Our voice Issue 1

Award for Quality Services for St. Aubyn Centre P20 New services for pregnant women P11 Email: epunft.communications@nhs.net facebook.com/EPUTNHS

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Issue 1 Summer 2017

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Essex NHS Merger Gets Green Light The Trust Boards and Councils of Governors of South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) and North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation NHS Trust (NEP) approved the proposed merger of the Trusts. Both Trusts were dissolved on 31 March 2017 and were replaced by the new Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (or EPUT, for short) from 1 April 2017.

This is the first merger between two NHS Foundation Trusts under the current rules. It is a significant achievement by both Trusts to help secure the future provision of local mental health and community health services.

When making the decision to merge, the Trusts took into account the green risk rating awarded to the proposals by their external regulator, NHS Improvement (NHSI). This is the best risk rating possible and follows a review by NHSI of the plans and the process over the past few months.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of SEPT and Chief Executive of EPUT’s Interim Board

said: “The result has only been made possible through the tremendous amount of hard work by very many of our staff, patients, carers and the support of our NHS and local authority partners and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved.

“The merger is an excellent outcome for local people who rely on our services.

We have said from the start that we would be stronger together. Now we can harness the real enthusiasm we have to take the best from both organisations to deliver sustainable and transformative mental health, learning disabilities and community health services for the benefit of people in Essex and Bedfordshire”.

There will be no immediate changes to services. It will be “business as usual” for service users and carers for the foreseeable future.

Clinicians from both current Trusts are working together with commissioners and people with lived experience to develop a proposed new clinical model for Essex-wide mental health services. Any changes to current services proposed by this model are likely to be subject to formal consultation.

Letter from the Editor It’s all change here. As this arrives on your doorstep or in your mailbox, SEPT will have merged with North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (NEP) forming a brand new organisation, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). And a brand new newsletter, ‘Our Voice’. Please read our merger update on page 3 to find out how we got here.

Message from Sally Morris, Chief Executive Welcome to the Summer Edition of Our Voice. 1 April 2017 saw the establishment of a brand new NHS Trust formed by the merger of South Essex Partnership University NHS Trust (SEPT) and North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (NEP). Following the merger I remain as the Chief Executive of the Interim Board of Directors (see below) who are taking the new Trust, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), forward.

Sally Morris

Janet Wood Sally Morris Acting Chair

Chief Executive

Janet Wood

Chief Executive

Acting Chair

Looking back over the past few months we have been very busy preparing for the merger and as part of this preparation, we held a number of public meetings in addition to our regular public Board of Director and Council of Governor’s meetings. I was really pleased to see so many of you at our ‘SEPT Steve Cotter Andy Brogan Sally Morris Janet Wood Sally Morris Janet WoodDirector on the Spot’ Meetings in November and Andy December and our merger ‘Question Time’Non-Executive event in January. Steve Cotter Brogan Executive Director of Mental Chief Executive Acting Chair Chief Executive Acting Chair Non-Executive Direc Executive Director of Mental Health & Deputy CEO It is important to me and my fellow Board that we keep you, our governors, members and HealthMembers & Deputy CEO stakeholders, involved in all that we do. I am delighted that so many of our service users and carers have come forward to join the Merger Stakeholder Reference Group and are bringing their energy and Steve C Dr Milind Karale Andy Brogan Non-Executiv Dr Milind Karale Executive Medical Director Stevewith Cotter patient, carer, Andy Brogan experience to workExecutive with us on our plans for the future. The new Trust will continue Steve Cott Andy Brogan Executive Director of Mental Medical Non-Executive Director Executive Director ofDirector Mental Executive Director of Mental Health & Non-Executive Deputy CEO D Health & Deputy CEO stakeholder public meetings/forums to promote the progress of the merger, listen to your feedback and Health & Deputy CEO keep you informed of our future plans.

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One of our main features this time is a double page spread on the SEPT Stars Awards Ceremony held on 1 February.

In addition to this, we have Dr Milind Karale Steve Currell Dr Milind Karale Dr Milind Karale Executive Medical Director features on SEPT former Chair At Medical the Director beginning of Executive February we enjoyed a fantastic evening where we recognised and celebrated the Non-Executive Sally Direc Mo Executive Medical Director Chief Execu who recently retired, a service excellent work and innovative practice of our staff from the community and mental health services user’s journey and how you can we provide across Essex and Bedfordshire. I congratulate each and every one of these staff for their get involved in our new Trust as enthusiasm and expertise. Check out the feature on pages 12and 13 a member. And we have someMalcolm McCann Andy Brogan Malcolm McCann Executive Director of Community Executive Director of Mental Executive Director of Community excellent stories about EPUT Services & Partnerships As they say, it’s the end of an era.

Both organisations continued to go from strength to& Deputy strength; and Health CEO Services & Partnerships staff achievements, awards and we are very proud of all our achievements. Thank you to all our governors, members, and stakeholders how we are engaging with our who contributed to our success over the years. But we don’t intend to stop yet. Our merger means the Dr Milind KaraleMcCann patients and public. beginning of a strong alliance between two NHS Foundation Trusts who, together, will deliver excellent Malcolm Sally Morris Janet Wood Malcolm McCann Executive Medical Director Malcolm McCann Executive Director of Community Chief Executive Acting Chair Sally Morris Janet Wood Executive Director of Community Director of Community we serve. services Executive for the patients Services & Partnerships Chief Executive Acting Chair Services & Partnerships Services & Partnerships I hope you enjoy ‘Our Voice’, and find the articles about our staff, patients, carers, members Steve Cotter Andy Brogan Mark Madden Non-Executive Director Executive Director of Mental Andy Brogan Mark Madden and governors interesting Executive Chief Finance and Health & Deputy CEO Executive Director of Mental Executive Chief Finance and Resources Officer Health & Deputy CEO Resources Officer and inspiring. Thank you to everyone who has contributed Steve Currell Dr Milind Karale to this edition and to our Executive Medical Director Andy Brogan Dr Milind Karale Mark MaddenNon-Executive Director Malcolm McCann Mark Madden Sally Morris Janet Wood Mar Executive Director of Mental newsletters over the years. I am Executive Medical Director MarkActing Madden Executive Chief Finance and Sally Janet Executive Director of Community Executive ChiefChief Finance andMorris Executive ChairWood No Health & Deputy CEO Executive Chief Finance and Resources Officer Chief Executive Acting Chair Services & Partnerships Resources Officer Resources Officer very grateful to all of those who have given over their time to be interviewed and have their story Dr Milind Karale Jan Hutchinson Nigel Leonard Executive Medical Director J Nigel Leonard told.

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Merger Update – How we got to day one of the new NHS Trust…

When planning the merger, both SEPT and NEP were firmly committed to acting only in the best interests of the people using our services, their families and carers. An Outline Business Case (OBC) for merger was submitted to the NHS Foundation Trusts’ regulator (then called Monitor) in January 2016. A summary of this document is available on the Trust’s website www.eput.nhs.uk Monitor’s review did not identify any problems that would stop proposals progressing to the next stage. The next step was for staff from both Trusts to carry out a comprehensive due diligence process. As a result, by the end of June 2016, the Trusts had shared a significant amount of information with each other about their services and organisations and identified any risks which may impact on the new organisation.

Following the review of the Outline Business Case for the proposed merger by Monitor (now called NHS Improvement), both Trust Boards agreed to progress to developing a Full Business Case. The Full Business Case demonstrated the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger – in particular, the benefits to patients and service users. These would include a better ability to recruit and retain key clinicians; better access to more specialist expertise; fewer out-of-area placements and co-production of a proposed clinical model for mental health care with staff, commissioners, service users and carers. The public version of a prospectus for the proposed new Trust is available on our website www.eput.nhs.uk.

The Full Business Case was approved by both Boards of Directors at their meetings at the end of November 2016 for submission to NHS Improvement for their review and rating.

Both Trust Boards and Councils of Governors considered the outcome of this review when they made their decision in March 2017.

We engaged with staff and members on the choice of name for the proposed new Trust – Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) – and in developing the proposed new vision and values.

We are continuing to engage with our stakeholders on aspects of planning. We engaged with staff and members on the choice of name for the proposed new Trust – Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) – and in developing our vision and values.

Our Vision: Working to improve Lives Our Values: Open Compassionate Empowering We have also established a Stakeholder Reference Group of service users and carers from both Trusts to work with us in a co-productive way to develop services.

How does the merger affect you as a member?

As a previous member of SEPT or NEP you have the opportunity of remaining involved in your local health services as a member of the proposed new Trust, EPUT. The membership from both SEPT and NEP transfer automatically to EPUT, unless you choose to opt-out. If this is the case and you no longer wish to be involved then please either: • email membership@eput.nhs.uk putting opt-out in the subject heading and confirming your surname and postcode; • write to us at Membership Office, The Lodge, Lodge Approach, Runwell, Wickford SS11 7XX stating that you wish to opt-out and confirming your surname and postcode.

Thank you for your continued support of your local NHS mental health and community health services. We believe we have a bright future ahead and hope that as a member of EPUT you will continue to play an important role in the new Trust moving forward.

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Fond Farewell to SEPT's Chair The Lorraine Cabel Interview It is the longest role she has held in her entire career.Lorraine Cabel steps down as Chair of the Board of Directors of SEPT this Spring after nine years, to retire after a long and illustrious career in the NHS. “I was given a nurses’ outfit at the age of three, and having come from a family of doctors and nurses, you could say I was ‘indoctrinated’”, she laughs.

