Local Services, Local Solutions

Janet Davies and Andy Brogan presented

The members newspaper awards to:

Good SEPT Marks Nurses Day with Inspirational Anita Lynn, Beverley Kavanagh Conference To mark this year’s International Nurses’ Day, the Trust organised a conference to discuss and debate current issues involving the nursing profession and to celebrate the excellent work of our Nurses. Andy Brogan, Executive Director of Mental Health Services and Executive Nurse, Chaired the day and welcomed a host of inspirational speakers.

The keynote speaker to start the day was The Royal College of Sue Waterhouse, Louise Hembrough Nursing’s Chief Executive, Janet Davies. Dr Ruth May, Executive Director of Nursing, set out the vision for NHS Improvement as a series of informative and interactive masterclasses ran throughout the day.

• Nurse Revalidation

• Report-writing & Evidence-giving

• Co-production in Nursing From South Essex Partnership University • Impact of Trauma & Stress on Children NHS Foundation Trust Natasha Dominque, Linda Willers • Being Open Email: [email protected] The afternoon kicked off with the second set of masterclasses Facebook: facebook.com/SEPTNHS followed by an interactive panel discussion with Andy Brogan, Dr. Twitter: @SEPTNHS Ruth May, Janet Davies and Boyd Mullins from Health Education England. Roy Lilley and Dr Terri Porrett gave a very uplifting and entertaining presentation with a strong message that nurses need Issue 10 to share the good practice that they deliver every day. Summer 2016 The day was topped off with an awards ceremony to celebrate the Trust’s nursing champions. Doris Dokpoh, Jennifer Dean

Maggie Dias Pauline Farndale Andy Ward

Congratulations to all to Congratulations their Nurse those receiving Champion Awards. Nosi Merufu, Louise Summers Carol Ferdinandez Tahnee Kemp, Emma Jayne Hodgetts Letter Message from the from Sally Editor Morris,

Welcome to the Summer Edition of SEPT News. I am Chief sure you will agree that this issue is jam packed with interesting news stories Executive about our staff, patients, carers, members and Welcome to the latest edition of SEPT News. August has seen the most recent series of our SEPT governors with an extra on the Spot public meetings. I hope many of you were there to hear about our latest news and bonus number of amazing including our plans to merge with North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. There is an special features. article with the latest update on our merger plans on page three. More meetings are scheduled for December and along with our Council of Governors and Board of Directors meetings and our One of the main features Annual Members Meeting in October, there are plenty of opportunities for you to come along and which you will especially find out about SEPT and what we do. Please see the back page of SEPT News for the dates, times Do you need enjoy is the story about and locations of upcoming meetings. our Tracy’s incredible trip SEPT News in to Nepal. It is so good to In my last message I was able to tell you the good other formats? hear about how Tracy’s news about our CQC visit and that overall ‘good’ fund raising and time has rating.We also reported on NHS Staff Survey results “I do hope if you use our If you need this newspaper benefited those who need that show SEPT ranks better than average among services, you will take in a different format, please so much. Our other features similar organisations in 25 of 32 key areas. contact our Communications focus on our 24/7/365 day the time to complete a Team on a year Contact Centre and The anonymous national survey was carried out survey so that we can the difference our Criminal among a sample of staff between September and 01268 739755 or Justice Liaison and Diversion November 2015. SEPT’s overall staff engagement use the feedback to [email protected] Team has made to a family. score ranked above average. This is the highest level of ranking and places it second among its peer improve our services.” and we can provide the Thank you so much to group of NHS trusts. Results also showed significant improvements in three other areas over the 2014 newspaper in larger print, everyone who has taken survey, staff recommendation of the organisation, staff confidence and security in reporting Braille, on tape or disc. the time to comment, unsafe clinical practice and overall staff satisfaction. contribute and submit articles. I hope you enjoy I thank every member of our workforce that took the time to complete a survey – it really does this issue and as always matter in our drive to improve how our staff are engaged at every possible opportunity. Log on to find we are happy to receive your ideas for articles As well as the positive results from the Staff Survey, I am also pleased to report that our monthly out more... and contributions to the statistics from the Friends and Family Test have remained consistently positive over the last year. content. Please send them If you would like to know We are constantly looking at ways to can increase the completion of our surveys, especially in to me by email to Maxine. more about South Essex our mental health services. I do hope if you use our services, you will take the time to complete a Partnership University NHS [email protected] or by survey so that we can use the feedback to improve our services. Foundation Trust (SEPT), post to Communications, please log on to our website The Lodge, Runwell Chase, You will also see a feature on which we have developed Wickford SS11 7XX. And Volunteers Week and I am pleased to and designed so that you can don’t forget the photos! report that our summer Volunteers easily find out what we do, Thank You event in June was a huge where we are located and success. With over 30 volunteers who we care for. Maxine Forrest attending, everyone enjoyed the Editor hospitality of the Toby Carvery; and it Go to www.SEPT.nhs.uk and was a privilege to be able to say thank have a look for yourself! you to everyone who attended and those who were unable to be there on the day. The Trust is lucky to have so many dedicated and enthusiastic people who give their time and energy to our patients, service users and carers. Thank you so much. 2 Merger Plans on the Table for SEPT and NEP

The national NHS Five Year Forward View asks Trusts and commissioners to work was for staff from both Trusts to carry out a comprehensive due diligence process. together more to improve services; a direction which is also strongly supported by As a result, by the end of June 2016, the Trusts had shared a significant amount of the Essex Mental Health Review and the Essex Success Regime. Last year, NEP (North information with each other about their services and organisations and identified Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust) and SEPT worked together on any risks which may impact on the new organisation. specific projects and were successful in a joint bid to provide a new Essex-wide substance misuse service. Now staff from both Trusts are working together on development of a Full Business Case to go to the Trust Boards in November 2016. The Full Business Case will Options for closer collaboration were discussed at both Trusts’ Board meetings demonstrate the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger – in particular, the in September 2015. It was agreed to explore a potential merger, beginning with benefits to patients and service users. These would include a better ability to recruit assessing whether this would be likely to increase benefits for patients, carers, staff and retain key clinicians; better access to more specialist expertise; fewer out-of-area and the wider community. Workshops were held with clinicians and managers from placements and so on. both Trusts. In December 2015, the Boards considered the exploration work and agreed to progress to “actively pursuing” a proposed merger. NHS Improvement (the new name for Monitor) will review the agreed Full Business Case from December 2016 and will give it a rating. The Trust Boards will then No final decisions to merge the two Trusts have been made yet. Both Trusts are consider a recommendation to merge. The final decision rests with both Trusts’ firmly committed to acting only in the best interests of the people using our Councils of Governors. They will be asked to confirm they are happy that their Trust services, their families and carers. This will be the deciding factor in any decisions. Board has properly considered the proposed merger and due diligence and taken In the meantime, it remains “business as usual” for both Trusts for the foreseeable action to ensure any risks are properly managed. It is anticipated that this would future. be in February/ March 2017. Subject to the outcome of the approvals process, the aim would be for a completely new NHS Foundation Trust to be authorised and An Outline Business Case (OBC) for merger was submitted to the NHS Foundation operational from April 2017. Trusts’ regulator (then called Monitor) in January 2016. A summary of this document is available on both SEPT and NEP’s websites. Monitor’s review did not identify any We will keep you up to date with progress of our plans on our website and through problems that would stop proposals progressing to the next stage. The next step Bitesize Bulletins as well as on the agenda at our local member and public meetings.

SEPT Launches Ask 3 Questions

SEPT recently launched its ‘Ask 3 Questions’ campaign in west Essex to help patients become involved in decisions about their healthcare. The 3 questions we’re encouraging patients to ask when there are choices to be made about their healthcare are: • What are my options? • What are the possible benefits and risks? • How likely are the benefits and risks of each option to occur? Posters and leaflets will be displayed in patient areas and consultation rooms to encourage patients to ask questions. Alex Laidler, the Director of Health Care Delivery, commented: “Ask 3 Questions is a very valuable resource. It supports the patient in deciding the best treatment options for them and places the responsibility on the clinician for providing information to facilitate this choice.”

3 Local Services, Local Solutions Free

AdmissionApril in Thurrock and June in Basildon saw major events The Big organised by the local Health Facilitation Teams in conjunction Health Day with Healthwatch and other 2016 community groups.

TUESDAY 21ST JUNE 11am - 4pm Basildon Sporting Village Cranes Farm Road, Basildon SS14 3GR

Come along for a fun-filled day aimed for people with Learning Disabilities, their families and carers to learn how to be healthy.

