December 2010 Issue 24 Including news for service user and family carer foundation trust members
Occupational therapists make a difference Occupational therapy staff from Northgate and Southgate acute admission wards in Bury St Edmunds have recently worked with a service user - and talented artist - who produced a stunning piece of art (see right) depicting four senses. The artwork is now proudly displayed in the sensory area of the recently refurbished therapy garden at Wedgwood House. Sarah Hopkins, lead occupational therapist at Wedgwood gave some insight into her work: “In mental health services occupational therapists (OTs) facilitate people becoming involved in activities that support their mental health and wellbeing by balancing activities between work, rest and play. OTs believe that ‘what people do’ is an essential component of their identity. Many of us
take this for granted but life can be more complicated than that. OTs work with people of all ages who have physical, mental or social problems as a result of accident, illness or ageing, enable people to do the things they need and aspire to do. ’Occupation’ is our specialty - we are trained to analyse, grade and
design activity based treatment programmes that put the patient at the centre of care. ”Art therapy is valuable in helping clients regain and develop their confidence. Having an outlet for creativity can spark motivation, provide a different way of expressing feelings and help to alleviate symptoms.”
‘Helping people make the most of their lives’
Survivors in Transition Samaritans is a voluntary organisation founded in 1953 starting as one small centre in London. Today there are 201 branches throughout the UK and Ireland. Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We are available on the phone 24 hours a day to provide emotional support for people who are experiencing emotional distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. We believe that by listening and exploring feelings people can reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them. What people tell us is confidential and we don’t give advice. As we are non judgemental we think people will talk to us without fear or rejection. We visit schools, colleges,
prisons and recently Bail Hostels. You will see us at outside events, the railway station and outside Debenhams in Ipswich. Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by phone on our national number, 08457 909090 or locally on 01473 211133. We are based at 140 St Helen’s Street in Ipswich and we are open to visitors. Sometimes people find it easier to talk face to face with a volunteer. We also have a branch at Bury St Edmunds and their phone number is 01284 750000. If you prefer to use email we can be contacted at jo@samaritans.org I hope that this will explain a little about what we do and that we will be available if you need us. Joanna Bell Director. Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans
‘Survivors in Transition’ (SiT) is a constituted voluntary organisation recently set up in Ipswich that provides a service to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The group allows people a seat from pressures in an understanding place, with others in a similar position. SiT volunteer Fiona Ellis said: “It is our aim and desire to be able to provide some forms of holistic therapy to women who have been abused to enable them to find some alternate methods of dealing with their childhood issues. We believe that each person is responsible for their own healing journey and finding what works for them. SiT Meets twice weekly at Our Space on Dickens Road in Ipswich town centre. For more information visit www. survivorsintransition.co.uk/
User and carer group visits new ward In September members of the Later Life Acute Services East user and carer involvement group visited the new Willows ward at Heath Road, Ipswich. When completed, the Willows will provide 21 beds in a modern, purpose 2
built ward that will replace the out dated Minsmere House. Eleven of the beds will be for assessment and treatment of people with dementia. As well as en suite individual bedrooms, the Willows has a sensory room, therapy rooms, a
clinic and meeting rooms. The ward is designed to incorporate walking space and to maximize natural light. Group members found the visit interesting. Comments included “pleasantly surprised” and “high quality”.
Ipswich volunteer wins European Volunteer of Year award 2010 Ipswich volunteer Sallyanne Webb of The SAM Project achieves success in Athens by winning the ACE, Active Citizens Award, for NonGreek European Volunteer of the Year. Staff and participants from The SAM Project travelled to Athens to lead a workshop on ‘Promoting Empowerment’ at a recent Volunteurope conference where Sallyanne received the award by the English Ambassador. The SAM Project (Social Activation Model) is supported by the European Social Fund and
supports people recovering from mental health problems integrate into training and social opportunities and provides stepping stones towards volunteering and employment opportunities. The project was also selected by mental health Europe to present its holistic approach to supporting volunteers and service users integrate into the community at a recent debate hosted by Marian Harkin, Employment and Social Affairs Committee, at the European Parliament in November 2010.
