PARTNERSHIP Matters February 2021

In this issue: Covid-19 vaccine 10 ways to Membership: roll out wellbeing keeping connected A message from

Mental health and wellbeing are a particular focus for Our experiences are all different, yet we can all be brought our CEO & Chair this edition of Partnership Matters. This includes the 10 together by a shared determination to draw strength from ways to wellbeing developed by our psychology experts. It what we have been through, recover and move forward. also includes the Staff in Mind service we have developed Our CEO, Sam Allen and Chair, Peter Molyneux, write about feeling hopeful to provide confidential, rapid access to mental health Thank for you everything you have done and continue as we move into spring. treatment for health and care staff across Sussex, as well as to do. our staff working within Hampshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Please stay safe, keep connected and be kind. As we begin to emerge from the toughest We also highlight our Positive Practice in Extraordinary “Whilst there will be Times awards; launched to help us recognise what “There is no vaccine for winter the NHS and care services have everyone across Sussex Partnership has achieved over the ever experienced, it feels good to know further challenges ahead, last year to support the local communities we serve – and, mental health. Our local spring will soon be in the air. This year, most importantly, to say ‘thank you’. As we look forward we will get through these with hope for brighter times ahead, it is important to communities - including more than ever, we will all no doubt look pause, reflect and pay tribute to the collective compassion, forward to the light this season brings. together by continuing to commitment and teamwork that have helped us through our health and care staff - the dark times we have experienced. There is still time to That said, the shadow cast by Covid-19 has not yet passed. work together and support submit a nomination if you haven’t already. will need support, kindness Health and care services continue to respond to huge levels of need. Families, businesses, schools and people of all each other. As difficult as Whilst there will be further challenges ahead, we will get and understanding to ages have all been affected in different ways. The sense of through these by continuing to work together and support loss, anxiety and hardship so many have sadly experienced these times have been, a each other. As difficult as these times have been, a new recover and help move during this pandemic will take time to heal. new season is coming.” season is coming. forward. Some will need There is no vaccine for mental health. Our local Let’s hope that aspects of our community response to the communities - including our health and care staff - will pandemic - including the way people have pulled together, access to specialist mental need support, kindness and understanding to recover and the heightened awareness that we can all be vulnerable help move forward. Some will need access to specialist when it comes to mental health, and the light that has health treatment.” mental health treatment. been shone on inequalities within our society - can blossom into a positive force for future change within our society.

Sam Allen, CEO @samanthallen Peter Molyneux, Chair @peterjmolyneux

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In this issue... Covid-19 vaccine roll out We’re making positive steps at local vaccination hub sites 5 Covid-19 vaccine roll out 9 What am I doing here? We’ve been making positive steps to get our staff Vicki Barwood tell us what is so special about to get our staff vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. access to the Covid vaccine. working at Chalkhill.

5 Get yourself connected with MySPFT 10 Mental health tips Before 2020, vaccines were something we occasionally went to Stay connected and up to date with our latest Our ten tips to support your mental health and news, updates and information, at the touch of a wellbeing during Covid-19. have, and didn’t think much more of once the soreness in the button. arm went away. We certainly didn’t expect to find ourselves 11 Final call for staff award nominations! counting down to the day we might receive a one, but – not to 6 Staff in Mind There’s still time to get in a nomination for be put off by the unexpected – the NHS has pulled together A new service for health and care staff working our Positive Practice in Extraordinary Times Awards across Sussex who may be experiencing emotional - nominations close on Tuesday 23 February. spectacularly to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine. or psychological difficulties. Sussex Partnership staff have been able to access vaccines at local hub sites 12 Hitting the headlines 7 Participation goes digital at acute hospitals and as of 18 January we launched our own vaccine A round-up of the amazing work our staff have clinic for staff at the Sussex Education Centre in Hove. A huge thank This past year we’ve been working hard to remove been doing that’s caught the attention of the you to all our staff involved at our own clinic and at the Princess Royal digital barriers for our service users and carers. media, helping to spread positive mental health Hospital hub. messages in Sussex and far and wide. 8 Heads On With close to 5,000 of our staff having received their first dose by the end of A round-up of the latest fundraising news from 14 Dear Covid... January we are pleased to be making positive steps. There is still a long way to go, our charity, Heads On. An amazing project where young people in as we all know, and the importance of following social distancing, PPE and face mask Hampshire have been writing down their guidance is just as important now as it was before the vaccine. But, we can start to feel experiences of Covid-19 and submitting it hopeful about the future. as part of our CAMHS ‘Letters to Covid’ project.