Event sponsored by

South Essex Partnership University SE1120 NHS Foundation T rust

4 Annual Diabetes April in Thurrock and June in Patients and Staff Basildon saw major events Games and Family Fun organised by the local Health Day Comes To Essex Welcome Felix & Fifi Facilitation Teams in conjunction The Annual Diabetes Games and Family Fun Day came to Patients staying at Mayfield and Meadowview – just like a normal cat, but they have the with Healthwatch and other Rayleigh for the first time in the history of the event. The games Ward, Thurrock Hospital, Essex have been advantage of not getting upset if the person and fun day is run annually, but this is the first year it has been purring with delight at their new visitors; stroking them has forgotten how to be gentle community groups. hosted in this area. Justcats, Felix and Fifi the robotic cats. with them.” The Diabetes Games and Family Fun Day was held on 10 August The cats, who originate from Sweden, purr Sally Morris, Chief Executive, said; “I am at Grovewood Primary School, Grove Road, Rayleigh, with the fun and meow like any normal cat, however, delighted our Justocats, Felix and Fifi have starting at 10.00 and continuing through the day until 16.00. they have been designed to offer comfort, been so warmly welcomed by patients and pleasure and peace of mind to people staff. We have seen an improvement with Children and young people with diabetes, their families, and staff suffering with dementia. They also come with communication and enthusiasm from patients, from 14 different hospitals in the East of England participated the added benefit of not making any mess which is thanks to our robotic, feline friends. in the games and enjoyed all the fun of the day. The hospitals and detachable fur that can even be put in taking part were Southend, East and North Hertfordshire, the washing machine, unlike their real-life For further information visit: http://www. Watford, Broomfield, Colchester, Addenbrookes, Peterborough, counterparts. justocat.com/ Bedford, Ipswich, West Suffolk, Basildon, Harlow, James Paget, Kings Lyn, Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals. Dee Susans, Senior Sister said; “Felix and Fifi’s role Claire Levine, Paediatric Diabetes Nurse, said: “We were absolutely on the ward is to work delighted to be able to host this year’s event. The games give with people who are the children, young people and their families from all areas the lonely and who want opportunity to come together, share experiences and, most to engage with others, importantly, have fun.” but who struggle with personal contact due to their illness. Felix and Fifi remind them of being at home as they react in the same way as the family cat would to a lot of love and attention. “They are warm and gentle and purr when stroked and if you ignore them they meow to remind you that they Some of our fantastic SEPT staff who took part in today’s want you to talk to them Diabetes Games and Family Fun Day! Healthcare Organisations in Essex call on the community to talk about dying

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) joined forces with of advance care planning and hot topics like ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and local healthcare organisations to speak resuscitation’. Audience participation and engagement was extremely positive out about Dying Matters during a special awareness week in Essex. and the evaluations and feedback documented that the event was well received by all those who attended. A patient panel conference entitled ‘Facing the Challenges’ was held at Harlow Leisure Zone as part of the Dying Matters Awareness Week in May 2016. Tracy Reed, SEPT’s Facilitator for End of Life Care, said: “Death is still a taboo which is why we are encouraging people to talk about their wishes towards the end of The theme of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2016 was ‘The Big Conversation’ their lives. Our aim is to make a ‘good death’ the norm and for people to live well encouraging individuals and organisations to talk openly about dying, death and to die well.” bereavement and take simple steps that can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. “SEPT is one of 32,000 members of the The event was very successful with 80 participants including some of the pre- national Dying Matters nursing course from Harlow College. It was very engaging and positive to be Coalition, with an working with a variety of ages and walks of life. There were participants from the interest in supporting general public, social care, healthcare and third sector organisations. A variety changing knowledge, of local speakers gave presentations on different aspects of end of life care and attitudes and the event was opened by Ann Nutt from the Princess Alexandra Hospital Patient behaviours towards Panel and Claire Henry, Chief Executive of the Dying Matters Coalition and dying, death and National Council for Palliative Care. Tracy Reed, education facilitator for end of life bereavement.” care discussed the taboo of dying and engaged with the audience on aspects Tracy, Claire and Ann pictured with the team 5 SEPT celebrate excellence at monthly staff awards

The Trust continues to celebrate the outstanding achievements and commitment of staff our monthly Board of Directors meetings. The Staff Recognition Awards are the official way for the Board of Directors, colleagues, Sandra Malisauskiene, Thurrock patients and carers, to say ‘thank you’ to those who demonstrate, above and Facilities, In Tune Award. beyond, their commitment to delivering excellent services. 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. “Behind each winner and nomination is an inspiring tale of hard work, commitment and dedication – and it never fails to amaze me. Hearing Nosi Murefu, Ward Sister, Brockfield fantastic examples of how our staff are going above and beyond the call of House, In Tune Award. Mark Holland, Community Matron duty is an absolute pleasure and it makes me incredibly proud.” Service, In Tune Award.

Louise Watson, Clinical Psychologist, Joan King, based in Estates and Michelle O’Hanlon, Community Don Tapfumaneyi, Ward Manager, for 30 or more years within the NHS. Facilities, In Tune Award. Psychiatric Nurse, In Tune Award. Bedford, In Tune Award.

Michelle Billington, Senior Support Shoenagh Mackay, Clinical Lead Nurse, Mark Baden, Estates Manager, In Tune Diane Smith, Associate Practitioner, In Worker, for 30 or more years within In Tune Award. Award. Tune Award. the NHS.

Tracy Angliss, Deputy Charge Nurse, Ryan Smithers, based in Estates and Darren Barker, based at the Child Sharon Fletcher, Community Nursery for 30 or more years within the NHS. Facilities, In Tune Award. Development Centre, Bedford, In Tune Nurse, Ongar, In Tune Award. Award. 6 Carly Greening, Administration- Christine Wooldridge, Thurrock Kempston Clinic, In Tune Award. Catering, In Tune Award

Community District Nurses, Dunstable, In Tune Award.

Children’s Community Nursing Team, Bedford, In Tune Award. Facilities Team, Thurrock, In Tune Award.

Workforce Development Team, In Tune Award. Poplar Award, based at Rochford Hospital, In Tune Award.

Care Home Practitioner Team, West Essex, In Tune Award. Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy Clerical Team and Paediatric Speech & Language Therapy Team, In Tune Award.

7 SEPT holds a garden party for Mental Health and Dementia Awareness Week

The Trust joined forces with the Alzheimer’s Society, Grays, to raise awareness for both Dementia and Mental Health awareness weeks which ran from the 15 to the 21 of May 2016. A garden party was held in the Cherry Tree Garden at Thurrock Hospital to help promote the awareness of mental illnesses in older people. The Alzheimer’s society’s regular ‘Singing for the Brain’ and gardening group both attended the event. The ‘Singing for the Brain’ group encouraged people to get involved with a group singing session, whilst their gardening group provided demonstrations of how to create a hanging basket. Patients, staff, carers and members of the public were all encouraged to come along and got involved in the afternoon’s activities where refreshments and light snacks were also provided.

The SEPT Inter-professional Learning Conference

Sally Morris, SEPT CEO, opened this excellent event held in July. The theme of the day was: ‘Working Together, Learning Together – Using IPL to Improve Care’. It was a packed house with professionals from all disciplines working in the Trust in attendance. The day gave us all an opportunity to celebrate the inter-professional learning and the contributions of our professional workforce to the high quality of care provided to our patients. Compliments go to Ann Nugent, Anthea Hockley and all of the team who arranged a first rate conference.

8 Spirituality and Health Recovery Day

A Spirituality and Health Recovery Day was held at The Basildon Centre on Monday, 25 July. The event was open to staff, service users and members of the public and looked at how spirituality and faith can support physical and mental health recovery. The day included speakers from local services and interactive workshops to discuss topics such as supporting our service users that do not hold a specific religious belief and how to improve faith services in the Community.

Freedom to Speak Up – meet your local guardians In the last issue of SEPT News we announced the appointment of our elected Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) Principal Guardian, Suzanne Deighton. As well as a Principal Guardian we also have a network of Local Freedom to Speak Up Guardians. These Local Guardians are located throughout the organisation and are available toRaise staff if they Yourneed to share Concerns concerns. We have set Confidentiallyup a number of drop in clinics so that staff can get to know both the Principal and Local Guardians. The SEPT Inter-professional Learning Conference Freedom to Speak Up Guardian Drop in Clinics – Our FTSU Guardians will be out and about across the Trust hosting drop in clinics. Worried about something at work and not sure what to do? Come and speak to the Guardian Service at one of the clinic dates onbelow: insite: Tuesday Via27 September the dedicated 2016 FreedomNovember to Speak 2016 Up page Training Room 3, Maple Lodge, St Margaret’s Saffron Walden Hospital Hospital Date and time tbc 11.00 – 15.30 by email: [email protected] 15 December 2016 October 2016 Room 4, Warrior House, Southend WoburnA Court, dedicated Kempston email address 11.00for –reporting 15.30hrs concerns or Date and time askingtbc questions about the guardian service

Breastfeedingby phone: 07814226709 CelebrationA dedicated Week mobile hotline for raising concerns Jo Eley and her teamdirectly were with your Principle Guardian out and about in West Essex at the end of June raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding. The team were seen at Asda in Harlow, in the Library in Uttlesford and a picnic on the common Local Services, Local Solutions Saffron Walden with mums from the ‘Bosom Buddies’ group in attendance

9 Trust SLT’s Present at St. Francis Hospice and Rochford Hospital

Paula Claridge and Laura Keefe, Specialist Speech and Language Therapists for Learning Disabilities and Dysphagia, attended a Learning Disability and End of Life Care event at St Francis Hospice on 14 June. Speaking alongside other nurses and health professionals they delivered a presentation to professionals and carers on ‘Communication for people with learning disabilities and dysphagia’. As well as the event at the hospice, a Dysphagia awareness/training day was held by the Adult Community Learning Disabilities team at the Hawthorn Centre, Rochford Hospital on Monday, 11 July. The training / awareness day is held annually with the aim of raising awareness of Dysphagia amongst care providers of adults with learning disabilities. Training sessions were presented by Sarah Harding, Dysphagia Specialist SLT, Laura Keefe, Specialist SLT and Ros Jackson, SLT Associate Practitioner covering the topics of: • What is Dysphagia? • Signs and symptoms of aspiration • Associated physical health problems • Risk factors and choking awareness • Texture modification sessions The day was considered a success with some positive comments and feedback from those who attended.

