HPFT, Customer Magazine, Issue 51

Issue 51/Summer 2017

Matters

HPFT provides support to people with mental and physical ill health and learning disabilities

GOVERNOR ELECTIONS

We need more stories of hope and recovery

Join our team and make a difference

TOP CLASS

New Leaf College opens its doors

LOGANDENE REBORN

Dementia unit gets a makeover

TOP TRUST FOR

Jonny Benjamin

Staff motivation and engagement

PCONTENTS M

03 04 05 06-08

Cover Story

Jonny Benjamin, mental health campaigner

09-11

Our Staff

HPFT is top of the trusts in NHS Staff Survey

Welcome

Tom Cahill, CEO

Our Events Logandene reborn Letchworth Wellbeing Centre launch New Leaf College launch

12 13-15 16

Our Services

Perinatal Mental Health Services Blanket of hope for Thumbswood Building skills for the future at Broadland Clinic Essex Learning Disabilities Team’s innovative idea Bringing the seaside to Lambourn Grove

Our membership Come and join us

Our Governors Introduction from Chris Lawrence, Chairman Barry Canterford, Engagement Governor Governor Elections – all you need to know

About us

Our Vision Our Mission Our Services Contact us

VALUING OUR MEMBERS by Alison Smith, Marketing and Events Officer Welcome to the Summer issue of partnership matters... which aims to engage with our members whilst connecting with the wider community.

We have been delighted with the positive feedback we have received following the magazine’s recent redesign. As members you are important to us and we value your input so please take the time to write in. If you would like to get more involved in the Trust why not

SOCIAL

Follow us on Twitter @HPFT_NHS Like us on Facebook @hpft.nhs www.hpft.nhs.uk

consider becoming one of our governors?

You’ll have the opportunity to take an active role in what the Trust does whilst meeting some amazing people. To find out more about this interesting role read pages 13-15.

Get in touch Email: comms@hpft.nhs.uk or write to us at the address on the back page.

PM/COVER STORY

“

I’m not going to let you jump today” Jonny Benjamin talks movingly about the man who saved his life

cover story

Campaigner,

author and vlogger, Jonny Benjamin was the keynote speaker at the Risk Leadership and Clinical Role event at The Colonnades. Jonny gave a very powerful talk about his struggles with schizophrenia, his acceptance of being gay, his journey to recovery and his search for the stranger on the bridge who saved his life.

Jonny explained how as a child he heard voices in his head but thought this was normal. In his teens, Jonny’s as yet undiagnosed illness became increasingly challenging. “I knew things weren’t right but I wasn’t going to tell anyone” he added. He did tell a doctor, though and was put on a waiting list for therapy but because of the length of time it took for his first appointment he assumed that his condition was not that bad.

“He just listened which was so important” At university things began to fall apart. Jonny ended up in a psychiatric ward but found the conditions so oppressive that he escaped. He ended up on a bridge in London preparing to take his own life when “this young guy came along and started talking to me.

‘I’m not going to let you jump today’ he said.”

was to be under suicide watch and how important the attitude of staff was to a patients’ recovery. “Just simple things like smiling and being interested make a huge difference” he said.

One of Jonny’s campaigns is raising awareness of mental health issues in young people - both in the UK and abroad. “75% of mental illness begins in adolescence” he says. In this venture he has the notable support of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

“There needs to be more stories of hope and recovery” Of his own recovery, Jonny says that mindfulness, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and learning the importance of taking his meds have all helped. These days he says “there’s a lot to look forward to”. He ended his talk by thanking HPFT staff for “the good work that you do.” Jonny says “There needs to be more stories of hope and recovery.”

Jonny visits Kingfisher Court Late last year Jonny visited Kingfisher Court, HPFT’s state of the art adult inpatient unit. Jess Lievesley, Director of Delivery and Service User Experience, who showed him around, said “The overall view from Jonny is that we have an amazing facility that we should be proud of. It is particularly good to hear from someone who has experience of using inpatient services that we have got it right.”