15 Carrying on whatever the weather Here we celebrate the fantastic work of our Get yourself connected with MySPFT CAMHS colleagues across Sussex. Helping you stay connected and up to date with the latest Trust news. 16 Getting the word out for World Mental Health Day Our ten tips for looking after your mental health shared far and wide. The MySPFT app offers a quick and easy way If you haven’t downloaded MySPFT yet, do it now! to keep in touch with what’s happening across 17 Silver award for the employer Anyone can download MySPFT to learn more about Sussex Sussex Partnership. It’s really useful for staff who Partnership, including how to find mental health and recognition scheme for veterans don’t have access to a Trust laptop or PC as it’s wellbeing support and view our job vacancies. We’re over the moon to have achieved the silver full of the latest news from the Trust, including award that highlights our commitment to Staff need to register to use the app using their Sussex support service personnel and the everything you need to know about Covid-19, Partnership email address and a memorable password before armed forces community to come from the most up to date guidance on Personal being able to access the full range of information. and work with us. Protective Equipment to the latest information. 18 Membership: keeping connected The app also hosts a whole range of other features, including: Getting involved and our governor elections. • The latest NHS staff benefits and discounts Download the app, for free, via the Apple • Access to your payslip App Store or Google Play Store. 19 Proof that membership matters • Advice and support to look after your health and One of our members shares what being a wellbeing 4 member means to them. 5 Participation goes DIGITAL We’ve worked hard this year to remove digital barriers for our service users, experts by experience and carers.

When Covid-19 emerged in March 2020 the microphone and headphones with the money provided. This People Participation Team engaged service helped my well-being by allowing me to interact properly with the online support groups I’ve been part of… this has users and Experts by Experience (EbEs) in helped to reduce my isolation during the lockdowns”. discussions about how best to continue to connect and widen our approach to “This has helped me feel more resilient with the upsetting things happening in the world and is helping me remain participation. optimistic for myself and others futures in this uncertain time.” Some people let us know that to continue to be involved they needed support to connect online. They needed help Working Together Groups to remove some of the barriers they were facing in terms of We moved our Working Together Groups (WTGs) online and digital poverty; including lack of IT skills, low confidence and have seen great engagement with 556 attendees over 72 lack of or unusable digital devices. meetings. Some people would not usually have been able to attend due to geographical and travel constraints so it’s been “When the pandemic first hit I, like everyone else, had to wonderful to see a digital approach increasing inclusivity. make the necessary adjustments in my social activities as everything was migrating online. I had a really old laptop that WTGs are open forums for anyone with experience of using, took about 10 minutes just to turn on, which made it a real or caring for someone who has/is using our mental health struggle to access online meetings and groups.” services. They are also a place for staff to seek feedback to test out, create or develop services and patient resources. In partnership with the Recovery College WTGs carry out focussed reviews on the work services are We worked with our Recovery College who offered regular IT considering and provide valuable service user and carer upskill sessions to staff, service users, volunteers and EbEs to perspectives before key decisions are made and work is build confidence in digital technology with a focus on using progressed. virtual meeting platforms. Facilitated by EbEs, groups are aimed at service users, carers Service users and EbEs also attended the twice weekly and staff. This combination of people ensures a genuine Sussex Recovery College Virtual Café, which offers art-based sense of community and ‘working together’. WE’RE HERE FOR YOU. therapeutic activities and wellbeing tools in a friendly and relaxed space to support wellbeing and connection. Groups run bi-weekly across North West Sussex, Western Sussex, Shoreham and Worthing, Brighton and Hove, and In partnership with Heads On East Sussex. This equates to 10 meetings per month with Another critical partner was Sussex Partnership’s charity, an average of 60 attendees. We really want to increase our Heads On. They have been incredibly supportive in response WTG membership as the input of our EbEs, service users and YES, YOU TOO. to EbEs who have struggled as a direct result of the carers is crucial to what we do – and we know that people pandemic. really get a lot out of the groups. The Heads On Covid-19 Hardship Fund supported the The help you or your colleagues may need could be right here. purchase of digital devices such as tablets or Kindles for service users and carers. We were able to apply for 37 Please get in touch for more information on how to get involved: electrical devices totalling £6,760.33. [email protected]

