Issue 26 April/May 2009

Care minister visits P3 our Barberry Centre

Make a splash with P4 Moseley Voles

Caring for P7 carers

Witness urges P8 teenagers to shine

Green-fingered P9 Richard retires Chief executive’s message

Tackling the stigma which surrounds Work on the Moseley Hall Hospital mental health issues is sometimes a lot project can begin now that our board has easier said than done, particularly when approved the full business case for the trying to reach younger people. development, which will provide vastly Working in partnership with various improved facilities for older adults. agencies including Police, With the ageing population growing and Local Authorities, the Home Office, as well well known personalities raising awareness as our NHS colleagues, is one way to of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, through achieve that. their own experiences, it is vital our Trust is Last month a rapper called Witness able to provide first-class care in first-class delivered messages about respect, surroundings. confidence, self-esteem and sexual health This is what the Government’s care service to 5,000 schoolchildren at the U R A Star minister Phil Hope was able to see when he concert at ’s National visited our Barberry Centre – part of our Indoor Arena. £70 million National Centre for Mental Health Mental health touches the work all these – in February. agencies do, so raising awareness of Having facilities fit for the 21st Century conditions and how young people can get is important, but dignity must underpin the help was key to this event, which was way staff deliver care to service users, deemed a great success. and interact with carers, families and As well as getting the anti-stigma message volunteers. across to a younger audience, it’s as important to raise awareness among our older population. Sue Turner, chief executive.

Join our Readers Panel Become a lay We are looking for volunteers to help us How will the Readers Panel work? manager Our Trust is looking for five special shape the information and/or publications Volunteers will be sent draft documents to individuals to act as lay managers to sit we send out to service users, carers, the read and comment on. on its Mental Health Act panel. general public and our members by They• are asked to consider: The role of a lay manager is to ensure joining our new Readers Panel. • how the information is worded patients are legally detained under this • how it is presented/designed legislation. They also have the power to Members of the panel will be asked to whether it is easy to understand. discharge patients from their section and help us by reviewing various publications patients have the right to appeal to them at All members are free to comment on any and documents throughout the year and tell any time. aspect of the document that they feel needs us• if they are: Lay managers must also be consulted at improvement or praise. • easy to read the renewal of all sections. clear BSMHFT is looking for people with • If you would like to join our experience in dealing sensitively with • good quality Readers Panel, please contact our well designed. difficult and distressing issues, who already communications team have knowledge of the current Act. on 0121 301 1305 or email We will then take on board those comments @ Candidates must also possess excellent comms.team bsmhft.nhs.uk which will help us improve the publications organisation, communication and report who will send you information on writing skills. They must be flexible, well we produce for our service users, carers, the how to join. motivated, must have sound judgment and general public and our members. able to chair a meeting or panel while ISSUE DEADLINE maintaining confidentiality. There are no set hours for this role but lay June 2009 May 8 managers are responsible for travelling to Trust Talk Trust sites for hearings. While it is not a August 2009 July 3 salaried role and has no employment rights, Deadlines October 2009 September 4 it is recognised by honorarium payment and All copy for inclusion in Trust Talk must travelling expenses. be submitted by the dates listed here. December 2009 November 6 Initial and ongoing training, support and updates will be provided by the Trust. Do you have a story which could feature in Trust Talk? If so, then contact the For an application form and role profile Editor, Emma Brady on 0121 301 1298 or email please contact: Louise Eccleston, MHA @ Manager, Trust HQ B1, 50 Summer Hill team.comms bshmft.nhs.uk Road, Birmingham,@ B1 3RB or email Deadline for June issues is May 8. louise.eccleston bsmhft.nhs.uk

2 Minister impressed by dignified staff at our Barberry Centre Care services minister Phil Hope meets staff and service users

Dignity in care is the latest mantra to echo throughout the NHS, particularly in Trusts like ours who are responsible for older, and often vulnerable, adults. Phil Hope MP, the Government’s care be published soon, ahead of the final in July. Health Services for Older People division, services minister, saw for himself how Mr Hope said: "People in Birmingham and who met Mr Hope during his visit. staff at our Barberry Centre, in the West Midlands want and have a right to She said: “The minister seemed very Edgbaston, are delivering dignified expect services with dignity and respect at impressed by what he saw and the care on a daily basis. their heart. people he met, which included staff and The minister visited the unit, part of our “The People's Award for Dignity in Care is service users. £70 million National Centre for Mental a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate “He really seemed to take everything Health, as part of national drive to raise those dedicated people raising standards of we told him on board, from the need to standards in care. care all across the country." integrate dignity into the Barberry’s design During his tour of the Barberry, Mr Hope The Dignity in Care campaign aims by including single en-suite patient was shown the Jasmine Suite, which houses to inspire and equip people to drive up bedrooms, therapeutic suites and a our deaf services team, and had the care standards. multi-faith area.” opportunity to discuss the importance of Dignity champions are people committed to Ten Dignity Pledges, drawn up by service providing dignity in care with staff. making a difference to the way people are users and carers, provide the blueprint for He was also promoting the People’s Award cared for, and they include frontline staff, how our Trust delivers dignity in care. for Dignity in Care, which enables the public MPs and Sir Michael Parkinson. These include: Showing courtesy and to vote for anyone working in the care There are nearly 5,000 across the respect to all, zero tolerance of any abuse, profession who they feel has gone “that country, with almost 600 to date in the the chance to contribute to your care plan, extra mile” to ensure patients are treated West Midlands. and ensuring privacy for service users. with due respect. BSMHFT’s lead on dignity is Linda A shortlist of ten regional finalists is due to Playford, a consultant nurse from our Mental

