Network May 2015

ISSUE 31

NETWORK MAY 2015

ABBEY ROAD

I’M VOTING

PHOENIX GRADUATE RECORDS ALBUM

RESIDENTS GO TO VOTE

KNIT-A-FISH

CAST ON FOR THE PHOENIX FAMILY SERVICE

GET CREATIVE

ART THERAPY AT THE WIRRAL

HMP FOSTON HALL

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S DAY

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to May’s edition of Network. This month we’re talking Health and Wellbeing at Phoenix, and finding out all the goings on around the organisation.

In this issue:

• Health and Wellbeing • Time to Take Notice • Voting in the Residentials • Phoenix Graduate’s Album • Celebrating Women’s Day at HMP Foston Hall • Knit-A-Fish and..

• Art Therapy on the Wirral Deborah Mackay - Editor

Network is all about sharing news, stories and best practice around the Phoenix Futures Group. For guidance on how to submit your content to Network please see the guidelines below.

Point of contact: Please send all content through to me at deborah.mackay@phoenix-futures.org.uk Summary: By submitting a short summary of your news we will be able to develop your content into a full article or feature. This only needs to be one to two paragraphs.

Article: If you would like to write a full article for Network the word count is approximately 350 words. Think about what you want to share and what the main points are. Keeping wording short and simple will help keep readers engaged.

Photos: It’s great to have photos to accompany news and articles in Network. The best way to send photos is to attach them in an email. When sending photos please include names of those pictured.

To get the best out of your photos (and show off your content) why not try these top tips?

• Lighting: Whichever camera you use lighting is important. Make sure there’s plenty of light indoors or go

outdoors for natural light.

• Keep steady: Use two hands to steady your camera / smartphone and get a good clear image.

• Frame it: Think about what you want in your photo and avoid clutter. If you want to zoom in it’s often best

to move closer rather than rely on the zoom, which can reduce picture quality.

For more tips on getting the best snaps why not search the web? There are plenty of great articles like this from techradar.

Editorial process: All content will be reviewed and edited if needed to fit with the overall tone and theme of the magazine.

Deadline: Please submit content by the 15th of each month for it to be featured in the next issue.

BELIEVE IN BEING THE BEST

Phoenix Push Ups The Phoenix Push Ups is an opportunity to highlight the great work done by our colleagues and volunteers. If there’s some one you’d like to recognise send your ‘push up’ with the name of the person you are pushing up along with their service and they’ll be featured in the monthly Phoenix Push Ups.

JANICE GROUNDS, DISCOVER BARBARA CONNOLLY, WIDENING BUIDLING FUTURES HMP HORIZONS LEICESTER...

Whether its service users or GARTH...

Driving force behind the staff nothing’s ever too much trouble for our Barbara… it’s re-launch of the Recovery always service with a lovely smile! wing at Garth, giving up her own time to make it MELANIE CAWLEY, WIRRAL RESIDENTIAL... successful.

Every shift Mel is full of energy, JON HALL, RECOVERY THROUGH COMMUNITY...

For organising such an inspirational day at the Phoenix Forest tree planiting, its things like this that make phoenix unique.

commitment and passion for the role she does...she always goes out of her way to ensure that residents enjoy their time in treatment as much as they can! She is particularly famous for the ‘woop woop’ chants you hear around the community and never fails to cheer up our residents, even when they are going through particularly difficult times…well done Mel!

SARAH O’LEARY AND RACHAEL DANIELS, LEANNE CASE, HMP ONLEY...

RAINSBROOK STC...

Learner of the year.

For the brilliant way they have accepted Phoenix as their new bosses, their enthusiasm and STEVE WILSON, HMP ONLEY... their can do attitude. What a Service user learner of the year. fantastic addition to the Phoenix Family.

VALUE OUR HISTORY

Health and Wellbeing at Phoenix It’s time to think about you. Your health and wellbeing decide how you live every day, let you enjoy time with your family and friends, and help you to give the most to service users in your role.

Many of us spend our working lives caring for others, and we all too often don’t think we have time to take the same care of ourselves. Over the next year we will be giving advice, setting challenges and sharing information with you and your team to help improve how you feel in your day to day lives.

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is about how we feel, think and behave. Nobody feels blissfully happy and thinks positive thoughts all the time, but having a good state of mind can help you enjoy life more and prepare you for new challenges.

At the Roadshows earlier this year, the new Health & Wellbeing Group listened to hundreds of staff share ideas on how we could improve mental and physical wellbeing at work and we want to thank you for all your brilliant suggestions.