Visit the STAFF IN MIND Online Service for a Mental Health check-in. “The support I received ... helped greatly during a Scan the QR code above to get started or visit: sussexstaff inmind.nhs.uk challenging time. I was able to purchase a laptop, 6 7 What am I

Make For Tomorrow Make For Tomorrow is our Covid arts programme, Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has funded by Arts Council England and NHS Charities doing here? supported Heads On during the pandemic. Together. It is a great example of how, even in these difficult times, there can be moments of brightness, Vicki Barwood tell us what is so special about working Your kindness and generosity has meant we have been hope and optimism. There have been participatory able to support service users and staff across Sussex and art workshops with visual artists including Turner at Chalkhill, our hospital for young people (12-18 Hampshire as we have faced these difficult times together. prize nominated Mark Titchner and Sophie Clements, years old) who are experiencing emotional difficulties, From our winter isolation fund, to kit and equipment on conversations with writers and performers like Marian wards caring for patients with Covid-19, to bursaries for Keyes, Naomie Harris and Fiona Shaw. We’re delighted mental health problems and eating disorders. those facing financial hardship, to funding research into to bring the programme back in February 2021, at an health outcomes for ethnic minority service users, every event with novelist Matt Haig on Thursday 25 February. single penny that you have raised has been spent on What is your role at Chalkhill? community meeting - I enjoy hearing young people’s projects that really matter. I am the Ward Manager so provide clinical leadership to the experiences and suggestions for the ward; their ideas To watch any of the events again, or sign team to ensure we deliver safe and compassionate care with are usually so much better than mine! Young people are up for our ‘In Conversation’ with Matt In these extraordinary times, it has been an absolute positive outcomes for young people and their families. A big inspirational. I love seeing them go home with a sense of Haig, visit: www.makeyourmarknhs.org. privilege to see the groundswell of support for the NHS part of my role is recruitment and retention; making sure hope and optimism that, with support, they can cope with and play our part in supporting people with mental we have the right number of staff with the right skills and whatever life throws at them. health problems and learning disabilities to navigate the Winter Isolation Fund attitudes. It’s really important to me that staff enjoy working pandemic. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to What would you like to see change? We know how difficult lockdown can be, and how here. I believe in investing in people so they feel valued and each and every one of you for your support, we simply I am passionate about working for the NHS and about moments of connection and activity can make such are supported in following their dreams. Helping everyone could not do it without you. providing a world class service. I’d love to see more funding a difference to how we feel. We’re delighted to be to look after their wellbeing has been particularly important for our vital mental health services – the individuals and running our £33,000 winter isolation fund, supported during the pandemic and we have been using supervision and Here is a selection of some the projects you additional reflective space as well as trying out new initiatives communities we serve deserve the very best. have enabled, along with details of how to by NHS Charities Together, across all our inpatient and community teams, supporting bespoke programmes to such as free acupuncture. get involved. If you’d like to know more about Why should other people think about a career at enable service users to stay connected over winter. Heads On, please sign up for updates What brought you to this role? Chalkhill? www.headsoncharity.org/register-for- You can learn so much here. Every day is different. My days If you’re a service user who would like to access I have worked for the NHS for more than 30 years. Most of updates/index.html rarely go to plan but that’s what makes my work really support from the Heads On winter isolation fund, that time has been spent working as a Ward Manager on interesting. You will gain experience supporting young people please speak to your lead practitioner who can apply acute admission wards with adults in crisis. I have always felt Hardship bursaries who face a broad range of problems and challenges and will “Ouron your behalf.Pharmacy humbled by the stories people have shared with me during Thanks to the amazing fundraisers who have supported their most distressing and vulnerable times, and was keen to have the opportunity to work closely with families. We have our Covid Emergency Fund, we will soon be reopening a lot of experience and expertise within our team and we teamHeads On’s is Hearts extremely of Gold influence people’s recovery from an earlier age. So, I took on a the Heads On Hardship Bursaries for service users who value each other’s opinions. We are the most compassionate, One of the things that has made us all smile over role in our Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service are facing financial difficulties due to Covid. If you’d like caring, supportive, entertaining and creative team that I have this year has been those small acts of kindness we (CAMHS) to help make a difference, bring hope, and support to be notified when the bursaries reopen, please email passionate about ever had the privilege of working with. We work hard whilst have shown each other. This February, we have been young people’s journeys into adulthood. I’ve found my skillset [email protected] and we’ll has been transferable and I’ve learnt so much from working also finding time for some fun. Come and join us! add you to our mailing list. absolutely thrilled to have nearly 80 primary schools ensuringacross Sussex take partmedicine in our new Hearts of Gold with both young people and our amazing team which is made What do you do in your space time? campaign as part of Children’s Mental Health Week. up of people from all different healthcare disciplines: doctors, I am passionate about music; I collect vinyl and enjoy going Children both at home and school have been talking nurses, psychologists, a family therapist and occupational use is tailored to to gigs. I particularly love soul, reggae and ska. I have a 2 about mental health, thinking about the things that therapists. year old golden retriever and enjoy taking her for walks help when they’re feeling sad, and making cards to along the beach. I find it really soothing sitting by the shore individualthank those who help needs.” them. For Valentine’s weekend, What do you most enjoy? and listening to the waves. I’m forever chasing sunsets. I they have made Hearts of Gold to hang in their I enjoy the moments I connect with people; whether it’s find getting outside and being with nature is really good windows and it has been wonderful to see such hope listening to a young person’s story and supporting them to for my mental health. and positivity when we’ve been out for a walk. Thank tolerate their distress, or sitting in supervision empowering you to everyone who has taken part, you’ve brought a a nurse to problem solve a situation or celebrate an tear to our eye and warmth in our hearts. achievement. The highlight of my week is joining our 8 9 This increased amount of time we’re all having to spend at home right now may be making you Final call for staff award feel trapped, isolated or anxious.