The Moseley Hall Hospital MHSOP Development Update Finally the green light is well and truly on in a challenging environment. for our new development at Moseley A big thank-you to all those who spent Hall, after our Trust Board approved the much of the Christmas period preparing the full business case last month, so work full business case in readiness for the Trust on the project can now begin. Board in January. Work on the building design has been The division is now bracing itself for completed and the Mental Health Services what promises to be a challenging but for Older People division (MHSOP) signed rewarding two year period, during which off the 1:50 design plans on March 5. this development will play a pivotal role Glynis Markham, director of strategic in the transformation of current services delivery for MHSOP, arranged for a and the implementation of the overall ‘building site’ cake to be made to mark MHSOP strategy. the occasion, which was given to staff and Look out for future updates on the patients of E Block, in recognition of their Moseley Hall development in future continued efforts to deliver quality care editions of Trust Talk. E Block staff about to ‘demolish’ their Moseley Hall cake

3 Make a splash with Moseley Voles Baths, in Balsall Heath. The free sessions not only provide an opportunity to get fit but also give people a chance to meet others and make friends. Robin Shepherd, one of the group’s organisers, said: “Splashing around in the pool is good fun even if you can’t swim, and it’s a great way to exercise and relax. “We’re a small friendly bunch and have the pool to ourselves exclusively from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Sundays. “Afterwards people often stay behind to enjoy the free samosas and coffee.” Swimmmers and non-swimmers can attend the free Sunday sessions, no membership is required and everyone is assured a warm welcome from Robin and his team. “We know more people would enjoy Moseley Voles, it’s just a shame they don’t know about it,” he added. “Everyone needs encouragement at times and accompanying a service user

From left: Alex Rawlins, Andrea McKenzie, Robin Shepherd and Margo Russell enjoy a dip at Moseley Road Baths can make all the difference.”

Splashing around in the water is Since 2006 members of Moseley For more details about how to get great fun, and excellent exercise, Voles, a weekly swimming group for involved, or just dip a toe in the water, regardless of whether you’re a service users, carers and friends, contact Robin on 0121 685 7127 beginner or a serious swimmer. have been meeting at Moseley Road for more information.

RegularGet exercise fit isfor great forfree the mind as ADonew group you is looking forwant volunteers – to Go For It? For sponsorship forms or training plans well as the body, and now people living staff, service users, carers or friends – contact Mark Hillier on 0121 301 1284. within the Heart of Birmingham Primary to help organise challenges and take Personal training: The NVQ2 personal Care Trust (HoB PCT) area can swim and part in exciting events, for those who trainer course will enable users, carers or gym for free. want to Go For It. staff to help others with fitness and exercise In a bid to encourage people to become more A calendar of challenges, which are open will commence on May 1. If you fancy active, HoB PCT operate a scheme which to any staff, Members, service users, carers helping others meet the challenge to get allows residents in ten Birmingham wards free or friends who wish to participate, includes fit safely – and can commit to a 12-week access to the city council’s pools and gyms. country walks and our annual Swimathon. course – contact Delroy Edwards on The scheme was piloted in Ladywood in The idea is to offer something for 0121 678 2787. February 2008, but has since been extended everyone, mixing outdoors activities, sports, The Go For It group will also be out to include Aston, Handsworth Wood, Lozells arts and educational courses. and about over the next few weeks and East Handsworth, Nechells, Oscott, Perry Fancy a six-mile amble along Dovecote canvassing opinions from local user and Barr, Soho, Sparkbrook and Springfield. Walk, a very achievable walk through the carer support groups. What’s the catch? Providing there is room beautiful Peak District countryside, on If you would like your group to be you will be given a free gym pass, and all April 25? The group plans to take at least visited – please contact Mark Hillier, head that HoB ask is that people go at least four one minibus but spaces are filling up fast, of patient and public involvement on times a month. so contact Paddy McGowan on 0121 301 1284. The pass only covers aerobics, gym and 07985 882 550. swimming sessions – all other sports must be A weekend in Wales is likely to take paid for. place in June. It is hoped to link this to To register, take some proof of identity and activities such as hill walking, landscape Anyone interested in helping the address to your local leisure centre – e.g. painting and coastal trekking. Anyone Go For It group organise activities drivers license, passport, utility bill or bank interested in this should contact Sue Coffee can come along to their monthly statement. on 0121 301 1048. meetings, held on the last Friday Our 2009 Swimathon will take place at of each month at 10am, in the Bistro To find out if your postcode is covered Moseley Road Pool during August. at Trust HQ B1. by the Gym 4 Free scheme visit www.hobtpct.nhs.uk

