Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

NHS

about mental health and learning disability

SEPTEMBER 2010

RESERVE YOUR LIVING BOOK LGBT FORUM INVOLVEMENT UPDATE RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL NEW LOOK ST FRANCIS MENTORING SCHEME

Addressing StigmaNew range of anti-stigma postcardslaunched see page 3

Left to right Back row: Malc, Simon, Clair Chilvers,

Richard, Mike Cooke, AdrianFront row: Mick, Noel Oxford, Holly

Profiling our membershipThrough our membership we want to represent the people and communitieswe serve as a Trust. As part of our equality and diversity monitoring we ask newmembers for certain information about themselves to help us ensure we have arepresentative and balanced membership, although members can choose not todisclose this information if they wish. Here we show the make up of our membershipin terms of ethnicity, age and gender.

Ethnicity of the Population We Serve

1.46%2.47%1.35%0.60%

95%

WhiteBlack or Black BritishAsian or Asian British

MixedChineseOther or Not Stated

Membership Breakdown - Ethnicity

62%5%4%1%0%

28%

Trust Public Membership by Age Trust Public Membership by Gender

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

12 to22

23 to40

41 to65

65 + Notstated

% of total members % population

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000

997unknown

4212female

2420male

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDWe are in the final stages of theassessment and authorisation processfor Foundation Trust (FT) status. Lastmonth we all went to the Department ofHealth (DH) in London for a meetingwith some very senior DH, Monitor andEast Midlands NHS colleagues, where wewere subject to some probing questioningto test our readiness for further autonomy.

We presented the organisation’s progress,why we want FT status, our future plans,the benefits for all and what our top risksand mitigations are. Thanks to everyonewho has been involved in this process; foryour interest and ongoing support andcommitment.

We hope to have some good news relatingto our FT status to announce in the

autumn; we will review this at our AGMon 24 September, which we are all verymuch looking forward to. Aligned, Ableand Agile will look at how physical andmental wellbeing play an important role inthe rehabilitation and recovery of serviceusers. It is set to be informative andinteractive; featuring exhibition stalls,workshops and showcases. We will lookback over the highlights of the past year,set out future plans and launch the2009/10 Annual Report, InvolvementReport and Quality Report. The event willalso feature the Trust’s inaugural Members’Meeting.

As we go to press we are delighted to learnthat Let’s Build has been awarded directclaims status by City & Guilds. Thismeans that the team, which provides

training to staff and volunteers workingwith people accessing drug and alcoholservices, can directly award NVQs tolearners who successfully achieve Levels 2and 3 in Health and Social Care. Thisstatus was awarded on the very firstinspection by City & Guilds which is veryrare and an excellent achievement. Well done.

The Trust Board

2

Reserve yourliving book formental healthawarenessweeksMike Cooke, Trust Chief Executive,and Clair Chilvers, Chair, are invitingservice users to borrow a member ofNottinghamshire Healthcare staff fora very special Human Library.

As part of Nottingham’s mental healthawareness weeks in October, the Trust isorganising a Human Library in reverse,one where service users get to ‘borrow’the staff for 20-minute loans.

Sharron Allen,Service UserVolunteer atthe InvolvementCentre, cameup with theidea afterreading aboutthe ‘walk amile in ourshoes’ conceptin ‘Up forDiscussion’ inMarch 2009.“I thought itwas a reallygood ideaand it stuck

The Board at the Department of Health

Positive September 2010 3

BBC getsInvolvedA writer for BBC’s Casualty visitedthe Trust on Thursday 12 August todo some research on an episode she’swriting that involves a character goingthrough mental health services.

Dana Fainaru met with a group ofvolunteers at the Involvement Centreto hear personal stories from serviceusers. Garry Bevis, Service Manager,Acute Care Network, then took her ona tour of Highbury Hospital and theQMC, visiting the 136 Suite, Rowen 2and A42.

“I had a fantastically illuminating andenlightening day when I visited theInvolvement Centre,” said Dana. “Iwas very moved by the great welcomeI got, and fascinated by the storiesshared. It provided invaluable insightinto the subject which I'm sure Iwould not have got otherwise.

Postcards: the latest weaponin the battle against stigma

with me,” she said, “so whenInvolvement was thinking about mentalhealth awareness weeks, a HumanLibrary with staff as books seemed tolink the two ideas together.”

Sharron, who has taken part in most ofthe Human Library events since theystarted in October 2009, went on tosay: “Stigma is when people see thelabel not the person and it’s the samewith staff; service users see apsychiatrist or a chief executive anddon’t see the person, they just see asuit, which is a different kind ofstigma.”

There is expected to be a high demandon the living books for this event soreserving your loan will be essential. Aliving book catalogue will be availableat both Involvement Centres or requesta copy by contacting Jonathan Wrighton 0115 9934525 or emailjonathan.wright@ nottshc.nhs.uk.

The Reverse Human Library will takeplace on Tuesday 12 October at CaféArt, Duncan MacMillan House,Porchester Road, Nottingham NG3 6AA.

A range of postcards featuringportraits of service users andcarers, alongside hard-hittingquotes describing theirexperiences of stigma, werelaunched last month as part ofthe Trust’s ongoing anti-stigmacampaign. It is hoped that thepostcards will provoke thoughtand discussion about theignorance and fear thatsurrounds many of theconditions which commonlyaffect people, but still remain ataboo subject.

The eight postcards aredeceptively simple and elegant,but are the culmination of overthree months’ hard work. First,contacting Involvement leads invarious areas of the Trust, theproject team was able tocirculate a questionnairedesigned to get participantsthinking about stigma in thewider context of their lives.

Then, they met each of theindividual candidates for a face-to-face interview. There wereno set questions, simply a seriesof free-ranging conversationsabout the participants’ lives ingeneral, and stigma inparticular.

Noel Oxford, InvolvementReporter, is proud to have beenpart of the work. “Theinterviews were a delight toconduct,” he said. “Everycandidate was frank and honestwith us about theirbackgrounds and currentcircumstances.

“We selected the best, mostcommunicative quotes suppliedby the candidates, and tookthem to a design agency, whichprovided stunning portraitphotography and a simple, eye-catching design. Then, usingthe information gleaned in our

interviews, weconstructed 50-word miniaturebiographies,designed toplace the quotesin some context.These appear on the cards’reverse.”

The ultimate goal of the projectis to show, in a limited space,the real people behind thelabels that are often taken forgranted.

“There is some challenginglanguage, but I wouldemphasise that eachparticipant’s quote is in theirown words,” explained Noel.“We didn’t think it appropriateto edit the truth.

“Some of the stories weuncovered inspire heartbreakingsadness; others prompt

outrage. All of them areinspirational, and our pottedbiographies cannot possibly dothese people justice.”

“I would like to extend mythanks to all of the participantsfor their courage and honesty. Iwould also like to thank EimearStrong and Jane Danforth forgiving me this opportunity, andtheir encouragement; and TobyStrickland and Dave Probert fortheir incredible photographicand design work.

The postcards will be widelyavailable across the Trust and atmany public events includingthe AGM.

“I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks toeveryone who came and shared theirexperiences with me, in whatever capacity.Thanks again for a brilliant day!”

Andy Clegg, who helped organise thevisit, said: “All too often I watch TV andsay ‘it’s not like that in real life’, butDana showed a real understanding andcommitment to getting it right,encouraging service users to talk anddisplaying genuine empathy. I hope thishelps to give a better understanding.”

Transmission date for the episode isFebruary 2011.

BBC writer Dana Fainaru (centre)with Trust staff and service users

One of the new postcards

link between creativity and mentalillness and how fiction, poetry and filmhas through the centuries transcendedthe social stigma associated withmaladies of the mind.

A range of high profile speakers andeminent experts from around the worldpresented their novel ideas on some ofhistory’s most famous literary names,their characters and their experiencesand depictions of mental illness. Therewere also keynote speeches fromProfessor Elaine Showalter, EmeritusProfessor of English, Princeton Universityand Professor Kay Redfield Jamison,Johns Hopkins University.

Paul Crawford, the world’s first Professorof Health Humanities and conferenceorganiser, said: “I am delighted that theUniversity of Nottingham is leading theway internationally in developing a more

A groundbreaking conferenceentitled ‘Madness and Literature’was held jointly by The Institute ofMental Health and The University ofNottingham last month. The eventwas funded by a grant from the Artsand Humanities Research Council as partof the Madness and Literature Network.Delegates came from all over the worldincluding North America, Canada,Australia, Asia, South Africa and Europe.

The conference was the first event of itskind worldwide and brought togetherpeople from a medical and psychiatricbackground with literary and humanitiesexperts alongside users of mental healthservices and their carers to promotecollaboration and to enhance thehuman elements of clinical care.

Focused on the topic of madness andliterature, the conference explored the

inclusive approach to how the arts andhumanities disciplines can informhealthcare.

“This approach, which we have calledhealth humanities, is the evolution ofmedical humanities. It seeks to bring theinsights, value and benefits for well-being from non-science disciplines to awider community of healthprofessionals, carers and self-carers. Thisis the dynamic driving the success of theMadness and Literature Network whichis rapidly becoming a key resourceglobally in this field.”

Further information on the Madness andLiterature Network can be found onlineat www.madnessandliterature.org.

4

First international healthhumanities conference

JimWalker

Just plain gayAs a Stonewall Diversity Champion, theTrust recognises that staff are happierat work when they are able to bethemselves. Jim Walker is a seniormanager within the Trust and wishes totell his story to encourage everyone,regardless of their sexual orientation,to be accepting of themselves and eachother.