Jonny opened up to the young man about all he’d been through as a result of his illness and his struggles with being gay. “He just listened, which was so important”. The young man, who after a nationwide campaign to find Jonny’s rescuer, was identified as Neil, told Jonny “not to be embarrassed or ashamed”. Neil continued “I think you’ll get better.” Jonny said that at a time of crisis he’d found “someone who believed in me and gave me hope.”

“75% of mental illness begins in adolescence” The story of Jonny’s search for his rescuer featured in a TV documentary entitled ‘The Stranger on the Bridge’ and included a moving reunion of the two men. They are now close friends and campaign on mental health issues.

Jonny’s experiences of mental health services have been mixed. He spoke of a ‘them and us’ culture in some hospitals, how terrifying it

Jonny Benjamin with Jess Lievesley (L) and John Lavelle, Service Line Lead (Acute and Rehab Services) (R)

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PM/CONFERENCES

HPFT is top of the league for staff motivation for the second year running Nearly 80% of staff agreed that service users are the organisation’s top priority

Staff

at Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) would recommend the Trust as a place to work or receive treatment and believe it offers a very high quality of patient care and experience, according to the 2016 National NHS Staff Survey.

The Annual Staff Survey, which is mandatory for all NHS trusts, is an important way of gathering feedback from staff to drive service improvements. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will use the results to help make sure essential safety and quality standards are met. HPFT staff scored very highly compared with other mental health and learning disability trusts in agreeing that: • their role makes a difference to service users and carers • the Trust puts the needs of patients and service users first • the Trust acts on concerns raised by service users • they are able to contribute towards making improvements

at work 70% of staff are happy with the standard of care HPFT provides The survey found staff to be strong advocates for the Trust and the care that it provides. Seventy per cent of HPFT staff agreed that: “If a friend or relative needed treatment, I would be happy with the standard of care provided by this organisation.” This is above the national average of 59%.

Nearly 80% of staff agreed that service users are the organisation’s top priority. The Trust received the highest score for staff

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Members Magazine Career Advert VECTORISED.indd 1

motivation and engagement, as well as being ranked the national best for: • the quality of staff appraisal • staff training, learning and development

“ “

I am delighted we are top for staff engagement and motivation for the second year running. If our staff have a good experience at work then our service users also have a better experience.”

Tom Cahill, Chief Executive

We have been working with staff to develop the Trust as both a provider and an employer of choice. We are really pleased that staff continue to feel so motivated.”

Jinjer Kandola, Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development

03/04/2017 16:47:31

PM/OUR EVENTS

Welcome

Celebrating change and transformation

“

This year got off to a flying start for HPFT with great results from the staff survey, the opening of our new wellbeing centre in Letchworth and the relaunch of Logandene, our refurbished dementia treatment unit.

Top Trust for Staff Motivation and Engagement I was delighted with the results of the NHS National Staff Survey: for the second year running, we have received top scores for staff motivation and engagement as well as for the quality of our appraisal and training. When I visit our services I see how tirelessly our staff work and how dedicated they are to delivering great care to our service users. It is good to discover from the survey just how much staff value working at HPFT. Letchworth Wellbeing Centre – delivering joined up care to the

community We have been working with all our partners to deliver joined up care in

Tom Cahill, Chief Executive

the community where it is most needed. Earlier in the year we opened our first wellbeing facility, which is a joint venture with Herts Mind Network. The Letchworth Wellbeing Centre delivers care to people with mental health issues in the heart of the town. It is an exciting start and the shape of things to come as towards the end of the year HPFT and Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust will open an integrated health hub in Hemel Hempstead. More news on that in the next issue.

Logandene – transforming dementia care In March we reopened Logandene, a specialist assessment and dementia treatment unit which has undergone a state of the art refurbishment.

The premises have a homely feel and have been designed to foster a sense of community and familiarity. There is a new sensory room which will provide gentle stimulation and a relaxing garden which caters for the specific needs of our service users.