4 Premiere puts spotlight on mental health Our staff and service users £1 million to produce and made by very experienced crews. We enjoyed a night at the had a much smaller budget and Birmingham premiere of a new limited experience but the results look very professional. website for young adults asking Prof Max Birchwood at Miller the question – Where’s Your Street, praised the group’s efforts. “Getting young people to Head At? recognise early signs of mental The cast and crew enjoyed a tour of the health problems, and then to seek city centre, before arriving at the Electric help, is a big problem because it’s Cinema, where friends and family not perceived as cool,” he said. greeted them with applause. “But this advert seems to have connected with them in a way Members of our Trust’s Early Intervention that previous campaigns have not, Service spent 12 weeks creating the which is fantastic.” 30-second advertisement. A short film on the adverts The project received a £40,000 grant from creation from small sketches to Mediabox, which funds youth-led projects. big screen revealed how much As well as the cinema advertisement, the hard work went into the project. group designed posters for buses and bus Danielle Yap Morris and Sam shelters, and recorded a radio advert to Carter, two of the service users promote wheres-your-head-at.com. involved, were among those at The advertisement has already been shown the premiere. at Cineworld in Broad Street and Empire Danielle said: “I really enjoyed Great Parks in Rubery, and the group hopes the whole process and the it will go on to be shown on screens at Star finished advert is fantastic. This City and Showcase multiplexes. has really given me confidence Since its launch in December, the website – and now I want to have a career which offers help and advice for young adults in mental health helping people – has received nearly 3,000 hits. get better.” Steve Reckless at Jump GB Ltd helped Sam added: “I’d love to get the team with the production, which uses a involved in more projects like this, traffic light system to gauge someone’s it was great working with others mental state. and seeing it up on the screen All dressed up: Cast and crew members involved in the cinema He said: “Most cinema adverts cost at least advertisement ready for the premiere tonight was amazing.”

Student turns author for charity Psychology student Donnie-Lee Gorman difference between right and wrong,” has written a series of moral stories for explained Donnie-Lee. children – with the help of a loveable “I’ve always loved writing but never had the elephant called Pudgy Wudgy confidence to do anything about it, but my Donnie-Lee, who works with our Early kids really brought that out of me, and I’m so Intervention Service, saw her first book - glad they did.” Pudgy Wudgy Meets A Friend - published Proceeds from book sales will go to the in January. charity Sport2Excell, which the mother-of- The idea for this series of books came from three is a trustee of, to support its work with her children, when they brought home library young people through sport. books from school that “weren’t really age appropriate”, and they asked her to write some stories instead. The book costs £6.50 and is available “The books they were getting seemed from websites amazon.com, to encourage cheeky or rude behaviour, authorhouse.co.uk and Author Donnie-Lee Gorman they weren’t teaching them the barnesandnoble.com

New BSMHFT website goes live A radical redesign of our website will be polls and feedback. conditions, and details on the services unveiled this month. It will also include useful information for we provide. The website – www.bsmhft.nhs.uk – patients and carers with dedicated pages Look out for the launch of the website contains all the same information as before, covering everything from the latest vacancies soon, and let us know what you think, by but is now more interactive. Visitors to the at the Trust and how to become a Member, calling 0121@ 301 1296 or e-mailing site will be encouraged to interact through to information on common mental health comms.team bsmhft.nhs.uk

