WIN! Sunday Lunch at Hatherley Manor

2
gether NHS Foundation Trust
MEMBERSHIP NEWS / March 2015
Beating Anorexia
Georgia’s story
Ask the Experts
We answer your questions
ROSCAs
Meet your stars
WIN!
Sunday Lunch
at Hatherley
Manor
See page 15
March 2015
Welcome
Welcome to Jane
Welcome to the latest edition of your
newsletter, which includes a range of articles and
information we hope you will find both interesting
and useful.
On page 6, you can read an interview with Georgia
and her inspiring story on how she has battled an
eating disorder.
Following a glittering ceremony at Hatherley Manor
we also reveal the winners of our annual staff and
volunteer Recognising Outstanding Service and
Contribution Awards (ROSCAs).
On page 15, there is chance to win Sunday lunch,
kindly donated by Hatherley Manor.
Carly Atkinson is a Specialist Dietitian and as a new
addition to the newsletter, she joins our expert
panel and this month talks about diet and good
mental health.
If you have any suggestions for future features,
please do get in touch.
Contents
3
Trust News & Updates
5
Let’s Talk on books and buses
6
Beating Anorexia - Georgia’s Story
8
Ask the Experts
10
ROSCAs - Health Heroes Honoured
12
Food for Thought
Get in touch
Send us your letters, poems and ideas to:
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Trust, Rikenel, Montpellier, Gloucester, GL1 1LY
01452 894022
[email protected]
www.2gether.nhs.uk
Connect with us:
www.facebook.com/2getherNHS
2
Professor Jane Melton has
been appointed as our
Director of Engagement and
Integration.
Jane was previously our
Clinical Director for Social
Inclusion and is a registered Occupational
Therapist.
For the majority of her career she has worked
with people who have learning disabilities and
people experiencing mental illness. Her
exceptional contribution to practice was
acknowledged through a Fellowship of the
College of Occupational Therapists in 2012.
Alongside her dedication to practice, Jane has
achieved doctoral level qualifications and has
published collaborative, research and practice
development activity. Her academic
connections are maintained through her
honorary professorial role with Queen Margaret
University, Edinburgh.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to
continue my NHS public service in this exciting
role,” Jane said.
“Engaging with and listening to people who use
our services and colleagues who deliver care is
critical to best practice, integration and inclusion.
“I look forward to further developing our
partnership working to enhance the work that
we do for and with people in our local
communities.”
Shaun Clee, our Chief Executive, said: “Jane’s
appointment further enhances our clinical voice
on the Board and demonstrates our continued
commitment to placing service users’ and carers’
ability to influence central to everything that we
do.
“Likewise, her appointment will enable us to
further develop the links we have with partner
organisations, ensuring we are fully integrated
within the communities we serve.”
Trust News&Updates
Triangle of Care
gether has joined the national
Triangle of Care scheme run by
the Carers Trust.
2
Triangle of Care sets out six key
standards required to achieve
better collaboration and partnership with
carers.
By joining the scheme, we hope to build on our
already strong foundation of working
collaboratively with carers and service users –
particularly through our work with Carers
Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire Young Carers
and Herefordshire Carers Support.
Time to Talk Day
On 5 February, we joined Herefordshire Mind,
Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group,
Herefordshire Council (Public Health) and Stroud
College to promote national Time to Talk Day.
The day encouraged people to spend 5 minutes
talking about mental health.
Dominika Lipska-Rosecka, our Social Inclusion
Team Manager, said: "Time to Talk Day is a very
simple concept, but it could prove to be very
effective in breaking down the stigma around
mental health.
"Mental health is still a taboo subject for many,
and we know that it’s often the isolation and
stigma surrounding mental illness that prevents
people from discussing their condition with
others and seeking help.
"One in four people in the UK will experience a
mental health condition each year so we need
to speak as openly about mental health as we
do about every other aspect of our health and
wellbeing.”
Time to Talk Day is organised by national
anti-stigma campaign Time to Change.
Volunteers Tea Party
Our volunteers and experts by experience have
been formally thanked during a tea party held
in their honour at Kingsholm Stadium, in
Gloucester.