HPFT is committed to providing the best environment for older people with a high level of need, including dementia and we strongly believe this facility sets a new standard in dementia care.

“

As the year progresses there will be more exciting developments to look forward to. For all the latest news I encourage you to look at our excellent website which was launched in January www.hpft.nhs.uk

Life within my Life Creative Art Exhibition

Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage 3 July – 30 July 2017 Paintings, poetry and philosophy by Hollis Dixon, member of HPFT’s Art Panel Featuring: needlework by Louise Knight, poetry by Robyn Penfold and prints of images from the HPFT Service User Art Collection

Postcard signing of ‘Life within my Life’ with the purchase of e-book on Saturday 15 July 2017 from 10am-4pm ‘Life within my Life’ e-book publication available throughout exhibition period

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PM/OUR EVENTS

Logandene’s innovative transformation In March HPFT reopened Logandene specialist dementia assessment and treatment unit

Logandene, a specialist dementia assessment and treatment unit in Hemel Hempstead, has undergone a state of the art refurbishment as part of HPFT’s extensive transformation programme providing joined up care to the local population. By investing £42 million in to top range services across the county, the 16 specialist assessment and treatment beds at Logandene will ensure vulnerable and elderly adults in Hemel Hempstead always receive excellent treatment.

The relaunch event provided an opportunity for the local community to visit the unit and meet some of the staff. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the design, layout and refurbishment of rooms for particular praise.

Logandene will feel like home for many service users, and foster a sense of belonging. The corridors are well lit and signposted so residents can find their way around. The kitchen and lounge are designed to create a sense of community and familiarity. The bedrooms allow for personal items, so service users can feel comfortable and safe in surroundings which aid recollection. The garden has a potting shed, and raised planters to make activities easier, and encourage independence. Therapy rooms have been designed in collaboration with Occupational Therapy staff to provide appropriate activity and stimulation which upholds dignity and wellbeing.

Logandene also features a new sensory room where staff will be able to provide gentle stimulation, therapy of sight, touch, smell, taste, sound and movement tailored to fit the needs of the service user and resident. The adjustable light panels, fibre optics and a sound system will also create a soft calm ambience, while the furnishings will aid relaxation.

The Chairman of HPFT Chris Lawrence and Chief Executive, Tom Cahill, cut the ribbon to open the unit alongside Sandra Brookes, who oversees much of our East and North services.

“

As a leading mental health trust committed to providing high quality mental health care, we are proud of the new features, which we strongly believe set a new standard in dementia care.”

Staff and visitors at the reopening enjoying the sensory room

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Tom Cahill

A sensory wall

Letchworth gets its very own Wellbeing Centre

PM/OUR EVENTS

When it comes to joined up care Letchworth wellbeing centre is in a league of its own In February Letchworth Wellbeing Centre held its grand opening. The facility which is jointly run by HPFT and Herts Mind Network, is located in the heart of the garden city’s town centre.

The event attracted close to 100 visitors over the course of the day and special guests included 80s pop star Kim Wilde and former football manager, Martin Ling. Also present were the chief executives of HPFT, Tom Cahill, Herts Mind Network, Julie Nicholson, and Mind, Paul Farmer.

Speaking at the event Tom Cahill said “The Trust is proud to work in partnership with Mind. Both partners will work together in providing joined up care for the local community.”

L-R Tom Cahill, Julie Nicholson, CEO Herts Mind Network, Kim Wilde, Martin Ling, Karen Howard from HPFT and Paul Farmer, CEO Mind

Mental health is no longer an invisible illness. The fact that the Letchworth Wellbeing Centre is on the high street demonstrates how far we have come as a society in how we view mental health conditions.”

These services will help ensure many people get the support and care they need. Great outcomes are dependent on great partnerships, and great people, HPFT and Herts Mind Network have ensured that the Letchworth Wellbeing Centre will be in a league of its own in providing joined up care for all.