New assessment sheet welcomes patients A new initial assessment pack is being introduced by the Trust to make new inpatients feel welcome and understand what is happening to them. The new form is available in six languages - English, Bengali, Kurdish, Chinese, Polish and Portuguese – and interpreters are also offered for patients speaking other languages. Patients complete the pack themselves or with help if they need it. It covers issues such as what name the patient likes to be
called, who to contact in an emergency, who the carer is, GP’s details, religion so spiritual needs can be met on the ward, any physical pain, thoughts of self harm, medication and dietary requirements. The pack is designed to help patients feel safe and welcome by telling them which ward they are on and who their named primary nurse is. It gives staff essential information they need when deciding on appropriate support. The form was developed in
partnership with minority groups. Head of engagement and diversity, Sujata Gathani, said, “Working with individuals’ from diverse communities on initiatives such as this is important to the Trust. Their expertise supports us in assuring needs of people of Suffolk are appropriately met and the assessment pack is a tool that can be used as a step towards the process of supporting the person whose first language may not be English”. 3
Suffolk gets the feel good factor! October 2010 saw the launch of Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month, a fantastic campaign that brings together anti-stigma events from across the county. The month was coordinated by VASP
(Voluntary and Statutory Partnership for Mental Health in Suffolk), a group of over 60 organisations with an interest in mental health including teams from the Trust. The month was about working
together to raise awareness of good mental wellbeing and the benefits of physical health. The articles on the next few pages provide a snippet of the month’s fantastic wellbeing events!
intrigued and gravitated toward us! The sofa and the people sitting on it sparked discussions concerning a whole array of subjects
including the impact of Caring for family members and friends. One comment was “what a unique way to talk about a difficult subject”.
Sofa, so good The Suffolk Libraries mental health and wellbeing information service and the local charity Respite braved the cold weather to talk to the people of Ipswich about their wellbeing. A sofa was placed outside the University Campus Suffolk building to attract the attention of passers by to come to have a chat and find out how local services may help them. Many people were
Displays promote good mental wellbeing On World Mental Health Day during Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month, service users art work was displayed at a number of locations including the Thetford Healthy Living Centre, Thetford Art Gallery, Thetford Library and the Benjamin Foundation4
Meet up Café. Julie Smith, assistant practitioner at Thetford community mental health team, has been an enthusiastic and committed contributor and member of VASP. Commenting on how well the event went she said: "It took a lot of hard work
from members of the VASP group to make this happen - hopefully the event will gain momentum and gain even further support next year. “Many thanks go to all those in Thetford who made this possible and to the artists who allowed us to display their work".
Public stops for a chat
Creativity on show at partner art exhibition The Trust joined forces with partners Creative Twist, Inside Out, CSV Media, Suffolk Link, ESAN, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Libraries ‘Art on the Move’ (picture above) and Suffolk MIND to host an art exhibition at Suffolk New College. The event, which was opened by the Mayor of Ipswich, Jane Chambers was to raise awareness of mental wellbeing and the use of art as an effective medium for self expression. Along with the art displays, there were several organisations present to offer advice and information about local services for people who are suffering with mental health difficulties. Sallyanne, from Creative Twist said: “Initially I was disappointed with the lack of response by the students. There seemed to be a huge unbridgeable
chasm between their tables and our display. “The turn around came in the afternoon with the opportunity to take 4 classes to speak about mental health. We spoke candidly about our personal experiences of mental distress, alongside ‘the facts’ and the importance to us of creativity to keep us sane. “I was very touched by some students who opened up about their own struggles and how they cope. We discussed mental wellbeing and the importance of having supportive people around us. In this climate of increasing mental ill-health it was a timely opportunity. It was great to be able to be open and honest, to challenge attitudes and to show that having a mental health problem can happen to anyone.”