Arts Charity awarded donation by ‘making a difference locally’ and Shortlisted for National Award The Open Arts charity managed within SEPT Open Arts have been shortlisted at the was nominated for a “Making a Difference National Positive Practice in Mental Health Locally” (MADL) donation. Sue Hickey of Awards 2016. Their category is Partnership Thorpe Bay nominated Open Arts and her Working; ‘working in partnership to daughter, Maria Hickey, who volunteers for the break down barriers and provide non- charity, as a MADL Star. The charity received a discriminatory positive services that improve donation of £500 which was used to organise the health and well-being of people in an a day trip to London where members of the innovative and forward thinking way’ http:// Open Arts studio took part in a workshop at positivepracticemh.com/positive-practice- the Wallace collection. awards-2016/ The feedback was positive with members There were over 50 nominations and Open saying: “I loved the day out at the Wallace Arts are 1 of 4 to be shortlisted. The award Collection. I feel genuinely lucky that I have ceremony is in Surrey in October. It is found Open Arts, it has enriched my life in so fantastic news for Open Arts to be recognised many ways.” nationally. Thanks to all our partners, artists, volunteers and participants for their hard work Open Arts manager Jo Keay said “We are and support delivering our award winning extremely grateful to Sue for nominating Maria project. and Open Arts. We truly believe Open Arts changes lives and it is immensely gratifying to For more information about Open Arts and be recognised nationally in this way.” how you can get involved please visit http:// www.openartsessex.com or https://www. facebook.com/septopenarts

10 Carer Carol Tells Us About Her Experience of the CJLD Team

SEPT is one of 10 Trusts across the court with a report and as much trouble. We aim to identify vulnerable “The first aim is to ensure country who successfully bid to run background information as possible. people and give them support they a pilot of a new scheme aimed at “People we meet may already be well require so that they do not come back people get the help they supporting people with vulnerabilities, known to SEPT and have had their into the custody suite. “We are still fairly mental health issues and other factors, mental health issues fully identified so new and are evolving and changing as need quickly so they are who go into custody. Now more than we liaise with their doctors. We also a service. No one knew how it would not left in custody for two years on, the Criminal Justice often see people who have never have work when it began. But I think we will Liaison Diversion Team (CJLD) is ‘a part received a formal diagnosis or had their grow and develop.” longer than they need to of the furniture’ at three police stations needs picked up on before. It is our be.” and has a presence in courts across a role to obtain an appointment with a ONE person who has seen the large part of the county. medical professional for an assessment benefits of the Criminal Justice Liaison as soon as possible.” Diversion Team first-hand is Carol and my son at length. They attended Rebecca Green, one of SEPT’s Eves. She found them a great help court with him and even accompanied Community Psychiatric Nurses, joined Members of the CJLD team also sit in and support to not only her son but him to an AA meeting. “They spoke to the scheme in April 2014, soon the south Essex magistrates courts five also herself. Carol, a carer to her son us as though we were fellow human after it began. She explained how days a week and drop into Chelmsford in his early 30s, came across the CJLD beings. I felt they really understood people are referred to the service by magistrates on Saturdays to meet team when her son was arrested. She our situation. They were very helpful custody officers or court staff having people who need their support. explained: “My son’s behaviour is drink- in telling us what help is available been identified as vulnerable due to Staff from the Child and Adolescent related. If he gets upset he does not and where to go to access more alcohol or substance misuse, learning Mental Health services also form part know how to handle it as he lives in his information. difficulties, mental health issues or of the team as the service covers all own world. because they are homeless. ages, and a psychiatrist works out of “I cannot praise them highly enough. a magistrates court one afternoon a “He kept getting into trouble. When he I had previously found it very hard to “People can be referred to us for all week to see offenders who need a came home one time from the police access information and these are the sorts of reasons. The first aim is to report. station he had been given a card with only people who have ensure people get the help they need team’s number on it and I rang them.” really helped.” quickly so they are not left in custody Rebecca admits when the service for longer than they need to be. “We started there was some trepidation Carol had strong suspicions meet with them very early on, identify from police as to their role. “When that her son’s behaviour their needs, offer them immediate help we began we under took a lot of was not typical of men education work with the police about his age and the team “They spoke to us as how to pick up on people’s needs, and enabled him to meet getting a feel for what might not be with doctors who though we were fellow quite right with a person they arrest. provide a formal human beings. I felt they “The service was brand new and we diagnosis of autism. were not sure how it would go. But Carol said: “When really understood our officers have accepted us completely. they saw him in situation. They were very We are part of the furniture at the custody the nurse police stations and officers come and could tell he was helpful in telling us what look for us if we can’t immediately autistic but it took an be found. We are now very busy with expert to recognise help is available and referrals from custody and courts. it. “The team were where to go to access wonderful. They came “I hope they think we take on some round to our house to more information.” of their work and find us a valuable talk to my husband addition.” and I and signpost them to further support, with the ultimate aim that they do not Following the success of the pilot come return to the criminal justice schemes, teams are being introduced system. “We hand-hold them to their across the country. Rebecca said: initial meetings and then signpost “I like to think because we are them to further services.” supporting people we are minimising the chances of Members of the team are based at them re-offending. “It’s custody suites at Southend, Basildon about getting people to and Grays from 07.00 to 22.00 seven put support in their days a week. They mainly meet clients life to stop them when they are taken into custody. If from doing it is found they have severe mental things that health needs, they may go to hospital, will get explained Rebecca them into “If they go to court, we provide the

11 A Day and Night in the Life of the Contact Centre

THE DAYS of patients and carers but they were off sick or on annual the person back ourselves to let them people self-harming while on the needing to spend hours on the phone leave it was previously very difficult phone , or claim they have taken an to track down the right person to help to connect them to an alternative “We don’t see the overdose. “The agent will make an them with their query have long gone. professional with the same level of clinicians and us as initial assessment and if they feel it expertise. Now, staff at the contact necessary phone the emergency A contact centre manned by staff centre have the knowledge and two separate teams, services or put them through to the around the clock, 365 days a year, capability to do that.” doctors on duty. “Agents do not give ensures calls to SEPT are dealt with but one team working advice, clinical or otherwise. It is their quickly and efficiently. Alongside The contact centre replaces many of together to give the job to connect the caller with the right patients and carers, clinical personnel the individual receptions which were person quickly and efficiently. “Staff and members of the public use the scattered throughout Trust premises. best service we can.” have training on how to deal with the contact centre, which is based at SEPT’s It is staffed by people who previously most distressing calls, and are also headquarters in Wickford. There are worked on these receptions or have know they have not been forgotten.” encouraged to seek support if they feel also a number of the team who work at experience of another area of the NHS. affected by what they hear. We have home to recieve out-of-hours calls. The aim of the contact centre is to All this is possible through the state of an open door policy and encourage save time and improve efficiency for the art computerised call system at the discussion of the types of call we It was set up eight years ago as the patients, carers and professionals. centre. receive. Staff can engage with our own Trust wanted to prevent people having therapists should they need.” to call lots of different numbers to try “Gone are the days when patients The Avaya/Nortel CS1000 is one of and find the person they needed to would have to call 10-11 times just to the market leaders in contact centre As to the future Tony is hoping patients speak to. speak to the right person,” said Tony. systems and is designed to deal with will be able to communicate with “If the contact centre is experiencing a high volume of calls. The system his staff by instant messaging and a high volume of calls or clients/carers also allows the staff to monitor how webchat. He said: “It’s important we “Staff have training and third parties are unable to wait many people are waiting and for how keep in step with technology and for an agent to answer, they are given long. It is necessary as the centre now take on board new ways people are on how to deal with the option to leave a voice message. receives 50,000 to 55,000 calls a month. communicating, as for many people the most distressing This remains in the order of which it This compares to 20,000 calls a month these may be the ways they feel most was received and is presented to the when it first started. Average waiting comfortable contacting us. calls, and are also next available agent who will call them time for callers, which includes the encouraged to seek back! If the person rings the contact recorded greeting, is 35-40 seconds. “For instance, someone who is at work centre and cannot speak to the right Staff at the centre deal with a very may feel very uncomfortable making support if they feel professional immediately, they can wide range of calls. During day times voice calls to us but a discrete instant also leave a confidential message. it is usually people calling to set up messaging chat on their mobile allows affected by what they “The contact centre staff will text the or rearrange appointments . Out of them to maintain privacy.” hear.” clinician to say a message has been left hours it can be professionals calling in and will monitor to ensure the clinician and people who feel very depressed, Tony says it is vital his staff maintain Manager of the Trust’s Contact Centre, gets back to the caller. maybe even suicidal. regular communications with the Tony Barwick, explained: “When clinical teams so they are best able someone called to speak to a person “If this is to take some time, we will ring Tony explained: “There could be to deal with calls. He said: “We get

Sarah busy on calls The Contact Centre Team 12 together with them regularly for “You need to keep your professional information updates and ask for head and get callers through to the “The aim of the contact centre feedback on the service we are right person. Sometimes, if you feel providing. In return we also feedback it necessary, you need to get the to them our views on the way they emergency services involved. “You is to save time and improve follow up calls. “We don’t see the need to be sympathetic but must clinicians and us as two separate keep a cool head.” teams, but one team working together efficiency for patients, carers to give the best service we can.” TEAM leader Hollie has been working in the centre for seven years. Initially and professionals.” GAIL Potter has worked at the contact an agent, she moved to working centre for 15 months, and really enjoys nights then back to the more senior her job. She said: “It’s extremely busy position. but very interesting. Every call is different. Hollie said: “It is genuinely a lovely place to work. We have a very nice “I think the centre has been set up team and I’ve got to know the systems very well for staff and clients. We and people in SEPT very well. There is always have the right number of staff a lot of opportunity for training and to handle the calls so there are never career progression. “Our aim is to make more than four calls waiting. “You do the centre work the way it should by get occasionally get abuse from callers ensuring we give a good service to which you must take with a pinch of the clients You speak to them and salt, and never take personally. Gail has put them through to the person. “The also worked out of hours. distressing calls can be hard but you have to distance yourself and try not She said: “It’s mainly doctors calling in to think about them. “It’s difficult but to pick up messages or distress calls. you do get used to it.” Tony and Hollie