Tom Cahill Of course none of this would have been possible without the collaboration of HPFT and Herts Mind Network. When HPFT heard that Julie Nicholson was looking to start a peer support project they agreed to fund it, if a building could be located. When the old post office, a historic landmark of the garden city, became available the opportunity was too good to miss. After three years hard work the centre has opened its doors for the first time.

In the old days I had to call the press to try to get our voices heard; now it’s the other way round. Individual journeys begin with shared support and the Letchworth Wellbeing Centre will be the starting point for many.”

Paul Farmer The centre offers peer to peer support, confidence building classes, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and self management workshops, housing and vocational advice, courses in recovery from common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, and mindfulness and relaxation tuition.

Martin Ling

For more information contact Hertfordshire Mind Network Tel: 0203 727 3600 and press option 8 for Letchworth Wellbeing Centre

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PM/OUR EVENTS

New Leaf Wellbeing College – opening its doors to a brighter future

In March Hertfordshire’s first wellbeing college was officially launched

Over

70 guests attended the launch of New Leaf College at The Colonnades in March.

Speakers at the event included Tom Cahill, Chief Executive of HPFT, Sarah Clark from Druglink and Dr Audrey Kempson, from the University of Hertfordshire.

New Leaf College offers a range of free educational courses to help people take better control of their wellbeing. It actively supports everyone to benefit from the opportunities the college can provide.

It offers courses to students with a lived experience of both mental and/or long-term physical health issues, enabling them to take better control of their wellbeing, learn practical skills and providing an opportunity for reflection.

Irma Mullins, New Leaf College Development Manager said: “The college is based on the belief of individual strength, co-production and selfmanagement. Co-production makes sure people with lived experience are equal partners in the college and support course development and delivery.”

Tom Cahill, Chief Executive of HPFT and one of the speakers at the event remarked “What a fantastic evening. Thank you and well done to all of you who have been involved with this project and this event. You never know I might sign up for a course.”

Speaking about her experiences both as a student, studying hard to achieve her goals and as a tutor, inspiring future Irma Mullins with generations, Dr Audrey James Holland from HPFT Kempson said “It’s one of the joys of my work to be involved in colleges such as this”. She continued “We set off with great hopes for the future where everyone will continue to learn and who knows where we’ll end up.”

Two students, who had already benefitted greatly from the courses on offer, spoke movingly about their experiences.

“ “ ““

Wellbeing for me is about being happy and feeling that I’m a valuable member of society” Whilst I’ve been at the college I’ve done some peer support work and I’d like to continue”

I didn’t think I was creative until I did one of the courses” Doing these courses gives you hope. You realise you’re not the only one on this journey”

There were opportunities to network, learn more about what was on offer from the tutors and to sign up for courses. A group of potential students chatted excitedly about the various courses they wanted to do as they waited to enrol.

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Peer Tutors Clair and Jaskawal with Sarah from Druglink

Sign up for a course today Courses currently on offer include: • Daring to dream • Life skills • Using creativity for wellbeing • Five ways to improving your wellbeing • Learning for your wellbeing • Understanding self-management • Coping with the pressures of daily living

The courses are free of charge and are between 3 hours to 12 hours in length. They are based at various locations throughout the county. The college is open to anyone aged 16 and over living in Hertfordshire. To find out more contact New Leaf College: Tel: 01442 864966 Email: info@newleafcollege.co.uk www.newleafcollege.co.uk

PM/OUR SERVICES

A bright start for mums and mums to be New Community Perinatal Service provides joined up care before and after giving birth HPFT has set up a new Community Perinatal Service (CPS) for expectant mothers who are at risk of mental health issues during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby. The service, which is directly funded by NHS England, offers accessible specialised treatment across Hertfordshire. It coordinates with midwives, obstetricians and GPs to create a model of joined up care, which promotes long term recovery.

Nationally 1 in 10 mums will experience perinatal mental health problems. In Hertfordshire alone, it is estimated around 400 women need mental health treatment during or after their pregnancy and a further another 1,400 will have symptoms which require support.