We hope our 10 ways to wellbeing might be of some help. nominations!

Being disciplined about getting outside every day can help break up the day. Trying to get outside for a walk or a bike ride could be just what you need to help boost your mood and your physical health (especially when there’s a glimpse of sunshine to help get some Vitamin D). Nominations for the Trust’s Positive Practice in

Try and get ready for the day as you would normally – this might be showering, getting dressed, putting on some make Extraordinary Times Awards will close on Tuesday up or doing your hair. It can help to differentiate between morning and night and putting some daytime boundaries 23 February - a few days away. back in. Saying that, it’s equally important to be kind to yourself on the days you don’t feel like getting out of your pyjamas.

Keeping connected with people is one of our ten tips – we’re fortunate to have Our Positive Practice Awards are an important technology to help us do this. Why not walk around your home while you’re on annual opportunity to celebrate the work of There are nine special award categories: the phone to someone, or call someone when you go out for a walk? If you are people across the organisation, but the impact Covid Response Team of the Year (clinical) able to, and feel happy to, you are allowed to meet up with one person from of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 meant Covid Response Team of the Year (non-clinical) another household for a distanced walk, which can be a really good way to Patient Support Champion meet your physical exercise and connection needs. that an in-person ceremony was not possible. Staff Support Champion Structure your day with things that you However, during one of the most demanding Pandemic Partnership can realistically years on record - that has seen staff pulling Innovation and Learning for the Future. achieve Covid Communication out all the stops under huge pressure - we felt Equality & Inclusion it was more important than ever to recognise Heads On Heroes - Lockdown Edition and commend their dedication. Positive Practice in Extraordinary Times will take the Once the last nominations have come in, the Executive awards into the digital world with a virtual Team will judge all the entries and announce the Remember it is normal Maintain a healthy Keep connected to shortlisted candidates. An exciting virtual awards to feel sad, stressed, lifestyle as far as you can, people by phone, email ceremony on Tuesday 30 March. ceremony is taking shape for Tuesday 30 March, confused, scared or including diet, sleep and and social media featuring live winner reactions, surprise guests and angry during a crisis exercise There has been a great response to these unique awards: interactive entertainment for the audience. almost 160 nominations have been submitted already, and The ceremony will mark an incredibly challenging 12 it’s now the final push to try to reach 250. So, to anyone yet months, celebrate the exceptional effort of colleagues to submit a nomination who still intends to: now is the time! during these extraordinary times, and provide a platform Don’t miss out on the opportunity to identify colleagues you for looking forward to a more hopeful future. would like to thank for the remarkable ways in which they have risen to the challenges of the pandemic. Limit worry by watching Don’t smoke, drink or Get the facts to help or listening to media use drugs to deal with you determine your Whether for outstanding teamwork and dedication to coverage less your emotions risk and protect patient and staff care, or for great examples of innovation, yourself impactful communication or inspirational leadership, the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people who have made a difference - despite of or in response to Covid-19.