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration – Windsor Castle

Imagine our excitement when we received an of more than 60 years. The event was attended by theatrical lighting combined with displays from the invitation to attend one of the four concerts being the Earl and Countess of Wessex who arrived in their likes of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, State held for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebration! The beautiful stately carriage accompanied by numerous Carriages from the Royal Mews, the South Australian events were being held in the private grounds of members of the immaculate Horse Guards and Police Band, The Royal Cavalry of Oman, The Fijian Windsor Castle in a purpose-built arena and the under the watchful eyes of the Queen’s Guards. Army Dancers and the New Zealand Army Band program promised a Birthday Party Fit for a Queen! (who had spectators rolling in the aisles as two of Four of us from the Complex Leg Ulcer Service The event was narrated by several well-loved British their band ran in slow motion to their rendition of had been lucky enough to be invited, as guests household names including, television presenter the theme from Chariots Of Fire) A myriad of other of Waitrose, through our close association with Jenny Powell, actor, musician & writer Simon Callow, talented performers from around the world came the Southend Leg Club (Waitrose having been a actors Amanda Redman and Martin Clunes and together to create a truly spectacular evening which supporter of the Southend Leg Club over the years the one and only presenter and horticulturist Alan we were very proud to attend and will remember through their green token scheme). Titchmarsh MBE. forever. We arrived in the grounds of Windsor Castle in the The evening was a true celebration of the Queen’s early evening and joined the excited party goers life, her love of horses, her dedication to the as they meandered in and out of all the stalls and Commonwealth and her close association with the exhibits surrounding the arena and, after warming armed forces. Perhaps the most memorable display up in the Waitrose hospitality tent, made our way to from our point of view was when the King’s Troop our seats in the arena to witness what would surely Royal Horse Artillery aimed their 100 year old canons be a once in a lifetime experience! directly at us! There was rather a lot of nervous laughter at this point followed by scores of people We were not disappointed! Over the next 90 jumping several feet in the air when they actually minutes, over 900 horses and 1500 participants from fired (luckily around the world treated us to a spectacular display with blanks) which chronicled the life of the Queen from the at us! Video excitement surrounding her birth, through to World projection, LED War Two, her marriage, the coronation and a reign effects and

Sarah busy on calls 13 Annual Report Governors Give their and Accounts 2015/2016 Opinion in Annual Report

We as Governors would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff on providing services and a level of care that are recognised as outstanding within the fields of both mental and community health. We ask members to note that we still have a strong presence in Bedfordshire and Luton as we continue to provide the local forensic mental health services there which are commissioned by NHS England as well as the Community Health Services in Bedfordshire, the contract for which has been extended to April 2018. This says a lot for the quality of care provided.

Prior to the Annual Report and Accounts being We are also aware that we have to consider the This year we have once again become involved in the presented at our Annual Members Meeting on 5 long-term future of our Trust and the services which strategic and forward planning for the Trust through October, SEPT News brings you a preview of the it provides within the larger health economy, and a working group which meets with the relevant Governors’ Opinion section. its potential integration into the services for north Executive Director (ED) to discuss the Operational Plan Essex. This can only be done by collaborative working and provide what we believe are helpful comments. “This past year has been one of the between the Governors and the Directors, recognising most fascinating that we have seen for that as Governors we have a responsibility to be As in the past we always make sure that there are assured on the work of the Directors in relation to the Governors present at public Board meetings to a long time as the potential merger performance of the Board but not to interfere with provide us with an insight into how the NEDs and the of our Trust with North Essex has operational matters. There is a fine line between the EDs interact as well as to ask questions on your behalf. two roles. We have attempted throughout the year This is all in addition to the Public Member meetings been proposed and as the various and in particular in relation to this potential merger, which Governors chair as well as our attendance at stages of the process are reached. not to cross that line. Those of you who are able to the various Stakeholder events which SEPT organises. attend the Council meetings every quarter will have Towards the end of the year changes in the way the We have been very pleased that we appreciated the session before the main meeting public meetings are organised have been put in have been kept briefed in our role in which the Chief Executive, Sally Morris, gives a place to align and reduce the number of meetings presentation on a subject of interest for us to discuss (and the cost and time for staff) and to make them as representatives of the public/ with her. This is very helpful, enhancing as it does the more pertinent to the communities which we serve. stakeholders/patients/carers and staff.“ closer working relationship between the Governors We shall be interested in receiving any comments on and the Chief Executive. We also have the opportunity these changes as they take place during the next year. Your Council of Governors thought it is important to meet with the Non-Executive Directors (NED) to that we the Governors write an Annual Report to the discuss matters in an informal atmosphere so we are Traditionally we have not used these Annual Reports members, to let you know what we have been doing more able to understand the NEDs’ role and how they to comment on funding issues but we do feel it on your behalf in our role as a ‘critical friend’ to SEPT. undertake it. This then links into our statutory duty to would be appropriate to remark that the considerable receive assurance on the performance of the NEDs success during the year has been achieved despite This past year has been one of the most fascinating and the Chair on an annual basis as well as to appoint/ falling income. This success was shown by the that we have seen for a long time as the potential reappoint NEDs. An important part of our role is Care Quality Commission Report following a full merger of our Trust with North Essex has been undertaking Quality Visits which we do regularly in the inspection of our Trust’s services at the end of June proposed and as the various stages of the process are company of one of the Executive Directors and a NED. 2015. The overall conclusion from this Inspection was reached. We have been very pleased that we have This gives us an opportunity to talk to service users, a rating of ‘Good’. This may not sound much put as been kept briefed in our role as representatives of the their carers and staff and to provide feedback to the badly as that but it is a rare recognition given by an public/stakeholders/patients/carers and staff. It would Trust on what we have found, areas of good practice inspection agency experienced in looking at many have been very easy for the Board of Directors only to and any areas which we consider need to improve. We different types of organisations within the umbrella comply with statutory duties by involving Governors have also been involved in reassuring ourselves that of Health Care. Of 167 inspected Trusts, only 32% when the process was close to taking place, asking SEPT complies with Monitor’s Code of Governance. received “good” and 1% “outstanding”. It would be us to approve the decision. Instead, the Board has This guidance helps Trusts to deliver effective and remiss of us not to congratulate all the staff on this involved Governors from an early stage. quality corporate governance, contribute to better magnificent achievement and also to recognise the organisational performance and ultimately discharge strong leadership within the Trust particularly the Because we have been consulted from the beginning their duties in the best interests of patients and service Chair and CEO. Apart from confirming what we have we have been able to provide what we hope is useful users. been saying for many years, that the quality of service input to reflect the views of the diverse communities and the safety of patients is paramount, it also puts which we serve. our Trust in a better position to bid for new contracts

14 when these come up for tender. Seven Nurseries We are mindful that we are elected or appointed to represent you, the members of our Trust, and to satisfy ourselves on your behalf that service users’/ Accredited patients’ needs are always the top priority and that Family Food First gave accreditation to seven local pre-schools and nurseries in Bedfordshire. The the services provided are safe and of high quality, accreditations have been on-going since January 2016, with the most recent accreditation being awarded while at the same time maintaining independence this summer. from executive decisions. We would not do so if we did not think that our Trust is one of the highest Denbigh Pre-School, Downside Pre-School, Pastures Way Nursery, Fun to Learn Nursery and The Training performing in the country and we would like to Depot Day Nursery in Bedfordshire were awarded the Family Food First accreditation in June 2016 and see it maintain its pre-eminent position. Our role is Meadows Children Centre and Foxcubs Nursery being awarded the accreditation in July 2016. very much to hold the Non-Executive Directors to The team have worked with each of the nursery settings over the past year and would like to thank each of account for the performance of the Board and to them for all of the hard work they have put in to achieve this status. provide a link between the members/public/service users/patients/ carers and stakeholder organisations Lisa De’Ath, Public Health Dietitian at SEPT said: “It has been a pleasure working with all of the nurseries and and the Trust. we look forward to continuing their good work in the future.” “We as Governors would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff on providing services and a level of care that are recognised as outstanding within the fields of both mental and community health.”

We were particularly pleased to see the results of the annual Staff Survey. Past years have shown this survey to be generally very favourable with just a few matters for concern. This year the results are extremely positive with significant improvement in many scores compared with the previous year and particularly against the national scores with the Trust in the top performing 20% in the country. We as Governors would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the staff on providing services and a level of care that are recognised as outstanding within the fields of both mental and community health. We ask members to note that we still have a strong presence in Bedfordshire and Luton as we continue to provide the local forensic mental health services there which are commissioned by NHS England as well as the Community Health Services in Bedfordshire, the contract for which has been extended to April 2018. This says a lot for the quality of care provided.

Finally, we hope that you, as members, have been satisfied with the representation which we, as Governors, have been able to provide during the past year and we look forward to continuing to do so during 2016/17. If you wish to contact us then you are very welcome to do so via the Trust Secretary’s office.