The new service provides a telephone triage within two working days of a direct referral to ensure quick and easy accessibility.

In addition to traditional home visits, the CPS works out of Watford General, the QEII, Lister and Hemel Hempstead hospitals, children’s centres and GP surgeries. The CPS also offers counselling, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, family planning, telephone advice and, in some cases, early intervention to safeguard mothers and babies. Additionally, the Community Perinatal Team can signpost to other organisations and sources of help.

“The CPS in Hertfordshire is one of the few which have been commissioned in England. It’s an opportunity for the Trust to provide a stand out service for women, to be proactive, and manage care in a joined up way.” Sarah Cohen, Consultant Psychiatrist and Project Lead.

“

We look forward to using our expertise at HPFT to support women with the mental illnesses that are associated with pregnancy and childbirth. We know what a positive difference this early intervention will make for families in Hertfordshire”

Tom Cahill

Blanket of hope Knitting a blanket for new mums has been a therapeutic process for service users

A beautiful, colourful blanket has been donated to Thumbswood Mother and Baby Unit by the Orchards ADTU (Acute Day Treatment Unit) knitting and natter group.

Knitting the blanket proved highly beneficial to the group. It gave them a shared purpose and each individual was able to gain strength from feeling connected to, and accepted by, the others.

This sense of unity helped members to express, explore and share their feelings of pleasure, hope, uncertainty and pain which really helped with their recovery.

Staff from the ADTU Team

Some of the knitters were novices, so one of the members sang an Irish knitting song throughout, which helped them remember the sequence of the stitches. There were tears and laughter along the way and some days members, both men and women, were only able to manage a few stitches depending on how well they felt. But each turn of the knitting needles brought them a step closer to their goal.

The social and psychological benefits from this therapeutic group occupation have been considerable. Knitting as a skilled and creative occupation has therapeutic properties providing relaxation, stress relief and improving mood and making people feel calm and happy. Creating the blanket has connected people who shared a need for care and support, and in the process both the creators of the blanket and receivers will hopefully have benefited.

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PM/OUR SERVICES

Helping those with learning disabilities deal with end of life issues Two Community Nurse Practitioners from North East Essex discuss their Easy Read booklet

Last

year Community Nurse Practitioners, Karen Shroder and Sharon Everett, from North East Essex Learning Disability Community Team, attended a free seminar at a local funeral directors called ‘Care of the Deceased’.

Karen continues “The pictures we have used in our booklet may not be those of traditional Easy Read documents. We have chosen this particular style so that we can reach a wider audience ie those with dementia, mental health conditions, children and the relatives or carers who are tasked with having to arrange someone’s funeral.”

Despite my initial apprehension, this is the most interesting and enlightening training event I have ever attended”

“Having something already in place takes the pressure off people at a very difficult time, and helps to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are known about. We hope it will be useful to those with the responsibility for overseeing the funeral arrangements. The booklet once completed can be kept with the person’s care plan and used alongside their funeral plan, if they have one in place.” Karen says.

Karen Shroder At the session they were given a booklet called ‘My Funeral Wishes’ which inspired the two nurse practitioners to come up with an Easy Read version for their service users.

Karen and Sharon would like to thank Matthew and Don from Gwinells for “embracing the challenge of working with us to create something unique to our service”.

This photo is part of the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) Art Collection - www.hpft.nhs.uk/art-project

Broadland Clinic service users are building skills for the future!

Service users at HPFT’s Broadland Clinic in Norfolk have been learning new skills, in a partnership with St Eds College in Norwich.

The college caters for young people who want to learn a practical trade, which fitted the bill for several of our service users. With the support of the unit’s education department, led by Paula Buckenham from People Plus, two service users gained places at the college. Both are working towards accredited real world qualifications. Word has spread and there are now more service users from the clinic interested in attending.

Occupational Therapist Vicki Aiken said “Many of the men at the clinic are young people who want an active career in the future.