The nomination form is available online at staff.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/positive-practice- awards-2021-nominations and nominators have up to Be kind to others and to Use skills you already Seek advice you can yourself have, and have used trust from the NHS 500 words to describe why an individual or team deserves in the past, to deal and the Government to win an award at the virtual ceremony in March. with stress 1010 11 Mark said: “At a time when our mental health is being affected by the pandemic, it’s important to have some Hitting the headlines… hope. “The narratives available within the NEON study offer this hope, as they bring to life the resilience, courage and A range of our wonderful colleagues have been thrust into the spotlight, creativity demonstrated by so many people when they are recovering from mental health problems.” spreading positive mental health messages across Sussex… and beyond! BBC Sussex

Our Director of Clinical Strategy and Joint Director of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, Dr Nick Lake, was a Working with the media is one way we can get help promote awareness and understanding about familiar voice on BBC Sussex during last November’s lockdown. Nick took part in regular weekly slot with presenter Sarah Gorrell, providing expert advice on how people can look after their mental health during Covid-19. mental health, something that’s more important than ever right now. Subjects covered included coping with loss and building towards recovery, the pandemic’s impact upon relationships, and Here’s a flavour of how some of our staff have been shaping the headlines. advice on the mental health equivalent of going to the gym. You can also find Nick talking about some of these issues on Sussex Partnership’s YouTube channel. Sky Sports News

Principal Psychologist, Dr Emma Smith, helped bring mental health messages to a different audience in January with an early BBC Five Live morning appearance on Sky Sports News. Another one of Sussex Partnership’s campaigns received national media attention in December, as our Child and Adolescent Mental Emma was discussing Sussex Partnership’s collaboration with Sussex Cricket, who have become the first professional sports Health Services in Hampshire made the call to young people to write down their pandemic experiences as part of the ‘Letters to club in the world to launch a bespoke online mental health and wellbeing platform (www.sussexcricket.frog.net). Covid.’ project. The platform features a number of our staff offering advice and wellbeing tips through a series of short films. Some of these were letters to a child’s older self, a loved one, and letters about something they want to say in response to The resource is designed to help people find hope and support through the power of shared months off school and uncertainty in their lives. experiences. BBC Radio Five Live featured the stories of Harvey, 15, Chloe 18, Lilly, 13 and Anointed, 10. All four young Emma told Sky Sports News: “I think these videos give you such a quick summary and people were on air on the Drive programme reading excerpts of their stories. insight into what we’re taking about here, how does it present and how we can help ourselves. They give real stories of hope. For most people you do come out of depression The Argus and anxiety, even if it’s a long journey and can be quite a struggle, and resources like this can really help.” The Argus one was of our local newspapers to focus on the launch of the Staff in Mind service in January, which has been developed to provide confidential, rapid access to mental health support Emma also appeared on BBC South East Today to talk about the project. Elizabeth for health and care staff. Holland, our Associate Director of People Participation, also helped publicise this project with a live interview on BBC Sussex. And finally…Heart Radio