Lorraine became a cadet nurse at the age of 16 in her native Lancashire and when she qualified as a general nurse, specialised in burns and plastic surgery. After working on the wards for a few years Lorraine took a break and did a degree in social policy and administration. She explained: “I had to pick a topic for my dissertation and at that time the HIV/AIDS epidemic was hitting the UK so I decided to look at the impact of this on the health care services.” Lorraine’s dissertation led her to take a role at the other end of the country, in south Essex, working in HIV infection prevention in public health.

“In my career I have always looked for things that do not have a precedent,” explained Lorraine, “which this role fitted as did my next one as a Commissioner for Health Care in south east Essex.

“That was amazing. I had the opportunity to work with lots of different people and find out how to best serve all the interests of the community by offering the services they needed.”

Lorraine moved up through the authority, becoming first Associate Director, and then Director of Commissioning. She explained: “Strategic Health Authorities were set up by the Government, who quite rightly realised the health service needed to modernise.

I became a Director of Modernisation for the whole of Essex, working with providers looking at how they were providing care and what could be done to make it more accessible.

“I met up with my counterparts, of which there were about 15 across the country on a monthly basis. We were trained extensively on how to improve services and cut waiting

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lists. It was a really fascinating time as it was such a new initiative.”

After a brief stint as the interim Chief Executive for South Essex PCT, Lorraine took on the role of Chair of the Board of Directors of SEPT. “My first attempt to retire.” she laughs. “I was contacted by a firm of headhunters. It was a role I had never considered before.

They talked me through the role and at the time it suited me as it was part-time yet enabled me to use a lot of skills I had built up during the numerous years in the NHS. I felt I could make a difference given my previous experience.

“It is an incredibly challenging role. It has changed beyond all recognition in these nine years. There is a lot more expectation on Chairs now and the pressures are greater.

“One of the most challenging aspects is that you have to be very aware of what is going on outside your organisations, and sometimes go as far as supporting policies that may not benefit your organisation but benefits the system as a whole.”

Looking back on the past nine years, Lorraine recalls the Trust’s achievements of which she is most proud. She said: “I’m very proud that SEPT

maintained its position as one of the highest performing Trusts in the country. It was a well-respected organisation and is staffed by some amazing people.

“We were awarded a good rating in the Care Quality Commission of which we were really proud, and I also have great admiration for our Quality Academy which is focused on quality improvements, bringing better outcomes for patients and looking to boost policies and ensuring that we are following best practices so that our service is respected and safe.” In contrast, Lorraine admits the lowest points are always when the Trust loses contracts. She explained: “It is the nature of public health these days that services are put out to tender to ensure the Government is obtaining the most economical service, but it is very hard when we lose a contract, and therefore staff, who have worked incredibly hard.

“That is a low point for the organisation as a whole. It is also very uncertain time for staff who can be working for an organisation for 10-plus years and then find themselves suddenly working for a different one.

Change is always difficult but even more so

“My final message is to wish everyone at the organisation the best for the future. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and it has been an absolute pleasure to hold the role of Chair. I cannot think of a better place to end my NHS career and I thank them for that.” when it has not been initiated by yourself.”

Lorraine is totally in favour of the two layers of accountability in the Trust: Non-Executive Directors, and the Governors.

“The Non-Executive Directors have to work with the Trust but also be independent of it so they can hold the Trust to account. They are incredibly important and the backbone of everything. “The Governors hold the Non Executive Directors to account for the performance of the Trust as a whole. They are responsible for ensuring that we are effectively implementing agreed objectives. We meet regularly to ensure that we are doing the things that we told them we were going to do, which ensures the Trust as a whole is delivering on its commitments.

“It is vital to have these layers. It is useful that the Governors are that little bit more removed as sometimes they can see things we do not see because we are so in the zone. They also bring their own experiences into play which can be really helpful.

Lorraine’s successor will not be chair of SEPT but Chair of the newly formed Essex Partnership Trust, a merger of SEPT and NEPFT. Lorraine says this move is not an unexpected one for SEPT, as far back as two years ago it was something the Board considered.

“When we looked at the long term sustainability of the Trust we saw that acquiring or merging with another Trust was the most likely way forward, so this was never just some remote possibility.

Newly Elected Governors for EPUT In April this year North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (NEP) and South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT), came together to form Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust or EPUT for short.

Following the merger, EPUT has set about taking the best from both organisations to deliver sustainable and transformative mental health, learning disabilities and community health services for the benefit of people in Essex and Bedfordshire. One of the first tasks was getting the governance arrangements right and this was no mean feat. We are pleased to announce that we now have some newly elected Governors for EPUT. In North East Essex, the following Governors were elected unopposed: • Ted Beckwith,

• James Mcquiggan and

• Peter Cheng,

• Clive White.

• Mikey Henderson, The following were elected as Governors for Mid and South Essex: • Tony Wright,

• Cathy Trevaldwyn,

• James Clarke,

• Karen Brown,

• Poppy Ann Miller,

• Andrew Hensman,

• Shurleea Harding,

• Judith Woolley and

• Toby Blunsten,

• Patrick Sheehan.

• Roy Birch, For Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Luton, the following were elected:

“It makes sense economically to join the two Trusts that provide mental health care in the county and it will benefit the system in terms of saving money and providing a more cohesive service across Essex.”

As she prepares to step down from her role and the NHS, Lorraine reflects on the past nine years. She said: “I will miss the people enormously. I have worked with some incredible people. I have been lucky to be surrounded by such a very talented group of people who have helped me so much.

In the short term Lorraine is going to enjoy spending time with her son who soon graduates from university and travel for a few months before considering a range of options.

She added; “My final message is to wish everyone at the organisation the best for the future. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved and it has been an absolute pleasure to hold the role of Chair. I cannot think of a better place to end my NHS career and I thank them for that.”

• Clive Travis,

• Paula Grayson,

• Jackie Gleeson,

• John Jones and

• Yvonne Marion Du Casse,

• Hasan Kayani.

• Jim Thakoordin, West Essex and Herts, now have the following elected Governors: • Pippa Ecclestone, • Michael Waller and • David Bamber,

• Nadiene Birch.

• Brian Arney, Three staff Governors were elected from a clinical background: • Tracy Reed, • Gail Gibbs • Ben Morris and And two staff Governors were elected from a non-clinical background: • Pam Madison and

• Gill Toby.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of EPUT said: “Governors play a vital role in how we develop health services here in Essex. They hold us to account and represent the views of their constituents. As a newly formed Trust, it was important that we get the right governance arrangements in place as soon as possible. I’d like to congratulate all the elected Governors and I look forward to working with them.”

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Quality Academy Update As we move forward as an organisation, we are aware that change and uncertainty represent the new norm for many of our staff and some of our patients and clients too.

Sometimes it can feel like we are running faster just to keep up with little clarity about the final destination. System change is incredibly difficult, but within the challenges that we face is the opportunity to respond creatively, to think differently and be innovative.

The Quality Academy was initiated to act as a catalyst for driving quality improvement and embedding a culture of collaboration, continuous learning and improvement at all levels and across all services. It provides a framework to support staff and give space in which to share struggles, celebrate success and learn from each other. The goal is to leverage the energy and talents of our staff to own and deliver quality programmes and projects during their everyday practice. Over the last 12 months over 70 staff have

become Quality Champions and have initiated a range of projects to improve the quality and efficiency of care and services.

In January 2017 the Trust held its first Quality Improvement Conference. The conference was a big success with a number of delegates commenting that it was the best conference they had attended in a while. The speakers were engaging, uplifting and gave some practical examples of how patient care and safety had been improved in their organisations. Andrew Foster, Chief Executive at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust talked about how a culture of quality improvement had been embedded and shared a moving story of how nursing staff had enabled a dying hospital patient’s final wish comes true - to see her favourite horse one last time.

Annie Laverty from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust described how through close engagement and listening to patients they have improved performance

Planning Events

We held two service planning days in December 2016 which provided an opportunity for everyone to get together to help us build on our successes and influence the development of our plans to deliver the best possible services. The first which focused on Mental Health Services was a well-attended event with an audience comprising colleagues from SEPT and NEP, commissioners, stakeholders, service users, carers, governors and representatives from local voluntary groups. There were very frank and open discussions about how we will plan going forward toward merger and beyond.

Our second and final planning event focused on Community Health Services in Essex and Bedfordshire. This excellent event gave the audience comprising commissioners, stakeholders, governors and representatives from local voluntary groups an opportunity to discuss our priorities, the challenges and partnership working in the future. At both events each table had ‘gadgets’ so that attendees could vote on the priorities and actions necessary to help take our plans forward.

Thank you to everyone who attended and all those who presented at both events for their enthusiasm and significant contribution to our inspiring events. Thank you also to everyone who worked behind the scenes prior to and on the day.

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in relation to both patient satisfaction and outcomes of care. She described how this approach had led to the Trust becoming one of the best NHS organisations in the country.

Professor Maxine Power demystified the improvement journey by talking through the importance of understanding a problem and using data to recognise where a problem exists and the impact of actions taken.

Carolyn May talked through the national framework, giving recognition that theTrust is ahead of many other NHS organisations.

The masterclasses were also well received with many staff enjoying Chris Lake’s session that focused on resilience being the quality that allows people to flex and adapt to the inevitable winds of life, to be knocked down and to come back, rather than letting lumps and bumps overcome them and drain their resolve.

SEPT Champions Kerry Dufraisse, Gaynor Abbott-Simpson, Claire Spencer and Susie Martin talked through their projects and

delegates at the conference commented positively on Trust Chair, Lorraine Cabel, and Executive Director, Andy Brogan’s commitment to improving quality through the development and engagement of staff. The conference was a celebration of a journey that enabled the Trust to be one of the best NHS organisations in the country.

As a result of this event many more staff have come forward to become Quality Champions who will take this excellent initiative into the new merged organisation.