My name is James and I am a gay man. Ihave been gay now for over four decadesand to use the popular parlance have been‘out’ for over three of them. In the earlyyears, before slipping on the out andproud T-shirt, due to my then career choicein the RAF, with gayness then not being anoption, I was not out but more ‘resting’while making the occasional discreet

cameo appearance. This makes me now amature gay man in his mid-fifties havingwisdom, experience and knowledge oflife. Well that is how I like to think of itand on balance I believe it to be true (it’shard to be modest when you’re wise!).

I have worked in the NHS as a clinician andmanager for 32 years and me stating mybeing gay will elicit no surprise from mostpeople to whom I am known and is morelikely to engender the response ‘like wedidn’t know’ or ‘and so what?’. This is notbecause I am outrageously camp or anardent gay politic promoter. I do notregularly ‘mince’ about the place (exceptfor special effect and only very rarely) nordo I rush to the barricades at anything thatis seen as a gay injustice. I have justlearned to be comfortable with beingmyself and expect everyone else to getused to it.

5Positive September 2010

CAMHS onair at RadioKemetFor the past two months RadioKemet 96.5 FM, Nottingham’scommunity radio station, hashosted a series of mentalhealth programmes deliveredby Trust staff. Angela Simpson,CAMHS CommunityDevelopment Worker, has workedclosely with colleagues andcollaborated with Kemet to raisethe profile of CAMHS and raiseawareness and reduce stigmaabout mental health andwellbeing services, as well asencouraging young people andtheir families to seek help earlyfor mental health problems.

Live on air interviewees to datehave included Jo Kelly, anadvocacy worker based atThorneywood, who discussed thework she’s doing for advocacy andbravely discussed her own personalexperiences of mental healthissues; Eric Adjaidoo, BMEClinical Nurse Specialist, whodiscussed issues of medicationmanagement and physical illness;and Calvin Malcolm, a specialistclinic worker and family therapist,who worked with Angela to deliverinformation about CAMHS, givinglisteners an understanding of howmental health issues affect youngpeople. Discussions included whathappens if you get referred toCAMHS, what the processinvolves, and what to expect.

Other programmes have focusedon eating disorders and depressionin young people, giving listeners abite-size understanding of issuesand giving out useful numbers forGP walk in centres and othersources of information and advice.

Angela can book further dates forother clinicians, groups orindividuals and is looking forservice users to take part in orderto help break through barriers ofstigma to promote mental healthcare and other services availableacross Nottinghamshire. For moreinformation please contact Angelaon 07500 605683.

Horticulturetrainingextended A group of 15 service users recentlyachieved City & Guilds Level 1qualifications in horticultural skillsafter joining a new course run inpartnership with Nottingham TrentUniversity (NTU) at the university’sBrackenhurst campus in Southwell.

The University is now planning to run asecond level 1 practical skills course aswell as a level 2 work based diploma inhorticulture.

The level 1 course will start inOctober 2010 and continue throughto June 2011 one day a week. Thelevel 2 diploma will be a new coursestarting in September and deliveredthrough Castle College and NHShorticultural instructors at four citycouncil sites over two days a weekuntil July 2011.

Interested service users, care co-ordinators or Healthcare Professionalswho would like to know more shouldcontact the course delivery tutors: SueCrosby on 07917 590971 or DavidMoles on 07786 391407 or 01159661088 ext: 15012. Places arecurrently available on both courses.Please note that students wishing tojoin the level 2 course will be requiredto have some relevant skills already.

Sue Crosby, one of the tutors, witha group of students who are goingthrough to the level 2 course.

I am gay and being gay forms a large part ofwho, what and how I am but it’s not all I am. Ilike to think of it as the box I keep everythingelse in. It provides the framework for how Ichoose to live my life.

I have reflected on whether my being gay hasimpacted either positively or negatively on mycareer progression from lowly staff nurse to aseat at the top table and have concluded thatit’s a bit of mixed bag. I believe having towork through and sort out my ‘difference’ asbeing gay and how that fits into the bigpicture of life and career has helped me beclearer about what I wanted and how to getit. However I don’t believe that being gay hasstopped me achieving what I have. In careerterms I am convinced that I have beensuccessful for three clear reasons:

• I found something I really wanted to do,committed to it and worked hard to succeed

• I used my experience of life, good andbad and the learning to be me, tobetter understand other people andsituations and develop a positiveempathy that has served me well ininterviews and doing my job

• My rugged manly good looks.

Actually, if I’m honest only the first twoare true. It is only on reflection that Irealise that my experience as a gay man isand was different and special, because Inow know it is far from the reality ofmany lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. Ihave hinted on my experiences, good andbad, sad and funny and some downrightbizarre, however what I can say for sure isthat ‘I have just learned to becomfortable and find joy with beingmyself and expect everyone else to getused to it

Living withmedicationEric Adjaidoo from the Trust’s LocalServices Division recently completed aproject looking at service users’,carers’ and clinicians’ views of theimpact of medication.

Eric worked with various groups including Awaaz, Uhuru, Destiny,Dynamite, Open Door Project, NewarkMind, Amaani Tallawah and the Pakistan Women’s Group. He alsoengaged with 300 clinicians, serviceusers and carers.

The verdict was that clinicians generallyview medication as an important part oftreatment, especially of acutely ill patients.It helps to calm patients down and enablethem to engage better with others. Thefocus is on treating the symptoms andmaking the patient better.

Service users and carers, however, feel theydo not have a voice; the impact of physicalhealth is not taken seriously and they havelittle influence over making decisions abouttheir medicines management.

Looking specifically at issues relevant toethnic groups, African/Caribbean serviceusers tend to have concerns about theimpact sedation has on their quality of life,stigma, libido and physical health. Asian

service users experience a lack ofinformation and are unhappy with theway they receive it – often from thirdparties, especially if their first language isnot English; while white service usersfocus on weight gain, sedation andduration of treatment.

The project report recommends thatclinicians should listen to patients’concerns about their medication and thatchanges should not be made withouttheir consent. It also notes that advocacygroups and pharmacists have a key roleto play as a critical friend in supporting,monitoring, and advising clinicians,acknowledging that non-adherence iscommon and that most patients are non-adherent at times.

Tucked away on the Edward’s Laneside of Nottingham City hospitalsits St. Francis Day Hospital, abungalow building with a relaxed,warm and welcoming environment.This reflects the attitudes of itsstaff and complements the servicesprovided. It is supported primarilyby a multi-disciplinary team ofnurses, occupational therapists,physiotherapists, health careassistants, administrative andauxiliary staff.

St Francis Day hospital has been inexistence for many years and rebuilttwenty five years ago. In the last twoyears it has undergone significantchanges to the service provided and tothe interior décor.

In the past the hospital acted as acommunity based assessment serviceand was a route of entry into otherservices to maximise quality of life inthe community. Since its recent rebirthit has become a nurse led service stillcatering for the older population withorganic and functional (psychological)disorders, but with more of a focus onperson-centred management. It coversthe Community Mental Health Team’s

(CMHT) geographical area of Gedling,City South, City Northwest andHucknall. The over-65 population of theCity alone is 34,800, accounting for 12%of the City’s total population.

The day hospital provides a range ofpsychological therapies for its patientsincluding cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT), cognitive stimulation therapy(CST), maintenance CST and a recentlyintroduced group based on the recoverymodel. In addition, patients can bereferred for six week assessments.

In contrast to its previous role, thehospital no longer depends on awaitingplacement in the community for its serviceusers; instead it can meet the requirementsnecessary for the wellness of their mentalhealth in a self sufficient manner.

To coincide with the refurbishment of theSt. Francis Unit there will be an officialopen day on 29 September from 10am to3pm. All staff are welcome to attend.

Open day for new look St Francis Day Hospital

CST or 'cognitive stimulation therapy',is a brief treatment for people with mildto moderate dementia. CST treatmentinvolves 14 sessions of themed activitieswhich run over a seven week period.Sessions aim to actively stimulate andengage people with dementia, whilstproviding an optimal learningenvironment and the social benefits ofa group. NICE guidance recommendsCST for mild to moderate dementia,irrespective of treatment.

CBT or ‘cognitive behavioural therapy'can help people change the way theythink ("cognitive") and what they do("behaviour"). CBT can be doneindividually or with a group of people. Itcan also be done from a self-help bookor computer programme. It can helpwith many psychological problems suchas anxiety, depression, panic, phobias(including agoraphobia and socialphobia), stress, bulimia and obsessivecompulsive disorder.

The team at St Francis Day Hospital

6

7Positive September 2010

A ‘virtualplacement’:taking trainingto the studentsIn July a small team from the Trust’sLearning and Developmentdepartment and Involvement Centretravelled to Lincoln University to talkto a group of year 1 adult branchnursing students about mental health,recovery and the nature and range ofservices provided by the Trust.

Sharron Allen, Michael Osborne andGareth Cobb from the InvolvementCentre answered questions about theirown personal journeys of recovery. TonyMitchell and Angela Pemberton fromLearning and Development talked aboutpublic perceptions, stigma and mentalhealth, explained some commonconditions and symptoms and gave anoverview of the Trust’s services andrecovery strategy.

Tony arranged the event with TrevorSimpson from Lincoln University as analternative to the challenges Trevor wasexperiencing trying to find placements for alarge group of students. Tony explained thatthe idea was “basically along the lines of ifthey can’t come to us, we can go to them.”