Speaking at the gathering, our Chair Ruth
FitzJohn, said: “Our volunteers and experts by
experience are beyond a shadow of a doubt the
most important people I will meet this year.
“You give your time, knowledge, experience and
energy to help build the communities we live in.
“Today I am having tea in the company of heroes
and giants.”
We have more than 95 registered volunteers,
and they work to enhance and improve the
services we provide.
Their work includes:
• Helping to tend the gardens at our inpatient
units
• Visiting inpatient units with PAT (Pets as
Therapy) dogs
• Driving service users to and from
appointments
• Meeting and greeting people who attend
courses provided by Let’s Talk
• Assisting therapists
• Helping at meal times
Our Experts by Experience - who number more
than 150 - also help in a variety of ways,
including advising on trust policies, helping to
provide staff training, and sitting on recruitment
panels.
3
March 2015
Managing Memory Tea Party
An afternoon tea party was held in Cheltenham for people with dementia
and those supporting them.
Organised by Managing Memory 2gether, the event was for those who
have attended their education and information sessions which provide
support, guidance and advice to those with memory problems and their
carers.
The party was held on the site of Charlton Lane Hospital. Kathy Holmes, one of the organisers, said: “Lots of
people came along and it was really nice to see them so relaxed and enjoying themselves.”
Our Colleague Sharon Wall
City and Guilds for Service Users
A Whole Life Sentence has been handed down to
Ryan Matthews, who admitted murdering Sharon
Wall, a Healthcare Assistant at our Montpellier Unit,
in Gloucester.
Shaun Clee, our Chief Executive, said: “Sharon was a
highly compassionate, well-respected and dedicated
colleague.
“Everyone who knew her speaks about her warmth,
caring nature and good sense of humour, and
colleagues across the trust feel her loss every day.
“We continue to provide support to Sharon’s friends,
colleagues and service users, and we send our
deepest sympathies to them and Sharon’s family
during what continues to be a very difficult time.
“We would also like to thank our staff for providing
additional support to our service users and each
other since this tragic and isolated incident
occurred.”
Shaun continued: “Our internal investigation has
concluded that this attack could not have been
predicted or prevented.
“We have worked closely with Gloucestershire Police
during their investigation and we are committed to
our ongoing work with our commissioners, NHS
England’s external investigation team and the Health
and Safety Executive who, as is standard practice,
investigate deaths in the workplace.
“The safety of our staff and service users is our
highest priority and our aim is to make sure that we
are doing everything possible to provide the safest
therapeutic environment for our inpatients, visitors
and our staff that we can.”
4
Service users from our Drugs and Alcohol
Service Herefordshire (DASH), who are all in
recovery, have recently completed their City
and Guilds Level 2 in Employability and
Personal Development Skills.
The course was provided by NewLink Wales.
Whilst studying and since completing the course,
some of the students have set up the
Herefordshire Service User Group, which is for
service users with experience of substance
misuse issues. Others have begun volunteering,
and one has started a college course.
Michelle Miles studied under the programme.
“The course provider, Tracy, was absolutely
brilliant,“ Michelle explained.
“I found volunteer work while on the course. It
helped me to gain confidence and become more
assertive, as we were taught techniques to help
talk to different people.
“I found it really beneficial and would recommend it to others.”
Danny Morris, from DASH, said: “We’re really
grateful to NewLink Wales for enabling us to
offer this course to our service users. Our service
users have really benefitted and we’re delighted
to have been able to help them further their
recovery journey through this opportunity.”
Let’s Talk
on books
and buses
Our Let’s Talk
Herefordshire service
provides support for
the most common
issues facing our
communities including
stress, anxiety,
depression and
sleep problems.
The free service has been highlighted over the last
couple of months on buses in Herefordshire and
border routes into Gloucestershire - where we also
provide a similar service.
gether has also teamed up with Herefordshire’s
library service to help raise awareness of self-help
books available in county libraries.
