and interesting can even give somebody that little lift to say ‘yes I can’ by making every contact count.

BOOKISH Book review

THE KEEPER OF STORIES Sally Page HarperCollins Publishers Paperback (17 March 2022) Review by librarian, Deborah Elliott ‘The Keeper of Stories’ by Sally Page is a book about human nature with all its flaws and inconsistencies. Janice is a cleaner, she’s a very good cleaner but to her husband and her clients she is just a cleaner. Janice hides secrets and collects stories accruing a treasure trove of life experiences from people who are selfish and narcissistic as well as from people who are kindness personified. It is these stories which Janice draws on to provide her solace when she needs it.

It’s only when she starts cleaning for Mrs B that Janice realises somebody might

actually want to listen to her own story for a change. What is Janice hiding? After all, doesn’t everyone have a story to tell? Mrs B gradually coaxes it out of her in a most skilful fashion.

However, it is Decius, the fox terrier who belongs to an unpleasant couple that Janice cleans for, who is the most memorable character. Everybody needs a Decius!

An uplifting read overall and a reminder that those with the richest and most abundant stories should never be underestimated.

You can borrow a copy of ‘The Keeper of Stories’ for free from the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ collection available at the library.

Knowledge and Information Service Ground Floor, South Wing University Hospital of North Tees

01642 624789 nth-tr.knowledge@nhs.net

TOP TIPS

Reading al-fresco

Most often when I’m reading, I’m curled up on my couch with a library book and a fleecy blanket. However, during the summer months, I love reading outside.

Reading a good book in the fresh air surrounded by the beauty of nature is ultra-relaxing!

• • •

• •

Grab a comfy chair and celebrate and enjoy what’s right in your own garden or backyard.

Take a blanket and go on a ‘book picnic’!

‘Pick a spot’ – by the sea, in the park, on the moors, beside a river, under a tree, in a graveyard (perfect for a spooky book!) or pool side, somewhere where you feel comfortable.

‘Optional extras’– hammocks, umbrellas, pop up tents or wigwams, and lilos are great outdoor reading props.

Finally, be prepared! Weather can change quickly.

For some suggestions for books to read outdoors, check out, ‘Books Best Read Poolside (or in a Hammock)’ on Scribd where you will find some light fiction and non-fiction escapes to enjoy outdoors.

Borrow instead of buying Why not visit the library at University Hospital of North Tees, ground floor, south wing where you will find a wide selection of ‘Reading for Pleasure’ and ‘Mood Boosting’ books available to borrow for free?

Free little library If you are out and about on a weekend or on holiday, keep an eye open for the ‘Free Little Library’ boxes dotted across many parts of the UK. Part of an international network, ‘Free Little Library’ boxes work on the simple eco-friendly idea of ‘take a book, leave a book’. The books on offer constantly change and rotate – the perfect ‘literary lottery’!

Download the ‘Free Little Library’ mobile app to find out more.

It’s so exciting to stumble across a ‘Free Little Library’, especially when you find a good book like this one ‘The Keeper of Stories’ by Sally Page, perfect for reading outdoors.

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SPORT

A sporting life

by Derek Bell, joint chair

“Sport has afforded me many great privileges, among the most important has been the opportunity to meet so many people around the world. Sport brings people together.”

A lifelong love of physical activity and sporting competition has seen Trust chair Professor Derek Bell continue to excel at his chosen sport at the age of 67.

Derek took up hockey at the age of 13 after being inspired by a teacher who represented Great Britain in the sport at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

An instant enthusiast, Derek plays in midfield and defence and has previously played for several teams including Scottish schools, Scottish under 21s, Scottish and British universities and in domestic and European competitions. Now, he has been part of the Scottish masters hockey team for around 20 years.

His commitment to his chosen sport sees him still playing for most Saturdays and a monthly masters training session, alongside the team with which he has won a bronze medal in the Australia-hosted

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world masters cup, the home nation’s cup and this year lifted the Celtic cup against stiff competition from Ireland and Wales.

Derek is keen to encourage others to be more active.

He said: “On an average week, I’ll run three or four times and a couple of cycle rides, plus my hockey training.

“I exercise to keep fit and control my weight, although to be honest, controlling what you eat is the most effective method of weight management.