The day was a fantastic success and thefeedback and evaluations from thestudents were tremendous. Everybodyresponded very positively to the personal

accounts from Sharron, Michael andGareth and there were many commentsthat this experience had really changedthe way that the students thought aboutmental health and would positivelyimpact on their future practice.

On behalf of the team, Tony would liketo thank Trevor and all of the students atLincoln University for making them feelso welcome and taking part in anexperience that truly was Positive.

Since its inception in 2004 the East Midlands MentalHealth Research Network Hub (MHRN) has developedinto a very effective organisation providing support to awide range of nationally accredited National Institute ofHealth Research (NIHR) portfolio studies in mental health.

The Hub is hosted by the Trust and a partnership with SouthYorkshire Comprehensive Local Research Network employsclinical studies officers (CSOs) who work with clinicians andresearchers to recruit to portfolio studies, assist researchers andclinicians with study set up, conduct assessments and interviewsand act as local project leads.

The partnership is using funding to develop research capacitywithin the Trust, setting up training and research seminars anddeveloping a network of research liaison nurses who will operate

Research interests needed for MHRN registeras portfolio research champions and points of contact forMHRN CSOs and local principal investigators. The aim isto facilitate more rapid set-up and recruitment andencourage continued growth in the number of portfoliostudies being supported.

To achieve this continued growth Ann Priddey, ResearchNetwork Manager, and Michaela Stevenson, DeputyManager – Development, bid for new studies to be openedin the Trust, conduct feasibility assessments, find principalinvestigators, assist with governance, claim service supportcosts, put local studies forward for adoption by thenetwork and manage study set-up procedures.

In the near future Trust sites will be selected centrallyaccording to registered research interests. It is thereforeimportant that all clinicians’, service users’ and carers'research interests are registered with the MHRN Co-ordinating Centre.

To register your interest, please emailann.priddey@nottingham.ac.uk with your research interest/sfrom the following list: Addictions, ADHD, autism, anxietydisorders, bipolar disorders, dementia, depressive disorders,eating disorders, learning disabilities, mental disorders due toorganic causes, personality disorders, psychotic disorders,schizophrenia, somatoform disorders, OCD, PTSD, servicedelivery studies, sleep disorders, suicide and self harm,pharma studies, any other (please describe).

The MHRN team, left to right: David Trevor, CSO; RoyMcPartland, Clinical Studies Informatics Officer; Jo Higman,CSO; Liz Andrew, Deputy Hub Research Manager: Studies;Dr Kaela Stevenson, Deputy Hub Research Manager:Research Development; Ann Priddey, Hub Research Manager;Jo Greenwood, Hub Administrator; Sheetal Dandgey, CSO;Jo Parkin, CSO; Amy Shuttlewood, CSO; Adam Greenwood,Student Nurse, Nottingham University.

Gareth Cobb and Trevor Simpson (left), with Angela Pemberton, Sharron Allenand Tony Mitchell (right) and some of the Lincoln University students.

Simon writes: “I haveworked for the Trust formany years, starting out asa Staff Nurse before beingpromoted to Charge Nurse,then to CommunityPsychiatric Nurse, and theninto management. I haveworked with many serviceusers and staff over theyears and have manydifferent and variedmemories and experiences.

“I became involved withthe Trust LGBT Forumsome years ago as I feltthat my personal and

professional experiences asa gay man would be ofuse to other staff insupport, signposting and‘being there’. In thebeginning we were a verysmall group but the Forumstarted to gathermomentum when seniormanagement realised thepowerful role we had inhelping to raise the profileof equality and diversitywithin the workplace. Forthe past few years I amproud to have been Chairof the Trust LGBT Forumand Sexual OrientationSteering Group alongsidemy job as a District HealthTeam Manager. I steppeddown from these roles atthe end of July 2010 as itwas time to give othersthe opportunity to lead.

“The Health Service andPsychiatry Services havealways been tolerant of alltypes of diverse people,however some individualsstill have their own issues

with others. Challengingothers and educatingpeople around LGBT issuesis something that I amcomfortable with, but I amaware that not all peopleare. I have noticed thathaving high profile out/self-identified staff has helpedgive others confidence andsecurity to be themselvesand therefore be happier intheir work. This is alsorecognised by the charityStonewall and is a mantraof this Trust: ‘Peopleperform better when theycan be themselves’.”

Janet Sheard, ExecutiveDirector Nursing and AlliedHealth Professionals, whoholds the Equality andDiversity portfolio for theTrust said: “I would like tothank Simon and the widerLGBT Forum for the workthey have done to promoteLGBT equality and theirsupport with the StonewallWorkplace Equality Indexsubmission.”

A hand washing event held onAshfield Community Hospital’sShelley Ward and Bronte Wardraised awareness amongst visitorsand the public of the importance ofhand washing and the potential ofspreading disease.

An information stand displayedleaflets and boards about diseasessuch as MRSA, C Diff, salmonella

and chicken pox and the team put on a Punch and Judyshow which highlighted therisk of poor hand hygienewhen handling food and thelikely effect on the spread ofdisease.

The LGBT Forum: a reflectionAs Simon Hedley, Chair of the LGBT Forum and Sexual OrientationSteering Group, hands over the reigns to Fionn Morven and Lis Gray,we asked him for a brief reflection on his experiences over the years.

Stepping Stonesworking topromote socialinclusionService users and staff in Bassetlawwere invited to Stepping StonesRehabilitation and Recovery unit fora strawberry tea one day in June asa means of building social inclusion.

Stepping Stones is recovery-centred andthe service users shape their own careand path to recovery. The team listensto what its clients need and to theirdreams for the future and aims tofacilitate them to the best of its ability.

One of the needs the team finds mostapparent is social inclusion, so toaddress this the unit is holding similarevents once a month and invitingservice users and staff to come andimprove their social skills, network,share experiences, meet new people,build confidence or just relax and enjoythe afternoon.

At the strawberry tea event the unit laidon an assortment of freshly bakedscones, fresh strawberries and creamand other refreshments. Services userson the unit helped where they couldand enjoyed the day immensely. Tablesand chairs were set out in the gardensand the weather stayed bright

throughout the day.

The team would like to thank allwho helped and everyone whocame along and made the day a

success. They look forward towelcoming new faces to future events

as a way of breaking the isolation thatmany people face day to day.

For more information contact Gill Lewisor Emily Millington on 01909 502851.

Hand washing event helpsreduce spread of disease

8

Left to right: Emily Millington, Sylvia Lincoln, Gill Lewis

Simon Hedley

7Positive May 2010

Climate ChangeLegislation has been enacted in the UKto limit CO2 emissions and from 1April next year, the Trust will be one ofat least 5000 organisations from boththe private and public sectors whichwill be expected to implement effectivecarbon reduction plans or face theconsequences which include the loss ofrevenue or large fines.

This stems from commitments madeby this government in climate changediscussions prior to the Copenhagensummit which resulted in the CarbonReduction Commitment EnergyEfficiency Scheme. Organisationswhich consume energy above acertain level will be expected to takepart in a carbon trading schemeaimed at reducing CO2 emissionsfrom buildings, commonly referred toas “cap and trade schemes”.

Each year, starting from 1 April 2011,the Trust will have to purchasecarbon allowances at an initial cost of£12 per Tonne of CO2. As the Trustcurrently produces around 23,000Tonnes of emissions from itsbuildings annually it will incur aninitial outlay of around £276,000.The Trust will then be assessed on itsperformance with regard to 9Positive September 2009

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

NHS

about involvement

Multi-culturalHorizon

The day was wrapped up with athumping drum circle led by BiantSingh, who credits rhythm and musicwith great therapeutic powers. “It’s adelight to be here,” he said. “Bringingeveryone together in rhythm reallyhelped to make the day special. Whenwe come out of rhythm with others, orthe world around us, we get intotrouble. When we come together withdrums, we reconnect on a level that ispure and basic.”

Special thanks to The Horizon DayCentre Staff Team for their sterlingefforts, The Involvement Team, PaulTheed, Jan & Paul Thompson, LorraineEverett, Shirley Lavender, DebbieAbrams, Ann Incerti and to SimonSmith, Executive Director of LocalServices, for coming and joining in thedrum circle.

For more information about drummingemail biant-singh.suwali@nottscc.gov.uk;for more about The Rosehips emailsue.betts@nottshc.nhs.uk.

Horizon Day Centre became a littlecorner of paradise when it playedhost to a multi-cultural day. Serviceusers and carers were treated to arange of globe-spanning treatsincluding belly-dancing and apercussion circle. Displays of artsand crafts and a buffet of nibblesfrom around the world completedthe exotic flavour.

“It’s a celebration of the culture anddiversity of our client group and carers,”said Dorcas Akyeampong, a staff nurse atthe centre and a mentee of Mike Cooke’sBME Executive Mentoring Scheme, whohad the initial idea.

“To see the service users joining in, enjoyingthe displays of art and telling visitors aboutHorizon is just brilliant,” she added.

Karen Morake and Tina Pearl, day centreofficers who developed the idea withDorcas, agreed. “It’s all about bringingeveryone together and having a great

time,” they said. “Service users havehelped to decorate the place, and havebeen getting dressed up. These are thingsthey don’t get to do very often.”

The Rosehip Belly-Dancers were delightedto show service users and carers the basicsof belly-dancing. “We see dancing as afun way to keep fit, and it gives peopleconfidence,” said dancer Sue Betts.“People have said they feel better aboutthemselves. It’s been really well received.”

Simon Smith joins in with the drumming

10

Communities ofInterest shapingthe futureCommunity of Interest: a group of people with a sharedinterest, understanding or passion whowant to work together to shape orimprove services.