5 Why dementia is the “biggest challenge facing us all” the house and tried to walk back home to and cherish your wife’. The growing pressure of Northumberland – 300 miles away. “Life isn't that simple. Every now and then, an ageing population on all “Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia you just explode.” have been under-recognised and under- The importance of memory assessment health services has been funded for far too long. Dementia is the services has been highlighted in various biggest challenge facing us all.” guidelines – most recently in the 2009 well documented. In a recent interview John admitted “I’ve National Dementia Strategy – to identify Figures published by the Office for gone from being a lover to a carer” since his people with early stage dementia, as well as National Statistics and EuroStat last year wife’s diagnosis. offer advice and support to individuals and reveal one in four Britons (24.7%) will be He added: “I promised myself after the their families. aged 65 or over by 2060. diagnosis, ‘Right, John, you will be an Glynis Markham, director of strategic Given that one in four people experience understanding husband - you will love delivery for mental health services for older mental health problems during their lives, this could lead to a rise in cases of dementia. Actor Kevin Whately and newsreader John Suchet are both raising the profile both Alzheimer’s disease and the role of carer. John’s wife Bonnie, now 67, began showing early signs of dementia in her early 60s. Kevin thought his mother Mary’s initial forgetfulness was “purely down to her age”, at 75 and was shocked when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001. Both have become passionate campaigners for more research into the condition, and to achieve a better understanding of it, through charting their own experiences in television documentaries. Kevin, best known for his roles in Inspector Morse and Lewis, said: “It is extremely distressing seeing someone you love disappear before your eyes. “I thought her memory loss was just down to ageing – after all she was 75 at the time, but when I mentioned it to her GP, she was referred to an old-age psychiatrist. “One Christmas we realised just how bad she’d become when she started wandering outside in her nightie. She was staying with us and on one cold night she escaped from

Dealing with... Alzheimer’s disease This is the first in regular series of illustrated stories about mental health issues written and illustrated by service users

TOM SUFFERS FROM A CONDITION TOM’S FAMILY HAVE NOTICED A MARKED TOM’S FAMILY CONTACT A CONSULTANT TOM HAS A SERIES OF BLOOD TESTS CALLED MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT DETERIORATION IN HIS MEMORY. PSYCHIATRIST ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS. DONE TO RULE OUT OTHER MEDICAL (MCI). THIS IS BECAUSE HE HAS HE USED TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME HE TELLS THEM THERE IS NO SINGLE CONDITIONS LINKED TO MEMORY LOSS. DIFFICULTIES IN REMEMBERING PLAYING CARDS OR CHESS BUT IS NOW CAUSE OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. THE DOCTOR ASKS TOM QUESTIONS THINGS AND THINKING CLEARLY, MAKING MISTAKES AND FORGETTING HE EXPLAINS IT CAN BE DOWN TO AN ABOUT RECENT EVENTS AND PAST INTERACTION OF MANY FACTORS SUCH BUT HIS SYMPTOMS ARE NOT SEVERE THE RULES.HIS FAMILY NOTICE TOM MEMORIES, THEN A PSYCHOLOGIST ENOUGH TO WARRANT A DIAGNOSIS OF IS MORE FORGETFUL AND CONFUSED, AS AGE, GENETIC VULNERABILITY, ASSESSES HIS MEMORY AND THINKING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. EXPERIENCING FREQUENT MOOD SWINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, DIET AND SKILLS.A BRAIN SCAN IS CARRIED AND AS A RESULT IS BECOMING HIS OVERALL HEALTH. OUT TO SPOT ANY CHANGES IN MORE WITHDRAWN. TOM’S BRAIN.

6 g us all” HavingCaring a mental health for condition carers at any people, said: “Commissioners have agreed the really flourished age can be daunting without the love and funding for a memory assessment service for since she came support of family and friends. this year, which will consist of five teams, under the care of located in primary care but spanning the Pat Fleetwood-Walker, who recently the home treatment primary care /secondary care interface. celebrated her 80th birthday, spent much of team.” “These teams will support primary and social her adult life caring for her daughter. Natalie Willetts, a care practitioners and work alongside primary As a key member of the Yewcroft Carers’ nurse consultant at mental health care teams in raising Group she has grown used to hearing tearful our Oleaster Centre Pat Fleetwood-Walker with awareness of dementia and improving the tales from other carers who have dedicated – part of the Natalie Willetts early detection of cognitive problems.” their lives to looking after partners, children National Centre for or friends. Mental Health – praised Pat’s passion Pat, a former university lecturer and to raise the profile of carers. community health council member, works “The work Pat has done, with the carers closely with our Trust – most recently on the and getting involved in the new hospitals New Hospital Advisory Group – to ensure project, has helped us develop new models the carer’s voice is heard. of care – and look at how we can involve “There is a difference between a carer’s carers more,” she said. perception of what caring involves and what “Through her work with the advisory group the medical staff think. They can put their she has really given carers a voice. coats on and go home at the end of the day, “Lots more needs to be done to whereas carers live with their loved one’s support carers of all ages, who care for condition 24 hours a day, every day. people of all ages. Nationally and locally “I often get desperate phone calls and in we’re not there yet, but the situation is the past few weeks I’ve heard some real definitely improving.” heart-wrenching stories happening in Pat added “When it comes to the issue of people’s own homes. dementia, I think older people need “Often they feel their situation is untenable stimulating much in the same way as any and that’s when relationships break down, other person with a mental health condition. when service users’ condition worsens, that’s “Sitting in the house doing nothing helps when carers need support. nobody, not the service user, their carer or “Services like Dr Gráinne McFadden’s the professionals supporting them.” Meriden family project have improved the situation, certainly for most of my years as a For more information about carer carer there were never any developments like support contact: Yewcroft Carers’ Group that, which enable the whole family to talk to call 0121 678 3550, Birmingham Carers each other. Forum 0121 525 8015 or visit “I do think keeping patients out of hospital, www.rethink.org whether they have depression or dementia, does far more good. Every admission can be Trust Talk would like to thank Pat for a step backwards, certainly my daughter has sharing her story. ated stories about mental health issues written and illustrated by service users Nigaht Fatima and Selina Langi.