John Jones Lead Governor

Brian Arney Deputy Lead Governor

15 Trust Celebrates

The volunteers at SEPT give up early retirement, I chose to look for and former - need to be involved in the anything from being a Governor? Yes, their time each and every week by volunteering roles; not only that would process to ultimately improve mental there is an old saying ‘The more you put befriending, feeding and reading to our keep me busy, but with a sense of health services for our peers, people in the more you get out”! patients, working in gardens, shops, doing something worthwhile. who also battle with mental health sitting on committees and interview problems, be it short-term or long-term panels. In fact there is very little that Our magnificent NHS is going through ones. a lot of changes. To influence the local Why I Volunteer for SEPT – service they do not do in their desire to help. user volunteer These volunteers also include our issues one had to be ‘inside’ and make Volunteering can provide some degree sure that the decisions reflected the of purpose for the person themselves, public, staff and appointed governors I volunteer for SEPT because it keeps local needs. As a public governor, though also mental health trusts & who sit on the Trust’s Council of me firstly involved in a Trust that I am the sounding board so I can the wider NHS need to encourage Governors. has helped me be and stay well and bring these to the people who take & respect people with lived & living secondly I do it to say thank you for To mark this year’s Volunteers’ Week we the decisions and feed back to the experience of mental health problems that help SEPT gave me. I started would like to say a big THANK YOU to locality. to be part of valued projects like the volunteering for the Trust in 2006 all our volunteers for the extraordinary Student Nurse Buddy Scheme and although my time with the Trust was a contribution they make in supporting The people are enjoying longer life that the SEPT interview panels. Make a long while before. I have been involved our services. brings age related complications. As difference... part of that group, I voice the concerns. in so many things from local forums to We asked a number of our volunteers By being a volunteer, I have first-hand interviewing the Trust Chairman. who are governors, service users, carers knowledge through the quality audits “I feel valued and when volunteering and members of the public to tell us how good and efficient SEPT is. I have Why did I become a SEPT I don’t feel like a person with a mental how they feel about volunteering and spoken to the relatives as well, so know Governor? health label over me. It has kept me why they chose to give up their time the quality of service. I had just retired from working in well, focused and above all I don’t for the NHS and SEPT. Being a part of the Nominations London and whilst I had been a feel like I’m on the scrap heap of life Committee, I know that the selection Governor of a Further and Higher because I’m cared for by being a of the Non-Executive Directors Education College in London for 20 volunteer.” Service user volunteer employment process is transparent and years, I found that the idea of traveling It’s also allowed me to meet so many we get the best candidate for the role. into London just for meetings had lost One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is new people who I am fortunate now to The meetings that we attend as part of its appeal. My wife had worked in the Give, and volunteering for SEPT allows call friends so not only have I become the Council of Governors are a two-way NHS for many years and I felt that with the right balance of involvement, an asset that helps the Trust but my decision affecting process as well. my business experience I could bring engagement, fun and giving your time a different perspective to the many social circle has grown. to improve services for others. The I have learned what is practical, problems the NHS was facing. Also the cake that the patient support offered by the wonderful achievable and I take that knowledge, experience team offer is great too! So PALS teams allows a family-feel for to other organisations. I believe that Do we make a difference? Yes. At it’s win win both the volunteers and staff, and is this volunteer role has enriched my life. Council of Governors meetings we a credit to the organisation’s policy of I would recommend others to follow have the opportunity to discuss service-user involvement. suit. I do hope that I have made a and challenge both Non-Executive valuable contribution to the SEPT. Directors and Directors on their plans What it means to be a public and decisions. In addition, there is governor volunteer Why I became a Volunteer – the opportunity to ask questions at the end of every Board of Directors Taking on the role of a public governor public governor Why do I Volunteer with SEPT? – meeting where the range of experience can sound daunting for some folk, but service user volunteer The UK, my chosen country, has and interests of Governors will usually it shouldn’t be. If you have a passion for quality healthcare and want to make been very good to me. I want to I volunteer with SEPT because I strongly prompt a number of questions. a real difference, then becoming a put something back. So, after my believe that service users, both current Is it worthwhile and have I gained governor is right for you!

16 business, charity and voluntary groups, become a public governor, elected by I encourage colleagues to engage the folk in your own area. with health, becoming members of Foundation Trusts while giving me their Would you be ‘good enough’ to be a views about health services. governor …the criteria to be a governor requires you to have a passion for mental and community health care, to want to influence change and make I am looking for better integration a real difference to folks’ lives. No, you of health and social care. don’t need a university degree, or be a public speaker, just need the passion to I want to help SEPT make a difference make a real difference will do. for people, allowing them to stay physically and mentally well in their Regardless of my background, I have own homes. I work with private been a public governor for seven plus The Council of Governors is made up Public Volunteer and public sector organisations and years, it has been a really enjoyable of folk just like you and me. You join Government Departments on being time, made lots of new friends, but a group of very enthusiastic folk who I’m a cancer survivor myself, I was more effective, particularly in improving more importantly had a real impact on really want to make a difference to the diagnosed in 2010 and once I’d finished diversity outcomes, as well as recruiting how mental health care is delivered. I way folk are cared for, to hold the Trust the main part of my cancer journey and developing professional staff to often think back and wonder what all to account and ensure ‘the bar is always I decided that I wanted to give back serve communities more appropriately. the ‘inmates’ of yesteryear’ would make something. of today’s standards of care, to know raised’ in regard to the standard of care I love learning. I use all the that they too could have a real voice, folk receive … the best can always be The Trust’s service is affiliated to opportunities to interact with staff, to influence change and be treated as bettered. MacMillan, so I feel that it’s a way of service users, directors, other governors valued members of society … I am giving back to an organisation that to gain knowledge which I can use You don’t have to be a genius or make not sure they would believe that was was an immense support not just to inside and outside the NHS. Every public speeches, but you do have the possible. opportunity to influence change, help myself but to my family as well. meeting is fascinating as I observe what works in reaching sensible decisions to Only patients that have been in the select staff for important roles within the Why I became a public governor Trust, inspect wards, sit on committees the benefit of the organisation and the system will understand what it feels like volunteer (if you want to), and make lots of new stakeholders. to be silenced, and only now, I too can friends, and of you have any worries, I wanted to contribute to effective, appreciate what it feels like to have a there is always someone on hand to efficient and caring health services voice, to know that someone is not only guide you. which use tax payers’ money to good Carer Volunteer listening, but valuing what I have to say, purpose. For over three years I have and to appreciate what it feels like to be Being a governor has given me a real SEPT helped me to take part in their had the privilege of being allowed on ‘the wrong side of the sheets’. voice, boosted my own self confidence carers’ course. I am now a volunteer to listen to patients, carers and other and allowed me a real insight re how tutor on the carer’s courses and really I wasn’t sure I would cope with being stakeholders, then directly influence services are delivered to patients in enjoy this role and the difference a governor, but I needn’t have worried, healthcare. SEPT’s responsiveness to hospital, and in the community. It has it makes to other carers. I think as all the help you need is to hand and my questions at the monthly Board of been a very rewarding role and seven a generality people don’t volunteer my travel expenses met. Was my Directors meetings and during my work years down the line, there is always regularly. It’s very difficult to find background a deterrent, no … it was an on Council of Governor committees has something new to learn in the ever volunteers and it’s almost a direct asset, because I have lived experience shown a learning organisation which changing NHS. approach and SEPT does recognise and if anyone tries to dismiss my views, wants to hear us. volunteers with thank you events heaven help them. As a governor I get to meet folk in my I have been able to sense check the throughout the year. own constituency, listen to their views, It has been a fantastic journey, a great reality at the delivery end with the help out and volunteer at promotional confidence builder, and so rewarding policies and practices considered at events and attend public meetings. It to know that even ‘humble little me’ Council of Governors and Board of is always a joy to hear what the public Me ‘a governor’ you must be can still influence changes for better. Director meetings. I attend as many have to say and play a pivotal role in joking! – public governor/service I have a real voice, and for all the folk local stakeholders’ meetings as possible taking their issues forward. user I spent many years of my life with in to hear from people experiencing that distant past, I owe it to them to be I have made so many new friends, feel healthcare in our areas. When I ask Having been in the mental health their voice today, to instigate change valued as a governor, recruited many questions or offer improvements in the system almost since I learned to walk, and hold the Trust to account. I have new members for the Trust and am wording of formal SEPT documents, my I have seen the horrors of asylum care the full support of the Trust, I can always up for a challenge. comments are based on the views of and how things have changed down the influence decisions, vote on key topics, the public, service users and staff. I can years. Mental health care was always a sit on various committees … only if I I never thought I had the qualities stand back from the details of health ‘them and us’ system, they dictated the wish to, have a voice on the choice re required to be a governor, but know delivery to see the bigger picture as it rules and patient did as they were told! the appointment of key roles within now after many years in the role, that affects health outcomes for people. For the Trust, and of course, live up to my the most essential requirement is to Oh how times have changed, today, me, working in Bedfordshire, Luton and reputation for creating havoc. have a passion for good quality health Essex, I understand local and regional from being a patient on a ward you care …the rest come naturally. issues. Running a very small business can become a volunteer and a member CONT.. Page 18 while being a member of seven of the Trust, and as a ‘member’ you can