The Communities of Interest (CoI) pilot haskicked off with a flourish. Seven groups ofmotivated and enthusiastic people areturning their dream into reality.

All the projects are sponsored by ourExecutive Directors and each has a senior linkadvisor within the Trust. Involvement Teamadvice and guidance is available if needed.

The projects cover a wide range of issues:• The Aspergers CoI is conducting a survey to

produce a document to highlight issues foradults with Asperger syndrome whenaccessing welfare, employment and healthservices in the Nottingham City area.

• The Domestic Violence & Abuse (DVA) CoIis gathering evidence on the prevalence ofDVA and focusing at this stage on thesurvivor’s mental health.

• One CoI is working to empower serviceusers and carers to be involved in thedevelopment, delivery and evaluation ofservices for recurrent and chronic depression.

Mike Cooke, Chief Executive and sponsor ofthe Deaf Wellbeing CoI, is particularlysupportive of issues around recovery frommental ill health in deaf people. This groupof people is campaigning to provide a ‘deaffriendly’ environment so that theirrequirements are met.

Another CoI is developing an onlinecommunity that involves academics andstudents together with professionalsworking in Adult Mental Health CityServices. This looks at learning throughonline discussion.

Other CoIs include ‘Women, Medicationand Mental Health’, ‘Health andWellbeing’ and ‘The Management ofObesity in the Patient Group at ArnoldLodge Hospital’.

The results from the pilots will bepublished in Positive.

For more information about Communitiesof Interest please contact Jane Danforthat the Involvement Centre, DuncanMacmillan House, Nottingham on 0115993 4567 or 07786 915464 or emailjane.danforth@nottshc.nhs.uk.

MembershipupdateThe Trust now has more than 7,600public members, some of whom areinvolved in activities throughoutthe Trust, making a positivedifference in various ways:

Planning events for Mental HealthAwareness WeeksInvolvement volunteers have beenintegral in planning events at DuncanMacmillan House and Rosewood forMental Health Awareness weeks inOctober. The Rosewood InvolvementCentre will kick things off on 6October, with the Involvement Centreat Duncan Macmillan House hostingevents throughout the second week.Activities include a human library,barbeque and fundraising car wash.

Adult Mental Health (NottinghamCity) Development Forum The Involvement Centre at DuncanMacmillan House hosts this forum ona monthly basis for service users,carers and members to have input intothe future development of services.

Involvement in Forensic ServicesSome of our involvement volunteershave regular links to the Patients’Council at Rampton Hospital and theforums at Wathwood and ArnoldLodge. We are also helping to developa patient information group and are

working with Community Forensic onpatient information about the use ofseclusion.

Positive Writing GroupMembers of the Positive Writing Grouphave been pooling their talents toproduce a collection of stories, poemsand artwork. The work is beingproduced by service users and carersthemselves and will be launched duringMental Health Awareness Weeks.

Service user and carer experience surveyWe are still sending surveys to everyservice in the Trust and are pleased tosay that responses are increasing.

Speaking at the inductionprogramme for new staffMore members are getting involved inthe Trust induction programme by tellingtheir personal experiences of mentalhealth, learning disability, substancemisuse and involvement with the Trust.

Staff interviewsService user and carer members of theTrust continue to be involved inshortlisting and interviewing potentialnew staff.

Stories for Patient OpinionMembers have been submitting theirpersonal stories, comments andsuggestions on the patient opinionwebsite at www.patientopinion.org.uk.There have been 42 postings so farfor our Trust; 16 in the last twomonths. 40% of these arecompliments, 37% personal stories,18% concerns and 5% suggestions.Workshops are now being run inForensic Services so that service usersthere can contribute.

Governor members and theMembers’ CouncilMembers can now represent theirviews via the Members’ Council andthe governor member for theconstituency in which they live.

The Involvement Team

11Positive September 2010

� Meet a Partner Governor Member…

Dean FathersAs the Chairman of NHS Bassetlaw I am delightedto take on this important role. I have always beenkeen to provide as much assistance as possible toshaping improved services in Nottinghamshire thatdemonstrate our ability to care effectively andholistically for users and to support their carers.

I've been involved with the NHS at a board levelfor over 12 years now in various guises and know

that effective outcomes can only be deliveredthrough partnership working.

I hope that by becoming a member of theCouncil we will achieve positive outcomes,developing strengths that provide realquantifiable benefits and, importantly, emotionalbenefits, to our health community and thepeople we serve.

I will continue to listen to the feedback of our community and workhard to ensure their needs continueto be put at the centre of everythingwe do.

Members’CouncilupdateFollowing the recent elections, weare proud to have an establishedMembers’ Council in placewith governor members who willrepresent the views of fellowmembers, and have a say in thefuture delivery and developmentof services at the Trust.

We have 40 governor members intotal, including 21 public governors,7 staff governors and 13 appointedpartner governors representingstakeholder organisations. Theconstituencies are outlined below:

21 elected public governors:Nottingham City – 6 governors• Mrs Jenny Britten• Mrs Sue Clifford• Mr Graham Fraser• Miss Barbara Glover• Ms Zena Goldman• Mr Christopher Law

Nottinghamshire County –11 governors• Mrs Gladys Bombek• Mrs Angela Brooks• Mr David Buck• Mrs Susan Clayton• Mr John Dove• Dr Michael Elliott• Mrs Dawn Fanshawe• Mr Steve How• Mr Stuart Maule• Ms Rachel Murnaghan• Professor Justine Schneider

South Yorkshire and the rest ofEast Midlands – 2 governors(uncontested seats)• Mrs Joan Beards• Ms Lucy Jones

The rest of England and Wales –2 governors• Mrs Marlene Fielding• Mrs Sheena Foster

7 elected staff governors:• Ms Lynne Corcoran

Allied Health Professionals• Mr Tim Wood

Clinical Support• Dr Stuart Leask

Medical• Miss Beverly Daws

Non-Clinical• Mrs Eimear Strong

Non-Clinical• Mr Dane Brennan

Nurses• Mrs Rachel Garton

Nurses

13 appointed partner governors Representing organisations that theTrust works in partnership with:• Ms Angela Kandola

Awaaz• Mr Dean Fathers

NHS Bassetlaw• Mr Robert Gardiner

Carers Federation• Mr Michael Leng

Framework Housing Authority• Ms Kath Murphy

NHS Leicestershire and Rutland• Professor Ian Shaw

NHS Nottingham City• Ms Deborah Jaines

NHS Nottinghamshire County• Ms Helen Jones

Nottingham City Council• Mr Nigel Cooke

Nottingham City Council

• Councillor Stuart WallaceNottinghamshire County Council

• Mr Jon WilsonNottinghamshire County Council

• Professor Martin BinksUniversity of Nottingham

• Ms Karen HowellNorth West SpecialisedCommissioning Team

Role of governor membersGovernors represent the views of themembers within their constituency andfeed back to the Trust Board ofDirectors. They will give views on thefuture direction of the Trust, quality ofservices and business strategies.

Governors are not able to get involvedin operational management, individualstaff issues, handling complaints orconfidential patient issues. Governorsdo:• express a view on the forward plans of

the Trust • act as brokers for local community

engagement • represent the interests of: members,

staff and partner organisations• champion the rights of users and carers

Role of the Members’ CouncilThe Members’ Council is accountable tomembers of the Trust via the 40governor members. The Trust willconsult and involve the Members’Council in the planning and strategicdirection of the organisation. TheMembers’ Council will meet on fouroccasions during the year, with the firstmeeting taking place on 28 September2010.

ContactsFor more information about governormembers contact the Membership Officeon 0800 0121623 or emailmembership@nottshc.nhs.uk.

Dean Fathers

voted. I look forward to representing theviews of this staff group as well as beingable to understand the needs of serviceusers within my job. Initially I hope tosetup an Intranet site and use email tofeed back to the staff that I represent and

gain their opinions of Trustdevelopments. I also like to visitthe sites where myconstituents work to get abetter feel of their workingenvironment and how they

are coping with theinevitable changesthat working in theNHS represents.

In being part of theCouncil I hope to

12

� Meet a Partner Governor Member…

Tim WoodI’ve been employed by the NHS MentalHealth Services in Nottingham for over 20years, working in inpatient care and mostrecently as a training area leader for AdultMental Health Vocational Services. As wellas the experience I bring from myemployment, I have also experiencedmental health issues on and off formost of my life.

I feel honoured to have beenelected as a governor memberfor the clinical support staff –thank you to all those who

work with my colleagues and supportthe development of the Trust’s servicesin line with the views of the constituentsthat I represent. I am also keen to beinvolved in a community of interest andam particularly interested in staffsupport mechanisms. As a staff governormember I believe I can offer anintelligent perspective on developingservices in line with the Trust’s goals andservice user needs.

I recently attended two governorinduction sessions and found both daysinvaluable. I was able to meet fellowgovernors while Trust Board membersdelivered informative presentationsabout their views of the Trust and theirroles within it.

Volunteergoes toBuckinghamPalaceGladys Bombek, Trustmember and involvementvolunteer, was invited toBuckingham Palace on 22July for the Queen’s royalgarden party.

Gladys attended the eventwith her daughter Hilary,who works at the MandalaCentre. Gladys recalls herday at the palace:

“It has finally happened, my

trip to Buckingham Palace.When I received theinvitation I was sooverwhelmed that I wasquite stressed about it butwith the help of others Iprepared and was reallylooking forward to it.

“We set off on the train withour hats in our hands andblack clouds followed us allthe way down to London.‘Guess what Mum?’ said mydaughter, ‘I haven’t broughtmy umbrella!’