AFTER THE DOCTOR HAD ESTABLISHED THE DOCTOR EXPLAINS TO TOM’S THE DOCTOR EXPLAINS THERE ARE SOME TOM STARTED HIS TREATMENT, WHICH THAT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE WAS THE FAMILY THERE IS CURRENTLY NO DRUGS WHICH CAN HELP IMPROVE TOM’S WENT ACCORDING TO PLAN.HE WAS CAUSE OF TOM’S DIFFICULTIES, HE TREATMENT AVAILABLE FOR ALZHEIMER’S, SYMPTOMS AND SLOW THE PROGRESSION MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AND THE ARRANGES TO SEE THE CARE GIVERS IN BUT THERE ARE METHODS THAT COULD OF ALZHEIMER’S.PEOPLE WITH THIS MEDICATION WAS HELPING REDUCE ORDER TO DRAW UP A TREATMENT PLAN. BE ADOPTED TO PREVENT HIS CONDITION DISEASE HAVE REDUCED LEVELS OF TOM’S SYMPTOMS AND ENABLED HIM TO DETERIORATING FURTHER.HE SUGGESTS ACETYLCHOLINE IN THEIR BRAINS, COPE BETTER AT HOME.HOWEVER HE IS NON-DRUG THERAPIES SUCH AS MUSIC BUT DRUGS KNOWN AS CHOLISTERASE STILL DEPENDENT ON HIS FAMILY AS THERAPY AND MASSAGE.A HOBBY OR INHIBITORS CAN BREAK DOWN THIS AT THIS STAGE HE IS UNABLE TO CARE REGULAR EXERCISE SHOULD ALSO HELP CHEMICAL, WHICH IS PRODUCED BY FOR HIMSELF. WITH HIS DEPRESSION. NERVE ENDINGS DAMAGED BY ALZHEIMER’S.

7 AsWitness a teenager, rapper Witness wants rebelled in teenagers to become “stars” every way he could. Now he’s leading a major schools campaign to help young people realise their dreams. “I believe there is nothing that can’t be achieved, nothing is impossible, if only teenagers would realise that”. At 35, Birmingham-born Adrian Burke - aka Witness - is speaking from experience. Last month thousands of pupils from schools across the West Midlands attended the first U R A Star concert at the National Indoor Arena, which aimed to tackle issues like knife crime, teen pregnancy and self-esteem. Sharing his experiences of drugs, drink and sex, Witness bonds with pupils at this concert – by explaining how they changed his life. Despite kicking hard against the strong moral values invoked by his father, a respected community leader, it was the fallout from the Aston shootings which gave him purpose. Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis, his wife’s cousins, were shot outside a New Year’s party at the Uniseven salon on January 2, 2003, in a feud between two rival gangs. Their deaths made headline news and put Witness entertains the crowds at the U R A Star concert gangs and guns culture under the spotlight – which is why Witness began talking to gang stars Ms Dynamite and Beverley Knight. five-week programme to schools across the members in order to build bridges within the Since then Witness has worked closely with UK and stage a national conference in local community. West Midlands Police on various schools Birmingham for Year 10 and 11 students He said: “That shooting hit me hard, but projects to educate against gangs and guns, later this year. that’s when I realised my time had come, from and knife crime. Lakhvir Rellon, our director of community talking to drug dealers, prostitutes, gang “I wrote raps but I didn’t sugarcoat it for engagement, said: “U R A Star is a great leaders and so on, this was my chance to them, we took Ghetto Crime and Tooled Up opportunity for us to work with partner make a difference. For School into classrooms all over the organisations like West Midlands Police, “I was married with two children, I’d place,” he said. Home Office and the Youth Offenders already made my connection with God, “The pressures young people face are Trust Service. and this whole situation on the streets was immense, so we need to support them so “Whether it’s teenagers in gangs, people just madness. they can make positive decisions about who witness a crime or are a victim of crime, “Everyone around me was trying to make their lives. they can be faced with mental health sense of what had happened in our own “I want to give teenagers the confidence to problems like stress and anxiety. community and were turning to me to help believe in themselves and recognise they are “We must work together to eliminate the them do that.” all stars with the ability to shine” stigma surrounding mental health, because Just weeks later he staged a memorial Having invested £10,000 of his own money 1 in 4 people will experience such problems concert at , supported by R n’ B into U R A Star, he now wants to roll out a at some point in their lives.” Review: U R A Star – National Indoor Arena, Birmingham With 5,000 teenagers packed into the city While the raps – including a fantastic effort by centre venue, there was a real air of the Young Disciples group – kept the mood excitement as Birmingham-born rapper upbeat, Witness did not shy away from Witness strode onto the stage. addressing the issues at hand. This special gig aimed to deliver positive Witness also paid tribute to young people who messages about having the confidence to be “a had been stabbed or shot in the past year, as shining star” to 13 and 14-year-old pupils from well as making reference to his own family’s across the West Midlands. loss, during Ghetto Crime. Witness got everyone dancing with his first After an energetic and passionate tracks One Life To Live and We Don’t Do That performance, he closed the show with a section with Lady Leesha. on mental health, highlighting the reality that one At various points during the two-hour in four people, of all ages, experience mental concert the audience was invited to text the health problems during their lives. screen, to answer questions about their views But his final rap You Can Do It and new song on bullying, drugs, sex, carrying weapons and U R A Star ensured the schools event ended on mental health. a high – and positive – note. Witness signs up to be a member of our Trust

