NTHNHS | Health and Wellbeing Magazine - Issue 7, December 2023

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

Health

and

Wellbeing

Issue 7 December 2023

Your magazine was ‘highly commended’ at NHS Communicate 2022 for communications team health and wellbeing award.

CONTENTS

Welcome

3

Why I got my 11-year-old to inspire you to quit smoking

4

Help yourself… by helping others

6

Walking netball helps Dianne rediscover passion

8

A girl’s best friend: The crystal clear benefits of diamond painting

9

Chaplaincy: Christmas Reflections and more

10

Your Winter Wellbeing Checklist

12

It’s our Birthday and you’re all invited (to get your jab)

14

Book and video games review

15

We don’t just get by - we thrive with a little help from our friends

16

How Am I?

18

Health and wellbeing support contacts

18

Trust snapshot

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

Hi, my name is Stacey, I am delighted to be joining the team in February 2024 to start my role as the Group Chief Executive Officer. It is an absolute privilege to work in the NHS and I am excited to be coming to work with colleagues across North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees hospitals and community teams who are so passionate about their work and the communities they serve.

Whilst I didn’t get to meet everyone during the recruitment process those I did meet were exceptionally warm, friendly, and very proud of the services they worked in. In talking with other partners across the health and care system I got a real sense of the connections back to people living in the local area and the opportunities to work collectively to ensure that our communities can have equitable access and outcomes in the care they need.

I have worked in the NHS for 37 years, originally as a nurse and in several different leadership roles. Whilst the nature of the work I do may have changed over the years, the reasons I do it have remained constant. I love working as part of a team and doing my best to make sure that people working with our teams can provide an excellent experience for patients and their families.

Now I know you are reading this as the festive season approaches. It is a good opportunity to celebrate the joy of Christmas, spending time with family, friends and loved ones and to reflect upon the fact that many of you will be working during this time caring for those that need us.

It is also important to remember that for some, Christmas can be a time of loneliness and there may be those among us who are facing challenges and finding the cost of Christmas casting a shadow over the festive spirit. For some, this can be a very difficult time of year.

It makes me think about the tireless work of our voluntary sector, charities and community groups who reach out those who are struggling or may feel isolated to offer compassion and support. I would urge all of you to continue to look out for each other – as you will know as simple gesture of kindness can make a significant difference.

Thank you to those of you that will continue to work and provide services over the holiday period, I hope you manage to get some time to relax . For all of us a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas lies not only in the presents and lovely food but in our capacity to be there for one another.

For colleagues who don’t celebrate Christmas I hope you get chance to enjoy some down time with your families and friends.

As I think beyond Christmas… like others I know I will be asked if I have made any new year’s resolutions… which for the record I won’t. I have come to realise that I don’t have a very good track record of keeping them! I hope to continue to be happy and healthy – we are getting a new puppy just before Christmas as an addition to the family and as a partner in crime for our eight-year cocker spaniel Finn. I have no doubt that will keep us busy, particularly in those early months. I am an enthusiastic sailor and keen to continue learning how to do it well (there is a long way to go with that) and look forward to spending time on the water in the coming year.

From a professional perspective… it’s a big year for me as I join you and colleagues learning about the services and working with you all to build upon all the brilliant work you are doing. I hope to get to meet as many people as possible and look forward to coming and spending time hearing about the contributions you make in your respective roles and teams.

Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday time – enjoy whatever you are doing, and may 2024 bring you good health and happiness.

Best wishes, Stacey Hunter Incoming Joint Group Chief Executive 3.

LIFESTYLE

Why I got my 11-year-old to inspire you to

quit smoking

By Jonathan Ferguson, cardiothoracic consultant, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“Amazing”, “powerful” and “brilliant” were some of the messages my son received for our ‘You do not want to meet my Da’ YouTube video.

Moreover, I was delighted to deliver the “best news” to Martin when I shared with him that he no longer had cancer.