Matters Green It has been quite a year for the Trust with all the challenges and cost pressures increasing, and the merger adding spice to the mix, but in sustainability terms it has been a very rewarding year. We all feel the pinch on our gas and electricity bills with inevitable rising prices, but are beginning to see simple changes of habit and the way we think of energy at home, reducing our bills. A very good example of this is LED lighting, which is now

commonplace and affordable for home users who are saving a lot of money. Here at the Trust we are looking at changing old lighting with LED low energy lights, which will be much cheaper to run and will last much longer. The savings can then be used towards front line services.

The Estates Department is always busy in the background ensuring that automatically controlled equipment is only running when it is needed. They can only do that with equipment over which they have control, but we should all be involved in making sure that lights and any other equipment is switched off when not needed. If everyone did that, we could start making savings on our £1.2million a year (and rising) utility cost, and spend the savings where they are needed.

We had a bit of fun over the holiday period, with a 25

December switch off campaign and a New Year’s Resolution Competition. There were winners in both categories and clearly a lot of people got involved. So it goes to show that there is a healthy interest in reducing our impact on the world, which is good for our health, our future and our pockets. It is also about setting a good example to people around us, colleagues, patients or visitors, and with our imminent expansion we need to share ideas and do even more.

Spring and summer in particular are tricky times of the year energy-wise, with lighting, heating and cooling being confused by increasing daylight and fluctuating temperatures.

If you notice any environmental controls not coping, let Estates/ Facilities know through their helpdesk. It’s better than opening a window or asking for a heater.

In November, specialist nurses, from our Community Tissue Viability Service held a pressure ulcer awareness and training event, at the Valkyrie Road Primary Care Centre, Westcliff-onSea. A stand was set up in the foyer area of the primary care centre to allow members of the public pick up a broad range of information and talk to the specialist nurses to learn how they can protect themselves, or those they care for

against the risk of developing a pressure ulcer.

A separate training session was held for health care assistants (HCA’s) from care homes in the local area; teaching them the simple steps they can take to reduce the risks of pressure ulcers for residents in their care.

Katie Fox, Community Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “Most people will know someone that cannot move around very easily, this could be because they are ill, cannot move because it is too painful, are taking (calming) medication, have undergone surgery, or are elderly and generally less mobile. In fact, anyone who is unable to regularly

page ‘All Go Green’ on the Trust’s intranet. Just click on the Communities tab and you will find it. It is full of good ideas to save energy at home and you can see more about the competition, the big switch off and any future competitions. Feel free to start or join in conversations in the Blog.

Finally, for staff can we shamelessly plug our Communities

Trust Raise Public Awareness about the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers The Trust’s specialist nurses chatted to members of the public and health care professionals to raise awareness of pressure ulcers - in support of Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day.

It is also about setting a good example to people around us, colleagues, patients or visitors, and with our imminent expansion we need to share ideas and do even more.

Katie Fox (left) and Sarah Charlton (right), Community Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialists, provide information about pressure ulcer awareness at the Valkyrie Road Primary Care Centre.

change their resting position is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer.”

Katie continued, “Pressure ulcers can occur for many different reasons; one being if a person stays in one position for too long without moving. The most at risk parts of the body are the heels, ankles, knees, hips, bottom, base of spine, elbows, shoulders and back of the head where bones are closer to the surface, but there are some easy things that can be done to stop pressure ulcers.”

If you or anyone you care about is at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, talk to your doctor or nurse, who can help you to take steps to stop pressure ulcers from occurring.

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Annual General & Annual Members Meeting South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust‘s (SEPT) held it’s Annual General and Annual Members Meeting on Wednesday, 5 October 2016, at Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 6UN. To say it was a lively event, would be an understatement, but it gave us an opportunity to hear the opinions and concerns of our service users, carers and members. Our presentations were comprehensive covering all aspects of the past financial year (2015-2016) including the highlights and challenges we have experienced over this period. Chaired by Lorraine Cabel, the event included our Merger Project Director and Executive Director of Corporate Services, Nigel Leonard, giving an update on the merger with North Essex Partnership University NHS FT. Our finance report was presented by Executive Chief Finance Officer, Mark Madden, our auditors covered their opinion of our financial performance and Emma Willey, Service Development Manager, reported on this year’s Carers’ Information CQUIN project. Thank you to all of the above speakers, but we must say a very special thank you to Ted Butt, Carer and Volunteer, for his excellent and inspiring presentation about his experiences as a carer for his late wife.

The event was a great opportunity for local people to learn more about the Trust, celebrate our achievements over the past year and find out how we plan to improve and develop services in 2016/17. Thank you also to everyone involved in the organisation prior to the event and on the day.

Merger Question Time – 25 January 2017 We didn’t have David Dimbleby moderating, but we did have a very lively ‘Question Time’ event at the Holiday Inn in Brentwood on 25 January. Even the bitter cold weather and traffic problems on the A12 didn’t deter over 100 interested local people from attending and firing questions at our Interim Board of Directors.

Our Chief Executive, Sally Morris, chaired the event and kicked off the evening with a detailed account of how both SEPT and NEP came to the joint decision to pursue a merger. She invited SEPT Clinical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Llewelyn Lewis, to explain the new clinical model being proposed for Essex Mental Health Services. Sally invited questions from the floor and these covered all aspects of the services we both provide. We received excellent feedback from those attending and a summary of the Q&A’s is available on our website for those unable to get along on the night.

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Visit

The Trust was delighted to welcome Jacqueline McKenna, Director of Nursing at NHS Improvement in January 2017.

Jacqueline visited services at Rochford Hospital and Brockfield House and met with the Trust’s Lead Nurses at the Lodge.

(L to R) Obi Mackay, Jacqueline McKenna, Louise Summers, Sarah Browne, Gaynor Abbott-Simpson

Essex Criminal Justice Liaison & Diversion Service Welcomes Leaders from Prison Reform Trust The Trust’s Criminal Justice Liaison & Diversion (L&D) Service welcomed the Rt. Hon. Lord Bradley, Prison Reform Trust Trustee, Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust and Jenny Talbot OBE, Director of the Care not Custody Programme, to Essex last November. Hosted by the Trust’s Clinical Lead-Criminal Justice Liaison & Diversion Team, Janet Childs, our visitors stopped in at Basildon’s police station and magistrates’ court where they had the opportunity to hear first-hand how the L&D service is benefiting local people.

Their visit then brought them to the medium and low secure unit, Brockfield House, where they met with the multi-agency leads involved in this important programme, service users, carers and the staff that provide the service.

Rt. Hon. Lord Bradley, author of the 2009 independent review of people with mental health

problems or learning disabilities in the criminal justice system (The Bradley Report), said: “Liaison and diversion helps ensure a fairer and more effective response to people with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and other needs caught up in the justice system. During my visit to the Essex service it was especially encouraging to learn about progress made in the planning and delivery of local services, and to hear at first hand the benefits of early identification and integrated working. This way of working is critical to break the cycle of offenders with vulnerabilities moving in and out of the prison estate.”

Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust said: “Areas such as Essex are leading the way in ensuring vulnerable people caught in the criminal justice system receive necessary treatment and care. Many people with mental health conditions

or learning disabilities require support to help them engage with the criminal justice process.

For some, diversion out of the justice system into health and social care will be the better option. Effective joint working and robust arrangements for detailed assessment at an early stage are vital if vulnerable people are not to slip through the cracks of the system and end up in custody.”

The Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team provides a service for people aged 18 years and over who are in the criminal justice system and have been identified as having mental health problems, learning disabilities or difficulties, cognitive disorder, substance misuse and other vulnerabilities. This extends to police stations, the courts, prisons and the probation service.

The teams provide a comprehensive service including: • screening people within the

criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity and ensuring that their needs are met in the best setting, be it hospital, community or custody; • providing one point of access for criminal justice agencies to request information and advice, or assessment of people who appear to present symptoms of mental health or have a history of mental health problems; • act as a conduit for individuals who are due for release from prison to ensure appropriate referral on to mental health services; • attending multi-agency public protection meetings to assist in the management of complex cases; • providing training on mental health to criminal justice agencies; • providing information to offender managers to inform pre- sentence reports and

L to R Denise Cook, Director of Specialist Services, Peter Dawson, Director-Prison Reform Trust, Sally Morris, Chief Executive, Rt. Hon. Lord Bradley, Jenny Talbot OBE, Director-Care not Custody Programme, Dr. Raman Deo, Consultant Psychiatrist, Janet Childs, Clinical Lead – Criminal Justice L&D Service

Putting Down Roots in Houghton Regis A new link road is being built in Houghton Regis where they are planting an orchard with fruit trees behind the GP surgery in Wheatfield and Frogmore Roads. Ann Siery, Health Visitor in the 0-19 Team, was invited to come and plant a tree. Ann went along in March and planted a tree on behalf of the 0-19 team in Houghton Regis. Ann said:

“It is a fitting tribute to our hard working team as we look after the health needs of the families and children in our area and have deep roots in the community” We are now able to watch our plum tree grow and flourish.

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How our Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service Made a Difference

TODAY Adam White’s life is completely different from what it was four years ago.

He lives alone, has paid part-time employment in a Westcliff charity shop, where he serves customers, moves stock, runs the Facebook page, and oversees the shop’s eBay sales. It’s work he loves so much he spends much of his spare time at the store on a voluntary basis.

Adam said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. It’s a million miles from my previous life. I have a lot less money in my pocket but I’m in such a happy place.”

Four years ago Adam lived with his wife and family and had a well-paid job as an outdoor plant fitter. But when he was made redundant life took a sudden downward spiral.

Adam explained: “I developed depression. I did not realise it at the time, but I went downhill really quickly. I felt like ending my life. “My work depended mainly on Government contracts and these dried up

“The duty sergeant studied me and saw I was very quiet. He insisted I saw a nurse who was on duty, and you could say it was his actions that changed or even saved my life.”

that year in the aftermath of the Olympics. My phone stopped ringing which I found hard to take.”