The Five Wings to Wellbeing The Five Wings to Wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s wellbeing. They are: • • • • •

Take notice Be active Give Connect Keep learning

The Plan We have created our very own Phoenix Wings and every two months we will launch one of the Wings to Wellbeing.

Most of the programme will be suggesting simple things you, your team, and the wider organisation can do as part of your everyday lives to improve health and wellbeing. There will also be a few exciting initiatives you can choose to get involved with.

Once Sharepoint has launched in all services you will see new ideas and information on your screen every week which you can put into practice during the day.

VALUE OUR HISTORY

Phoenix in Focus: Time to Take Notice This month we’ll be launching the first of our Wings to Wellbeing with Take Notice. Phil Jules, Programme Manager at the Hampshire Residential Service and member of the Phoenix Health and Wellbeing team told me what the campaign was all about.

What is the Take Notice campaign?

Take Notice is the first strand in the launch of the ‘Five Wings to Wellbeing’ campaign for staff and volunteers, which was introduced at this year’s corporate roadshows. This is an initiative designed to help all of us who work for the organisation to take time to think more about our own health and wellbeing.

We tend to be very good at talking to our service users (and perhaps to our colleagues) about taking care of themselves, but maybe not so good at applying this to ourselves. The five different strands within the ‘Five Wings to Wellbeing’ will encourage us to focus on a particular aspect of wellbeing which it may be easy to neglect, but which should benefit us if we pay closer attention to it.

Phil Jules

Paying attention is rather appropriate here as the ‘Take Notice’ campaign invites us to: “Be curious, catch sight of the beautiful and remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons and savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experience will help you appreciate what matters to you.”

How did you become involved in the campaign?

I was invited to join the working group which Karen Biggs has set up for one year in order to launch the ‘Five Wings to Wellbeing’. The working group consists of 10 people from across Central Office departments, operations and services and is chaired by Karen.

How did the campaign come into fruition?

The UK government’s Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, published in 2008, drew on state-ofthe-art research about mental capital and mental wellbeing throughout life. NEF (The New Economics Foundation) was commissioned by the Foresight Project and developed the Five Ways to Wellbeing, a set of evidence based actions which promote people’s wellbeing. We, as an organisation, realised that we, as individuals, may not be as good at applying our knowledge about caring to ourselves as we are at applying this to others. So Karen set up the working group to get us to find ways to launch this as year long campaign.

What impact do you hope the campaign will have on staff and volunteers?

The hope is that by focusing on one of the Five Wings to Wellbeing for a number of weeks at a time, that we may individually be able to consider the ways in which we look after our own health and wellbeing and perhaps learn new ways of enhancing our own mental capital and mental wellbeing; that we might learn new habits and new ways of being which will stay with us. (Wellbeing is for life, not just for 2015!)

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Your Vote Matters In the lead up to the General Election we’ve been encouraging our service users to get involved in the democratic process with our Your Vote Matters campaign. Community and Residential services have been holding workshops on why voting matters, having party representatives give talks, and discussing how our service users can get involved in this year’s election.

At the Wirral and Scottish Residentials service users have been taking part in hustings with visiting politicians from the main parties; discussing their manifestos and answering questions. The first of the visits at the Wirral came from Liberal Democrat candidate for Birkenhead, Alan Braden.

“Mr Braden was the first of the candidates who agreed to speak to our community members, with Labour, Conservative and Green Party candidates to follow.

Alan Braden addressing Wirral residents

60% of the community have registered to vote for the first time and engaged Mr Braden in “Phoenix Question Time” with myself chairing.

Mr Braden delivered a 10 minute presentation “Why you should vote for me” and then responded to questions from the audience for an hour. The atmosphere was welcoming and respectful, but make no mistake; some very searching questions were asked by a well informed electorate who have been given information on the main party’s manifesto commitments and knew their stuff.”

- John Crane, Wirral Residential “At the Scottish Residential Service we have been fully behind the campaign, and are all really excited about the Election.

We invited all local MP’s from all the major parties to the service and have had representatives from The Liberal Democrats, Scottish Labour Party and Scottish National Party attending the service for our very own question time.

‘I’m voting...’ residents from the Scottish Residential

On Wednesday two of our fantastic students facilitated a group with the community on reasons to vote and all community members were involved in researching the main parties manifestos and presenting this back to the wider group.

90% of our service users registered to vote and attended the polling station on Thursday ready to make their voices heard.”

- Tracy McConnell, Scottish Residential

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

I’m Voting...