8 Making time for the community As far as many of the service “As a result of these courses, and users at Small Heath Day Unit are the confidence people get from doing concerned, Darren Smith is a them, they can go on to mainstream lifesaver. college and seek full-time The 36-year-old has been a Trust employment. volunteer at the day unit since 2002. “I was a service user before I His passion for service has led him became a volunteer, I was here for to forge partnerships with other four months after my relationship organisations serving the local broke down. community, particularly My Time and “This centre provides a vital base not City College. just for inpatients but its day-patient Darren said: “I believe it’s important community too.” to network and My Time is on our Sheena Chauda, outreach manager doorstep, so one day I went to meet and counsellor with My Time, praised with them to see how working Darren’s efforts in working with together could help our service users. community groups. “Through that partnership, and our “Darren is a really good guy who will connection with City College, we can do anything for anyone, he’s really offer courses such as the expert passionate about what he does and patient course – to help people that’s infectious. manage their own conditions – as “We have a very strong partnership well as crafts or gardening sessions. with the Small Heath Day Unit, and “Service users have responded really Darren has been the one whose well to these initiatives and activities.” helped bring people together.“ Blues fan Darren funds some of these activities from money raised by offering match day parking to For more information about football fans going to Birmingham volunteering opportunities in City games at the nearby St Andrew’s our Trust contact: ground. Naomi Hawkins, volunteer He added: “I’ve always believed co-ordinator, on 0121@ 301 1012 or that education is vital to mental health email volunteering bsmhft.nhs.uk wellbeing, to help someone on the road to recovery by giving them the To find out more information about skills they will need back in the My Time call 0121 766 6699 or visit www.mytime.org.uk From left: Sheena Chauda of My Time, day unit manager Lorraine community. McCormack, and volunteer Darren Smith

HavingGreen-fingered mown the lawns and pruned Richardhis friends in a wheelbarrow, retires added: “I aftermay love 38 this job andyears I’ve made some great shrubs at two Birmingham hospitals, be retiring, and I have got lots of things I friends during that time.” gardener Richard Latham retired after want to do, but I dare say I’ll pop back next For more information about working for 38 years’ service to our Trust last month. week to say hello. our Trust, please@ contact Richard, who started work with his father in “I’ve never wanted to work anywhere else, I comms.team bsmhft.nhs.uk 1971 at Good Hope Hospital, in , joked that he would still visit his friends and colleagues who tend the grounds at Highcroft, in . He joined the grounds and gardens team at Highcroft in 1984, where he has worked ever since, in all weathers. But on March 18, a day before Richard’s 65th birthday, he was presented with vouchers, a potted plant and a microwave at a special lunch with colleagues past and present. Steve Chilton, contract monitoring manager based at Highcroft, said: “Richard is a real character, who is conscientious and dependable. “Most people would slow down in the days before retirement but not Richard, whose worked hard every day. He will leave a

massive gap in our team and will be sorely Paul Thompson, Sutton Observer missed.” Richard, who was nearly carried away by Richard waves goodbye to his friends at Highcroft as he retires