St Eds is ideal because they are flexible and supportive enough for our service users to attend college whilst on leave. With qualifications to work towards, they can start to build a new life for themselves beyond being a patient or an ex-offender.” The college places a strong emphasis on responsibility, health and safety, and professionalism which supports service users in making progress

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in their recovery and moving towards a better future. Two service users told us how the courses have helped them.

“I spoke to my team about my interest in motorbikes and my tutor, Paula, looked into some courses for me. I now go to a motorcycle maintenance course once a week. I really like it there because we get to work on motorbikes. I’d like to get a job in a motorbike repair shop one day.”

“I started a bricklaying and trowel trades course at St Eds. I have learnt about health and safety in a working environment, how to use the tools of the trade and seen my tutor demonstrate different techniques to use. After five weeks on the course I built a brick wall.”

More information about St Eds can be found by going to www.st-eds.org/

PM/OUR SERVICES

Bringing the seaside to Lambourn Grove Staff and relatives club together to get reminiscence items for our dementia unit

Service users

at Lambourn Grove have had their environment transformed by the installation of a pop up reminiscence space called a Rempod.

The idea to purchase a Rempod was the brainchild of Emily English, Associate Practitioner at the centre. Emily explains “I have been doing my Foundation Degree for two years within the Trust.

One of my assignments was to implement something on the ward that service users, carers and staff would benefit from. So I decided to raise money to purchase a pop up reminiscence room or Rempod.”

Rempods turn any care space into a familiar, dementia friendly environment without the need for decoration. Emily says that the pods are “calming social spaces which work as a valuable reminiscence tool to improve mental wellbeing. This can in turn improve dementia care, by creating a better understanding between staff and their clients and also carers.”

Emily continues “the best type of care is given to those who are best understood. Creating a fun social activity which allows service users to interact and socialise within a safe, familiar environment relieves boredom and depression and this increases nutrition and the intake of fluids.”

Emily began raising money in March 2016 “To raise the money the staff and I organised garden, Easter and Christmas parties. At each event we had a raffle and sold cakes. Family members who had lost their loved ones also donated money”. By March 2017 they had enough funds to make their first purchase.

“The hardest part was deciding which Rempod to choose – they range from a vintage shop and traditional cinema to a vintage tea room and a beach. After discussing the options with staff and families we decided to choose the Nostalgic Beach as we felt that everyone loves the seaside.” says Emily.

Bernadette Courtenay, the wife of a resident at the unit says, “The staff are so dedicated and

Emily English (L) with Lisa Scott

kind, I have nothing but admiration for them. The staff talk to them (the clients), they have a rapport.” Bernadette says that now that her husband is at Lambourn “I can sleep at night and not worry. You wouldn’t find any better place anywhere.”

Anne Harris says “My husband has been here for a year. The staff are so caring, they go above and beyond. They are so well trained in dementia and they understand his needs. Dementia is a part of him, it’s not the whole. It’s like one big family here. It’s so easy and I love coming, it’s not frightening.” Anne really likes the Rempod “My husband loved going to the seaside” she says. Anne adds that because her husband is at the centre “I can be a wife with him, not a carer. We had our ruby wedding here.

It was lovely.”

Doreen and Lisa Scott made a significant donation to help acquire the Rempod.

“It was in memory of my Dad, John Scott” says Lisa. Doreen adds “My husband was only here a month but the people have been fantastic, they are very kind.”

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PM/OUR MEMBERSHIP

We need you! Join our membership today And show your support for mental health, physical health and learning disability issues

We

want you to join us and become part of the HPFT community. Our members enable us to strengthen our bond with our local communities and stakeholders assisting us to truly understand our local health economy and what our services mean for you.

Becoming a member helps to support a range of activities which are vital for the development of local services. We really value the support and insight our members give us and are able to deliver better services because of them.