2
From March 2015, books that are recommended by
Let’s Talk and other health professionals will be
highlighted on posters and more easily identified
by a sticker on the books’ front cover.
Anne-Marie Dossett, at Hereford library, said: “We
get many positive comments about how
informative and helpful the books can be.”
Elaine Davies, Clinical Lead for Let’s Talk, said: “One
in four people will experience some kind of
problem over the course of a year, so we wanted to
reach out to as many people as possible. Our aim
is to provide people with the help they need
quickly so taking information directly to our
communities - either on buses or local libraries was really important to us.”
To find your local library, visit:
www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries
To contact Let’s Talk, telephone 0800 073 2200
or visit the course booking website at
www.2gether.nhs.uk/feelbetter
Look out for our stickers!
Service users and staff from Jenny Lind
Ward, within our Stonebow Unit, in
Hereford, have produced a colourful new
piece of artwork which is now on display in
our Chair’s office.
The work, which is a collage, is called
‘Everything Hereford’ and is intended to
represent Hereford past and present. The
collage started with the Maps of Hereford
which were aged with tea.
Patients then discussed what they felt
represented Hereford and chose to include
Hereford Cathedral, the Mappa Mundi, the
Chained Library, the Sir Edward Elgar statue
in the Cathedral grounds, The Castle Pool
and Green Dragon Hotels, Hereford City
Football Club, Chadds family department
store, Hereford apples and cider, hop
growing and some of the famous people
associated with the town.
The famous people featured include:
• David Garrick, the actor and theatre
manager who was born in 1717 at the
Angel Inn
• Nell Gwynne, the celebrated actress who
was born in Pipewell Lane on the 2nd
February 1650. This is now more
commonly known as Gwynne Street
• Roger Kemble, who was born in 1721 in
Capuchin Lane (now Church Street). He
also went on to become a celebrated actor
• Jenny Lind, who was a world renowned
opera singer and who lived her final years
at Wynd's Point, Herefordshire, on the
Malvern Hills
5
March 2015
GEORG IA’S ST ORY
Our Eating Disorder Service based at the Brownhill Centre,
Cheltenham, treats hundreds of people each year. Somebody
with direct experience of the work they carry out is 16-year-old
Georgia West, from Gloucester.
Georgia was first diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa
18 months ago. However, she first started
experiencing symptoms about 18 months before
that.
Her mum, Chris, first realised something was
wrong when her daughter’s attitude towards food
changed.
“Georgia had always had a really healthy
appetite,” Chris said.
“She used to comment when people wasted food
when she was younger, but I gradually noticed her
not eating much of her meals, or skipping meals
altogether.
“We went on holiday and I noticed she wasn’t
taking much pleasure in her meals.
“She also became very bad tempered and didn’t
want to be around people, so she stopped meeting
her friends and just lived in her old scruffy
clothes.”
“I also wouldn’t eat in front of people,” Georgia
explained. “When we had family parties I would
stay in my room and ask for a plate of food to be
brought up.”
Georgia, whose parents are separated, remembers
telling her mum that she had eaten with her father
and vice versa. She was effectively covering her
tracks when she hadn’t eaten a meal at all. She
would also go through stages of bingeing on food
then not eating anything.
Her concerned mum took her to her GP and
continued to ask for more support. This led to
Georgia being referred to 2gether's Children and
Young People’s Service (CYPS).
From there, Georgia was referred to Brownhill and
officially diagnosed with Anorexia.
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It was a huge relief
to Chris but Georgia
herself would not believe it.
“I thought everyone was trying to make me fat,”
she explained. “I thought they were all
overreacting and wouldn’t accept it at all.”
Our Eating Disorders Service provided Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy, support groups and also
Family Therapy, which was vitally important as
everyone was deeply affected, including Georgia’s
younger brother.
Chris was put in control of Georgia’s eating, which
meant feeding her her meals for a considerable
period. This caused conflict between the pair on
occasions, with Georgia losing her temper at times.
“It was like dealing with two different people,”
Chris explained.
“It was like a veil went down over her
eyes. I was not dealing with my child, I
was dealing with the illness that had taken
over her.