Adam visited the GP who gave him a test which showed he was quite unstable.

He was prescribed anti-depressants and an eight-week course with a psychiatrist.

“Looking back I did not get enough out of those sessions.

Being a male I was unused to sitting down with another male and talking about my feelings. It’s just something I had never done before. I found it extremely difficult and I would dismiss things instead of thinking carefully about them.” Although they took a few weeks to work, the antidepressants had a positive effect on Adam and he began to feel better, so much so that after a few months he decided he did not need them anymore.

“I did the worst thing possible and stopped taking the tablets. It was approaching Christmas and had little money in my pocket, and as the drugs left my system, my mood dropped drastically.”

Then, one evening in mid-January there was a huge family row which led Adam to leave the marital home, never to return.

“I was in a world of pain and walked out. I had nowhere to go and really did not have clue what I was going to

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do. I knew deep down that I could not return home. I was at such a low point.”

Over the following few days Adam slept on a friend’s floor, slept rough and tried unsuccessfully to take his own life. He was also seen by the Crisis Team at Rochford Hospital and it was while waiting for an appointment there that Adam was arrested.

He said: “I had no idea why I was being arrested I was taken to Rayleigh police station where I would later be charged with affray on the night I left the family home.”

It was while he was sitting in the police station that Adam’s life began to be turned around.

“The duty sergeant studied me and saw I was very quiet. He insisted I saw a nurse who was on duty, and you could say it was his actions that changed or even saved my life.”

Adam was referred to a nurse who is part of the Criminal Justice Liaison and Division Team, people based in police stations who are on hand to help those who have symptoms of mental illness.

“Being male in your 40s you think ‘I don’t need to see a nurse’, but if I had not seen her that evening my life would not have changed as it did.”

After his release from the station, Adam met Terri a support worker with the Criminal Justice Liaison and Division Team, who in the space of just a few hours accompanied him to the doctor, the council and made phone calls to secure him an emergency Government loan so Adam had some cash to live on

“My life has changed so much thanks to Terri from the LD team who got all the hard work done right at the beginning and to the Isaiah charity who moved me on to a new chapter in my life.”

Adam explained: “Looking back on this, it was so important to get all of those things done as quickly as possible. Terri and the team were very supportive through this part.”

A few days later Adam received a phone call from the council that there was a room for

From feedback given by past students, it is clear that there are huge benefits to them, with many making a big leap in their understanding and practice within the mental health arena. him at the Grosvenor Hotel in Westcliff.

Adam said: “I was greeted by the manager of the hotel, Pat. I just broke down in tears of fear, a blubbering wreck.

“The hotel was warm, clean and very welcoming. Pat showed me to my room. By the time I had calmed down I just wanted to lie down. So I did and I slept for some 14 hours or more.”

Feeling more secure, Adam settled into a routine for a few weeks, getting up early and going for long walks along the seafront, then returning to the hotel to rest.

One day he bumped in to Pat. “He stopped me and said I should use my time during the day to volunteer in a local charity shop. Pat was quite insistent on that, and even drove me to the shop which was run by the Isaiah Trust. I had nothing else to do with my time so I gave it a go.

“I was very quiet and only did a few hours a week. I was told by the shop manager that maybe the charity could help me with my situation. I started going along to the coffee morning they run once a week.

There I could talk to people about where I wanted to be in life.

“The Isaiah charity found me my own flat, a new place I could call home where I have been for 18 months, and a job which I love.

I still have my low days. When I do, I can talk about my worries to anyone in Isaiah.

They and the L&D team picked me up and supported me when I was at my lowest point.

“My life has changed so much thanks to Terri from the L&D team who got all the hard work done right at the beginning and to the Isaiah charity who moved me on to a new chapter in my life.”

Adam it’s now helping the Liaison and Diversion Team by sitting on their monthly Project Board and becoming a peer mentor so in the future he can help people who find themselves in the situation he was.

He said: “I am walking proof that with the right help it is possible to move on and rebuild a broken life to a new life.”

New Service to improve mental health services for pregnant women It is estimated that 500 women will develop a severe depressive illness associated with pregnancy or childbirth in Essex every year. Between 3% and 5% of new mothers may need to access perinatal mental health services.

A new community based perinatal mental health service is now being set up by Essex Partnership University Trust, with funding from a recent Government initiative.

The new Service will also provide specialist care for women with existing mental health problems while they are pregnant or during the weeks and months after birth.

Dr Rina Gupta, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist at the Trust said: “We are very pleased to have the funding to help expectant and new mothers. This funding will go a long way in enabling us to address mental health issues during and after pregnancy before they get to a crisis. We will be working in the community which is good news for mothers and their babies as we will be intervening early and prevent serious long term impact that maternal mental illness can have. The services will also help in increasing the awareness of post-partum psychosis, post-natal depression and other illnesses like anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The impact of mental illness during and after pregnancy can be severe for mothers, children and families if left untreated.”

Work on establishing the service is currently underway; more news in future editions.

Congratulations to Basildon’s CARE Clinic and SEPT’s Dr. Rajesh Subramanian A new service to help patients cope with anxiety and depression following the trauma of a cardiac arrest was short listed for a prestigious national HSJ Award. The CARE (Care After Resuscitation) Clinic was recognised under the compassionate patient care category, Congratulations to the whole team which includes the Trust’s Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Rajesh Subramanian, on gaining national recognition for the pioneering and outstanding care provided for our patients at The Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon Hospital.

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2017 Star Awards Innovation, expertise and quality were celebrated at this year’s Star Awards. The ceremony held on 1 February hosted over 300 members of staff who cheered on their colleagues.

We had over 100 entries this year with more than 40 staff shortlisted for the accolades with 26 proud winners taking home a trophy.

Throughout the past year 360 members of staff (individual and teams) were awarded In Tune customer service awards. These awards are designed to say thank you to staff from across the Trust and celebrate those who go above and beyond in their work every day in order to deliver the very highest levels of care to our patients. Each member of staff is invited to the Board of Directors meeting through the year where they are congratulated by Directors (see pages ???) and receives an In Tune ‘SEPT Star Award’ at the annual event.

The Star Award categories on the night encompassed all of the Trust’s directorates, as well as awards for Patient Safety, Using Technology to Improve Care/Efficiency, and Improved Patient Experience.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive, said: “We all enjoyed a wonderful evening and it was an absolute privilege to celebrate the achievements of colleagues and teams who were shortlisted for and those who won SEPT Star Awards.

“It is important that we take the time to recognise and celebrate our team of talented and dedicated staff and importantly say ‘thank you’ to each of them for everything they do for patients and their loved ones.”

The full list of winners is as follows: Improved Partnerships presented by Malcolm McCann Winner Admin Staff – the Laurels, St. Margaret’s Hospital Highly Commended Palliative Care Support Register Bedfordshire Chronic Fatigue Service – Tracey Lydon -Team Administrator

Improved Patient Experience presented by Nigel Leonard Winner Brockfield House – Patient Participation in Recruitment Highly Commended Peripatetic Team – Brockfield House ‘Keen to Screen’ Project - Women’s Health – Brockfield House

Using Technology to Improve Care/Efficiency – Presented by Mark Madden Winner Video Linking Communication System – Secure Services Highly Commended Palliative Care Support Team

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Patient Safety presented by Andy Brogan Winner Robin Pinto Unit – Multidisciplinary Structured Handovers Highly Commended Fuji Ward – Brockfield House – Reduction of Restrictive Practice Community Perinatal Mental Health Team

Clinical Leader of the Year presented by Milind Karale Nursing Chris O’Keeffe Social Work Karen Bayliss AHP Jamie Stamp Clinical Partnership Dr Joshua Westbury / Louise Summers

Innovation of the Year – Presented by Sally Morris Winners Parkinsons’ Specialist Nurses Exercise Group Poplar Adolescent Unit Highly Commended Paediatric Liaison Health Visitor Recovery College – Brockfield House

Governors’ Awards – Presented by Lorraine Cabel Council of Governors Special Governors’ Award – Presented by John Jones, Lead Governor Cathy Lilley

Chair’s Award – Presented by Lorraine Cabel Clinical Beech Ward Non Clinical Margaret Morris, Cedar Ward

Shane Blackwood / Alan Fullbrook – Estates

In Tune – Customer Service Award Clifton Lodge

The evening concluded with a special Chief Executive Award being presented to our Chair, Lorraine Cabel. Lorraine is stepped down after nine years of being an inspirational leader and good friend to the Trust. This award represents our thanks to Lorraine for her significant contribution to the success of SEPT.

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Open Arts project providing therapy through crafts at Hadleigh Art House ARTISTS from all walks of life are getting the chance to use their skills with Open Arts. It is a community arts and mental health project run as one of the charities managed within the Trust .

Sue Richardson is a volunteer and part-time studio manager for Open Arts. She said: “I became a participant with Open Arts in 2012, following on from being given a leaflet about it at a therapy group I was attending at the time. With support from the studio managers and other volunteers, my confidence grew and I was encouraged to become an Open Arts volunteer. I had previous experience of working in a mental health setting and felt I would like to be able to give something back.

It gave me such a boost when I was accepted; I wasn’t such a useless person after all. I felt I had a purpose, small steps on my road to recovery.”

The project held an Open Arts Showcase at The Beecroft Gallery, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, which included a short film about its work and a slideshow of artwork produced by participants.

“With support from the studio managers and other volunteers, my confidence grew and I was encouraged to become an Open Arts volunteer.”

Everyone involved is 16-years-old and above and has experienced mental health problems or is a carer.