BBC South East Today Heart Radio in Sussex spoke to Matron Sarah Cramp over Christmas about what it is like working in mental health services over the festive period including, activities planned for service users and how Director of Research, Dr Mark Hayward, was among those interviewed by BBC South East Today staff are supported as they work away from their families during this time of year. about a project where volunteers share stories online in order to help reduce isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sarah oversees in the team at Shepherd House in Worthing. There was a Covid specific focus on how gifts and decorations were handled this year in the light of infection prevention and control and how staff tried to The online narratives form the world’s largest collection of recovery stories and are part of a research project keep things as normal as possible for service users. called NEON. First person accounts describe struggles people have had with mental health and their strength, survival and recovery experiences. Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rick Fraser, was on air over Christmas with BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey, talking about our response to Covid-19 and how we are preparing for a likely future increase in need for mental The research programme is led by a team at Nottingham University, with support from researchers at health support. Sussex Partnership.

Trials are open to people experiencing a range of mental health difficulties, including people living with psychosis, depression and anxiety. One trial is also open to families and carers. A huge thank you to all our members of staff for 12 making themselves available to the media. 13 Dear Covid… Carrying on Over the last year, young people in Hampshire have been writing down their experiences of Covid-19 and submitting it as part of our CAMHS ‘Letters to Covid’ project. whatever the weather Here we celebrate the fantastic work of our CAMHS colleagues across Sussex who have continued to deliver outstanding care to children and Covering everything from home schooling, BBC Five Live even featured some of the entries on the young people throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Drivetime programme over Christmas. Here’s just some of missing their friends and personal loss the inspired selection… associated with Covid-19, young people in Hampshire have been capturing these emotions Our teams across Sussex have pulled out all The previous model in East Sussex provided a paediatric A&E the stops while dealing with an unprecedented liaison service five days a week, between 9am and 5pm. by getting creative with Letters to Covid. The team has increased these hours to provide equality rise in demand for our specialist CAMHS across Sussex and now operate Monday-Friday 9am-8pm The project was started by Helen Dove, Hampshire Child and services during what has been a particularly and Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. This has provided a “I ha Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Innovation and ve depression and high 60% increase in service coverage for young people to access anxiety, so for me, this l challenging time for young people. Participation Lead, to help give young people the chance to ,, ockdown assessments. has br document the big changes that the global pandemic had ought a miracle to some aspects of my The urgent and emergency care pathway team have introduced into their lives. mental health becau provided an insight into the extra care and support for young se I feel calmer because I can Sussex Mental Healthline Young people were asked to submit letters, no longer than enjoy the things I lo people in 2021. ve while other 600 words. CAMHS were overwhelmed with close to 100 people usua lly judge me. This is a free phone 24/7 service that operates 365 entries of letters to an older self, a loved one as well as open CAMHS Home Treatment Team days a year. The service has now been expanded to letters about their experiences. Substantive funding has been awarded to extend intensive However I still have pani offer support for children and young people. This c attacks home treatment. Ten additional clinical posts have been and I am quite lonely even thou supports patients and their families experiencing crisis gh I funded which has enabled the service to cover seven days a live with my family and general enquiries regarding mental health. .” week. The team will provide intensive home interventions to - Chl oe, aged 17 young people and their families who are in crisis or whose Call 0800 0309 500. health has deteriorated and need urgent and intensive “It’s difficult not being able home treatment. s, go A big thank you to all our CAMHS staff to meet up with friend ay A&E Liaison Services working so hard during this difficult time. out to the park and pl “T Our staff have gone above and beyond to provide st the o my dear brother, football. My life is almo volunteering support to an out of hours A&E diversion line I found it so diff during the Covid-19 pandemic. The line is for professionals same, but with a few icult seeing ho t mean a lot. would stru w you to access to avoid inappropriate hospital admissions and to differences tha ggle each day, even before achieve early discharge where appropriate for young people the lockdo wn. within our acute settings. The team provide assessment, w other safety planning, brief intervention and a follow up to children I worry about ho All of a s ong udden, I star and young people not known to CAMHS and offer ongoing people are getting al little bit of ho ted to realise a w you mu support to young people who are coming on to an acute ainly feeling for years. Becau st have been during this time, cert se, I fel paediatric ward. s and family.” angry, frustra t panicky, close friend ted, nervous and sad. - Harvey, aged 15 I’m so pr oud of you. You ha into our new ‘normal’ as bestve settledy finding things to ou can by keep you busy.”