“It’s hard as a parent because you want to tell
them off, but they are not being naughty. It’s the
illness that’s stopping them from eating.”
Georgia feels that not eating became a way of
gaining some control in her life after a series of
family events put her under emotional strain.
“It’s not all about the eating side of things,”
Georgia explained.
“When people blame eating disorders on magazine
images, it makes it sound like we are really vain
because we want to look like models.”
“For me it wasn’t about that. It was just something
I had control over. I love food, and love cooking,
baking and presenting it. It was just that I felt that
if I ate it I had given in and lost control.”
Her advice to others is ‘listen if someone is worried
about you’ and ‘try to understand they have your
best interests at heart’.
Social media provided a positive lifeline for
Georgia in her recovery.
“Push for answers,” she says. “Your parental
instinct kicks in and you need to trust that.”
Through Instagram she met many other young
people going through similar experiences,
including another Gloucester girl also being
treated at Brownhill who is now her best friend.
Sites like Facebook also allowed her to open up
about her illness without the need to speak to
people face to face.
Her school friends and teachers were very
supportive. For quite some time Georgia could
only attend school for half days and if she didn’t
eat breakfast she couldn’t go at all. Her mum also
went in at lunch times to feed her.
Despite everything, Georgia passed all of her
GCSEs with flying colours and is now studying for
her A Levels – one of which is in psychology.
Her interest in psychology comes from her
interaction with 2gether, and one psychologist in
particular who she describes as ‘amazing’.
“She was the first person who really listened,”
Georgia explained. “She even personally took me
to Brownhill, and the staff there have also been
fantastic.
“They are always there at the end of the phone
and never judge.”
Now at a healthy weight, Georgia continues to
receive counselling sessions and feels positive
about her future. She has also been able to use her
experiences to help others in a similar situation.
Chris advises other parents to trust their instincts.
If you are concerned that you
may have an eating disorder, or
believe that someone you care for
has an eating disorder, either speak to your
GP or if you live in Gloucestershire contact
our Eating Disorders Service on 01242
634242.
If you live in Herefordshire, please contact
your GP.
Beat
Beat is an organisation that provides
helplines, online support and a network of
UK-wide self-help groups to help adults and
young people beat their eating disorders.
Website: www.b-eat.co.uk
Helpline: 0845 634 1414
Youthline: 0845 634 7650
There is a Beat support group in Cirencester.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of
every month. It is open to sufferers, relatives
and friends. Group Facilitator Pat Ayres can be
contacted on 01285 770385.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which ran from February 23 to March
1, was marked with a coffee morning at Kemble House, in Cirencester.
The event was hosted by the Cirencester Eating Disorder Support Group,
with Jill Kingston. The author Penny Junor, who is patron of the Cirencester
support group and also represents national eating disorders charity Beat,
attended along with the Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris and Trust
Governor Jonathan Vickers. Although there was no entry charge, generous
donations, a raffle and stalls resulted in £481 being raised for the group.
The Cirencester support group has been offering free support to sufferers
and carers for 12 years, and can be contacted through Pat Ayres on 01285
770385.
From left: Penny Junor, Pat Ayres (Trust
Governor), Joe Harris (Mayor), Jonathan Vickers
(Trust Governor).
7
March 2015
Have you got a question for our panel? Is there
something you’ve always wanted to know about
mental health?
We cannot answer questions about individuals or specific cases
but if there is something you’ve always wondered about, get in
touch via [email protected]
How can we improve
the health and
wellbeing of people
with learning
disabilities?
Crispin Hebron
Non Medical Consultant,
Learning Disabilities
People with learning disabilities experience the
same health needs as the general population,
although such needs may occur more frequently
or with greater severity. They may also present
differently.
This can sometimes be linked to specific
conditions such as Downs Syndrome, where
heart problems, thyroid function, sensory
impairments and early onset dementia (amongst
other health issues) are all more likely.
The increased impact of health needs
experienced by people with learning disabilities
results largely from the difficulties health and
care services can have in detecting, diagnosing
and treating such conditions.