In Woodbridge the later life community mental health team had an information stand for a day in the Thoroughfare. The team talked to the passing public about mental health issues who came over to chat despite some very loud roadworks! Once people got to know what we were doing the response was very positive and encouraging - some people even asked for the tin to donate cash but were disappointed when we said we were not collecting donations! The team very much enjoyed interacting with the public, answering their questions about mental health in older people and found the day altogether very rewarding. Nettie Burns, service line manager picked lucky dip winners - the prizes for which were kindly donated by these supportive and generous donors: ITFC who gave a signed copy of magazine by the “Tractor Boys”, Martlesham Leisure Centre who gave a free month of membership, Nottcutts who gave a £10 voucher, and Ufford Park Health Club gave a family day pass. 5
Friends Day launches butterfly care model Staff at Wedgwood House, Bury St Edmunds, held an open day to celebrate healthy living and mental health during Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Month. The special ‘Friends Day’ welcomed partners, charities and organisations to visit the unit. Staff celebrated the positive changes they are making with the Productive Ward programme, which will allow more time on direct patient care. Sue Howlett, modern matron at Wedgwood House, said: “There was a real buzz at the event and a lively, positive atmosphere – it made for a really good open day.“ Helen Jackson, manager of Westgate
Ward launched a new model of care for dementia called ‘the butterfly model’. This innovative way of caring focuses on staff working with the patient for the moments when they ‘land’ (as a butterfly would). It is a model that can be taught to carers to help
them cope at home. The day included the opening of a multifaith room and a new therapeutic garden for patients as well as a new health living programme specifically designed for people who are in contact with the mental health services.
Drop in to the Family and Friends Group! If you are the friend or family member of someone with a mental health problem then think about coming to the newly relaunched Family and Friends Group. The group is open to all friends and family with loved ones being treated on any Trust ward or community service. It is really important to give yourself a bit of time away from your caring role and the group is a warm and welcoming environment to meet others like yourself. 6
The group meets on the last Thursday of every month from 6:30pm – 8pm at the Patient Social Centre, St Clement’s Hospital, Ipswich. It is a place where you can have a chat and a cup of coffee, and hopefully take away some useful information and a positive feeling. Although the group has been running for about 18 months it is only last month that it was opened up to all areas of the Trust. Louise Marks, one of the organisers of the group,
said: “The group has been really successful in the time it has been running so we really wanted to give all family, friends and carers the chance to get involved. “People are welcome to just drop-in, however I know that often people are a bit nervous so people are always welcome to give me a call! I’d be happy to have a friendly chat and just give you a bit more information what to expect.” Get in touch with Louise at Suffolk Family Carers on 01473 835420.
Cocoa’s doggy charm lifts moods Pets as Therapy pooch Cocoa is celebrating three years of bringing light relief, joy and therapy onto mental health wards in Bury St Edmunds. Pets as Therapy is a registered charity with around 4,500 dogs visiting hospitals and care homes around the UK. Studies have shown that pet therapy promotes social interactions and behaviour, increased emotional comfort, decreased loneliness and anxiety and provides a source of self esteem and sense of independence. Cocoa, a chocolate brown cocker spaniel, belongs to occupational therapy assistant, Julia Warnes from Southgate ward. Julia
Comments from patients: “Cocoa makes you feel special” “Cocoa is very sociable and loves to greet everyone. In a group of people, no one is left out” “Cocoa brings joy and laughter to says, “Cocoa has a wonderful effect on staff and patients. Her lovely temperament brings joy to
the unit and her visits are eagerly anticipated. She is a tonic for all that meet her.”
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USEFUL NUMBERS St Clement’s Hospital Tel: 01473 329000 Wedgwood House Tel: 01284 712761 PALS - SMHP Patient Advice and Liaison Service Tel: 0800 585544 Samaritans national helpline (24/7) 08457 909090 Samaritans Ipswich Tel: 01473 211133
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Survivors in Transition Tel: 07765 052282 Friends and family group Tel: 01473 835420 Suffolk Family Carers’ Helpline (Mon-Fri) 9am-4pm Tel: 01473 232679 Suffolk User Forum (SUF) East Tel: 01473 329316
Samaritans Bury St Edmunds Tel: 01284 750000
Suffolk User Forum (SUF) West Tel: 01284 713000 Ext 2316
SAM Project Tel:01473 418036
Art on the Move Tel: 07540 668828
CONTACT US If you would like further information on any of the news stories in this issue we will be happy to help. Contributions are welcomed, but may be edited. The Editorial Team Foundation Trust Office St Clement’s Hospital Freepost RRKY-AAKL-UEUS PO Box 170 IP3 8LS (No stamp needed.) Tel: 0800 585544 Email address: membership@smhp.nhs.uk Have a look at our websites to find out more about our services and campaigns: www.smhp.nhs.uk www.ifyouknew.co.uk