14 - Lily, aged 13 15 PositiveGetting the media word out for Silver Award for the employer World Mental Health Day recognition scheme for veterans engagement Supporting veterans and members of the armed forces across all of our services. StandfirstOur 10 tips here for looking after your mental health shared far and wide. In September last year Sussex Partnership Armed Forces Leader and senior nurse practitioner Martin 10 October was World Mental Health Day Passengers were keen to engage with our staff and feedback was presented with the Silver Award for Diver explains more: from staff at the stations included: Introand para the dayIntro we para launched Intro para our Intro#Ten4Ten para Intro the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for “We were thrilled to receive the Silver ERS award as paracampaign. Intro para This Intro was para quite Intro simply para about Intro sharingpara “I spoke to three people. Two who were at crisis point with veterans. this highlights the incredible work done by the Trust in Intro10 tipspara put Intro together para Intro by our para. clinicians to help their mental health and had never approached anybody supporting the armed forces community and recruitment people identify ways they can help care for about it previously.” This is an award for employers who have signed the Armed commitments. Our armed forces policy reflects the support Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story Forces covenant and who proactively ensure that service our organisation can give and recognises the dedication, hereand Story improve here Story their here own Story heremental Story health. here Story At here “I felt that having the opportunity to signpost people to personnel and members of the armed forces community are commitment and training that reservist, Cadet forces adult Storya time here Storyof increased here Story hereanxiety Story wehere know Story here it is Story support was invaluable.” not unfairly disadvantaged during recruitment processes. volunteers and service leavers bring to our workforce and heremore Story important here Story here than Story ever here to Story be here mindful Story here of Employers can nominate themselves for the Employer their value to the NHS. Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story “The three conversations I had were significant ones.” Recognition Scheme and must make sure they employ at least hereour Story mental here Story wellbeing here Story and here to Story take here care Story of here all one person from the Armed Forces Community. Across our “Our policy applies to all our staff groups. During any Storyaspects here Story of our here health.Story here The Story tips here include Story here ways Story services we currently employ three reservists, one cadet force period of mobilisation, the employee’s post will be held herewe Story can here. look after our physical health to care Olivia Barlow from Southern Rail said: volunteer and eight veterans. 15 of our employees are military open for their return and their role filled with a temporary replacement. Sussex Partnership is committed to providing “At Southern Railway we were delighted to back the spouses or partners. The skills and knowledge they bring with for our mental health and ways we can feel support to enable attendance at these events and 10 days Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story #Ten4Ten campaign, with posters across our network and their unique skill set and experience are invaluable to the connected to others. additional paid leave in each leave year will be granted for here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here mental health hubs at two of our stations. health service. attendance at annual camp. Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story The campaign launched with a bang as we shared a rap music here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here “This pandemic has put a real strain on peoples’ mental video written by our talented nurse, Kuda-Kwashé, and filmed “We have a long tradition of supporting veterans within our Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story wellbeing. The hubs provided passengers and the public by John Richardson and Mind Wick films. The rap, Be Kind, services and it is great to be able to tie everything together. here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here with extra support in the heart of Brighton and Eastbourne. unpacks the ten tips and reminds us that we are not alone in Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story The fantastic team from Sussex Partnership really helped feeling particularly confused or disconnected at this time and “Within our services we have 82 armed forces champions: here Story here. our passengers and the public open up about their mental that there is support available and ways we can help ourselves PICTURED: Presentation of certificate to Armed Forces Champions seven reservists, two Cadet forces volunteers and 15 armed health, signposting services to those most in need. each day. Watch the film here: and some of our Sussex Partnership staff with armed forces forces veterans across clinical and non-clinical roles. Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story backgrounds Left to right: Duncan Wilkinson – PPE co-ordinator www.campaigns.