Evidence of this situation is provided by a
growing body of research, including the findings
of the recently completed Confidential Inquiry
into premature deaths of people with learning
disabilities.
Improving the capacity of mainstream health
services to meet this challenge is the best way to
address the problems that exist.
8
Often services such as hospitals and primary
care services need to change the way their
service is provided in order to achieve the same
outcomes experienced by others who use the
service.
This approach is now embedded within
equalities legislation and is often referred to as
‘Reasonable Adjustment’.
This might mean, for example, offering
treatment advice in a different (easy to
understand) format, providing a fast track
appointment or a longer appointment or
including family carers who know the patient
well in the assessment process.
Communication is often the barrier to effective
service provision and will usually require
additional support or time.
Learning disability clinicians within 2gether are
well placed to provide such support or to help
other services to understand the barriers which
exist and how best to overcome them.
Working in partnership, improving
understanding and confidence, sharing skills and
involving people with learning disabilities and
those who care for them is the best way to
improve the health and wellbeing of people with
learning disabilities.
What are Legal
Highs?
Rus Irani
Drug Worker, DASH
Legal highs, also known as Novel Psychoactive
Substances (NPS), can be broadly grouped into
four categories: stimulants, psychedelics and
disassociatives, depressants, and synthetic
cannabinoids.
They are substances designed to mimic the
effects of drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, diazepam
and cannabis - but they are chemically different
enough to circumvent the law.
The marketing and sale of legal highs is also
designed to avoid legal controls and the
substances are sold as ‘not for human
consumption’; ‘plant food’; ‘bath salts’; or
‘research chemicals’.
There isn’t enough known about legal highs to
make a decisive statement about how safe they
are.
Lauren Wardman-Davies
Head of Profession for Speech and Language
Therapy & Dietetics. Manager for the Autism
Spectrum Conditions Assessment Service
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a complex,
lifelong developmental condition. The difficulties
experienced by people with ASC broadly fall into 3
areas:
• Social communication: particularly using and
understanding facial expressions, gestures, tone
of voice, and language
• Social interaction: such as recognising or
understanding other people’s emotions, as well
as expressing their own. This can make it more
difficult to ‘fit in’
• Social imagination: such as understanding and
predicting other people’s behaviour or reactions,
making sense of abstract ideas, and imagining
situations outside of their immediate daily routine
Many people with ASC also have difficulty
processing sensory information such as noise, sights
and smells.
If a substance is legal, it is commonly assumed
that it is safe however more and more legal highs
are being investigated to determine the dangers
and whether they should be made illegal.
On analysis, some legal highs have been found to
contain one or more substances that are actually
illegal.
They are unregulated, untested and do not
contain dosage information on the packaging so
we cannot be sure what they contain.
In addition, even though we may know the
chemical composition of a legal high, it may not
have been used for human consumption before
so we may not know the short, medium and
long-term effects.
Legal highs have been linked with hospital
admissions and deaths. It is becoming
increasingly evident that they are far from
harmless and may well carry the same health
risks as established illicit drugs.
A specialist assessment can
help identify and manage this.
What is Autism
Spectrum
Condition?
Some people think everyone with
ASC also has a learning disability but this is not true.
We offer a specialist diagnostic service for people
who do not have a learning disability but may have
ASC (people with a learning disability can receive an
ASC assessment via our Community Learning
Disability Teams). Many of the people we assess are
in careers that involve significant responsibility.
There are many strengths associated with having
ASC and these are discussed during the
post-diagnostic support groups. Such strengths can
include exceptional memory and attention to detail,
high performance on auditory and visual tasks, as
well as being able to become highly skilled in a
particular area. These strengths can be well suited
to careers in areas such as IT and science, as well as
accounting, statistics and engineering.
Access to the ASC Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Diagnostic Service is via your GP.
9
March 2015
Our eighth annual Recognising Outstanding
Service and Contribution Awards (ROSCAs) were
held at Hatherley Manor, near Gloucester.
Approximately 130 staff, volunteers, service users
and carers attended the event, and awards were
presented in 10 categories.