Benefits of membership • Partnership Matters magazine • Advance information about events and public meetings • Opportunity to have your say and to make a positive

contribution to HPFT’s services and the way we are run • Information about the role of members and governors

“

As a Trust we recognise the vital role our members and governors play in the development and success of the Trust ” Chris Lawrence Chairman

Membership is FREE and open to everyone over the age of 14 - there is no upper age limit. So why not join us today?

Contact the Membership Office Tel: 01707 253903 Email: foundation@hpft.nhs.uk www.hpft.nhs.uk

• Opportunity to stand for election to the Council of Governors

Annual General Meeting 19 July 2017 from 6pm to 8pm

The Colonnades, Da Vinci Suite, Beaconsfield Close, Hatfield, AL10 8YE

Come and find out how we have been transforming mental health and learning disabilities services across Hertfordshire and our plans for the future.

If you would like to attend or if you require more information, please email: comms.events@hpft.nhs.uk or call 01707 253903

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Members Magazine AGM Advert 2017.indd 1

03/04/2017 17:28:59

PM/OUR GOVERNORS

We are keen to encourage members who want to take an active and influential part in the way the Trust is run to become a Governor Says Chris Lawrence, Chairman

Preparations for the forthcoming Governor Elections are in full swing. They offer an excellent opportunity for members to play an active and influential role in the way that the Trust is run. We are always keen to welcome those with either expertise, experience or simply a genuine passion for mental health, physical health and learning disability issues and who are keen to get involved.

Our Governors act as ambassadors for the Trust: they sit on various panels, represent the Trust at events and conferences, act in an advisory capacity and help ensure that the Trust meets its objectives. They come from many different backgrounds, a variety of roles and a wide range of professions. They bring with them a wealth of experience and both enrich the Trust and help bring about positive change.

There are many different reasons why our Governors are attracted to the role – some have a lived experience of the issues faced by our service users and carers; others wish to play a greater role in vital services which support their local community; some have expertise that they feel can be of benefit to an organisation such as ourselves.

Whatever the motivation for becoming a Governor, we are very grateful to them for giving up their time to provide what is invaluable support.

If you would like to know more about getting involved I invite you to read the following pages and get in touch to learn more about the great work our Governors do. I very much hope we will have the opportunity of welcoming you on to our Board of Governors.

Barry Canterford, Engagement Governor talks about how he came to be a Trust Governor My business career has been spent with companies such as Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Mini and Lotus. It was the dream job for a car fanatic. I’m a Fellow of the Oil and Colour Chemist Association in the Technology of Surface Coating and have served as London Region Chairman and National Vice President.

“

Eight years ago I had a psychotic incident and entered the Trust’s services. As my journey progressed I became involved with the charity Mind. In 2010/11 I was voted Volunteer of the Year by my peers something I am proud of. In 2012 I helped set up a charity called Safety Net which provided drop in services in Hertford. Sadly,

I wanted to give something back”

says Barry Canterford

funding was withdrawn and we had to close.

I had always been grateful of the support that I had received from HPFT and I really wanted to put something back. Now I had the opportunity to do so. I attended a meeting for prospective Governors which helped to convince me that this was the role for me. I stood for election and was delighted when I was successful.

I was re-elected in 2016 and at the last AGM I accepted the post of Engagement Champion.

Being a Governor is a really interesting and varied role. I am able to see how the Trust operates at so many levels. In a typical month it’s possible to attend Board Meetings, the Service User Council and various subgroups as well as visiting HPFT’s sites. The aspect of the role I most enjoy is engagement with the Trust’s members and service users. We are developing new ways to interact with these groups.

If you want to contribute to the development of mental health, physical health and learning disability services in Hertfordshire becoming a Governor could be for you and I can strongly recommend it.

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PM/OUR GOVERNORS

Governor elections –

we need you to help shape the future of local services

If

you are a member and would like to take a more active role in the Trust we are looking for candidates with a real passion for mental health, physical health and learning disability issues to become Governors. Whether you have expertise in a specific area, a lived experience of the issues faced by our service users and carers or a genuine desire to play a vital part in your local community, we are keen to hear from you.