9 Celebrating what works in our Trust A celebration of innovation across our developments within our Trust’s services. Pengu soft toy, warmed in a microwave, Trust attracted a large crowd to Harborne “Many of the ideas that work so well are helped raise difficult veins so nurses can to Hall to share and learn from their developed modestly by people who are take bloods. After placing Pengu on Joanne's experiences. reluctant to blow their own trumpet. arm “a lovely bouncy vein appeared.” What Works 2008: Sharing Good Practice “Health and social care workers, service As a result our Trust now provides heat was aimed at showcasing adult mental health users, carers and the public can find out pads. Joanne said: “Pengu worked first time services in the south of the city. more about what has worked for others; after so much difficulty in hospital Service users, carers and their relatives everyone can share their own insights and departments and my GP surgery, and it attended the event last October, along with experiences of our services.” means no more bruises.” Trust staff, colleagues from South Chaired by Pat Fleetwood-Walker, it John added: “It’s great we can recognise Birmingham PCT and the public. featured presentations and film clips about these achievements and spread the word so Lead nurse John Anstey, who organised staff and service users’ experiences of our more people can benefit from the innovation the event, said: “What Works was about mental health services. and creative solutions being used every day.” bringing people together to discuss some of Phlebotomist Carol Bisseker and service the many successes and positive user Joanne Shenton explained how a

MemberMembers seminars are a new benefitfind for Members out of our more Trust. about mental health These seminars will cover a wide range of topics and issues surrounding mental health and the work of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. This will help Members improve their knowledge and understanding of mental health. A series of Member seminars are planned throughout the year at venues across Birmingham and Solihull. However places are limited, and must be reserved in advance by e-mailing your@ name, and contact telephone number to team.comms bsmhft.nhs.uk For more details about how to become a Member visit www.bsmhft.nhs.uk or call the Foundation Trust Office on 0121 301 1229.

lThe first events will be: May 21: Careers in Mental Health - Uffculme Centre, Moseley, l at 1pm May 29: Stamping Out The Stigma Associated with Mental l Health - A Discussion - Northcroft Centre, Erdington at 1pm June 22: Member Seminar: Substance Use and Mental Health, Uffculme Centre, Moseley at 1pm. Check out the next edition of trust talk or visit our website for details of future seminars. A new family room for Reaside visitors Relatives visiting loved ones at room where children could play while worker at Reaside, said: “Since it opened the Reaside are now able to use a new visiting relatives. room has been used 25 times and we’ve family room, thanks to a £35,000 grant But a team of Trust staff, who worked had a very positive response from both from the King’s Fund. closely with the service user strategy service users and their families. Previously families could only meet service committee, successfully applied for a grant “They love the fact they can enjoy their users in the clinic’s open-plan reception from the charity’s Enhancing the Healing visitis in private, rather than in reception, and area, which gave them no privacy. Environment programme to refurbish the on- it feels more homely and relaxed for them.” The main entrance was somewhat call doctor’s flat as a family room. An official opening for the family room is forboding and had no self-contained Service users played a key role in choosing planned for later in the year. before the design and colour scheme for the room, after which was completed in January. The main room has been extended, the kitchen fully refurbished and a new door was added which leads to a private garden, created from the existing courtyard. Children visiting relatives in Reaside can now use a range of toys and books in the family room, which is also decorated with artwork by talented service users. Debbie Green, User Voice development