For more information about Open Arts and how you can get involved in any of its projects, visit openartsessex.com or call Jo Keay, Open Arts manager, on 07580 982 462

There were also photos from the courses and art studios over at Hadleigh Old Fire Station.

Jo Keay, the Open Arts project manager, said she was very pleased members had the opportunity to show the community their project.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Open Arts and we are very grateful to Southend Museums for giving us the chance to showcase our award winning project.

“We are also thankful to our funders, artists and volunteers that make it happen.”

The project offers arts courses consisting of taster sessions in visual arts, drama, film and photography, with an aim of providing relaxing, social arts groups that offer new skills and confidence for people who feel they have a mental health need.

As well as the courses, Open Arts offers accreditation, volunteer work, links to further learning, research projects, exhibitions and studio provision at Hadleigh Art House, part of the Hadleigh Old Fire Station community, arts and culture facility.

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“This is a fantastic opportunity for Open Arts and we are very grateful to Southend Museums for giving us the chance to showcase our award winning project.”

“We are also thankful to our funders, artists and volunteers that make it happen.”

Centre of Excellence Awards for Mother and Baby and Older Adults Services

Doreen Ngwenya and Claire Knight

National accreditations or services are difficult to obtain, but two have been received by the Trust, covering services at both ends of the age spectrum.

The Rainbow Mother and Baby Unit which provides inpatient mental health care for women from their third trimester of pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth, is now recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Accreditation Committee of the Royal College of Physiatrist. The unit, in Chelmsford, is one of a handful of specialist mental health services in the country that provide rooms for mothers and their babies to stay together whilst receiving treatment.

The journey towards accreditation for the Rainbow Mother and Baby Unit began three years ago and has involved staff, patients and carers. It has also included peer reviews and in-depth group sessions with patients.

Claire Knight, Ward Manager at the Rainbow Mother and Baby Unit said: “The team is incredibly proud and thrilled of both the Unit and the service they deliver day after day. They took everything on board and

were open and receptive to new ways to improve the lives of their patients and the young children.”

where appropriate. We are extremely proud of what we do.”

The Trust’s Memory Assessment Service, based at the Kings Wood Centre in Colchester, also received a major national accreditation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Dr Justin Marley, Consultant Older Adult Psychiatrist, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the team that we have recognition for the great and hard work that has been done. We reflected on the work we do, adapted our processes and compared our services to others. We reinforce the fact that people can live well with dementia and lead good lives.”

The team began the Memory Services National Accreditation Programme in October 2015 after recognising the need to simplify the number of variations in assessments, ensure consistency within the team and validate its high standards. The application (which was reviewed against 100 standards and follows the patient journey) was submitted in June last year after input and involvement from staff, patients, carers and GPs. Sioux Worsfold, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, who works with the Dementia Frailty Team at Kings Wood said: “We wrap our arms around our patients. From the GP referral onwards, the patient is with us. This accreditation gave us a chance to reflect on the services we offer, listen to what patients and carers have to say and change things

Congratulations to Congratulations Dr. Ashish Pathak, to Janet Childs Consultant Psychiatrist – Trainee Leader of the Year at the Health Education England Awards

In November colleagues gathered to wish Janet Childs a happy retirement after 37 years in the NHS. Janet was thanked and congratulated for her significant contribution to the Trust and especially the success of the Liaison & Diversion Service.

Janet Childs pictured with Andy Ward

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Staff Health and Wellbeing – Get Inspired 500 Employees Take Up Our Health and Wellbeing Challenge!!!

The employee experience team have been out and about meeting our staff to help them make improvements to their health and wellbeing. The Trust’s investment this year to support staff has resulted in a real boost in the numbers of staff who are making positive changes. Whether it is cutting out sugar – moving away from our desks for a break – walking meetings – eating more healthily – the PLANK challenge……staff have certainly stepped up to the plate.

Our Chief Executive Sally Morris said… ’we all know what a huge issue NHS staff health and wellbeing is – and so to see so many staff making time in their already busy lives – in such a passionate way – could not make me more proud’.

The employee experience team also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our health and wellbeing challenges and attended our staff events.

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Essex Nurse Wins Prestigious Award for Innovative Veterans Passport A nurse from the Trust was presented with the ‘Innovation in my Speciality Award’ at the RCNi Nurse Awards.

Diane Palmer, who works for the new NHS Veterans Intervention Transition and Liaison service, received the award for her creation and implementation of the Veterans Universal Passport (VUP).

Diane has said “I am delighted to have won the award as it will help me to raise awareness of the VUP. It is key that all health, social care and welfare staff are aware of the VUP and can document in it their interventions with veterans. Small ideas can make a big difference and I hope that the VUP will provide our armed forces veterans with the information they need to make a smoother transition to civilian life.”

The Veterans Universal Passport is a patient held, multi-agency record of care. Included in the VUP are the patient’s military history, medical history, care plan, crisis plan and useful website and helpline details. The key aim of the passport is to prevent veterans having to retell their traumatic stories and to encourage them to be more actively involved in deciding what help they need.

Diane said “One of the big issues we often find is veterans having to deal with several different organisations and agencies and

having to repeat detailed information many times. This can, and has led to confusion and delay in people getting the help they need.”

“The Passport keeps all the necessary information in one place that the veteran keeps with them and can show to all those organisations they are involved with. This will ensure that all organisations are fully aware of how others are supporting the veteran” Diane developed the passport, with input from veterans, and implemented a pilot project to assess its benefits. The pilot was originally based in the ‘Veterans First’ service, provided

by The North Essex Partnership Trust. This service has now been expanded as part of the new NHS Veterans Intervention Transition and Liaison Service, and will cover the whole of the east of England. The VUP pilot project will also be expanded to cover this larger area.

Editorial Advisory Board, and head judge said “Diane is doing something extraordinary, which is so wide-ranging across health services, the Ministry of Defence, plus social services.

She is in a different league.”

Diane has said “I would like to thank the trust for agreeing to fund the pilot, NHS England for funding the evaluation, my colleagues at ARU for carrying out the evaluation, the service charities who have supported the initiative, HRH Prince Harry for his personal interest in the project, my dedicated staff team, and most importantly my patients, who are of course the true heroes in all this.”

A formal evaluation of the pilot project is being carried out by Anglia Ruskin University’s Veterans & Families Institute, and this evaluation is being funded by NHS England. The results of the evaluation are due in November and it is hoped that if they are promising, the VPU will be rolled out nationally.

Dr Caroline Shuldham, Chair of the RCNi

Diane Palmer

Charitable Funds Support Increases Activities on our Wards Following a successful bid from the Trust’s charitable funds, the Patient Experience Team contacted our mental health inpatient wards to find out what items they could use to improve our patients’ experience.

This meant things like puzzles, games, footballs, CDs, DVDs and reminiscence items for the older people’s wards. For our specialist services wards we were able to get cameras, cycle helmets and high vis jackets to support the work of the Recovery College. For our Poplar adolescent unit at Rochford we supplied some Galaxy tablets, allowing the young people not just to play games, but utilise the educational apps.

The lack of activities on our wards is raised by service users through the various surveys and the general feedback we receive around the Trust’s mental health services. The purchase of these items was targeted specifically to address those issues and enhance the experience of our patients.

The team at Poplar Adolercent Unit with Christine Cantello from Patient Experience

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SEPT on the Spot – Meetings in November and December 2016

The first in last year’s series of ‘SEPT on the Spot’ public meetings was held in November at the Latton Bush Centre in Harlow. Those attending heard all about the latest news on the then proposed merger with NEP and participated in a planning exercise. They also enjoyed an excellent presentation from Phil Wing, Maria Owen, Charlotte Jennings and Tony Brown on the Community Services we provide in west Essex.

This was followed by our meeting in Southend where we had over 30 people in attendance.

Again, we gave an update on the then proposed merger and enjoyed an excellent presentation by Reach Recovery College Manager, Catherine Weir, on the new South East Essex Recovery College.

A further three ‘SEPT on the Spots’ were held in the first week of December. On Tuesday, we were in Benfleet, south Essex, where we received an excellent presentation by Matt Auckburally on the Trust’s Crisis Services. On Thursday, we covered Bedfordshire with two meetings. Our morning event in Bedford featured a very comprehensive and innovative presentation by Jacky Syme, Rachel West, Hazel Dean and Jo Drew on the journey through Bedfordshire’s Children’s Services.

We travelled to Leighton Buzzard in the afternoon where Jamie Stamp and Victoria Stone gave a firstrate presentation on the local services designed to keep people out of hospital and closer to home. The very last SEPT on the Spot for 2016 was held on Tuesday, 13 December, at the Beehive Resource Centre in Grays. The topic for discussion was Dual Diagnosis and a presentation delivered

by Dr Sharma, who works for NEP and is one of the Consultant Psychiatrists within Essex STARS (Structured Treatment and Recovery Service). As well as this excellent presentation, everyone who attended the meeting heard about the latest news on the proposed merger with NEP as well as how SEPT’s plans fit in with the national plans and the local STP (Sustainability and Transformation Plans) footprints.

First Trust conference looks at Human Rights The first conference of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust saw nearly 100 inpatient ward staff, including nurses, ward managers, occupational therapists, health care assistants, clinical psychologists and many more come to share and exchange best practice ideas from across the organisation.

There were presentations from The Rainbow Mother and Baby Unit, The Landermere Centre (Older Adult Inpatient), Basildon Mental Health Assessment Unit, and Grangewaters Ward (Adult Inpatient). Each team highlighted different aspects of their work which were followed by lengthy question and answer sessions where other teams were able to gain more information. One attendee said: “I found the morning sessions very interesting; it was good to hear and learn about best practice and ideas from across different areas of the Trust”.