The video, which was a light-hearted take on why one should quit smoking, featured my 11-year-old son Thomas Ferguson along with Martin Cunliffe, a lung cancer survivor.

But Martin’s story is the perfect opportunity to relay the ‘prevention is better than cure’ proverb.

Although many questioned if it was worth taking my boy out of school to shoot the video. My answer as a cardiothoracic consultant? Yes, it surely was!

It’s because according to a government report, most smokers start as teenagers with 83 per cent smoking before the age of 20. This was the same case for Martin, who picked up the habit at the young age of 17.

However, in April 2023, the now 47-year-old was informed he had lung cancer. Receiving the “worst news” of his life was the lowest point for Martin, but with the help of my expert cardiothoracic team, we were able to remove his cancerous tumour in a lifesaving operation.

4.

If there had been awareness of the harmful effects of smoking when Martin was a youngster, who knows?

It may have deterred him from picking up the deadly addiction – and possibly helping prevent cancer.

Martin’s story made me realise I had to take a step further and raise more awareness about addiction in the local community, especially among teenagers.

So, it was inspiring for me when my young lad volunteered to play a part in the video and joined Martin in his new mission to stop others from following the dangerous path he once embarked on as a curious boy.

Even if one teenager was encouraged to quit smoking by watching the video, it would have been a massive success for me and the wider hospital teams.

Alternatively, another proverb springs to mind which is “better late than never”.

Dedicated local stop smoking support teams are available for our colleagues struggling to give up smoking and staff can access several resources such as vapes and nicotine patches, to name a few. The expert advisors will share a personalised plan with you and will help you to quit smoking, whatever may come.

I think I have a knack for proverbs, so I am ending my piece with one from the great Thomas Edison: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

You don’t want to meet my DA! Youtube video:

Local support from Fresh Website:

Get help on your stop smoking journey: www.freshquit.co.uk/ways-to-quit/local-support

5.

VOLUNTEERING

Help yourself…

Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, that our actions (big or small) can help others and benefit our health.

We recently sat down with 18-year-old Chloe Larke, a volunteer on ward 33 at the University Hospital of North Tees, and 47-year-old Michael Lee who volunteers his time in A&E at The James Cook University Hospital. They spoke candidly about why they volunteer their time and the benefits (expected and surprising) of working with NHS staff and patients...

So, why did you become a volunteer?

Chloe: I started volunteering in January 2023. I originally did it to gain to experience about hospital life because I want to go into medicine – to find out what life is like on the ward and different roles in hospitals.

Through my new connections at the hospital, I also got to take on some work experience and that was incredible. I got to attend trauma meetings and staff meetings.

Your time here is spent supporting patients with their wellbeing. Is there anything you especially love about volunteering?

Michael: As a dedicated volunteer at A&E in James Cook, I provide invaluable support to the medical staff by offering compassionate care and assistance to patients, their families, and friends. I talk to and comfort patients, ensuring their emotional wellbeing during their time at the hospital.

6.

I also actively support the staff by fulfilling any drink or food requirements they have, making sure they are energised and focused.

by helping others Chloe: Without intending it to, it’s really impacted my confidence. At first I was a bit apprehensive, you feel like you’re intruding a bit on the patients. But they do want you there, you can see they’re interested and engaged.

Volunteering on a ward is, for me, about getting to know the patients. And they can really boost you up.

They want to know why you are here and about your life.

There’s some people that you meet over and over again and we get to have a bit of a catch up – not just about them, they like to follow my story as well.

And have you found any unexpected benefits in your own wellbeing?

Chloe: Oh, absolutely, it gives me a break. I do my volunteering in my free periods at college so otherwise, I’d be spending my time studying. If I was consistently studying, it definitely wouldn’t help my mental health at all.

Volunteering definitely breaks up the stress of college.

It’s boosted my mental health in more ways than I expected. I love the sense of community you feel amongst the volunteers and people who I otherwise perhaps wouldn’t interact with. And it’s made me a much more confident and bubbly person.