“Arriving at the gates wasunbelievable; there werehundreds of people there –men in suits, forcespersonnel in their dress suitsand diplomats from all over

the world. Footmen hadtheir bright red coats on andtwo bandstands filled withguards played medleys ofwell-known songs.

“The sandwiches weregood; cucumber andmint and other variousfillings. UnfortunatelyI didn’t get to see thequeen but mydaughter did. I wasquite content to sitand talk to otherguests and hear abouttheir volunteeringand involvement inhelping others. I toldthem about our Trustand its excellentservices, and aboutthe volunteering Ido with the Trust.

“Soon it was all over, threehours at the garden party ofBuckingham Palace and awonderful day out.”

� Meet a Partner Governor Member…

Zena GoldmanIt is a complete honour to have been elected to theMembers’ Council this year. I am very excitedabout the opportunities that lie ahead for theCouncil over the next two years to shape and influence servicesdelivered by the Trust for local people. My focus will be to help theTrust deliver positive outcomes for service users and carers throughcare that is meaningful, accessible and person centred.

I have a very good understanding of the diverse racial, cultural andsocial needs that we have in Nottingham City and would advocatethat all service users regardless of their background should havethe right to receive a service that meets their needs and deliverspositive outcomes.

I am looking forward to representing the views of localpeople in shaping a service that is important to all of us. Ifundamentally believe that local people should be at theheart of shaping local services in order to make deliveryrelevant and meaningful to the people that use them.

I currently work in a managerial role in the supportedhousing sector and have developed many valuable skills,

the most relevant to this role being the ability to analyseinformation and develop new and innovative ideas.

The Governor Member induction sessions have been excellentat making all the members feel welcome and valued, alongwith giving us a very useful insight into the current agendaand direction of travel for the Trust as it moves forward toFoundation Trust status. I really look forward to working withthe Trust and all the Council Members toward achieving itsaspirations for the future.

Gladys (left) and Hilary at Buckingham Palace

Tim Wood

Zena Goldman

13Positive September 2010

q What is your favourite hobby?a I draw in pastels and paint, but loveanything creative. I’ve just made twohand painted plates, one for mynephew’s daughter, Ellie and one for myfirst grandchild, Hallie, who will be bornin November. I also love going for longwalks by the river Trent with my GermanShepherd, Kizzi.

q What keeps you awake at night?a Nothing.

q What is your favourite film?a The End of the Affair. Then I read thebook and found that the end of the bookwas completely different to the film. I stilllove the film, as the end was really justthe beginning.

q What is your idea of bliss?a Inviting my children and family andmum and dad round for Sunday lunch,which my son and daughter then cook.

q What three words would you useto describe yourself?a Creative, fun, happy

q What is your favourite holidaydestination?a I always prefer the journey, meeting

q What is your connection toNottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust?a I began my NHS career inNottinghamshire Healthcare as a nurse atMacMillan Close. I am now the ResearchNetwork Manager for the East Midlands andSouth Yorkshire Mental Health ResearchNetwork which is hosted by the Trust in theInstitute of Mental Health.

q What do you see as future prioritiesfor Nottinghamshire Healthcare?a To become the best research active Trustin the country with clinical practice basedon the best research evidence available.

q What is the best piece of advice youhave ever been given?a Don’t look behind you, there’s nothingthere.

q What was the last CD you bought?a I downloaded Katherine Jenkins, “Livinga Dream”. She sings my favourite hymn, “Ivow to thee my country”.

q What is your greatest achievement?a My two children who I love dearly. Afterthat, on 22 July 2010 I graduated at theUniversity of Nottingham with an MA inHealth Communication.

q What makes you angry?a Prejudice, Stigma, Injustice and Racism.

q What are you most passionate about?a Finding creative ways for service usersand carers to be involved in research.

q What single thing would improveNottinghamshire Healthcare?a All staff proactively involved in research,which we at the East Midlands and SouthYorkshire Mental Health Research Networkcan support, by working in partnershipwith clinicians and researchers on the tasksinvolved in conducting research studies.

people along the way and exploringtowns and villages.

q Who would you take to a desertisland?a Jack Vettriano. I met him at apreview of “Lovers and OtherStrangers” in 2000 at the PortlandGallery. As a self taught artist, I aspireto paint the spaces between peoplethat he paints so well; the moments ina narrative that have no closure. Iwould like to understand how hecreates such atmosphere, as he doeslike to paint it noir.

q Where do you see yourself in 10years’ time?a Hopefully still working in research inthe Trust and still painting and drawing.I’d like to write some books too.

q Do you have a ‘claim to fame’?a Being the daughter of a farmer,when I was 16 I won the “milking thecow” competition at Newark andNottinghamshire County Show.

q How would you like to beremembered?a Hopefully as someone who was niceto be with.

q&a

Staff from Thorneywood Children’sDay Unit attended the RiversideFestival for the Children’s Day onFriday 6 August. The team manneda stall with children’s activities suchas sock puppets, mask making andspiral animals. For the adults, therewere leaflets with information onrelevant issues such as AttentionDeficit Hyperactivity Disorder,Aspergers and parenting topics.

The day was a success and the stallseemed popular with both children

and adults (especially the childrenmaking sock puppets). It alsoprovided a good opportunity to meetother professionals who work in asimilar field.

A few families who are involved with the Day Unit came along andreported that they found it anenjoyable and informative day. This is the fifth time that the dayunit has participated in the eventand they hope to continue in thefuture.

Day unit keeps kids entertained at the Riverside Festival

This month the spotlightfalls on Research NetworkManager Ann Priddey

Left to right: Kayleigh Swain and Hayley Vincent of the Day Unitwith Councillor Brian Grocock, Lord Mayor of Nottingham.

Substance Misuse Services (SMS)at the Wells Road Centre, willmove to the Highbury Hospitalsite occupying residenciesformerly know as Babbingtonand Denby House in December2010.

The new unit, The Woodlands, has beenpurpose built and will provide morepersonalised, single sex, en suiteaccommodation offering an environmentthat will promote recovery, where serviceusers feel safe and their privacy anddignity is respected. It will provide apositive therapeutic environment and bemore accessible to service users, theirfamilies, carers and friends.

The Woodlands will comprise twobuildings:

• Great Oaks (formerly Babbington)residential facility with 15 beds (anincrease of two on current capacity)gender specific sleeping and relaxationareas, as well as communal space.

• Tall Trees (formerly Denby) will beaccessible to service users on a dailybasis, to engage in the Recoveryprogramme. It will also accommodatemanagement and administration staff.

Residents will benefit from communalareas such as kitchen, games room, agym, IT facilities and a garden. These

14

areas will provide service users with astructure for both therapy and free time.

The new unit is well placed geographicallyto ensure good access via public transportand major road routes. The site also allowsfor a positive interface between SMS andacute adult mental health services, whichwill have additional benefits in assuring awider integration of clinical care pathways.

Sharon Squires, Modern Matron for theservice said; “We look forward to movinginto this new environment and see thisdevelopment as a way of enhancing theexcellent care we provide. The space willnot only provide a great place to aid the

recovery of our service users but also actas an inspiring workplace for our staff.”

The Woodlands management team andservice users will deliver a series ofpresentations over the forthcomingmonths providing more comprehensivedetails. More information about themove and the service provision willfeature in future editions of Positive.

If you wish to discuss the plans pleasecontact Rod Hudspith, 0115 969 1300ext. 10602 or emailrod.hudspith@nottshc.nhs.uk, or RachelRedford 07836378001,Rachel.redford@nottshc.nhs.uk

Relocation of Substance Misuse Service(SMS) Porchester Ward to The Woodlands

L-R: Rob Jones (CapitalPlanning) Dave Etchells, MikeDeeming & Omar Toray (LaingO Rourke Construction) RodHudspith and Rachel Redford(SMS Management Team)

14

Mentoringscheme:do you havewhat it takesto inspireothers?

Due to the success of the ChiefExecutive’s Mentoring Scheme,originally set up to support our Blackand Minority Ethnic (BME) colleagueswho are significantly under-represented above band 5, the Trust isembarking on a wider scheme to giveother staff in bands 1-5 theopportunity to have a mentor.

This scheme is aimed at all staff whobelong to any of the following under-represented groups: Under 25s, Over 55s,Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, BME, Trans,Women (in non-traditional roles e.g.Estates), Disabled staff and Men (in non-traditional roles e.g. Admin and Clerical).

This scheme does not replace the BMEExecutive Mentoring Scheme, but isdesigned to complement it, and will startin November 2010.

Like most organisations the Trust isgoing through change and the pace isincreasing. Often people react positivelyto change when they are able to takeresponsibility for their own development.We recognise the importance of our rolein offering assistance to people in timesof change. Our mentoring scheme is oneof the ways we are helping to supportemployee development, increaseemployee motivation and retention anddevelop people for future posts.

Goodbye Diane BownIn July 2010 after ten years ofworking for the Trust, DianeBown retired from VoluntaryServices. During her time shehas touched the lives ofthousands of volunteers andservice users alike. Diane placedvolunteers in Trust premises inroles that enhance servicesprovided to clients by addingthe ‘icing on the cake’ as sheoften quoted. She willbe sorely missed bycolleagues andvolunteers.

15Positive September 2010

Trust launchesregional BMEengagementtoolkitThe Trust has launched a regionaltoolkit: ‘Ensuring Better Involvement ofBME Service Users and Carers inMental Health’.