The afternoon sessions of the conference were run by The British Institute of Human Rights, and focused on the application of human rights of inpatients in mental health wards. An initial seminar focused on what human rights are, how the Human Rights Act works and the key parts of the legislation that relate to inpatient services. This seminar was followed by two breakout sessions, one for frontline practitioners and the other for senior management where participants worked through real life cases from across the country to identify where the Human Rights Act was used correctly and where it was not applied.

Comic Relief Super Fundraisers Join Gallopathon!

Congratulations to Nina Scotland and Elizabeth Dean from our purchasing department who raised an amazing £1535 for this year’s Comic Relief appeal.

Dressed in inflatable dinosaur and jockey outfits, Nina and Elizabeth took part in a ‘Gallopathon’ - galloping a mile at Chelmsford City Racecourse in an event that took place on Saturday 18 March.

Nina and Elizabeth would like to thank everyone who supported them, helping them to raise lots of money for Comic Relief.

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Helen Wildbore, Lizzy Wells and Sanchita Hosali

Trust BAME Network Set Up An equality and inclusion network for all staff at Essex Partnership University Trust has been launched by Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.

The Black Asian Ethnic Minority (BAME) Network is open to all staff, including those from non - BAME backgrounds. One of the main objectives of the network is to improve equality and diversity and oversee the delivery of the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) action plan and make it a reality at EPUT. The Network will also raise awareness of “unconscious bias” within the recruitment process and various other issues that affect staff from BAME groups.

At the launch Professor Anionwu gave an inspiring talk about her childhood, growing up as a mixed race young person and studying to become a nurse which she has recorded in a new book “Mixed Blessings from a Cambridge Union”.

Professor Anionwu said: “I am delighted about how my own life story has resonated with the audience. The launch of the Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic, Network is a positive step which I hope will address the issues of discrimination in the workplace. What really matters is the ability of a person and not the colour of their skin.”

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Patricia Hughes was also a special guest at the launch.

Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu and Christopher Butler, former Interim CEO of NEP

Buddy Scheme Launched for 2107 The Buddy scheme a joint project with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), pairing second year mental health student nurses with service users was launched in February 2017. This excellent scheme gives students an opportunity to learn on a 1-1 basis from those with lived experience of living with mental illness and ensures that the education of our future nurses is underpinned by the experience of patients and carers and ultimately improves services. The scheme has recently been highlighted during the multidisciplinary deanery team visit as an example of good practice, with an action set to see this scheme in use across other disciplines within their training.

The scheme itself starts with a workshop, designed to prepare the service users and carers for the scheme. This is followed by four consecutive weekly meetings lasting approximately one hour each, with the discussion guided by a workbook. During this four week period students will also meet with a carer for a one hour session to learn about the experiences and role of carers. The scheme concludes with a thank you lunch and celebration.

From feedback given by past students, it is clear that there are huge benefits to them, with many making a big leap in their understanding and practice within the mental health arena. We have also received feedback from service users, who have felt that being involved has helped in giving them a sense of purpose and of making a difference to the future of Mental Health care. This, they believe, has had a positive impact on their own mental and physical health.

Buddies pictured at this year’s launch

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Trust is better than average PLACE to be treated The 2016 PLACE (Patient Led Assessment of the Care Environment) scores ranks the Trust as above average in every category.

Under PLACE, all NHS-funded healthcare providers in the UK are required to undertake an in-depth assessment of all qualifying inpatient settings as part of a national programme overseen by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) on behalf of NHS England.

The assessments focus on how the environment supports service provision and patient care, looking at non-clinical aspects such as cleanliness, food, maintenance, as well as the extent to which the environment supports privacy and dignity, dementia and disability compliance.

Included below is a table showing the 2016 Trust average scores in comparison to the national average scores:

Cleanliness Food Privacy, Dignity and Wellbeing Condition, Appearance and Maintenance Dementia Disability Trust Average 99.66% 91.72% 93.84% 98.55% 95.21% 95.48% National Average 98.06% 88.24% 84.16% 93.37% 75.28% 78.84% The big wins were in the ‘Dementia’, ‘Disability’ and ‘Privacy, Dignity and Wellbeing’ sections where SEPT performed 20%, 17% and 9% above the national average respectively.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled with the results of this year’s PLACE audit. It’s great to know that we are above the national average as the overall experience of being a patient in our hospitals is made up of much more than the clinical and nursing care that is provided.”

St Aubyn Centre Accredited for Quality Services Larkwood Ward at the St Aubyn Centre for children and young people with mental health problems has been awarded the Quality Network for Inpatient CAMHS Accreditation (QNIC) from the Royal College of Psychiatry.

The highly prestigious accreditation shows that the St Aubyn Centre provides very high standards of care to the young people that are treated there.

The QNIC Report says: “The team at the St. Aubyn Centre were a welcoming, cohesive group who participated wholeheartedly in the review day.

Feedback about support from managerial staff was superb from everybody we spoke to, and it was fantastic to see that the young people had had such great input into the appearance of the ward itself.”

Brian O’Donnell, Acting Clinical Manager at the St Aubyn Centre said: “My colleagues and I are very proud to have received this award.

We all work very hard to look after the young people so this means a lot to us.”

“There was a peer

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review from health professionals from other CAMHS unit from various parts of the country. The inspectors spent the whole day with us, going through care plans, risk assessments and they interviewed some of the young people and staff to get a better idea of the work we do.”

“The QNIC accreditation together with our outstanding CQC Report recognises the high quality care that we provide here at the St Aubyn Centre and it will go a long way to reassure parents that their children are in safe hands.”

There are three main phases of the accreditation review; a detailed self-review, a detailed peer review and a decision about accreditation category and feedback.

To qualify for a QNIC accreditation, CAMHS units undergo stringent assessments based on three types of standards. There are 193 standards in type one of the assessments and the St Aubyn Centre met 99% of them.

Child Development Centre 40th Anniversary Celebrations The Child Development Centre (CDC), Kempston, celebrated its 40th Birthday at the end of 2016. To mark this special occasion we held both a Fun Day in September for families and children who have used the centre over the years, and a Symposium Day in November for all staff working within the CDC and staff from partner organisations.

The Child Development Centre provides services to children with developmental needs and disabilities living in North and Mid Bedfordshire. It brings together a team of professionals from health, education and social care who are based at, or visit the centre, with a view to enable all children to reach their full

educational, physical and emotional potential. The CDC was developed in collaboration with the NHS and Bedfordshire County Council with the new extension being charity funded. It is still maintained by the current Bedford Borough Council with joint funding from Essex Partnership NHS Trust.

The Fun Day was a great success and families were treated to visits from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Ark Farm. A magic show, bouncy castle and pony rides were all available as well as the opportunity to explore and use the centre’s facilities. Refreshments and stalls including tombola and homemade cakes were enjoyed by all. The day was sponsored by a number of organisations including the Friends of the Child Development Centre, Ridgeway School, Sainsbury’s Fairfield Park, Tesco Riverfield Drive and Franco’s Ice Cream. A fun day was had by everyone – young and ‘not so’ old!

The Symposium Day welcomed a host of speakers from locations including Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Birmingham, Kennedy Galton Centre and the CDC .

And our survey said…

It has been yet another fantastic year and despite the significant changes and pressures we have all faced this year – our greatest asset - our staff - still think that SEPT is a good place to work.

1800 members of staff participated this year.

This year for the first time we surveyed ALL staff to get a better picture of the level of engagement out there. The results show that we still hold a high level of engagement with our staff and we have a higher engagement score than the national average.

Here are some of our top performing areas: 91% of staff believe that there are equal opportunities for career progression Staff: • are satisfied with level of responsibility and involvement; • agree that their roles make a difference to service users and patients; • are satisfied with the level of resourcing and support; • think that we take positive action on staff health and wellbeing; • feel valued by their managers and think that there is good communication between senior management and staff; • are satisfied with the level of work and care they are able to deliver; • and fewer staff feel stressed because of work pressures.

Thank you to all the staff who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is so important and helps us to plan for the future.

The day started with a ‘Welcome’ presentation from Dr Pocha, Consultant Paediatrician at the CDC for almost 20 years and now retired. She spoke about the Centre’s history over the last 40 years and the developments during this period including the therapy extension, which was built in 2003. The significant new build to the CDC was achieved through fundraising and additional support from local organisations, Bedford Borough Council and NHS. We now have two gyms, a soft play area, a multi-sensory room and a dedicated music therapy room. Her words emphasised the positive impact the centre has for families attending.

Professional presentations covered a range of subjects including Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Advances in Paediatrics, Identification, Assessment and Diagnosis: Similarities and Differences in boys and girls on the Autism Spectrum and ADHD across the Lifespan. The Symposium Day was sponsored

by Bedford Borough Council and The Friends of the CDC. This day was warmly welcomed and highly praised by participants and those attending have all asked for further symposiums to be arranged!

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SEPT celebrate excellence at monthly staff awards The Trust continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment of staff at our monthly Board of Directors meetings. The Staff Recognition Awards are the official way for the Board of Directors, colleagues, patients and carers, to say ‘thank you’ to those who demonstrate, above and beyond, their commitment to delivering excellent services.

“Behind each winner and nomination is an inspiring tale of hard work, commitment and dedication – and it never fails to amaze me. Hearing fantastic examples of how our staff are going above and beyond the call of duty is an absolute pleasure and it makes me incredibly proud.”

All winners were presented with a certificate in recognition of their achievement by the Chief Executive and Chair of SEPT. The ceremony also included awards for long service and innovative ideas. Sally Morris, Chief Executive at SEPT said: “The Staff Recognition Awards is a wonderful celebration of SEPT staff.