You don’t need any qualifications to be a Governor just a real willingness to get involved. Our current Governors come from many different backgrounds: some are former service users, others are carers, there are those who have expertise in a specific field or just a genuine wish to get involved and support their local mental health trust.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the future of local health services As a Governor you will be helping to ensure that the Trust meets its objectives. You will act in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors on the direction of the Trust and help to ensure that it adheres to its vision and values. You will also be consulted on plans for changes to the way local health services are delivered.

Governors are vitally important in forming a link to the communities that the Trust serves including service users and carers. We hope you will choose to be one of them and join the HPFT community.

This year members will be choosing 8 Public Governors and 1 Staff Governor - so for your chance to be one of them please get in touch today.

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Elections are taking place to choose 9 new Governors of HPFT – be one of them

Governor taster sessions – find out how you can play a vital role in local services Our taster sessions are a great opportunity to meet like minded people and have a chat with existing Governors about their experiences and what they really enjoy about their role. We will provide you with all the information you need so that you can decide if this is really for you. There will be a photographer on hand to ensure we get your best profile picture and we’ll even give you help with writing a stand out election statement. Oh and did we mention cakes...?

The workshops will take place at our Head Office in Hatfield on the following dates: • Thursday 18 May from 2pm-5pm • Thursday 25 May from 5pm-8.30pm

For more details and to book your place please use the contact details below.

If you would like to find out more about what is involved please ask for a nomination pack or come along to our Governor Taster Sessions – we would love to hear from you.

For more information: Tel: 01707 253903 Email: comms@hpft.nhs.uk www.hpft.nhs.uk

PM/OUR GOVERNORS

BEING A GOVERNOR How many Governors are there?

There are 39 Governors. These are composed of:

21 Elected Public Governors What do Governors do?

Governors bring a great deal of benefit to the Trust through their experience, influence and role as a critical friend.

Governors receive an induction and relevant training. They attend four Council of Governor meetings per year which are based at our Head Office in Hatfield.

There is an opportunity for Governors to get involved in one of four sub-committees covering: quality and effectiveness, engagement, performance and appointments and remuneration, as well as visiting the Trust’s various units.

5 Elected Staff Governors 13 Appointed Governors

(representatives of Local Authorities, the Primary Care Trust and partner organisations)

Governors have a number of statutory duties, which are: 99 To appoint or remove the Chairman and other NonExecutive Directors 99 To ratify the appointment of the Chief Executive, if necessary 99 To appoint and remove the external auditor of the Trust 99 To decide the remuneration of the Chair and Non-Executive Directors 99 To be consulted on the developments of the forward plans of the Trust and any significant changes to the health care provided by the Trust 99 To receive the Trust’s annual accounts, auditor’s report and annual report at the Annual General Meeting 99 To express a view on the strategic direction of the Trust

What is the timetable for elections?

End April

Notice of Election: nomination packs available

End May

Close of nominations: all completed nomination forms must be received at 5pm

Mid June

Statement of Nominations: a list of all the candidates standing in the election

Mid June

Voting packs sent to all members: members will be sent a ballot paper and information about all the candidates

Mid July

Close of Voting: all completed ballot papers must be received by the appointed electoral service

Mid July

Results declared: the votes are counted and the results announced

Dates to be confirmed. For full details visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website www.hpft.nhs.uk

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About Us

Our Mission

We help people of all ages live their lives to their full potential by supporting them to keep mentally and physically well.

CONTACT US

Our Vision

Delivering great care, achieving great outcomes – together.

Our services

We provide mental health and social care services – including adults of working age, older adults, children and adolescents and specialist learning disabilities services.

Post: Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, The Colonnades, Beaconsfield Road, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 8YE Email the Membership Office: foundation@hpft.nhs.uk Visit our website www.hpft.nhs.uk Follow us on Twitter @HPFT_NHS Like us on Facebook @hpft.nhs

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