The toolkit offers a coherent frameworkfor increasing and enhancing theinvolvement of Black and MinorityEthnic (BME) service users and carersin decisions that shape the way mentalhealth services are designed, managed,delivered and monitored in the EastMidlands. It provides practical adviceon involving and consulting BMEmental health service users and carers.

The process to develop the toolkitbegan in September 2009 following asuccessful bid to the East MidlandsDevelopment Centre to fund thisimportant piece of work. After sixmonths of intense work, which involvedreviewing legislation and national policy,summarising service user and carer

experiences, and evaluating mentalhealth provider feedback from across theEast Midlands, the data was analysedand structured to develop the regionaltoolkit.

A launch event held in July at the EastMidlands Conference Centre attracted anational audience of over 130 peopleincluding community members, serviceusers and carers, as well as professionalsfrom across the country. A wide range ofvoluntary, public and statutory sectororganisations were represented.

Alan Riggott, Programme Manager fromthe East Midlands Development Centre,chaired the day, with presentationscovering the journey towards thetoolkit’s development, experiences ofhelping facilitate service user and carerfocus groups, and ethnicity datamanagement.

The conference was concluded by theTrust’s Head of Equality and DiversityCatherine Conchar, who summed up theday’s presentations.

The toolkit is available for download onNottinghamshire Healthcare Trust’swebsite at:www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/aboutus/equality-and-diversity/

The initial stage of the project is to identify16 potential mentors from bands 6 andabove. We invite you to consider whetheryou would make a good mentor and if so,to identify what support you would needto fine tune your mentoring skills.

What is a mentor?A mentor is someone who has the skills toguide and empower individuals, to pointthem in the right direction and help themdevelop solutions to career issues or work-life-balance. Overall good mentorship isabout empowering individuals to selfevaluate, understand their needs, followtheir instinct and experience their ownsuccess.

For more information visit the Equalityand Diversity pages on the Trust’swebsite www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/aboutus/equality-and-diversity/ or contact Catherine Concharon 0115 9934543.

To apply please email Rachel Parkinsonat rachel.parkinson@nottshc.nhs.uk byMonday 20 September 2010.

A training session for all mentors hasbeen scheduled for 8 October 2010 ina Nottingham city centre venue.However, if you are unable to makethis date an alternative session can bearranged.

Dual diagnosissuccess andrecovery eventService users, practitioners andcommissioners are invited to attend theDual Diagnosis Forum: “CelebratingSuccess & Recovery Event” as part ofmental health awareness weeks. Comeand learn about new developments,share good practice and celebratetogether the excellent success andrecovery of the client group.

The event will take place on Tuesday 5October from 12pm to 4.30pm at theCouncil House, Old Market Square,Nottingham. Booking is essential andlunch will be provided. For moreinformation or to book please emailmaureen.black@nottinghamcity.gov.ukor call 0115 9156360.

Friday nightladies’ Badminton A new ladies-only badmintonsession is up and running onFriday evenings. Sessions take placeat Carlton Leisure Centre everyFriday from 6pm to 7pm and cost£2. New members pay just £1 fortheir first session. All abilities arewelcome and the focus is on havingfun. Qualified coaches from CarltonBadminton Club will be on hand tohelp anyone who’d like some tips.

For further information please emailanders.carrington@nottscc.gov.uk orclaire.appleby@gedling.gov.uk or call0115 9772315/9013635.

Main: Speakers atthe launch event;inset: the toolkit

Are we there yet?City AspergerService inauguralconferenceNottingham City Asperger Service ishosting its inaugural conference inNottingham city centre in November.

The multidisciplinary team was set up inApril 2009 and consists of an Aspergernurse specialist (service lead), Aspergerliaison nurse, clinical psychologist,consultant psychiatrist, occupationaltherapist, speech and language therapist,and social inclusion worker. The teamoffers multidisciplinary diagnosticassessments for Asperger syndrome, post-diagnostic support, and individualisedpackages of support.

Asperger syndrome is part of the ‘autisticspectrum disorders’ (ASDs) characterisedby difficulties in social interaction,communication and imagination and byrestricted, stereotyped interests andactivities. Asperger syndrome isdistinguished from the other ASDs inhaving no general delay in language orcognitive development. Research hasindicated a prevalence of approximately1% of adults within the generalpopulation with an autism spectrumdisorder, the majority of whom will haveAsperger syndrome. In addition,

Asperger syndrome has been found tohave high rates of co-morbidity withother developmental disorders such asattention deficit hyperactivity disorder,and there is thought to be an increasedsensitivity to psychiatric disorder,particularly when insufficient supportrelated to living with Aspergersyndrome is available.

The team’s work focuses on supportingadults to understand their Aspergersyndrome and increase independencethrough social skills training, increasingcommunication skills, sensoryintegration therapy, daily living skills,social inclusion, psychoeducation andmedication. They also provide

consultation and training to staffgroups who work with adults withAsperger syndrome and provide supportto partners and carers.

The conference will take place onThursday 4 November at the CrownPlaza Hotel, Nottingham. It will betitled: ‘Are we there yet?’ and aims tocelebrate the launch of the service, raiselocal awareness of Asperger syndrome,share experiences of supporting adultswith Asperger syndrome, and considerwhether the team is meeting local need.Places are free, but limited, so pleaseapply early. For an application formemail ann.incerti@nottshc.nhs.uk ortelephone 0115 854 2263.

A bipolar self-help group inBassetlaw can be confidentthey have a meeting venuefor the next few monthsthanks to a donation fromthe Trust.

‘Equilibrial’, a bipolar self helpgroup for the Bassetlaw area,attended a World Mental Health

Day event at the RosewoodCentre in Ollerton last year andafter seeing their stand, NickDaibell, General Manager, AdultMental Health (County), waskeen to support the group’sefforts. Nick arranged for theTrust to donate £200 to thegroup, which has beengratefully received and will be

used to pay for the rent ofmeeting premises.

Equilibrial is a self-help groupfor people with bipolar disorderrun by people with bipolardisorder. At its regular meetingsmembers discuss and shareexperiences with others whounderstand. This helps raise selfesteem and improveconfidence, helps members selfmanage the condition, givesthem courage to accept theyhave bipolar disorder and givesthem the opportunity to see thefunny side of things, which canhelp normalise the situation.The group accepts that bipolardisorder is a serious condition,but life is not completely bleak.

Many of Equilibrial’s membershave said they have foundattending the group to be avery positive experience whichhas helped them on manydifferent levels.

The group also has a fun side toit and social gatherings haveincluded a night at the dogs,bring and share suppers,barbecues, meals out and ten-pin bowling, with moreactivities planned for the future.

For more information aboutEquilibrial please call DaveBacon at Retford Action Centreon 01777 709650, emailcontact@equilibrial.org.uk orvisit www.equilibrial.org.uk.

Trust donates £200 to bipolar self-help group

16

The City Asperger Serviceteam, left-right: AlindaGillott, JackieDziewanowska, HeidiKeeling, Lisa Timmerman,Lynsey Regan, Clare Astle,(front) Karen Toussaint (JoJones not available forphotograph on the day).

Nick Daibell presenting the cheque to members of Equilibrial

17Positive September 2010

New volunteersjoin theMillbrook teamCSV volunteering in North Nottswelcomes new volunteers Lynsey andChloe to Millbrook Mental Health Unit.

Lynsey is a qualified personal fitnessinstructor and is in her final year ofstudy for a dance degree. She is usingher expertise to bringdance and movement topeople with learningdisabilities and mentalhealth challenges, leadinga Monday morning class atMillbrook which is beingenjoyed by all who attend.

Chloe has joinedJanet, a long standingMillbrook volunteer,visiting people stayingon Kingsley Ward.She brings a ray of sunshine to theolder patients and says she learnssomething new from them everyweek. “It’s very rewarding to see thechange in people and know that it isyour input that’s making thedifference,” she said. “One of thefemale patients who barely spoke afew weeks ago is now becoming aquiz champion!”

Chloe has enjoyed her volunteering somuch she also supports one of theCSV Rainbow Learning tutors in theirflower arranging class. She has alsorecently been successful in securing apaid role with Rethink and is certainher volunteering experience helpedwith the application process.

Both Lynsey and Chloe work part timefor Gap, which supports its

employees’ endeavoursby donating anincredibly generous£150 for every 15hours ofvolunteering to the

host organisation.Lynsey and Chloe are

looking forward todiscussing how best to use

these funds at Millbrook.

Sue Todd CSV Volunteering ProjectManager, said: “We are very lucky tohave such inspiring, dedicated youngpeople joining our volunteer team.”

The Institute ofMental Healthwelcomes newexchange fellows The Institute of Mental Health Nottingham(IMH) welcomed new exchange fellows Dr Daihui Peng and Dr Jianyin Qiu fromShanghai Mental Health Centre with astrawberries and cream reception.

The exchange fellows arrived on 1 July for aperiod of three months. The aim of thefellowship scheme is to develop and sustainjoint research between Chinese mentalhealth researchers and Nottingham IMH.

Gerry Carton, IMH Associate Director, said:“We see joint meetings and study exchanges

as a means to build the foundations forfuture projects. Individuals can use theseopportunities to undertake research on theirown using the Institute’s networks, or towork with UK colleagues. The ultimate aimis to generate joint publications and to winjoint research grants.”

Exchange fellow Dr Jianyin Qiu said: “It ismy great pleasure to be here. I am lookingforward to working closely with colleaguesat the Institute and to promoting mentalhealth research in China. I hope our workhere will generate good results.”

For full details of the exchange programmeplease visit the Institute’s website atwww.institutemh.org.uk.