“I am also immensely pleased to be able to
recognise colleagues who this evening received
their long service awards. Together they have
given over 1,200 years of service to our NHS.”
In addition, long service awards were presented to
staff who have given either 20 or 30 years of
dedication to the NHS.
More than 170 nominations were made for this
year’s ROSCAs. Nominations are made by staff,
service users, carers and the general public.
Ruth FitzJohn, Trust Chair, said: “Our ROSCAs
celebrate the dedication, compassion and
commitment shown by teams and individuals who
strive every day to improve the lives of people
within our communities.
The ROSCAs judging panel consisted of
representatives of Healthwatch, Service Users,
Trust Governors, Trades Unions and the ROSCAs
sponsors.
“It is an honour to be able to recognise their
devotion, and to celebrate so many examples
of how our staff, volunteers, carers and
service users have made a huge difference to
people’s lives.
“We congratulate not only the winners, but also
everyone who was nominated for a ROSCA. They
all provide services of the highest quality, and
richly deserve our thanks for everything they do.”
Our Chief Executive, Shaun Clee, said: “This is the
eighth year that we have run the ROSCAs and
every year I become more and more proud to work
alongside colleagues who are compassionate,
caring and work hard to provide a positive
experience for people.
“Everyone nominated for a ROSCA demonstrates
10
the very best of what 2gether is about, and I thank
each and every one.
Organisations and companies sponsoring the
ROSCAs this year were Alpha Colour Printers,
Midcounties Cooperative, Unison, Gloucestershire
Young Carers, West of England Academic Health
Science Network, and Renishaw plc.
Dave Oldfield, Operations Director at Alpha Colour
Printers, said: "We are extremely proud to be
involved in the ROSCAs and it has been an honour
to be part of the judging panel, which was a very
humbling process.
"There were so many people nominated for so
many wonderful acts of care and kindness right
through to great achievements that all went far
beyond expectations of their roles and have made
a real difference to the level of care being received.
"Congratulations to the winners and nominees
as they are all worthy of recognition."
The list of winners and shortlisted nominees is as follows:
Unsung Hero Award
Winner
Dan Beale Cocks
Shortlisted nominees
June Hennell
Terry Whitehead
Service Users and Carers Choice Award
Winner
Lisa Bubb – Activities Co-ordinator, Laurel House,
Cheltenham
Shortlisted nominees
Tracey Boden – Senior Young Onset
Dementia/Community Mental Health Nurse based
at Weaver’s Croft, Stroud
Jan Bagnall – Senior Therapist, Stanway Centre,
Cheltenham
Carer and Service User Involvement Award
Winner
Jane Vickers, Community Mental Health Nurse,
Cirencester Memorial Centre
Shortlisted nominees
Tracie Morgan – Health Care Assistant, Willow
Ward, Charlton Lane, Cheltenham
Maria Edwards – Receptionist/ Administrator,
Acorn House, Gloucester
Award for Innovation
Winner
Colin Baker - Ward Manager, Chestnut Ward,
Charlton Lane Hospital, Cheltenham
Shortlisted nominees
Elaine Tingle – West Locality Support Manager
Sally Powell and Luisa Fernandez-Ford – Children
and Young People’s Service
Best Supporting Colleague Award
Winner
Melissa Law – Personal Assistant, St Owens Street,
Hereford
Shortlisted nominees
Elaine Hampson – Secretary,
Collier’s Court, Cinderford
Katie Clark – Administration
Officer, Collingwood House, Gloucester
Valuing Diversity Award
Winner
The E-Mentoring Group
Shortlisted nominees
Keith Springthorpe – Community Mental Health
Nurse, Sherbourne House, Cheltenham
Spirituality Group
Clinical Team of the Year Award
Winner
Herefordshire Crisis and Home Treatment Team
Shortlisted nominees
Gloucestershire Criminal Justice Liaison Team
Oak House Team, Hereford
Non-Clinical Team of the Year Award
Winner
Charlton Lane Hospital Housekeeping Team,
Cheltenham
Shortlisted nominees
Hotel Services, Hollybrook, Stroud
Countywide Administration and Facilities
Management Team
Best Supporting Manager Award
Winner
Laura Pensom – Deputy Manager, Greyfriars Ward,
Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester
Shortlisted nominees
James Wright – Matron, Wotton Lawn Hospital,
Gloucester
Ruth Thomas – Assistant HR Director: Training
The CEO Award for Outstanding Contribution
Tony Warnes, Team Manager at Weaver’s Croft,
Stroud
A huge thank you to our event sponsors:
11
March 2015
Carly Atkinson is a Specialist Dietitian and
our Trust Nutrition Lead. She has worked
with us for the past 3 ½ years, having
previously worked in the Black Country
Community Eating Disorders services.