As part of the Your Vote Matters campaign we asked service user to tell us why they’re voting in the election. Here are some of their responses...

I’M VOTING... “because I am passionate about making my sons future a better way of life, with better standards and morals.

We need to vote to make our voices heard.”

I’M VOTING...

I’m voting - Scottish Residential responses

I’M VOTING...

“Because I think a new government will improve the state of Britain. I have never voted before and I want to make a difference.”

“because I am patriotic and am passionate about my country.”

I’M VOTING...

“I have a daughter and want a better life for her.”

I’M VOTING...

“Because my views are important.”

I’M VOTING...

“Because I want to be counted. To feel I have a stake in society and I am no apathetic.”

I’M VOTING...

“For my future”

I’m voting - Wirral Residential responses

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Celebrating Women’s Day at HMP Foston Hall Tina, one of the Substance Misuse Peer Mentors at HMP Foston Hall, took on the task of researching and designing a display to promote and celebrate International Women's Day. The display was in the prison library for a week in March so that all prisoners and staff had a chance to go to see it.

Tina wrote a fantastic timeline of significant events in history including the suffragette movement, changes in law and policy, and lots of "firsts" for women. She involved staff and prisoners by getting them to suggest inspirational women who they know and put their names on the display too. She also included some inspiring stories and poems by female service users who have been helped by Phoenix Futures.

Tina (left) with Substance Misuse Worker, Alison Jackson-Hedges (right)

Voucher Collection at Phoenix Family Service Last year we had a heart-warming amount of Sainsbury’s vouchers sent to us at the family service from other services and individuals. Thanks to the amount collected we were able to order some lovely outdoor gardening resources.

This year we are collecting again and are saving for outdoor equipment including a brand new sand pit. Every voucher counts so any amount will be appreciated. Sainsbury’s vouchers are up for grabs until the 5th of May and all vouchers need to be with us for no later than the 19th May. We really appreciate any help with our new project.

Please send vouchers to: Jenny Lyons, National Specialist Family Service 29-31 Collegiate Crescent Broomhall Sheffield S10 2BJ - Jenny Lyons Phoenix Family Service

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Phoenix Graduate Donates Album Sales Adam Norrie is a Phoenix Futures graduate. He is now using music to tell his story, which he hopes will help others on their journey of recovery. Adam’s debut album, Pros and Cons, will be out soon and 2% of gross sales will be donated to Phoenix. Adam tells us how Phoenix helped him turn his life around.

I arrived up the driveway of Storth Oaks on July 3rd 2013. I was broken, lost depressed and stuck in a vicious circle, unable to break the cycle of using substances to deal with the pressures of life. I knew that I had to stay the duration of my rehabilitation, there was nowhere else to turn.

It took me several weeks to detox off my methadone, but the staff and my peers made this process easier by giving me support and encouragement. I really enjoyed the recreation side of Phoenix Futures; being able to go on day trips and visit places of interest. This showed me that there was light at the end of this extremely dark tunnel. I began to see hope and gained motivation from this breakthrough.

Adam Norrie (right) with Trevor Sandford (left)

The biggest turning point for me was writing my life story and delivering it verbally to the community and staff.

This helped me deal with issues that I was not even aware existed. Having witnessed violence and extreme trauma whilst living in the USA, I was suffering with post-traumatic stress. With the help of staff and my peers, which by now had become my friends, I overcame emotional baggage and found myself being transformed into a 'normal' drug free human being, something that was extremely alien to me 'pardon the pun'.

All in all, Phoenix Futures transformed me; not only teaching me how to live without relying on substances, but helped me grow as a person. Life is a struggle and it has not been plain sailing, but I feel that without this treatment I would not be alive today. I have recorded my first solo album, Pros and Cons, and wish to donate 2 percent of gross album sales to the recreation department, where I am certain Shane Kimberly will make sure others who choose to take part in the various activities offered will benefit as much as I did.

Adam Norrie recording at Abbey Road.

I had the honour of Trevor Sandford travelling down to Abbey Road studios London, to watch the album being made and recorded. On the day Trevor came we were laying down drums on Four Leaf Clova and Blues and Twos, I was actually on the drum kit as he arrived!

So I urge you to buy the album as it tells the story of my experiences and will benefit others trying to get their lives back. It will be on sale soon. Please follow the link to my official web site for news and updates of the upcoming release: www.AdamNorrie.co.uk - Adam Norrie, Phoenix Graduate

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Art Therapy at the Wirral At Phoenix Futures Wirral we’ve been running an Art Therapy pilot programme for the past 17 months, which has been received enthusiastically by the residents. Trainee Art Therapist, Philip Caul, works alongside the team within the therapeutic community.