The IMH currently has a call for UKacademics to visit Shanghai. For furtherdetails on this fellowship scheme pleasevisit http://tiny.cc/3ngd2.

Age Concern tobecome Age UKFollowing a national merger lastyear between Age ConcernEngland and Help the Aged,Age Concern Nottingham andNottinghamshire is changing itsname to Age UK Nottingham &Nottinghamshire. The charity willremain independent, local andfocused on the needs of olderpeople in the city and the countyand the change in name will notaffect the charity’s service.

Celebrate WorldHearing Voices Dayat Stepping StonesDo you hear voices or look aftersomeone who does? Come and shareyour views and experiences on WorldHearing Voices Day at SteppingStones Rehabilitation unit, 34-36Highland Grove, Worksop.

A buffet and refreshments will beprovided on Tuesday 14 Septemberbetween 2pm and 4pm and PeterBullimore from the Hearing VoicesNetwork will be attending. Donationsfor unit facilities will be appreciated.

For more information contact EmilyMillington or Gill Lewis on 01909502851 or Andrea Emmens on07717 832859.

Left to right: Jun Xia, Prof Steven Wong, Prof PeterLiddle, Dr Daihui Peng (Exchange Fellow), Dr JianyinQiu (Exchange Fellow), Prof Nick Manning, Prof MinYang, Dr Elizabeth Liddle, Dr Chris Beeley and ProfRuth McDonald.

Chloe

Linsey

All the funof the fair atNottinghamMela 2010

The Trust’s Community DevelopmentWorkers (CDWs) were out in forceagain this year at the NottinghamMela. The event was held on 18 July inthe Arboretum Park in Nottingham anda Trust stand was proudly on display.

The Mela fair, organised byNottingham Asian Arts Council, wasvery well attended and attracted peoplefrom many diverse communities. It wasa colourful and exciting day, offeringthe chance to enjoy the rich diversity

that Nottingham has to offer; themany different languages, colourfuldress styles, foods and music.

The Trust stall was staffed bySamina Naz, Beverley Taylor

and Javid Khalique andalthough Mustafa Syed wasunable to attend she didsend her daughters to helpout and their assistanceproved to be much needed!Catherine Conchar, Headof Equality and Diversity,

had come to the Mela to enjoy the daybut she too found herself having tohelp out on the stand due to thedemand of people wanting to speak tothe CDWs at peak time.

A few years ago the stigma and shamesurrounding mental health issueswithin some Black and Minority Ethnic(BME) communities was so intensethat early work to promote the Trust,its services and BME mental healthawareness in general was difficult.People would often look the other wayand pretend that the Trust and mentalillness did not exist. The work of theCDW team over the last two years hasbegun to make a real difference, asevidenced by the large number ofindividuals queuing up at the stand tohave a discussion about mental health.Although there is much still to do, itshows that the CDW team is beginningto effect real change. The negativeapproach towards mental health hasmoved closer towards being a naturalcuriosity to know more.

African Caribbean men from Sheffield aretaking control of their recovery frommental illness by challenging the stigmatraditionally associated with black men andmental health. The group, known as MAAT,came to Nottingham in July to speak to

other service users at theElohim development

academy at The WellsRoad CommunityCentre.

MAAT presented asummary of a reportthey developed in

2009 whichhighlights

Progress for Afrimental health seThe aim of Nottingham Pride, as with

all Pride events throughout the country,is to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual andtrans culture and identity and with iteverything that makes each of usunique: the colour of our skin, ourabilities, age, religion/belief etc.

For the second year in a row the Trusthad a stand promoting the organisationboth as an employer and as a providerof high quality patient-centred services.The stand was staffed by members ofthe Trust’s Sexual Orientation SteeringGroup and LGBT Forum and with allthe goods and information on displaythey certainly had a lot to celebrate.

The theme of the stand this year was‘Celebrating Our 2010 StonewallSuccess’: 19th in the 2010Stonewall Workplace EqualityIndex; Nottinghamshire’s TopOrganisation; Top Health/NHSTrust in the Country; MostImproved Employer Award.With such a partyatmosphere it was difficultfor the team to rememberthey were at work, butwhat a fun way to spendthe day!

A positivestand atNottinghamPrideThe gloomy skies of Nottinghamcould do nothing to dull the vibrantatmosphere at this year’sNottingham Pride held on Saturday31 July. This celebration of diversityat the Forest Recreation Groundattracted a ‘guesstimated’ 20,000-25,000 people from all walks of life.

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On the Trust’s stall at Nottingham Pride. Left to right: Rebecca Smith, SeniorAnalyst, Applied Information; Elisabeth Gray, Senior Occupational Therapist,Learning Disability Directorate, Rampton Hospital (Co- Chair of LGBTForum); Rachel Morton, Criminal Justice Integrated Team Drug Worker.

l-r Samina Naz, BeverleyTaylor and Javid Khalique.

One of the supportworkers at the event

HealthInformaticsService

Did you know that theTrust now offers two newfacilities – videoconferencing and a newtelephone technologyknown as IP telephony?We’re all under pressure todeliver more with lessfunding and HealthInformatics has introducedthese facilities to helpcolleagues achieve greaterproductivity and reducecosts.

Video conferencing enablesstaff to join a meeting via avideo link rather than traveloften many miles tophysically attend. This facilityhas been embraced by manymanagement groups aroundthe Trust, not only becauseof the money it saves intravel costs, but also becauseit significantly reduces theamount of time taken out ofthe working day travelling to

meetings. For example, astaff member based inNottingham is required toattend a meeting atRampton Hospital; it takesone hour to travel there,about 15 minutes to gothrough security and onehour to travel back – all for atwo hour meeting. The staffmember is out for nearly fivehours, a huge proportion oftheir working day. Thisjourney would also cost theTrust around £30 in claimedtravel for a member usingtheir own vehicle. Usingvideo conferencing wouldnot only save the Trust thetravel expense but wouldalso give the individual threevaluable hours toconcentrate on their day job.

Video conferencing suitesare available in variousmeeting rooms around theTrust and some directorates

are investing in their ownsuites to support clinicalteam meetings.

IP telephony also supportsthe smarter workingconcept. Once set up withan account colleagues canwork from any Trustlocation, log into the phonesystem and calls will followthem to wherever theyhappen to be working onthat day. This facility iscurrently in its infancy andoffers many more benefitswhich could eventually seecalls being automaticallyforwarded to mobiles fromthe internal extensionnumber for staff working offsite.

Further information aboutthe above can be foundunder Corporate IT on theHIS Intranet pages or bycalling the IT Service Desk.

Health Informatics UpdateHIS: new technology supports greaterproductivity and reduces costs

ican Caribbeanervice users

QualificationsuccessesStuart Lee – BScCongratulations to Stuart Lee, Estatesand Capital Projects Officer in Facilities(Forensic Division), on successfullyachieving a First in his Bachelor ofScience with Honours in Building Surveying.

Anne Clark – MScCongratulations to Anne Clark, Payroll andPensions Manager, on gaining her MsC inPayroll Management from Derby University.

Anne started her degree course in September2007 and successfully managed her study timebetween her work and family commitments toachieve what at times she did think was goingto be impossible. She has had the continuedsupport of her husband David and herextended family along with the support offriends and colleagues at work during this time.

Anne has worked at the Trust since 1991,working within Data Input, Finance and thenPayroll, initially based at Rampton and thenmoving to Mansfield when NottinghamshireHealthcare was formed. Anne has workedthrough many changes and challengesthroughout her career but the last three yearscertainly rank high up in her list of challenges.

Friends and colleagues from within the Trustwould like to wish Anne many congratulationson achieving her degree and look forward toworking with her on the challenges we allmust meet in the coming years.

Highbury Hospital staff – NVQsStaff at Highbury Hospital were presentedwith NVQ certificates in an event on 30June. Max Owens, Hotel Services Manager,introduced the presentations before AlisonNewton, Operational Manager, presented26 certificates.

A special mention and congratulations toMaggie England for achieving level 4 in‘Managing Food Safety in Catering’.Congratulations also to PaulineHaselwood, who obtained a merit for herAdvanced Food Hygiene.

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Stuart Lee

Staff at HighburyHospital withtheir NVQs

the experiences of BME service users. Thereport outlines six recommendations toimprove services after 63% of peoplesurveyed said that they were not treated wellin hospital. One recommendation is settingup a service user panel working alongsideadvocacy workers to look at discrimination.Another proposal which the Maat projectidentified and is currently seeing progress onrelates to ‘respect’, an approach that avoidsthe use of restraint in hospitals.

The report was put together in participationwith groups from Nottingham includingDynamite, an informal support group forAfrican Caribbean service users of all agesfacilitated by Trust staff. Dynamite providedthe entertainment and venue for thepresentation as well as food includingCaribbean delights such as salt fish fritters,mutton and rice.

The turnout from staff within adult mentalhealth services was disappointing, but SueThornton, Adult Mental Health ServicesGeneral Manger, attended the presentationand was eager to invite the group back topresent the report to the acute care forumalong with Dynamite facilitators Sharon andMarlene.

20Positive September 2010

ReleasingTime to Care:half way thereThe Releasing Time to Care (RTtC)Team is celebrating the approach of thehalf way point of the project. After 18months working alongside inpatientcolleagues, the team is now lookingforward to extending its work intocommunity areas.

RTtC aims to enable teams to increasethe amount of time they spend in directpatient care by improving efficiency ofward processes and removingunnecessary tasks. 18 wards within theLocal Services Directorate are rollingout the project in four cohorts.