Michael: Being a volunteer is a constant source of positivity and happiness – for patients and for myself.

As an added bonus, I clock in around 10,000 steps a day whenever I volunteer!

7.

HOBBIES

Walking Netball helps Dianne rediscover passion

By Dianne Hughes, Ward Clerk, North Tees and Hartlepool

We met with Dianne Hughes over a cup of tea at her office in the joint replacement unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Dianne, a ward clerk who has worked in Hartlepool for more than 30 years, has recently taken up walking netball.

How did you hear about walking netball?

I was going along to a pilates class at Brierton Sports Centre in Hartlepool when, by chance, I was asked by someone there if I had heard about the walking netball group.

Once I knew about it, I wanted to find out more and have been going along every week ever since.

Tell us about your background with netball and a bit more about the group.

I played netball a lot from the age of 10 to 25, playing at school (St. Aidens Primary, Brinkburn as a senior) and to county level, then for a local ladies pub team.

Of course, then job commitments and my family came along and I fell out of sorts with it and it all took a back seat.

8.

I am now 55 so it has been a long time since! I was very nervous going along to the group for the first time.

I felt so unfit and it is very different to netball, with different rules. It’s a slower pace, you have to keep your feet on the ground and think more.

What I quickly realised was that all abilities and ages are welcome, no experience was needed at all. We have a mother and daughter who come and a couple of ladies who are aged over 70 playing.

Why should other consider getting involved?

It is such a fun sport, with no pressure and is so supportive and friendly. The group promotes wellbeing and positive mental and physical health.

With tea and biscuits afterwards! Come along and give it a go.

I feel fitter, over the six months I have been going. I don’t cancel my Friday netball plans for anything now!

Where to join us:

Where: Brierton Sports Centre, Hartlepool When: Friday 9.30am-10.30am Price: £5 admission £4 with an active card £3 concessions

A girl’s best friend:

The crystal clear benefits of diamond painting

By Karen Pattinson, Medical Secretary, North Tees and Hartlepool

Around four years ago, Karen Pattinson – medical secretary at the University Hospital of North Tees – was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.

To conserve and manage her energy, Karen adapted her daily routine and her hobbies, leading her to discover a brand new craft that she’d never heard of before – diamond painting.

Her new hobby not only yields sparkling works of mosaic-style art, but also some distinct benefits to her mental wellbeing…

Karen: I discovered diamond painting after seeing an advert online. I watched some videos about it and just felt it looked very calming and peaceful.

Essentially, it’s like colour by numbers. But instead of just colouring each section in, you use tiny little

diamond tiles that sparkle under light.

Approximately four years ago, I was diagnosed with ME and had to adapt my lifestyle to reserve energy. I’ve also suffered with depression, anxiety and seasonal adjustment disorder so to try and combat this, especially in the winter, I started diamond painting.

It helps to alleviate stress after a challenging day at work. I set up my little craft station and just let all my stresses, challenges and thoughts from the day disappear while I concentrate on my painting.

I find the hobby very therapeutic and relaxing. I can sit there for hours happy in the knowledge that I’m not stressed, I’m happy and in the process of creating a lovely picture.

Here is one of my recent creations, the famous house floating with balloons from the Pixar film ‘Up’. My next picture that I’m currently working on is flamingos – my favourite bird.

CHAPLAINCY

Christmas reflections

By Rev Lisa Opala, Chaplain, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

I was listening to the radio on my way to work and people were sending in requests for that special song that signalled for them that Christmas had begun.

We all have of our favourites that trigger nostalgic memories of years gone by and special times with those we love and those whom we miss. The one that does it for me was in the Top Ten in 1976, Johnny Mathis singing ‘When a child is born.’ All of us need a ray of hope in the darkness and somehow every year as Christmas begins, after all the rush there is a quiet gentleness and a hope that things will be better.