“It’s also a great de-stressor. When you run or cycle, you tend to think clearer and it can have a huge positive impact on mental health.

“The best advice I can give to someone looking to take up more exercise is to not overdo it. It is crucial not to do too much too quickly. A brisk walk for five minutes and then a rest is a perfectly acceptable starting point.”

MEMORY

Postcards from the heart

by Hannah Bashir, internal medicine trainee doctor

Inspired by my Grandma who is my top postcard correspondent.

I’ll start by saying that I’m a postcard hoarder.

Any trip I go on, I’ll buy at least five – even if it’s to an art gallery I visit all the time or my local city. Five postcards. Every time. I have a box full of them in my living room.

I learned about the power of writing through therapy and I’ve recently realised just how therapeutic it is to write postcards specifically.

They don’t have the space for a big update but they summarise the stories of loved ones’ recent adventures – whether it’s a weekend in the Highlands or they’ve been halfway across the world – with beautiful images of scenes I may never get to see or experience for myself.

Am I the only one who breaks into a smile when I find one on my doormat after I return home from a shift?

(Usually stressed – as I’m sure anyone who works with me can attest to!)

When I think of the joy receiving postcards gives me, it inspires me to write them to others – remembering the place friends and family hold in my life when I’m feeling alone and wanting them to know that I’m thinking of them and recalling a special moment in our relationship.

And even though it’s more effort and more expense than a quick WhatsApp message or an email to say ‘Hey, how are you?’, it’s far more personal when you’ve picked out a specific postcard for someone based on a unique shared memory.

So next time you’re feeling burnout at the end of the day, I encourage you to pick up a pen and write to someone you care about.

We all crave human connection. And who knows – maybe they’ll send you one back?

15.

100 LEADERS

Team Green

with pack leader Katie Coulson and deputy Danielle Jamieson

The 100 Leaders programme has seen some amazing projects come to fruition. From the teams of Nicola Critchley’s Rainbow Room stairs to Kath Tarn’s networking service, the outcomes of this programme are being seen across our Trust.

As cohort 2 is now in full swing, here is a roundup of what your colleagues are working on, plus a Q&A with one of our green projects.

What is your project?

Our project is looking at enhancing green spaces across the Trust site(s), rewilding the areas that we currently have. We call ourselves #TeamGreen and are always updating Twitter with the latest progress!

Follow @DanJam6967 for our updates.

Brief overview of the project We are looking at rejuvenating our existing green spaces, with the aim of having a positive impact on our staff and patients’ wellbeing.

The impact of nature on mental and physical wellbeing is well documented; we wanted to incorporate this into our workspace by adding features such as additional trees and bird/owl boxes.

This is just the beginning of our ideas though; we have made mood boards to display the woodland forests we want to create in North Tees and Hartlepool.

What made you come up with the idea for a green project?

Being green is a cause that is close to both of our hearts.

We wanted to use the opportunity of 100 Leaders to create something meaningful, using the programme as a stepping-stone to give something back to staff and patients.

What are your next steps?

Our next steps are to finalise the design plans and costs associated with rewilding these green spaces. It is a really exciting time and we are looking forward to the next half of our 100 Leaders journey!

What does being ‘green’ mean to you?

Katie: Being mindful of your environment and consciously aware of your impact. Even the smallest things can made a big difference.

Danielle: When I think of being ‘green’, I instantly consider the ways in which nature helps your mental health. Just five minutes outside can do wonders for your mindset.

100 LEADERS Katie and Danielle are just one of the ten packs working hard to make courageous changes across our Trust.

Here is what the rest of cohort 2 are working on…

• • • • • • • • •

Pack one: Connecting with our community colleagues by improving staff room facilities and break times (Mark Malik and Lynsey Honeyman) Pack two: Developing a North Tees charity shop (Linda Robinson and Suzi Campbell) Pack three: Improving facilities on the Hartlepool site, such as the restaurant and food options (Lee Bennett and Lucie Littlewood) Pack four: Rejuvenation of green spaces (James Gobie and Chris Ferguson) Pack six: Improving access and knowledge to wellbeing and exercise (Patrick Russell and Gordon Mitchell) Pack seven: Giving the central changing room facilities an uplift (Tom McCourt and Kirsty Miller) Pack eight: Staff engagement and retention (Lynsey Hetherington and Ashleigh Nixon) Pack nine: Paper-lite in breast services (Tracy Hall and Jordanne McMullan) Pack ten: Improving signage and wayfinding at North Tees (Tim Carter and Michelle Matchett)

Critical care team climbs new heights to raise money for Trust When staff nurse Emily Baker came across the opportunity to take on a brave new challenge, she rose to the occasion – and she’s bringing 15 colleagues with her.