17 If anyone has the passion and a heart, onto co-chair with commissioners they too can volunteer to become a on setting up the South East Race for Life on Two public governor, and never look back Recovery College. I am also involved and Four Legs to regret their decision to do so. If you in the ‘supper with consultants’, don’t speak up, your voice will not be PLACE visits and patient forums. I I just wanted to thank everyone for their heard. feel I am a valued member of the kind donations! I made over £100 on the service user and carer volunteers’ bake sale which brought my total up to team working with the Patient Liaison £300, which is great! The Race for Life was Service user / public governor Team. The Patient Liaison Team really really fun and the atmosphere was great as there were over 2,000 ladies taking part volunteer look after us volunteers. in Bedford. I have been a volunteer for SEPT My dog, Molly, also took part and walked for about fourteen years. My Public Governor – south Essex with my mum and her friends and got a volunteering roles have included lot of attention because of her tutu! She interview panels, co-delivering ‘Your I became a governor at SEPT loved it. Health Your Life’ six-week course following my experience of being for carers, service user and carer elected as a governor of Southend Thanks again! - Georgia Everett, Child governor - now a public governor. All University Hospital for a six year Health Administrator – Union Street Clinic these as well as visits to SEPT wards period during which I enjoyed being with staff to assess not only the involved in the early stages of a maintenance of buildings, but more successful Foundation Trust. importantly, quality of services and patient satisfaction. I soon realised that being a Governor was significant. Having experienced mental health issues myself, it is rewarding to me The ‘value add’ of governors became that I can, in any way I can, ensure obvious as we were able to show that that service users receive the high our role was worthwhile in helping quality of care and experience that the Trust to succeed. did. We are also involved in an exciting Additionally, the carers’ course makes period of being involved in a major a big difference to carers’ lives and merger to guarantee the future of their wellbeing that I am proud to be mental health patient services in involved in. Essex. That is a great challenge and will test our skills. Finally, I always feel appreciated by all levels of SEPT staff in all that I do and I recommend volunteering as a Service user volunteer fulfilling role. I have Bipolar and doing volunteering helps me so much it gives me so Service user volunteer much satisfaction knowing I can help in so many ways. Being wanted/ I started volunteering in 2014 with needed is such a good feeling. Just the SEPT Recovery College Pilot. because you have an illness, don’t I bring my experience of being think you can’t help....you can, and both a carer and service user. believe me you will get so much out Volunteering for SEPT has really of it. Congratulations to Jacky built my confidence. I have gone Jacky Syme, the practice development manager for the 0-19 service in Bedfordshire, We took the opportunity of running these fantastic quotes on our social media recently received the runner up award for the Julie Crawford Award, given by the channels over the 12 days of Volunteers Week. Thank you to everyone who Baby Feeding Law Group (BFLG). This award is open to practising health visitors or contributed. practising health visiting teams who have made significant contribution to – or have an ongoing impact on - breastfeeding support in the UK, at individual or This year we launched a new video for people who use our services and policy level. See http://www.babyfeedinglawgroup.org.uk/bflg/juliecrawfordaward the public explaining how they can give feedback and volunteer. Real life for more details. volunteers take to the screen to share their experiences of working at the Trust, including how it enriches their lives. The video is available to watch at; www. Jacky was nominated for the award by Anne Woods, Deputy Programme Director, sept.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteers Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, and seconded by Francesca Entwistle, Senior Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire. If this sounds like you and you are interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with SEPT, we would love to hear from you. The Volunteering Team Jacky was presented with the award at the recent East of England NIFN (National can be contacted on 01268 739600 or by email at Infant Feeding Network) meeting, by Jane Neesam, Baby Milk Action Director. She referred to Jacky’s knowledge and passion for breastfeeding and her strategic [email protected] vision for a seamless service for mothers. Jane thanked Jacky for everything she had done and continues to do to support breastfeeding in Bedfordshire and the East of England as a member of the Unicef Baby Friendly Designation Committee.

18 SEPT Health Visitors Recognised in Local Paper

A mother has praised the role of family The 36-year-old has now overcome support charity Home-Start Harlow postnatal depression and is a happy “There was a lot of Victoria continued: “I had to find some in helping her overcome postnatal mum to four-year-old Ellen, and Alexa, strength to go there, I was very anxious. depression. For five years women and who is 20 months, while she is soon to compassion and I remember the first session, they asked men have been helped by the free get married. However, if it was not for us to speak about their pregnancy and six-week mental health course Elpitha the guidance of her NHS health visitor empathy.” our birth. I had a lot of difficult personal which runs twice a year at the charity’s she may never have even realised why things to deal with at that time and also centre in Waterhouse Moor. she was feeling unhappy. SEPT health visitor, Pat Alexander, co- I was made redundant during maternity facilitates the group with Helen Elia leave. The main thing that the group did Victoria Jacobs, of The Hides, Harlow “I did not suffer post-natal depression and said: “The key thing is to provide a was make me feel less alone. Pat and said before she attended the Elpitha with my first daughter, it was with my safe environment where they can talk Helen who ran my group provided me session in June 2015 she felt “completely second,” she said. “My health visitor saw about their problems to each other. We with the tools of how to be assertive worthless. I had no capacity to deal with my mood was low.I did not cope well build a relationship with the members and how to react if we are feeling low. a new born baby,” she said. “It was on the with my pregnancy, Alexa was a difficult and equip them with skills before we We were allowed to express our feelings second day it hit me and I was thinking I baby and I was feeling very sleep informally go back and visit them at without being afraid. There was a lot of can’t do this.” deprived. I had to say to myself ‘I need a later stage. People feel that nobody compassion and empathy.” to start dealing with things’. I found it could ever feel the same way and difficult to admit. they can find it hard to admit they are Read more: http://www.harlowstar. struggling. Elpitha is often the first time co.uk/mother-praises-home-start- I did not know what was wrong but it many have ever opened up about it.” harlow-overcoming/story-29342723- was when my daughter was five and detail/story.html#ixzz4CK0IAWl2 a half months when I realised that I Pat added that both sexes can be Follow us: @Harlowstar on Twitter | could not cope. The health visitor said affected by postnatal depression and HarlowStar on Facebook there are lots of women who are going in the past a specific group for men has through the same thing, and she put run, although this has now stopped. The me forward to an Elpitha group to meet next Elpitha programme begins again with members. It made me feel I was not next month at Home-Start Harlow’s alone.” centre. Southend Borough Council - Early Years Awards 2016 SEPT Awarded SEPT Volunteer Della Pearson, from her time and Hamstel Children and Family Centre is talent. She Skills for Health awarded Volunteer of the year 2016. often brings Della joined the Hamstel team as a cakes and Quality Mark volunteer in 2011 to help at the child healthy treats health clinic and play and stay session. to the centre The Trust has been awarded the At that time Della was coming to terms for the staff Skills for Health Quality Mark for with the death of her beloved husband and parents the standard of its education and Brian. Her daughter lives a two hour drive to enjoy. She training. The Trust received the from Southend and she was very lonely. bakes for any of endorsement for demonstrating that She lost all her confidence and on many our fundraising it offers the best possible delivery of levels as she states herself was “lost and activities also. all its training and courses. sometimes in a fog of painful grief”. Della shared The National Skills Academy for with the Ofsted Health Quality Mark provides a Della is a mother, grandmother and inspector 2014, framework that defines and endorses a retired nurse who takes pride in that being any concerns back with the team. She superior learning and training her family and enjoys keeping up to a volunteer standards that healthcare employers date with professional reading and organises her week, she loves the buzz promotes the actives in the centre and also of the other children’s centres. need to cultivate a world-class relationships with nurse colleagues and and the atmosphere. She has made a workforce. many others. Della is very generous with new friendship group and gained an The HCFC attracts up to 40 babies and “Della is a priceless extension to her family. more on a weekly basis and sometimes Sally Morris, Chief Executive for SEPT Della is a priceless asset; she is stoic, there can be a waiting time. Della said; “I am delighted that we have asset; she is stoic, kind, kind, caring and very reliable in her uses her people skills, knowledge and received the Skills for Health Quality commitment to the HCFC, children and experience to reduce anxiety in such a Mark, as it goes to prove how hard caring and very reliable families. She is willing to undertake any busy environment, when waiting times our Workforce and Development in her commitment to task requested from her usual role to can be a challenge. Della has told us Team work to provide excellent helping in the kitchen and all completed more than once the HCFC and being a training for our staff.” the HCFC, children and with good cheer. Della has a great knack volunteer has enhanced her life and built families”. of remembering names and asking her confidence back up. Thank you and how parents are getting on and shares congratulations to Della.