War will turn to peace and the walls of doubt and mistrust will crumble and fall. Johnny Mathis sings, for a spell or two no-one seems forlorn and it is so true that spirit of Christmas of kindness and giving is so tangent that Wizzard has been crying for the last 50 years that he wishes it could be Christmas every day. If we cannot share peace and love with one another for the sake of our children and their children it seems we are sadly failing them.

This Christmas whatever you are doing and wherever you are, it is my hope that as we wait in expectation together, we will reflect on the winds of change we would like to see, so that all across the land in our homes and throughout the world we will witness a brand new morn that comes to pass when a child is born.

“May God bless you and those you love with joy and peace this Christmas from all the Chaplaincy Team at South Tees.”

10.

The real value of a gift

By Rev Jim Wright, Chaplain, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

A story is told of a missionary serving as a doctor in a remote part of Africa.

One Christmas, the doctor shares gifts to the villagers, explaining how Christians, as an expression of their joy, would give each other presents on Christ’s birthday.

Twinkle

By David Russon, Chaplain, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are Shining in the sky so bright, like a beacon in the night.

Noticed there by wise men three Said to each other there must be A new King born for you and me Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder why you’re there Shining in the sky tonight, shining yes and oh so bright.

Followed by the wise men three For two years expectantly Ready to approach on bended knee, Twinkle, twinkle little star, how did you guide from afar Shining in the sky so bright, bringing joy and delight To the wise men who were three Arrived in Bethlehem unexpectedly To give their gifts unto thee Twinkle, twinkle little star, do you know just what you are Shining in the sky so bright, shining there with all your might Leading, guiding, the wise men three Right to the place where they would see Jesus, Joseph and the Virgin Mary

Many days later the doctor is summoned to a village meeting, where the doctor is presented with a magnificent seashell of lustrous beauty.

The doctor is delighted with this incredible gift but puzzled as they are many miles from the nearest coast.

The village elder explains that such a shell can only be found in a certain bay many, many miles from the village, but a small party had volunteered to go and collect one for the doctor.

“I think the shell is wonderful, it is just stunning” says the doctor, “But I am sorry you had to travel so far to get it.”

The elder looks at the doctor and smiles, “The long walk is part of the gift.”

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Your Winter Wellbeing Checklist Winter is here, the weather is colder and days are shorter so it’s more important than ever to take care of your physical and psychological wellbeing. Here’s some top tips from our occupational health experts:

Get outside when you can Why not try biking, walking or running? Check out our Cycle to Work schemes.

class or gym A great way to stay motivated through those long dark days and an opportunity to meet and connect with new people.

Don’t forget to take advantage of local NHS discount schemes.

Try something new...

Join the South Tees NHS Choir ...or try Pound at North Tees and Hartlepool Music is proven to be good for your wellbeing. Plus it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have some fun.

Don’t forget to use the

How Am I? toolkit Avoid the temptation to overspend!

Remember children need your presence more than your presents! If you are really struggling you can call the National Debt Line on 0808 808 4000.

Check in with yourself everyday and take your emotional temperature with this fantastic resource on the South Tees website, developed by our very own medical psychologists.

Struggling to find time to join the gym or want to stay active in your own home?

Join #doingourbit

A free platform for all NHS staff including on demand videos, in person exercise and wellness classes, group activities and training buddies. The workouts are suitable for all abilities.

It’s easy to eat comfort food and stay indoors when it’s cold outside, but we can soon become less active and gain those extra few pounds! If you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight and would like advice, visit your trust’s

Staff wellbeing webpages

Read one of the

Make every contact count

Spread Christmas cheer and signpost a friend, patient or colleague to a service that will improve their health and wellbeing – helping them will make you feel great too!

Make sure you

#GetWinterReady by getting your flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines if you have not already joined the thousands of colleagues who have done so.

Mood boosting

books available from our libraries.