Emily and her critical care colleagues are taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks this September – all to raise money for North Tees and Hartlepool Together, your organisation’s charity.

The 25-mile challenge takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Pennine range. And this is all in under 12 hours.

Why are you taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks?

I love my job and I love a challenge. I’m used to working under challenging conditions in intensive care so Three Peaks definitely appealed to me.

When I think about the challenges our patients face, they inspire me to test myself.

I’m a keen walker. I can easily go for a six or eight miler every week but I’ve never done 25 miles before. So I’m excited by the 25 miles – to put myself to the test on behalf of our amazing patients.

What’s your top tip for taking on a new challenge?

We all have challenging times, whether that’s professionally or personally. But what I say to myself is ‘just keep going!’ and I think of the accomplishment I know I’ll feel.

Even though something’s tough, if you set your mind to achieving it then the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel afterwards is fantastic – and so good for your overall wellbeing.

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SNAPSHOT

Julie Weldrake

Weekly Weigh-in

Staff member Julie Weldrake from the integrated discharge team has had a busy summer setting up an eight-week weight loss challenge for staff in her department. The ‘weekly weigh in’ was part of the healthy eating and nutrition campaign month.

Julie set up a display board of wellbeing information and the staff took turns being weighed each week.

The member of staff who lost the most weight was presented with a gift basket of fruit, which had been kindly donated by the catering team, and other items bought by Julie. She also purchased little wellbeing gift bags for the rest of her team.

Well done to Julie and the integrated discharge team team on their health and wellbeing challenge!

Ditch smoking this summer...

We won’t tell you why smoking is bad for you. You already know that!

But if you would like some help, all Trust staff can access the Smoke Free app completely free of charge at: https://app.smokefreeapp.com/code The app is a proven aid in helping smokers quit for good.

All staff are politely reminded that smoking is not allowed on the grounds of any NHS facility. The Trust does allow e-cigarettes and vaping outdoors.

Our fantastic gard and busy keep eners have been out ing our hosp ital green spaces lookin g lovely this summer

Wellbeing day The Trust is hosting two wellbeing days in August to help you get to know some of the health and wellbeing initiatives our organisation has to offer.

This will take place at University Hospital of North Tees Rainbow Room on Wednesday 17 August and the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Thursday 18 August.

You can enjoy traditional sports day activities like sack racing and an egg and spoon race and get to know a little bit more about the support we can offer around smoking, weight management, finance, mental health and more.

To find out more about the wellbeing day, please keep an eye on your NHSMail emails.

SUPPORT

Key support

INTERNAL CONTACTS

EXTERNAL CONTACTS Able futures • • •

Regular advice, guidance and support.

Help to learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.

Available from 8am - 10.30pm weekdays or refer online.

Chaplaincy Offering one off support

Contact: 01642 383138 jim.wright@nhs.net

Contact: 0800 321 3137 Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals

Occupational health ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub

Offering workplace support

Confidential advice and support helpline.

7am - 9pm (7-days a week)

Contact: 01642 383211

Contact: 0191 223 2030

Recovery college online A range of online courses to support with aspects of wellbeing and mental health.

Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk

Staff psychology support hub

Facilitated by the psychology department

Contact: 01429 522048

IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy Provide talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies.

Staff are placed on a priority list but must state that they are NHS staff at the time of referral. Initial assessments are relatively quick but the wait for therapy is currently a number of months.

(Note: Therapy type determined from assessment will dictate how quickly staff can be seen).

Available 9am - 5pm (weekdays) and online referrals can be made anytime.

Contact: 01642 573924 Access online: www.impactonteesside.com

Domestic violence advocate Confidential staff support

Contact: 07789 506664 kelly.thomson10@nhs.net 19.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

– Albert Einstein