‘Showcase wards’ Rowan 1 and Rowan2 at Highbury Hospital have completedthe three foundation modules and areworking through the process modules.Rowan 2 has transformed the clinicroom by marking out ‘homes’ formedical supplies and streamliningordering. Standardised operatingprocedures are in place and there is anidentified care and environmentcoordinator with responsibility for

ordering. This ensures waste is minimalwith no duplication or unnecessaryordering. Rowan 1 continues to drive‘protected time’, ensuring patientsreceive one to one named nurse time ina routine and structured way.

All wards in cohort one have completedthe three foundation modules. Wardoffices have been refurbished andreorganised to improve access toinformation and use visual managementsystems to help locate items within threeseconds. B50 has a new and efficientward office which has enabled the teamto lead shifts and coordinate in a moreproductive environment. This ward isprogressing through the medicinesmodule and plans to start self-medication to promote recovery andindependence. Ongoing support frommedical and pharmacy colleagues will

enable the nursing team to sustain selfmedication opportunities.

The ‘Knowing How We are Doing’module has ensured wards are able toevidence and track improvements withdata and graphs which are updatedmonthly. Data evidences increases indirect patient care time and increasedstaff wellbeing. This ensures safety andreliability and tracks quality issues.

As a result of the RTtC work, wardenvironments are better organised, moreproductive and more efficient. Wardshave received very positive feedbackfrom visitors who have noticed theimprovements.

Watch out for more about other cohortswithin the Local Services and Forensicdivisions in future issues of Positive.

Earlier this year the Trustlaunched a postercompetition which was opento all staff, service users,carers and patients. The aimwas to get people who wereinvolved in using and/ordelivering our services todevelop a poster that makes itclear that bullying, harassmentand discrimination are notacceptable, that disrespectingor treating someone in a waythat makes them feel inferior oruncomfortable because of theirage, gender, sexual orientation,disability, religion/belief or raceis wrong.

Nearly 50 entries were receivedfrom staff, service users, carersand patients across a widerange of services within theTrust and were proudly

displayed on the main wall ofthe Involvement Centre atDuncan Macmillan House fortwo weeks. The competitionwas fierce as the standard ofentries was very high.

First prize went to the Health &Safety Team at DuncanMacmillan House, second prizeto a patient group fromWathwood Hospital and thirdprize to Avril Anderson,Healthcare Assistant atBassetlaw Hospital. Two specialequality and diversity prizeswere also awarded – the first totwo young people fromThorneywood Day Unit and thesecond to a patient from theLearning Disability Unit atRampton Hospital.

The winning poster will be used

as the basis for a Trustwideanti-bullying, anti-harassmentand anti-discrimination

campaign and the runners upwill feature on a speciallycommissioned set of postcards.

Poster competition winners announced

Janet Sheard, Executive Director Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, presents the first prizeaward to Gill Berridge and Ian Freegard from the Health & Safety Team.

The Releasing Time to Care team.Left to right: Amanda Land, KateSteels, Steve Williamson, LouiseRandle, Jackie Kennedy.

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WHO WE ARE... WE NEED YOU!You may have picked up thiscopy of the newsletter notknowing what NottinghamshireHealthcare NHS Trust is. Weprovide mental health andlearning disability services for thewhole of Nottinghamshire. We also manage medium-secureunits in Leicester and Rotherham,and the high-secure RamptonHospital near Retford.

Printed on Revive · 100% recycled paper

If you have any ideas or suggestions for the newsletter, please contact Suzanne Aitken in the TrustCommunications Team on 0115 955 5403 or via email at suzanne.aitken@nottshc.nhs.uk. We are always pleased to receive articles for possible publication, but ask that they do not exceed 300words. If any individuals other than yourself are mentioned in what you write or featured in accompanyingphotographs, please make sure you check with them that they are happy to be potentially featured. Pleasenote that the Communications Team has full editorial control and may have to edit articles appropriately.Therefore, if you want to see the final version please ensure you send your article in with plenty of time beforethe deadline and state clearly what you require.

If you would like copies of any past editions of Positive, or if you are having any ‘distribution issues’ with thenewsletter – whether you’re receiving too many copies, too few, or none at all then please contact us. If youwould like your story in the December issue of Positive, please contact us by 12 November 2010.However, due to space constraints we cannot guarantee the publication of all articles received by the deadline.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, The Resource, Duncan MacMillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham, NG3 6AA. Tel 0115 9691300www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk

Nottingham MentalHealth AwarenessWeeks 2010The unique annual awareness weeksreturn for the 18th year, running fromMonday 4 October to Thursday 14October 2010.

Monday 4 October12.30pm-3.30pm ‘City Carers SupportEvent’ at Young Diverse Minds Centre, TheCroft, Albert Rd, Alexandra Park. Lightrefreshments. Tel 955 5446 (Sarah).1.30pm-3.30pm ‘Unwind with Words’.Poems, stories and conversation at GreenRoom coffee shop, Keyworth. Tel 914 8567(Sue).4pm ‘Launch of Film Festival & MHA Weeks’hosted by Framework at Broadway, 14 BroadSt. 4.45pm buffet, 5.45pm film ‘The RumDiaries’ (see Broadway’s October brochure).Tel 07837 300919 (Anne).

Tuesday 5 October12pm-4.30pm ‘Celebrating Success &Recovery’ conference by Dual DiagnosisForum at Council House, Old MarketSquare. Includes lunch. To book emailmaureen.black@ nottinghamcity.gov.uk.4pm-6pm ‘Labels’. Launch of second CDby service user groups with live music atFopp Record Store, Queen St. Tel 955 5404(Jonathan).

Wednesday 6 October1.30pm-3.30pm ‘Artful Minds’ artexhibition by Nottinghamshire Healthcareopened by High Sheriff of Nottingham at StMary’s Church, Lace Market (until 15October). Tel 952 9464 (Chris).

Thursday 7 October10am ‘Best Foot Forward’. A short walk onThe Forest Recreation Ground. Meet at

Mary Potter Health Centre. Tel 919 4877(Ali).1.30pm-3pm ‘Introduction toMeditation’. Open to all at BuddhistCentre, St Mary’s Place, Hockley. Also7.30pm-9pm. Tel 07814 938396 (Serena).5pm MHA Film Festival (2). Film ‘The GirlWho Played with Fire’ at Broadway. Tel 07837 300919 (Anne).

Saturday 9 October11am-2pm ‘Love Your Mind’ at TheMeadows Library, Wilford Grove. Enjoycomplementary therapies and visit theHuman Library. Tel 915 1168 (Minerva).2.50pm MHA Film Festival (3). Film ‘Wherethe Wild Things Are’ family matinee atBroadway. Tel 07837 300919 (Anne).

Sunday 10 OctoberWorld Mental Health Day 10am-10pm ‘10 minutes @ 10 venues’.Join artists Usha M and Penny A on theroad for random acts of rhythmcelebrating WMHD. Seewww.rundance.org.11am-2pm ‘MHA Wellbeing Event’ atRushcliffe Arena, Rugby Rd, WestBridgford. Tel 914 8567 (Sue).1.15pm-3.45pm ‘All Ours Soup’er Social’with Champions of Change and KeySupport, at Sneinton HermitageCommunity Centre. Soup and cake £2. Tel 07947 656651 (Barbara).5pm-11pm ‘Drop in at the MadPrideParty’ at the Jam Cafe, Heathcoat St.Performance, live music, DJ. Tel 07913765519 (Alex).

Monday 11 October 4pm-6pm ‘Unwind with Words’. Poems,stories and conversation, at Copper coffeeshop, West Bridgford. Tel 914 8567 (Sue).8pm ‘Narratives & Delusion’. Discussionwith Lisa Bortolotti (BirminghamUniversity, philosophy) at Edins, Broad St.Tel 960 3111 (Robin).

Tuesday 12 October12pm-1.30pm ‘Self-Harm Awareness’ forcarers andprofessionals byHarmless at NCVS, 7Mansfield Rd, lightrefreshments. To book,email info@harmless.org.uk.7.30pm ‘Live Music & Social’ at The Maze,Forest Tavern, Mansfield Rd. Tel 925 2516(Rob).

Wednesday 13 October11am-3pm ‘Visit Ecoworks CommunityGarden’ via Allotments, Ransom Rd, StAnns. Tel 07973 116291 (Paul) for entry.8pm MHA Film Festival (4). Film ‘Looking forEric’ at Broadway. Tel 07837 300919 (Anne).

Thursday 14 October11am-2pm ‘Visit the Human Library’(information from a person, not a book) atThe Hut, Robin Hood Chase, St Anns. Tel 955 5404 (Jonathan).11am-3pm ‘Visit Ecoworks CommunityGarden’ via Allotments, Ransom Rd, StAnns. Tel 07973 116291 (Paul) for entry.7pm ‘Open Evening’ with Roads toRecovery, at Mechanics, North SherwoodSt. Film and refreshments. Tel 934 8421.

Plus...‘Express Yourself’ NCHA Art Exhibition atSt Mary’s Church, Lace Market. 4-15October. Tel 933 8100 (Janet).‘MHA Events’ at Rosewood InvolvementCentre 7-9 October. Tel 01623 835210.Also at DMH Involvement Centre 11-13October. Tel 993 4567.‘Better with Books Launch’. Wednesday 10October 2pm-4pm. Join 50+ health group atWest Bridgford Library. Tel 914 8567 (Sue).

Visit our new website for furtherdetails: www.nottinghammentalhealthawarenessweeks.org