It’s good to talk Don’t forget Christmas can be a difficult time for some. If you are feeling lonely why not consider volunteering or schedule a call with a friend or family member.

New year, new you!

Make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking in 2024 with support from our occupational health teams. It’s Time to Clear the Air.

FLU

IT’S OUR B I R T H DAY A N D YO U ’ R E A L L INVITED ( T O G ET YO U R JA B ) THE FLU campaign is well underway and we’re continuing to ask colleagues to help us celebrate the NHS’ 75th birthday year by getting their flu jab as soon as possible.

Don’t let flu ruin our pa r ty Working within healthcare, you are more exposed to the flu virus which can be life threatening and risk passing it on to those you care for who may be at a greater risk – it’s easy to pass flu on without knowing.

As the winter sets in and the weather gets colder, don’t be a party pooper – get your flu jab today and make sure you’re fully protected before flu hits us in a big way - it takes 10 to 14 days to take full effect.

Whether you’re on the front-line or are one of our dedicated colleagues working behind the scenes, getting your vaccine is another step you can take to protect not only your patients but also each other and your loved ones so please ensure you make all efforts to get the jab as soon as possible.

There’s still time to get your name on the guest list.

Flu champions Peer vaccinators are out and about in wards, departments and community hospitals across both South Tees and North Tees – making sure you can get your flu jab easily on shift.

Please get your flu jab through your flu champion in the first instance.

Drop-in clinics

Colleagues can also have their flu jab at drop-in clinics across both trusts.

Don’t worry, there are no bouncers on the door checking if your name is on the list – no booking is needed, just turn up.

When you attend, you will be asked to fill in a form with personal details. You will also be asked your NHS number (but it’s not a problem if you don’t know it) and payroll number. You can find your NHS number online and your payroll number can be found on your payslip via ESR. So why wait? Get your flu jab today and say no to uninvited guests. Simply scan the relevant QR code below for further details.

South Tees F l u W e b pag e

NoRTH Tees & Hartlepool F l u W e b pag e

16.

Synopsis Taking place in the 26th century, Dead Space tells the story of a mining spaceship overrun by deadly monsters called necromorphs following the discovery of an artefact called the ‘Marker’. The player controls engineer Isaac Clarke as he navigates the spaceship and fights the necromorphs while struggling with growing psychosis.

Dead Space

Video game review

Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Windows PC Released 2023, Rated 18 Review by Iain Greener, Head of Governance and Compliance, NTH Solutions If, like me you’ve been a long term gamer, you’ll recognise the title Dead Space from over a decade ago. This year EA has released an updated far superior survival horror for next generation consoles.

a task or sub-mission to be completed.

Whether that is upgrading your equipment or RIG suit, solving puzzles or exploring vast locations (claustrophobic at times), you will never be bored. In fact, the difficulty level chosen will ultimately result in how long Isaac stays alive! (You can always redo a section to figure it out though.)

Set on the Ishimura space craft, the lead character Isaac Clarke finds himself trying to understand what went wrong and who was behind the tragic losses, all whilst Seldom these days a game is so polished attempting to save survivors and repair the and expertly constructed. Highly damaged vessel. recommended (and is currently free on Microsoft Game Pass). My only challenge to Comparing to the original title, this version you would be to play it in the dark, with the is better in every sense – graphics, story, volume or headphones turned up. sound effects and the “jump” factor have all been vastly improved.

A great way to wind down from the stresses that we all have at times at work. Providing The story is immersive, and whilst not escapism and real entertainment, why giving away too much, there is always wouldn’t you try it?

Photograph: Electronic Arts

Book review

In Someone Else’s Shoes Jojo Moyes Hardback (2 February 2023) Review by librarian, Deborah Elliott

Full of Jojo Moyes’ signature humour, brilliant storytelling and warmth, ‘Someone Else’s Shoes’ is a story of mixups, mess-ups and making the most of second chances.