19 Volunteering in Nepal Kathmandu left us feeling the key words like raamro, which means pictures for safeguarding reasons and I Tracy Reed, SEPT’s aftershocks in Pokhara. What the good, aliali raamro is little good, hajur am limited to what I can write about it, Facilitator for End of aftershocks bring is landslides and we means yes and dhanyabad means except it was probably the most heart saw first-hand the devastation these thank you, was fundamental. wrenching experiences of my life and Life Care and Staff have created. One of the villages we really impacted on all six of us as health visited was affected by the landslides The hard work they endure was evident professionals. What I will tell you is Governor recently and lives and homes had been lost. in all areas we visited, especially heavy there is some really positive work being One of the schools we were due to loads they carried on their backs done for these children, empowerment traveled to Nepal work in we could not get to as the supported by their heads, including and education for all is very apparent. landslide had completely blocked gas cylinders. The positions they work Prince Harry’s recent trip to Nepal to volunteer and the road by rocks and earth the night in bent over tending the land and also supported the empowerment of before. The road had been partially constantly squatting on their feet for women and many of the projects to have a life changing destroyed previously making it a very hours wearing flip flops. It was no support them. In total we saw between experience. uncomfortable journey in the mini bus. surprise at the clinics that the second 58-70 people a day and diagnosed highest complaint was backache and 15 new diabetics, 30 hypertensive, Pokhara, the second largest city in We carried out health check clinics in joint pain. We taught them basic back 14 women and 32 children with dry Nepal whose economy is from Trekking, different surroundings in a variety of and joint exercises and there was a skin conditions. We had a doctor who was our base for the trip. Each district places around Pokhara. We took health lot of fun had with exercise classes worked with us so was able to prescribe of Pokhara varied according to the checks to remote villages and some and literature to encourage them to but in Nepal people have to buy area they are situated. In the clinics we of them walked miles to have them. stretch out and move, to enable joints medication from a pharmacy and in the held, some areas were more rural than The local police officer in one locality to become supple and not fixed. The remote areas this can be much harder. others. Not unlike rural and suburban even arrived as he heard we were laughter these classes provided was The doctors attend the pharmacy to areas we see in the UK. The Nepalese coming. We held clinics for women rewarding and positive as everyone hold surgeries and charge for this, experience many of the same health who identified many problems with wanted to join in. which is why they welcomed our free gynaecological and continence issues conditions with a mortality rate of The biggest complaint was gastric pain health checks. We brought creams and 67 years; the highest deaths being and we had aids to support teaching medications like paracetamol and other them about pelvic floor exercises and that was also no surprise as many accidents and infections. The climate of the villages only have one shared home remedies. and conditions in which they live is very and had much laughter with the interpretation and languages. Piss tap in the village and the water smelt So where did the money go that different to the western world and as stagnant. They do not have dishwashers time went on during the trip, it became up means urine sample and we filled so many of you kindly donated and balloons with water to demonstrate and many of them wash-up in a trusted me to use for the good of more apparent the many challenges dirty bowl with cold water and no they face. what the bladder is like and what Nepal. As a group there were 11 of happens with stress incontinence detergent. We did some work around us and some of the others had raised Since the earthquake of 2015 there has which provided much hand hygiene and bacteria if water sits some funds as well so we were able to been very little government assistance humour. We were limited around using pictures and again a lot buy the following items. to support rural areas and there are still to two interpreters of laughter. Many of the children we earthquakes occurring on a smaller at each clinic so saw were dehydrated as they didn’t • new mattresses for the girls’ hostel scale. There were two earthquakes addressing the like the water. In the towns the parents and street boys’ hostel along with while I was volunteering and it was the language gave them coca cola so the majority of new bed linen, blankets and towels first thing we were taught about on barriers children we saw had rotten teeth to a for each of them our induction. The main advice and scale that was quite alarming. Even as young as four they had black cavities in • we purchased water bottles for all being, stay calm, get out of any learning the children, cutlery, plates, a hot building as quickly as you can their back teeth. But the diet of rice and coke are not high in proteins and tooth water flask and rice makers for the and mind the overhead hotels cables! brushing not so common. We brought toothbrushes and toothpaste for all the • we secured swimming lessons During our stay the children we saw. for the street boys for the next six two earthquakes in The settings we held clinics months - there were 12 boys in this in were all very different, particular hostel but the people were always • new toothbrushes and toothpaste very welcoming and grateful. I for all the children we saw was privileged to be one of six who was including for the entire day care able to do health checks on street centre we visited boys who are living in a safe house, a girl’s hostel • we saw a number of pregnant and for boys who teenagers who lived in remote are now living villages so we purchased baby in a Buddhist cloths, blankets, folic acid and temple. We vitamins for these girls who were as were not young as 14 years allowed to take

20 it was probably the most heart wrenching experiences of my life and really impacted on all six of us as health professionals.

• a syphig, thermometer, scales, longer than nine hours a day there is no height chart, stethoscope and electric pressure relieving equipment. first aid kit for the girls’ hostel The mattresses and pillows are covered nurse – these girls have HIV and in rubber. If a family does not bring bed Aids following sex trafficking and linen into the ward, people lay on the some had only one kidney as their bare mattress. There are no curtains other had been sold (the hostel to separate the privacy of people didn’t have any of this equipment and within the wards both males and previously, but the woman who females lay in same bays. ran the hostel was amazing how she looked after the girls and this Nurse Training – there are three types equipment will support her role) of student training – a two-year course; three-year course which is a • first aid kits for all the villages we degree and another two year course visited and schools – small first aid at master’s level. The average nurse in kits for all the women and children Nepal earns £10.00 per month. They we taught first aid to have to self-fund their training. There are no specialist nurse roles and they • medication and cream for some of have limited resources for Allied Health amazing people who were so happy the conditions as prescribed by the Professionals and many nurses become with so very little. I will never take for Consultants doctor self-employed in the community if they granted the simple things like the blue sky and clouds. The sky in Nepal is full • multivitamins for the children do not work in a hospital. There are very Present in the limited mental health services although of dust and the Himalaya Mountains are • home remedies and paracetamol to they are recognising there are increasing hidden behind this. The lack of electricity give out at the clinics needs for these services. They do not and simple things like charging my Big Apple carry out screening programmes except phone or blow drying my hair were • new syphigs, thermometers, scales, Psychiatrists, Dr David Ho, Dr Raman for immunisations for children and at the no longer options some days. Taking stethoscopes for hospitals at Deo and Dr Vivek Bisht, presented moment not experiencing multiple long a hot shower and realising in some of Saracott and Bandipur mountain a symposium at the International term conditions as their mortality rates the villages they only had one tap for hospitals both suffering following Association of Forensic Mental Health are low. They do have care homes, but it the whole village. Nothing was cold to earthquakes and landslides Conference in New York (June 2016). is only the very wealthy that can afford drink as the fridges were not on long enough for ice cold water and hot • new underwear and clothes for this – it falls to the family to manage The topic of the symposium was ‘Sex drinks were often warm but not hot children and underwear for women their elders. Offenders and Psychiatry: Treatment as it takes too much gas to boil water. review and future direction’. Dr Ho Bandipur Hospital is being repaired The picture on the left was taken where The lack of electricity meant the use provided a review of the concept of a year from the earthquake because we were doing a clinic at a hotel that of gas cylinders which they carry miles the sex offender and the research of waiting for Government funding. allowed us to use their garden terrace. on their heads and backs or attached evidence regarding the efficacy of sex They have also suffered from multiple These three lads started to talk about to their motorbikes. I will never moan offender treatments. Dr Deo provided landslides in the last six months. The their health in very good English as about pot holes as many of our trips an analysis of the management consulting room is the maternity room. they were trekking guides. During the involved hanging onto dirt track roads pathways of sex offenders in the UK, Following delivery the mother sits conversation one of them became very off the side of a mountain. The roads including challenges of detaining sex outside on a wooden bench with her distressed following his experiences that were made no longer existed as offenders within provisions of the baby. If a baby requires ventilating and on Everest basecamp during the the earthquake and landslides have Mental Health Act 1983. And Dr Bisht the generator fails in a power cut, the earthquake he had seen three of destroyed them. The outstanding provided an interesting insight into mother must hand ventilate her baby. his friends die and clearly was very beauty of Nepal was found not just in female sex offenders. The symposium If she falls asleep there is a possibility distressed. He had not managed to trek the outstanding landscapes but by the was well received with additional her baby could die. They can try to airlift since and was currently working as a amazing and happy people who are delegates attending the session. from this mountain hospital but this is waiter at the hotel. There are no services proud of their country and welcomed us Congratulations to Drs Ho, Deo and dependent on weather conditions, if in Nepal for psychological issues and so readily. They waited sometimes hours Bisht and thank you for representing not, then the only access is via road in a many of the victims after the earthquake having walked down a mountain to see SEPT and presenting your excellent jeep ambulance. Mortality rate of babies are expected to get on with their lives. us for a health check-up and did work in international academic circles. was 1000 per year in Pokhara district. He talked for a long time about his fears not complain once. During the clinic sessions we met many and emotions relating to his experiences I made a small difference, women who had still born babies in the during and since the earthquake. He but I would like to thank all of older generations. This is reducing as said he now has fears of the mountains you who supported me for a they are encouraged to attend hospital which are too great for him to ever be life changing experience and to deliver their babies, but still mortality a trekking guide again, but he was very funded some of the difference remains higher than the western world. grateful to have survived. I made. GVI will continue Pokhara Hospital is a government A life changing experience their work in Nepal so we hospital where student nurses train hope others can continue to It was a very emotional and life and the students were studying in an contribute to some of the work changing experience. I met many empty bay. As there is no electricity for we have started. Namasta…