Senior Team Rochford

Andy Harris, Palliative Care

Wendy Burnham, Nursing Assistant – Rawreth Court (Public Nomination)

Rochford Hub - Rachel Lee, Matthew Phillips, Sharon Moore

Judith Dimmock, Macmillan Nurse Carolyn Squire, OT & Clinical Coordinator Bedfordshire Acquired Brain injury Service

Jacqueline Hayward, Reception – Taylor Centre (Public Nomination)

Thurrock Hub - Chris Hawkins, Wendy White, Maureen Baverstock, Jenny Kersey, Sue Hall Francessa Brown, Nutrition and Dietetics Stewart Sue - Secure Services, Brockfield House

Akeem Alao, Assessment Unit

Admin Hub, Brockfield – Natalie Heath, Hayley Parmenter and Lisa Dique and Suzie Williams - Paediatric Diabetes Nurse.

Sandra Woolford - Support Worker

Locality Managers and Leads - Essex (Basildon Hub) - Georgia Shee, Ann Fielding, Kelly Shortall

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Cathy Eve, Paediatric Diabetes & Paediatric Continence Admin, south Essex

Louise Summers, Poplar Adolescent Unit

Neil Gallagher, Charge Nurse – Alpine and Lagoon Wards, Brockfield House

Beech Ward, Rochford Hospital - Tony Winter, Mahmuda Ahmed, Robyn Carpenter, Sophie Gregory, Anna Templeman, Nic Paddon and Kristian Day

Elisa Hall, Paediatric Community Nurse Team – Rochford

Cliffton Lodge - Arunas Baltuska, Adewale Abass, Shepherd Mabhena

Dawn Hyslop, Admin – 0-19 Team South Bedfordshire 3, Dunstable

Catherine Blanchard, Food First

Elizabeth Brough, Uttlesford Integrated Team

Lee Bevan, Workforce Information

Helen Woods, Therapy for You, IAPT Service

Contact Centre at The Lodge - Julie Dennis, Jessika Hilaire, Julie Davies, Amelia Wood and Sarah Matthews

Brockfield Catering & Retail, Support Working & Security - (Left to Right) Lee Tarling, Francis Mena, Lauren Cowan and Beverly Simpkin

Rachel Singleton, Recruitment Rhianydd Jones, Food First ‘Elpitha’ Group Facilitators

Josette Milligan, Community Matron, Ampthill Health Centre

Kim Penn, Corporate Affairs, The Lodge

Lisa Dique, Admin Hub, Brockfield Contact Centre at The lodge - From left to right Eunice Kenealy, Debbie Barrett, Fran Sacchi, Stacey Jones, Heidi Crawford, Jane Vallis and Siphilisiwe Nyoni

Sarah Wocka, Nutrition and Dietetics

Community Diabetes Respiratory Specialist Teams - Linda Barr (Latton Bush Centre), Irene England (Saffron Walden Community Hospital), Carole Rolland (Saffron Walden Community Hospital), Jean Duffell

Kellie Miles - Bank Office, Thurrock Hospital

Catering Team – Clifton Lodge (Public Nomination) - Vibna Patel, Anton Fowler

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Bridie Holland - Community Dietitian

DBT Pilot Service Team - Dr Kalliopi Vounisea

Debbie Delacey - Homeless Health Visitor

Dermot Sinclair - Admin Support – West Essex

Geneva Thomas - Dietetic Assistant Practitioner – Food First Project

Infection Control Team - Kim Shaw and Tracey Waterman

Jayne Wells - Dietitian Food First Project

Jeannette Rogers - PA Business Support to Lynnbritt Brown

Jolene Goldfinch and Fidelia Mange - Staff Nurse, Causeway Ward

Lindsey Bunce - Equipment Services

Mark Evans - Ekrem Bajramovic - Blair Rogers Estates Dept

Marnee Seers - Health Visiting West Essex – Admin

Stephen Pluck - Associate Practitioner Pat Nash and Gillian Dall HETF And Food First Dietetic Support Worker

Patient Experience Team Karen Dean and Gary Brisco

Social Worker Team Brockfield House - Sharon Kapuya and Louise Horsley

Tracy Reed - End of Life Co-ordinator Gail Lilley - District Nursing Team Lead and Linda Barr, Respiratory Nurse Specialist

Joanne Small - Admin Staff

The SEPT ‘In Tune’ Awards finished at the end of March 2017. A brand new staff recognition scheme is being developed for EPUT and information about this will be circulated once finalised.

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MH Information Team - Jackie Fisher and Amy Tucker

Correction from Issue 10 (SEPT News) to Louise Waton who is a senior Podiatrist with 30 years in the NHS

Promoting Occupational Therapy The recent drive towards Allied Health Professionals networking, working together and promoting themselves, inspired the Bedfordshire and Luton Paediatric Occupational Therapy services to join together to come up with ideas of how Occupational Therapy can be promoted within the community, GP services, schools, colleges and universities.

A competition was held within the two teams to submit original ideas of how best to promote Occupational Therapy. These ideas should focus on the services provided and to encourage those wanting to start a career in Occupational Therapy. Both teams put forward ideas with a plan to hold a vote for the best idea at the bi-monthly Bedfordshire and Luton Countywide meeting. Those who submitted ideas stood a chance of winning an Easter hamper! Many thoughts and ideas were submitted and the team voted for the following top four: 1. Contact secondary schools and sixth form colleges to see if they do careers fairs and book a stall 2. Celebrate World OT Day - have an open event at our clinical bases and invite guests to include speakers and equipment demos 3. Arrange a taster day for students (school, college and universities) to come to our clinical bases and have a presentation on what we do and provide a networking session for students with refreshments 4. Send OT posters to schools – “Do you need us?” Detailing what we offer and our referral criteria Ideas included promotions via Facebook, Twitter, websites, careers fairs, open events, newsletters, blogs, newspapers, posters, videos and working alongside our education colleagues.

The winning entry came from Janet Simmons (Paediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Practitioner).

“Work with pre-schools and nurseries sharing OT advice to develop children’s fine motor skills with a view to optimising their functional abilities such as play skills, pencil skills, dressing and personal care skills.”

The teams have since been thinking about how they can put some of these ideas into practice in an effort to promote the service.

The Derwent Centre – changing for the better The Derwent Centre, one of our adult in-patient mental health units in Harlow has been undergoing a major refurbishment for the last few years. The refurbishment which started in September 2013 has brought about significant changes to the building which is located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) site. The Derwent Centre was originally built in the 1960s’.

Over the years, the building had become worn-out and was no longer suited to the needs of our patients.

There are two in-patient wards at the Derwent Centre; Chelmer, which is a female only ward and Stort, which is male only.

Section one of the refurbishment programme has been completed.

This brought about a rebuilding of Chelmer and Stort wards and the creation of a new hub. The hub is complete with games, an enclosed roof garden, a therapy room and a computer workstation for patients to use. There is also a large lounge and dining area within the hub. The entire new

area is beautifully decorated with bright colours, and fitted with stylish furniture, suitable for a mental health unit.

Patient safety is of paramount importance. With this in mind, a considerable effort had gone into the planning and design of the building. There are anti-ligature furniture and fittings throughout the building, including specially designed doors, windows and taps.

Section two of the refurbishment started in early April this year and will bring about the complete rebuilding of the Taymar Suite, a new reception and a health-based place of safety (Section 136 Suite).

An interesting fact about this refurbishment is that the Derwent Centre remained a working hospital with patients being treated there while the building work was being carried out.

Without a doubt there were challenging moments, but it has turned out to be a remarkable achievement which staff and

patients are happy with. The refurbishment of the Derwent Centre is estimated to cost £18m.

Sylvia Impraim, Ward Manager of Chelmer said: “It’s a lovely building. It is something that we have been waiting for, for a very long time and it’s worth the wait.

We have settled in quite well.”

from Stort Ward said: “The new ward is lovely, really fantastic. I like the ensuite rooms and the TV rooms too. The atmosphere is lovely. It’s got plenty of places to go and relax and chill out. The staff are superb.”

A patient on Chelmer Ward said: “The building is very nice but I still miss life outside.

It’s good to have my own room. The staff are excellent although I would prefer not to be in here.”

David, a patient

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CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Rochford, Rayleigh, Brentwood 03444 770808 Southend 03444 770808 Thurrock 03444 770808 Basildon 03444 770808 Mid Beds (Ampthill) 01767 601368 Bedford 0344 245 1290 Dunstable 01582 661384 Leighton Buzzard 01525 373878 Luton 0344 245 1285 Saffron Walden 0344 477 5986 Harlow and Epping 03444 770808 Bishops Stortford 03444 111444 Uttlesford 01799 618840 Braintree 0344 4994719 Brightlingsea 01255 377080 Chelmsford 01245 205656 Clacton 01255 377080 Colchester 0344 4770808 Great Dunmow 01799 618840 Halstead 0344 4994719 Harwich 01255 377080 Maldon 01521 875774 Manningtree 01255 377080 Stansted Mountfitchet 01799 618840 Takeley 01799 618840 Thaxted 01799 618840 Waltham Abbey 0344 4770808 Walton-on-the-Naze 0344 4770808 Witham 0344 4994719 Loughton 0344 4770808 Age UK Age UK - Bedfordshire 0800 169 2081 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire Age UK - Essex 01245 346106 www.ageuk.org.uk/essex EPUT PALs Patient Advice and Liaison Service freephone Essex 0800 085 7935

Housing Basildon Council Housing: 01268 533333 Essex Social Services 0345 6037630 out of hours: 0345 606 1212

Hospital Bedford Hospital 01235 355122

Brentwood Council Housing Service 01277 312500

Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals Switchboard 0845 155 3111 Southend Hospital 01702 435555

Southend-on-Sea Homelessness 01702 215002 Out of hours 01702 215000 Housing Advice 01702 215002 Thurrock Council Housing Advice Service 01375 652820 Bromford; Central Bedfordshire Floating Support Service 01525 862802 Shelter Housing Advice Helpline 0808 800 4444 Epping forest District Council 01992 564027 Uttlesford District Council 01799 510510 Colchester Borough Council Homeless - Housing Options Team 01206 282569 Colchester Borough Homes 01206 282514 Chelmsford City Council Housing 01245 606400 Housing - out of hours 01245 606644

The Princess Alexandra Hospital 01279 444455 Mid Essex Hospitals Main Switchboard 01245 362000 Colchester General Hospital Main Switchboard 01206 747474 Ipswich Hospital Main Switchboard 01473 702400 Sexual Healthline www.brook.org.uk Helpline: 0300 1237123 Confidential advice for under 25s.