It follows the lives of Sam and Nisha, two women from very different backgrounds, whose lives become intertwined when Sam inadvertently picks up Nisha’s bag from the changing room as she leaves the gym.

Moyes crafts a story which tells how this twist of fate, together with the discovery of a pair of red designer shoes housed within the bag, can suddenly change everything, and raises the question, ‘Who are you when you are forced to walk in someone else’s shoes?’

‘Someone Else’s Shoes’ contains a rich cast of diverse characters, who we get to know over the length of the story, and the subplot sensitively raises the important but less

talked about issue of men’s mental health.

The characters are believable and some of their problems are very relatable.

This latest story from Jojo Moyes contains misunderstandings, drama, and a few surprises, but moreover, a wonderful sense of friendship.

‘Someone Else’s Shoes’ is an enjoyable, feelgood read which highlights the good things that happen when people come together, to encourage and support one another.

“Strength — real strength — is not doing what someone asks you, necessarily.

Strength is turning up every day to a situation that is intolerable, unbearable even, just to support the people that you love.”

The story has a good ending which is sure to put a smile on your face.

You can borrow a copy of ‘In Someone Else’s Shoes’ from the ‘Reading for pleasure’ collection available at the library. The paperback edition will be available from April 2024.

Knowledge and Information Service Ground Floor, South Wing University Hospital of North Tees 01642 624789 nth-tr.knowledge@nhs.net

CHARITY

We don’t just get by - we thrive with a little help from our friends Suzi Campbell, fundraising coordinator for North Tees and Hartlepool Together There are organisational pressures in every sector – including the charity sector, particularly smaller ones like ours. Although our North Tees and Hartlepool Together team is small, our ideas and ambitions to support our staff and our patients aren’t.

Over the last year, we have opened a number of opportunities for staff to request money from the charity to support health and wellbeing – from team building days to a massage chair staff can use on their breaks to products to support your sleep.

And next year will be even bigger and better. We’re coming together with NHS charities from right across the country to support 600 Great North Runners as a collective. 2024 will be a very special time to be part of a NHS charity. And you don’t need to work for us to support us – our runners could be patients, your family, friends, anyone from our communities.

We’ve supported our patients through skylights to create calming environments for patients, whilst they’re in our care. And we’re even the first in the region to invest £90,000 in a laparoscopic ultrasound machine, reducing the need for an additional invasive procedure in many gallstones patients and saving them up to a week in waiting time.

By supporting team NTH this year in our charity collective, you will have access to our new training partners Running With Us. Over the course of 2024, they will be hosting meetings with the collective (watch this space) to offer supporting with training advice and injury prevention as you ready yourself, mentally as well as physically, for Great North Run.

We are also working more and more with other NHS charities. Through collaborative working and our small charity teams supporting one another, we can continue to organise fantastic events for you to take part in and also to raise more funds to support you and our patients.

And if running isn’t your thing, don’t worry. We have loads going on. We’ve teamed up with NHS charities across our region to host a whole series of events.

Most recently, 11 colleagues from across three NHS trusts in the region and a local GP came together to take on a cycle challenge up the Himalayas. Together they raised more than £5,000 which was split evenly between our Trust, South Tees Hospitals, County Durham and Darlington, and a diabetes charity – absolutely inspiring teamwork for a fantastic cause.

18.

In 2023, for the first time we teamed up our South Tees colleagues to organise a combined Great North Run – with fantastic benefits for runners at both sites.

As ever, if you need any support with charity, get in touch with me (and the Our Hospitals team for colleagues at South Tees) – be it accessing your pot of money, taking part in our events or if you have a patient who would like to make a generous donation.

Call: 07517 829331 Email: nth-tr.charity@nhs.net

Events calendar 2024 If any of our events take your fancy, or you just want some more information, please get in touch with North Tees + Hartlepool Together fundraising coordinator Suzi Campbell on 07517 829331 or nth-tr.charity@nhs.net.