21 Don’t forget to have your Flu Jab Congratulations to Donna Roberts who Although the summer months are upon us it is always important was the first SEPT staff member to reach Rio in the Race to Rio health & wellbeing to remember that autumn is not far behind and along with it challenge. comes colds and flu! Protecting ourselves against flu is not only very easy to do but is also very important. Don’t be the one to Joseph Markwick reached Rio in second spread it around friends, family, colleagues and patients this year place followed by David Goodwin in Third and get yourself protected by having the flu jab. place. Chris Jennings, Lauren Matthews and Linda Fisher were the first team to reach Rio SEPT provides all members of staff the opportunity to have the and won a fantastic health and wellbeing flu jab. It is FREE and only takes 5 minutes of your time. More hamper. information about how you can get your FREE flu jab will be Well done to you all and we hope you enjoy published before the end of July, so keep an eye out on the your prizes. intranet and other SEPT internal publications. You can still join Race to Rio to see if you make it Rio too, simply visit www. wellbeingchallenge.co.uk and register Flu Myths and the Truth behind them online, input your activity, no matter how long or short, big or small and see how far 1. Having flu is just like having a heavy cold you can get! A bad bout of flu is much worse than a heavy cold. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and sometimes severely. They include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, as well as a cough and sore throat. You’re likely to spend two or three days in bed. If you get complications caused by flu, you could become seriously ill and have to go to hospital. 2. Having the flu vaccine gives you flu No, it doesn’t. The injected flu vaccine that is given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses, so it can’t give you flu. Your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected, and some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, but other reactions are very rare. 3. Once you’ve had the flu vaccine, you’re protected for life No, you aren’t. The viruses that cause flu can change every year, so you need a vaccination each year that matches the new viruses. The vaccine usually provides protection for the duration of the flu season that year. SEPT celebrates Equality and Inclusion week – June 2016 There are many benefits to exercise and staying fit and healthy. The Employee Experience Team along with a selection of other services available to Did you know that taking part in regular exercise can lower your SEPT staff members travelled to several different locations across the Trust to meet with risk of depression by up to 30%? By undertaking just 150 minutes staff to celebrate Equality and Inclusion at SEPT. The events were very well attended and of moderate exercise and two days of strength exercise per week we had great fun meeting patients and staff to discuss our Personal Fair and Diverse you can reduce the risk of developing major illnesses and overall Champions network. Lots of people signed up to be part of our exciting group and improve your wellbeing. These include: participated in our quiz to learn more about Equality good practise at SEPT. • Improves self-esteem, a sense of wellbeing and energy levels If you are a SEPT member of staff and would like to sign up to become a PFD Champion • Reduces the risk of developing depression, dementia, stress or would like more information, please contact the Employee Experience Team on [email protected] • Sharpens memory and boosts learning and creativity A special thanks to • Lowers the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, our belly dancer Tessa some cancers including colon and breast and osteoporosis Lane for her excellent • Controls weight demonstration and encouraging us all to • Improves sleeping habits take part. It was great fun and a brilliant • Connect with family and friends in group activities way to exercise. • Lowers the risk of an early death by 30% We also had lots of fitness equipment to encourage everyone to think about their health and wellbeing at work and the importance of being healthy.

22 FRANK PALS CARERS Healthwatch 0300 123 6600 Patient Advice and Liaison Service Carers UK Healthwatch Bedford Borough WEB: www.talktofrank.com freephone Essex www.carersuk.org 0808 808 7777 01234 718018 0800 085 7935 Basildon Carers 01268 280441 Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire Clarendon Link 0300 303 8554 Southend Carers 01702 393933 Luton 01582 732200 Housing Healthwatch Luton Basildon Council Housing: 01268 533333 Thurrock Carers 01582 817060 OTHER NUMBERS Essex Social Services 0345 6037630 01375 413754 Healthwatch Essex NHS 111 for when you need medical help fast out of hours: 0345 606 1212 01375 413640 www.healthwatcgessex.org.uk but it’s not a 999 emergency Carers in Bedfordshire 01376 572829 Just call 111, 24 hour service Brentwood Council Housing Service Healthwatch Southend 01277 312500 0300 111 1919 Essex County Council Social Care Emergency 01702 356066 Southend-on-Sea Homelessness Young Carers Healthwatch Thurrock Duty Service www.youngcarers.net 0845 606 1212 01702 215002 01375 389883 Out of hours 01702 215000 Essex Carers Support Drinkline Learning Disbility Housing Advice 01702 215002 01255 474410 Mencap Learning Disability Helpline [email protected] The National Alcohol Helpline Thurrock Council Housing Thinking of a NHS 0808 808 1111 Action for Family Carers 01621 851640 0300 123 1110 Advice Service 01375 652820 www.mencap.org.uk career change,[email protected] Email: [email protected] Bromford; Central Bedfordshire Floating www.affc.org.uk Eating Disorders Support Service 01525 862802 returning to nursing South Essex 01268 243538 Supporting Carers in Essex Caraline Eating Disorders Diabetes UK Careline Shelter Housing Advice Helpline or relocating?0300 7 70 80 90 [email protected] or Counselling & Support Service 0808 800 4444 [email protected] 01582 457474 Luton based charity [email protected] www.carersinessex.org.uk www.diabetes.org.uk Epping forest District Council Talk to SEPT Diabetes UK Careline 0345 123 2399 01992 564027 Carers Trust 0844 800 4361 St. Luke’s Hospice [email protected] (Basildon & Thurrock) Uttlesford District Council www.carers.org Specialist Physiotherapy Service 01268 524973 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU 01799 510510 Rochford, Rayleigh, Brentwood St. Luke’s Hospice at Home (24 on call service) Counselling 03444 770808 Hospital 07739 890140 Cruse Bereavement Care Bedfordshire Bedford Hospital 01235 355122 Southend 03444 770808 01582 595300 Information Resource Service 01375 648170 Thurrock 03444 770808 Luton and Dunstable Hospital Luton & Dunstable Counselling Centre Macmillan Dove Community Counselling Service 01582 491166 Basildon 03444 770808 01582 732450 01375 648179 & 01277 658057 Mid Beds (Ampthill) 01767 601368 Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals CHUMS: Child Bereavement Trauma and Lukes Counselling Service for Children & Young People Bedford 0344 245 1290 Switchboard 0845 155 3111 01375 648175 Southend Hospital 01702 435555 Emotional Wellbeing Service Dunstable 01582 661384 [email protected] 01525863924 Bedford Daycare Hospice 01234 352015 Leighton Buzzard 01525 373878 The Princess Alexandra Hospital St Care (West Essex) 01279 773773 Luton 0344 245 1285 01279 444455 Step by Step self refer to service 01525 863966 Havens Hospice (Southend) 01702 220350 Saffron Walden 0344 477 5986 Thinking of a NHS Sexual Healthline [email protected] MIND Harlow and Epping 03444 770808 career change, www.brook.org.uk Domestic Violence helpline Thurrock Mind 01375 391411 Bishops Stortford 03444 111444 Helpline: 0300 1237123 returning to nursing 0808 2000247 Basildon Mind 01268 284130 or relocating? Uttlesford 01799 618840 Confidential advice for under 25s. Therapy for you 01268739128 Brentwood Mind 01277 263613 Talk to SEPT Bedford, Luton Milton Keynes MIND Age UK 0300 330 0648 www.ageuk.org.uk/bedfordshire 0800 169 2081 South East and Central Essex Mind 01702 601123 Thinking of a NHS career change, returning to nursing Call: 01375 364513 or relocating? www.sept.nhs.uk Talk to SEPT 23 South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation T rust

SEPT_RecruitmentCampaign_Wings_2150x850mm.indd 1 01/02/2016 16:55 Call: 01375 364513 www.sept.nhs.uk

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation T rust

SEPT_RecruitmentCampaign_Wings_2150x850mm.indd 1 01/02/2016 16:55

Call: 01375 364513 www.sept.nhs.uk

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation T rust

SEPT_RecruitmentCampaign_Wings_2150x850mm.indd 1 01/02/2016 16:55 Upcoming Events

SEPT ON THE SPOT Annual Members Meeting (AMM) 01-Dec-16 10:30 -13:00 Wednesday 5 October 2016 Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, CM18 7BL 05-Dec-16 10:30 - 13:00 Time: Registration and refreshments: 10:30 The Hub, University of Essex, Elmer Approach, Southend, SS1 1LW Meeting: 11:00 Venue: Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend on Sea, SS2 6UN 06-Dec-16 15:00 - 17:30 TBC SEPT On The Spot Our members, staff and partners are invited to celebrate our 2015/16 achievements 08-Dec-16 10:30 - 13:00 at our Annual Members Meeting as well as hear about our plans for 2016/17. St Andrews Church, Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PF Similar to an AGM (Annual General Meeting), this event will give you an insight into 13-Dec-16 14:30 - 17:00 the Trust and provide you with the opportunity to meet your Governors and our Beehive Centre Resource Centre, CVS Thurrock, West Street, Grays, RM17 Board of Directors. In addition to the formal part of the meeting where the annual 6XP report andAnnual accounts for 2015/16 will Report be presented, Board members will highlight key achievements from the past year and our plans for the year ahead including our Board of Directors meetings proposed merger. The focus for this year’s meeting is carers and the important part The Lodge, Runwell Chase, Wickford SS11 7XX they playand in our patients’ Accounts lives. 28-Sep-16 10:30 - 13:00 26-Oct-16 10:30 - 13:00 There will2015/2016 also be a question and answer session with our Board of Directors. If you 26-Oct-16 10:30 - 13:00 have a question, please send it to [email protected] by 26 September 2016 30-Nov-16 10:30 - 13:00 so we can ensure we can give you the best possible response. For more information and to register your place, please email [email protected] or call 01268 739755. Council of Governor meetings 15-Nov-16 17:30 - 19:00 Training Room 1, The Lodge, Runwell Chase, Wickford, Essex SS11 7XX

WECHS Carer and Patient Forum 11-Oct-16 12:30 - 16:30 Blue Room, Latton Bush Centre

Have Your Say! South East Essex 7 Nov - 16 14:00 - 16:00 Southend University Campus, Gateway Building, 10 Elmer Approach, Southend, SS1 1LW

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 SEPT recruitment on 01375 364513 or visit www.jobs.nhs.uk quoting South 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.