10 Celebrate excellence in nursing The Nursing Standard’s Nurse Awards recognises achievements by outstanding nurses who have made a real difference to care. Governor Spotlight: Whether they are inspirational leaders or innovators, matrons or student nurses, there is just a week left to submit entries for the 2009 awards scheme. Faheem Uddin, The awards are open to qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors registered to service user governor for practise in the UK, pre-registration student nurses and healthcare assistants. There are Heart of Birmingham (HoB) 12 categories, each with a winner and Why did you become a governor other service users, because I don’t want runner-up, one of which will be selected as of BSMHFT? anyone to think now I’m a governor I’ll the Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year Before now I couldn’t really speak up for forget about the needs of those who voted Finalists will be invited to a prestigious myself, I felt invisible, as though nobody for me in the first place. For me it’s not just black tie event at The Savoy in London on was listening to me. In 2003 I joined the about HoB, it’s about the Trust as a whole. October 22, 2009. Positive Mental Health Group and User Voice, and they taught me how to speak What changes do you foresee now that Nurses can either enter themselves or up. Becoming a governor has given me the we are Foundation Trust? nominate a colleague by visiting opportunity to speak up for others who feel The next few years are going to be hard www.nurseawards.co.uk or calling they can’t speak up for themselves. I know with the global financial problems. 020 8423 1066. Closing date for how that feels, and although I’m governor Businesses and services are changing as nominations is April 10, 2009. for HoB I want to help anybody served by a result, but I think we should provide more our Trust. services “in-house” rather than going to partner organisations, to make accessing Do you have any previous experience of some of them easier. the mental health sector? Members save money When I was first told I had a mental health A booklet of vouchers, stuffed with problem I didn’t really know what that money saving offers, was sent to all meant, like most people I thought it meant I existing Members in February. was mad, that I wasn’t “normal”. That made me angry but since working The coupons, which offer discounts on with groups like PMHG I know that is a almost anything from leisure facilities to massive misconception. domestic services, is available when people sign up to become a Member of our Trust. How have these experiences helped For more information on how to you in your role as governor? become a Member call the Foundation Having been a service user for most of my Trust Office on 0121 301 1229 or visit life, for the past 30 or so years, I’ve had www.bsmhft.nhs.uk. bad experiences and good experiences. I’ve seen both sides of the coin, so I think that helps me sympathise with people who going through similar things. I see my role as to try and improve the services we’ve got, by making sure we don’t rest on our Staff prepare to mark laurels and listen to people. their dedication to Now that we are a Foundation Trust, the NHS how do you plan to communicate with Staff with more than 25 years’ service in your constituency? the NHS will be honoured at our Trust’s There are about 20 sites in the HoB fifth annual Long Service Awards at area and I hope to visit them all at some Uffculme later this month. point. I really want to make sure I meet Long servers will collect awards at the ceremony on April 24. Staff who will receive a long service award have reached either 25 or 40 years service between January and December 2008. Contact details: @ Last year our chief executive Sue Turner Email: ft.membership bsmhft.nhs.uk and deputy chief executive Karen Martin Telephone: 0121 301 1012 were among the 47 staff who picked up Office: Trust HQ, B1, Unit 1, awards of 25 years or more service. 50 Summer Hill Road If you think you would qualify for one of Birmingham B1 3RB next year’s awards speak to your line manager or lead HR manager.

11 Poetry Corner Winner – Runner-up – The Power of Life The Mind’s Eye: Working with Dementia The power of life is simple; Dates for your diary Life is like a chrysalis, transient in stages Live according to your means APRIL So taste and savour life while you can And follow your dreams 8 Mental Health Action week For each experience will make its mark, And see where they lead. Created then stored in the mind’s eye. begins (until April 14) Portraits of any impact made at a moment in 14 Live life to the full, even though you may National Depression Week time tumble, (until April 18) Is to be filed and retrieved instantaneously. 16 Mankind still marvel at the mystery of the Take one day at a time. Friends of Highcroft AGM mind, When you come unstuck with so many thanks 7.30pm An intricate part of creation that can’t be to do Core Activity Centre, Endeavour cloned. Court, Highcroft site, Erdington We are individuals – You and I. The power is within us all, just see ask and 30 Nursing Times Patient Safety In the mind we stand alone ask Conference And if the memory of who I am or who I used And your answers will be revealed. International Convention Centre, to be Birmingham (until May 1) Is timely erased, I am but a shadow Bernadette Beckford - Birmingham In the shell of the human being MAY unrecognisable as me. 12 International Nurses Day Alline C. Yap - Sutton Coldfield How you can enter 21 Member Seminar: Careers in Are you a budding poet? Want to see Mental Health, Uffculme Centre, Runner-up – In Praise of Music your work in print? Why not send it to Moseley at 1pm* 29 Music when soft voices die, Poetry Corner, where the best three are Member Seminar: Stamping Is the stuff of dreams. published, with each poet receiving Out The Stigma Associated With When lulled to sleep; £30 book tokens. Mental Health - A Discussion, Poems are limited to 30 lines. In visions of the deep, Northcroft Centre, Erdington at The editor reserves the right to use Of the land where corals lie abridged versions. 1pm* In arpeggios or chords in praise JUNE By deities whose days Write to: Poetry Corner 22 Immortal and eternal sing (Communications Dept), Member Seminar: Substance Use Eulogies in voices everlasting FREEPOST Plus RRXE GTKC-GRBZ, and Mental Health, Uffculme To St.Cecilia. Foundation Trust Office, BSMHFT Centre, Moseley at 1pm* Headquarters, 50 Summer Hill Road, Ian Thornley, Kitts Green Birmingham, B1 3RB. *Booking required, please see page 10 for details

Word Search Anagrams Words to find: Below are 10 words linked with the awards features in this issue of Trust Talk. Can you barberry figure out which is which? carers 1 TEAMNIDE concert 2 RACERS governor 3 SONARSPINK 4 YELEMOS ALHL members 5 MISWINGM moseley hall 6 DARERES phil hope 7 SITWENS 8 ARGENDER premiere 9 STERNIMI volunteer

10 SHAMEZELIR

gardener, minister, Alzheimers minister, gardener, vouchers

Moseley Hall, swimming, readers, Witness, readers, swimming, Hall, Moseley website Answers: Dementia, carers, Parkinsons, carers, Dementia, Answers:

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