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses visual art media as a form of communication. Through creating art, participants can express and explore feelings that are at times confusing and difficult to communicate verbally. Art Therapy can be carried out in group or individual sessions. While the sessions can be enjoyable, they are not a recreational activity or an art lesson. Participants don’t need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.

Philip Caul is an Art Therapy Trainee studying on the MA Art Therapy programme at the University of Chester.

He attends one day per week and has offered group and individual sessions. Philip has found that Art Therapy enables participants to help process their experience of change and has proved a valuable tool for clients facing re-entry.

- Wirral Residential

ECETT Learning: Debate Groups at HMP Garth In September 2014 whilst on my Ecett trip to Spain I observed the following good practice, from the Therapeutic Community at Herrera De La Mancha prison in Cuidad Real. The residents on the programme attend and engage in Debate Groups as part of their ongoing treatment.

The objective of this is for these young men to be able to keep up to date with current affairs and areas of interest outside of the prison walls. It also serves to develop good communication and to allow individuals to air their own views and opinions on the chosen topics.

I chose to implement this good practice into my workplace for the following reasons: Many of our men will be incarcerated for many years. This is a good opportunity for people to think about issues other that prison and its daily trials. It is also a good opportunity for those in recovery to focus on topics other than drugs and alcohol.

So far these groups have proven to be successful on our Therapeutic Community and Building Futures Service at HMP Garth. I have also implemented this good practice into HMP Preston and shared this with HMP Wymott. My hopes are to look at expanding this further into our Discover Service in Central Lancashire.

- Janice Grounds, HMP Garth

PASSIONATE ABOUT RECOVERY

Knit-A-Fish for Phoenix In April we launched our Knit-A-Fish for Phoenix campaign. Our National Specialist Family Service is looking for the help of knitters across the country to create an under-the-sea themed sensory room for babies who may be suffering from drug withdrawal symptoms.

As part of the care given to babies, the crèche team have created the ‘under the sea’ themed sensory room where rich textiles and colours are used to stimulate the baby’s development and provide a calming environment. The sensory room is really starting to take shape, but we still need help. We’re asking people to knit a fish (or other ‘under the sea’ creation) to make a full sensory experience for the babies.

“We would really appreciate anyone who can knit to get involved in our Knit-A-Fish for Phoenix campaign and brighten up the day of a child at Phoenix’s family service.

The sensory room is really starting to take shape, but we still need more things to keep the babies’ minds active. We’re asking people to knit a fish, or other ‘under the sea’ creation, and bright colours and soft textures really help the babies to develop their senses and enjoy the experience.

These families have often been through very difficult times, but this simple campaign will bring a lot of joy to the babies and their mothers to see them smiling.” - Leanne Smullen, Sheffield Family Service Manager To take part in the Knit-A-Fish for Phoenix campaign craft your under the sea creation, take a photo and share it with us on Facebook, then send your creation to Jenny Lyons at National Specialist Family Service 29-31 Collegiate Crescent Broomhall Sheffield S10 2BJ. For some knit inspiration take a look at our Knit-A-Fish Pinterest board.

Don’t worry if knitting isn’t your thing, we’ve also added patterns for sock fish and crochet underwater creatures.

BELIEVE IN BEING THE BEST

Going Green Did you know we recycle all of our toners and cartridges?

An audit conducted by the Procurement & Facilities department at the beginning of the year showed that half of our sites already disposed of their used toner and printer cartridges in an eco-friendly way. All the others were keen to recycle but lacked means to do so.

To make up for this, we have started using Office Xpress Recycling Service; and since March 2015, we recycle all of the toners and cartridges we buy.

Whenever possible, the cartridges are remanufactured and re-used. In practise it means that the cartridges are repaired and refilled, ready to be used again. Cartridges that are not fit for remanufacturing are disassembled.

The different parts are sorted and used to make new and alternative products such as carrier bags, coat hangers etc.

The service is completely free of charge and ensures that cartridges never end up as landfill. What’s more it helps raise funds for Bullying UK and Leeds Children’s Hospital.

- Procurement and Facilities

Stepping out with Southwark Our Southwark Alcohol Service invite London staff to join them on a morning stroll.

The team set off from the Southwark Alcohol Service (68 Newington Causeway) at 8.30am every Tuesday and Thursday for a 30 minute walk around the block.

To join in, simply turn up for 8.30am.