CARERS Carers UK www.carersuk.org 0808 808 7777 Basildon Carers 01268 280441 Southend Carers 01702 393933 Thurrock Carers 01375 413754 01375 413640

Braintree District Council Housing service 01376 552525

Carers in Bedfordshire 0300 111 1919

Tendring DC Switchboard 01255 686868

Young Carers www.youngcarers.net

Homelessness 01255 686438 / 444 / 445 / 446

Essex Carers Support 01255 474410 admin@essexcarerssupport.org.uk Action for Family Carers 01621 851640 info@affc.org.uk www.affc.org.uk

Homelessless Careline 01255 222022 Maldon DC Housing 01621 854477 Homelessness 01621 854477 CHESS (Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme) 01245 281104 Family Mosaic Braintree 01376 538 419 Colchester 01206 773 000

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Luton and Dunstable Hospital 01582 491166

Supporting Carers in Essex 0300 7 70 80 90 info@carersinessex.org.uk www.carersinessex.org.uk Carers Trust 0844 800 4361 support@carers.org www.carers.org Carers Direct 0300 123 1053

FRANK 0300 123 6600 WEB: www.talktofrank.com Clarendon Link Luton 01582 732200 OTHER NUMBERS NHS 111 for when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency Just call 111, 24 hour service Essex County Council Social Care Emergency Duty Service 0845 606 1212 Essex Police Local non-emergency 101 Learning Disbility Mencap Learning Disability Helpline 0808 808 1111 www.mencap.org.uk Email: help@mencap.org.uk City of Chelmsford MENCAP 01245 268303 info@cityofchelmsfordmencap.org.uk Braintree MENCAP 01376 326302 Diabetes UK Careline info@diabetes.org.uk or careline@diabetes.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk Diabetes UK Careline 0345 123 2399 Hospice’s St. Luke’s Hospice (Basildon & Thurrock) Specialist Physiotherapy Service 01268 524973 St. Luke’s Hospice at Home (24 on call service) 07739 890140 Information Resource Service 01375 648170 Macmillan Dove Community Counselling Service 01375 648179 & 01277 658057 Lukes Counselling Service for Children & Young People 01375 648175 Bedford Daycare Hospice 01234 352015 St Clare (West Essex) 01279 773773 Havens Hospice (Southend) 01702 220350 The J’s Hospice 01245 475474 Farleigh Hospice 01245 457300

Counselling Cruse Bereavement Care Bedfordshire 01582 595300 Luton & Dunstable Counselling Centre 01582 732450 CHUMS: Child Bereavement Trauma and Emotional Wellbeing Service info@chums.uk.com 01525863924

Eating Disorders South Essex 01268 243538 Caraline Eating Disorders Counselling & Support Service 01582 457474 Luton based charity B-Eat 0300 123 3355 help@b-eat.co.uk MIND Thurrock Mind 01375 391411

Step by Step self refer to service 01525 863966 referral.wellbeingtherapies@nhs.net

Brentwood Mind 01277 263613

Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000247

Bedford, Luton Milton Keynes MIND 0300 330 0648

Therapy for you 01268739128

South East & Central Essex Mind 01702 601123

Counselling Directory 0333 3447 990 Relate - North Essex 01245 258 680 Drinkline The National Alcohol Helpline 0300 123 1110

Hear Me

Basildon Mind 01268 284130

Healthwatch Healthwatch Bedford Borough 01234 718018 Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire 0300 303 8554 Healthwatch Luton 01582 817060 Healthwatch Essex www.healthwatcgessex.org.uk 01376 572829 Healthwatch Southend 01702 356066 Healthwatch Thurrock 01375 389883

When my mind is full of ease, I say come and laugh with me please. Then I’m like the bloom in spring lifting my heart and I do sing when the day has gone by, all I did is but try.

Samaritans 116 123

Until then what do I do it’s like a crossword with no clues. Why do we suffer all of us were so good and full of trust. Do I want a kiss or a hug, don’t kiss me I’ve got the bug.

West Essex Mind 01371 876 641 Mid and North Essex Mind 01206 764600 Mind Infoline 0300 123 3393 Mind Legal line legal@mind.org.uk

Some days I go and hide I can’t help what’s inside. Take this bad from my head so I can have good instead. When this is all achieved, then I’ll feel all relieved.

by Jeanette lambert

When I’m very ill All I’ve got is a pill When I want to go bang my head My only thought is being dead Of course I’m very unwell Nobody I would like to tell

I wake to see the sun That’s another day just begun What do I do now it’s here?

Be sad and shed a tear Or be happy with so much joy like a child with a new toy

When I’m upset and feeling bad Don’t shout at me or be bad For I don’t know how I feel Oh my Lord this is unreal Give me time to say what right Is there any happiness in sight?

Maybe the day starts bad The start crying and feeling sad I think it’s time to sleep To dream a dream but not too deep Then I awake feeling new Feeling happy and forgot my blues

Oh dear Lord what can I do Feeling so weak and feeling blue Cheer up you always say Is there any good coming my way?

All I want is to be well Or all I’ve got is living hell

I found a place called Mind I did not know what I’d find I go there most of the week The people are gentle and meek I like to do work of art I love it with all my heart

For I am so depressed Not the same as all the rest All I see is a black hole Wish I set myself a goal So I take one day at a time Whether it is good or just fine

When the morning comes I can’t wait To go and talk to all my mates I play the scrabble game Tell me I’m not insane If I don’t know what to do Then I come and talk to you

When I go home I’m all alone Just talking to my dog or on the phone Then it’s time for bed Just to rest my weary head Will I sleep all night through?

Or will I wake and make a brew The day starts over again Don’t make a fuss or complain listen to some music and dance Maybe life worthy one more chance If it’s not, then I won’t lie Give me the pill and let me die Can I take one more day To make me see happy ways Show me all that’s good I have done all that I would For my life I need to change When does it will feel strange Carry on taking the pills Then my mind will be still To get everything off my chest Then maybe I will feel my best Until then I will remain Felling hurt and in pain

I just hope one day All my troubles will go away I need someone to help me cope All I just do is live in hope That doesn’t help my spinning head Just can’t put everything to bed For this is a morbid story So give me life with some glory For then I will have life to live For I have so much to give For I am true and kind But that’s not the reason I go to Mind I got to Mind to chill and relax That’s the truth and that’s a fact Different people I do see I’m glad I’m here and it’s free Then when it’s time to go For what’s tomorrow I don’t know Personal message- ‘If you’re reading this and feel as though I’m talking about you, I want to tell you to never be afraid to seek help’.

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Upcoming Events Mental Health Forums South East Essex Wednesday 16 August 2pm – 4pm University of Essex, Gateway Building, Elmer Approach, Southend on Sea SS1 1LW

News for Carers in Southend Since 1 October 2016, carers can now get high quality information, advice and guidance; counselling, peer support and a wide range of breaks through one gateway – the Southend Carers Consortium.

The Southend Carers Consortium is a network of local organisations, led by the Southend Carers, who will work together to deliver an exciting opportunity in Southend - for carers and professionals alike. This follows a consultation that showed it is important to people that they are able to ‘tell their story once’ and have ‘a one stop shop’ for carers support. This new consortium brings us closer to that vision and offers many services under one umbrella including:

South East Essex

• Information, advice and guidance

Monday 30 October 2pm – 4pm

• Breaks

University of Essex, Gateway Building, Elmer Approach, Southend on Sea SS1 1LW

Board of Directors meetings

• Counselling • Peer support • End of life support • Learning and training for carers

Wednesday 27 September 2017 10:30 – 13.00 Training Room 1, The Lodge, Lodge Approach, Runwell, Wickford, Essex SS11 7XX

Wednesday 25 October 2017 10:30 – 13.00 Training Room 1, The Lodge, Lodge Approach, Runwell, Wickford, Essex SS11 7XX

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, as commissioners of the service, and the Southend carers Consortium will work closely with carers, providers and the community to develop the types of support which matter most to local carers and which enables carers to maintain their independence, physical and emotional health.

Please contact Southend Carers Forum on 01702 393933 between 9-5pm from Monday-Friday or visit our website www.southendcarers.co.uk, to find out more about how the Carers of Southend on Sea can be supported.

Are you a nurse that is looking to change employers, relocate or have recently qualified? Then why not come and work for us?

We are looking for nurses to work across all of our locations in Bedfordshire, Essex and Luton within a range of specialties, some including community health services, forensics, learning disability, integrated care and inpatients and can offer competitive relocation packages to applicants who would be looking to re-locate for the right position.

For more information on our opportunities or to arrange an informal visit please contact EPUT recruitment on 01375 364513 or visit www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Need help out of hours?

If you, a family member or friend is experiencing an urgent mental health problem at night or at the weekend, please contact our 24 hour, seven day a week number 0300 1230808 Our contact centre will either connect you directly or advise you of the best person or organisation to contact.

Remember – in an emergency always dial 999 immediately.