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk. here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here “A big thank you to everyone at Sussex Partnership. We look and fit testing / quality assurance officer, Martin Diver - Armed Forces Lead and Senior Nurse Practitioner, Leigh Thomas - Regional “We’re also a founder member of the Sussex Armed Forces Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story forward to working with you again in the future to support We asked people to share our 10 tips far and wide via social employment engagement Director (REED), Samantha Lawrence – Network and have an Armed Forces Steering Group. here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here our local communities and reduce mental health stigma.” media using the hashtag #ten4ten. We were grateful to be Armed Forces Champion, Paul Fishwick – Deputy Director for Estates Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story and Facilities Operational Services, Sam Allen – Chief Executive. heresupported Story here by hundredsStory here of Story people here as Storywell ashere a few Story famous here “We hope to continue to build on our knowledge, recruit Storynames, here including Story here novelist Story Peterhere StoryJames, here MP Story Caroline here Lucas, Story and more service leavers and apply for the Employers Service hereOlympian Story here. Sally Gunnell. A huge thank you to everyone who Recognition gold award in 2021.” shared the messages. Story here Story here Story here Story here Story here Story hereWhile Story a lot here of ourStory efforts here Storyto mark here World Story Mental here Story Health here Day Storyhad hereto be Story virtual here this Story year, herewe were Story thrilled here Story to partner here Story with hereSouthern Story here Rail toStory offer here a physical Story here presence Story ofhere mental Story health here Storysupport here for Story three here days Story at Brightonhere Story and here Eastbourne Story here railway Story herestations. Story Ahere rota Story of clinicians, here Story which here included Story here mental Story health here Storynurses, here occupational Story here Story therapists, here Story psychologists here Story and here doctors, Story herespent Story time here. on the two stations handing out our SAFE (Suicide Awareness For Everyone) cards and talking with passengers. If you are leaving the military, considering a career change or want to 16 16 discuss opportunities available at Sussex Partnership please contact: 17 [email protected]. Membership: Proof that your keeping connected membership matters Getting involved and our governor elections. Showing the difference getting involved can really make by Mel Smith, West Sussex Service User Governor. Supporting one another matters now more than ever. We have been doing this with If you would like to find out more about our membership I volunteer with the Working Together Groups I encourage people to become Members at WTG meetings. our members virtually to ensure we stay and our governor election than please contact: (WTGs). Something I have seen recently has I tell them Membership will encourage them to speak and [email protected]. that they will be heard, that their words are wanted and connected and offer support. shown me that ‘Membership Matters’ is not needed. I explain it’s not obligatory but that their input For all the latest membership information and activities just a title. would be gratefully received. I tell them they’re needed so In the lead up to World Mental Health Day last year we held follow us on Twitter @spftmembership. we can see and hear the things that need putting forward, our first virtual members meeting where we discussed how When I heard of Membership a few years ago I looked and what is working well. we engage with our communities and how we can ensure into it and joined. I looked at the three Sussex Partnership that our membership is reflective of the communities we Membership pathways: being ‘Informed’, ‘Involved’ and I know of one person who joined as a Member – I share serve. Through our discussion we recognised that there Since hearing your you can even ‘Lead’. this person’s story so you will see that membership really are many networks, groups and organisations that offer does matter. support for people with mental health problems, however Using the information on Membership’s webpages I decided not everyone knows who they are and where to find the feedback, we have been to get ‘Involved’ and volunteer. I started with WTG’s. Now In a WTG meeting I spoke to this person and invited them information. Since hearing your feedback, we have been I can hear how other people think and feel and make sure to become a member. I explained that their words would be working on ways to make this information more easily working on ways to make their words are put forward and heard. heard, and that these words could have an effect. available for our members and hope to share this with you this information more They joined – and soon after heard about Governor soon. elections and decided to stand. They are now a Service User easily available. Governor. So, by being informed through Membership, Governor Election 2021 and being involved with WTG meetings, this person is now taking a lead as a Governor. I know they will help all voices The Trust will be holding a governor election later this get fully heard. year to fill six positions on our Council of Governors. This is a great opportunity for our members to become They said: “We have to bring all of the more involved and take a lead by becoming a Governor voices of all of the people together.” representative for their area. The following vacancies will be These words totally encompass available in the election: Membership – they show your importance; the importance of being Service User heard. • Brighton & Hove – 1 position • East Sussex – 1 position Each person needs to be heard. This is for • West Sussex – 1 position each person involved. • Outside of Sussex – 1 position Find out more: Carer www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ • Trustwide - 1 position membership Staff • Trustwide - 1 position

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