South Tees staff can contact Lisa Meehan at Our Hospitals Charity on 01642 854160 or OurHospitalsCharity@nhs.net.

SATURDAY 1 JUNE SATURDAY 22 JUNE SATURDAY 27 APRIL SATURDAY 6 JULY SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Registration fee: £50 Minimum sponsorship: £125

Scafell Pike Sunrise Walk Registration fee: £39 Minimum sponsorship: £125

National 3 Peaks Registration fee: £400 (including travel and accomodation) Minimum sponsorship: £200

Hadrian’s Wall Trek Registration fee: £39 Minimum sponsorship: £125

Great North Run Registration fee: £63 Minimum sponsorship: £150

We’re also looking host a skydive on Saturday 11 May and a one day Lyke Wake Walk challenge (date to be confirmed). We’re still finalising these events but in the meantime if you want any information about these, please do get in touch.

19.

SUPPORT

How am I?

We understand that the winter season can be busy a busy time, both at work and within your personal life, and can have a massive impact on your overall health.

Are ongoing cost of living financial pressures weighing you down? Or are busy winter pressures at work taking their toll? Perhaps you’re proving to be more resilient than you first thought, but it can be very easy to instinctively answer the question of whether you’re okay by responding with a perfunctory ‘I’m fine’.

We invite you to take a moment to use South Tees’ handy ‘How am I’ toolkit to take a moment to reflect and see where your emotional temperature currently ranks.

If you think you need further support, please don’t wait. Utilise some of the internal and external support on these pages at your disposal.

The toolkit Improve and maintain your psychological health with our ‘How Am I’ toolkit. The toolkit contains a range of help within four zones (Red, Yellow, Green and Blue) which relate to the way you are feeling right now – your ‘emotional temperature’.

Red – Angry, agitated, anxious, excluded, restless, scared, shocked, uneasy Yellow – Energetic, optimistic, proud, surprised, motivated, happy Green – Calm, confident, focused, safe, social Blue – Disconnected, don’t care, withdrawn, tired, bored, distracted

Use the mood matrix to identify which zone you are in. You can go to each zone’s corresponding webpage to find out more by utilising the QR code.

INTERNAL SUPPORT CONTACTS

Chaplaincy South Tees

James Cook: 01642 854802 Friarage: 01609 763275

North Tees

01642 383138 jim.wright@nhs.net

Occupational health South Tees

01642 282482

North Tees

01642 383211

Staff psychology support hub South Tees

Domestic violence advocate South Tees

stees.psychology.training@ nhs.net

07826 943275 stees.idva@nhs.net

North Tees

North Tees

01429 522049

07789 506664 kelly.thomson10@nhs.net

SNAPSHOT

EXTERNAL SUPPORT CONTACTS Recovery college online

ICS TEWV staff wellbeing hub

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

Confidential advice and support helpline.

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

Access online: www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk

Contact: 0191 223 2030

Able futures

IMPACT on Teesside - talking therapy

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

Provide talking therapy, counselling and alternative therapies.

Contact: 0800 321 3137

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

Access online: able-futures.co.uk/individuals

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

SNAPSHOT

Menopause Support

2023 saw the launch of North Tees and Hartlepool’s new menopause support group for staff. Led by health and wellbeing advisor Helen Waller, the group is a flexible and open forum which offers information, guidance and support around menopause.

Egg and spoon racing

Sports Day Medical students on placement at North Tees enjoy some time out of their studies and placements to take part in a sports day event.

visor Helen Waller

Health and wellbeing ad

Palliative Xmas Fayre The palliative care team at the Friarage Hospital kickstarted the festive period with a Christmas fair in Northallerton Town Hall in aid of the unit’s charitable fund

World Radiography day The South Tees radiotherapy team celebrated World Radiography Day with a not-so-scary friend

Radiolotherapy team

Palliative team in festive attire

21.

"Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday. That's my favorite kind."

—A. A. Milne