She graduated as a Dietitian from Surrey University in 2005 and
later completed her Msc in Advanced Dietetic Practice at Coventry
University. Her first post was in an acute hospital in the North East of
England.
In her current role, she works with the Eating Disorders Day Treatment
Service, where she is involved with group therapy sessions, menu planning
and nutritional assessments.
in
C arly Atk
so
n
She is also involved in staff and carer training, ensuring we meet with current nutritional guidelines,
supporting our catering colleagues with menu planning and direct clinical work on the wards.
Here, in the first of a regular feature on diet and nutrition, Carly offers her advice on improving mental
health and wellbeing through what we eat.
Most people are aware of the connection between diet and physical health but do you ever
consider the impact of what you eat on your mental wellbeing? Here are a few ideas to ensure
your diet is also supporting your mental health:
Eat regular meals (and make sure they contain some carbohydrates)
A regular supply of glucose is essential for your brain to function properly. Without it
you are likely to feel weak, tired and struggle with concentration. It might also lead to
sugar cravings. Try to include slower release carbohydrates such as beans and lentils,
granary bread, pasta, noodles, muesli, porridge, milk, yogurt and sweet potatoes at
mealtimes to ensure your body has a steady supply of glucose during the day.
Choose the right fats
Our brains are made up of about 40% fat so an adequate amount of fat in the diet is
important for maintaining the health of our brain. Olive, rapeseed and flaxseed oils, nuts
and seeds are good sources of unsaturated fats and a rich source of other nutrients too.
Try to avoid the trans fats found in processed and packaged foods such as pre-packed
cakes and biscuits, processed meats and some ready meals. Instead, try to make foods
from fresh ingredients where you can.
Include regular sources of protein
Protein is a source of tryptophan, which is used to make the ‘feel good’ substance
serotonin in the brain. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, soya,
Quorn, nuts, lentils and beans.
Add oily fish to your diet
The Omega 3 oils found in oily fish are proven to be beneficial for maintenance of good
physical health but research also suggests they may reduce depression rates. Oily fish
include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards, trout and fresh tuna. 2-4 servings
a week are recommended (limit this to 2 if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or likely to
become pregnant in the future).
12
Eat plenty of wholegrains, fruit and vegetable foods
These are rich in lots of the nutrients linked to good mental health including a variety of
B vitamins, Zinc, Selenium and Magnesium. Ensuring your diet includes wholegrain
cereals (such as brown rice, granary bread, oats and fortified breakfast cereals), nuts,
seeds, beans, lentils and a variety of fruit and vegetables will reduce the likelihood of
any deficiency which might negatively impact on your mood.
Drink enough fluids
Even mild dehydration can impact your mood so ensure you have the recommended 6-8
glasses of fluid daily and try to avoid highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee, cola and
energy drinks which can cause irritability or low mood when the caffeine ‘kick’ wears off.
Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect and drinking too much can lead to deficiencies in B
vitamins, which are also linked to mood regulation. Limit alcohol intake to no more than
2-3 drinks on no more than five days per week and try to drink more water, herbal, fruit
and decaf teas and no added sugar juice drinks.
Tuscan White Bean and Tuna Salad
Serves 2-3
The Mental Health Foundation features a number of recipes aimed at feeding the mind on
its website. Here is one Carly recommends.
1 You will need:
• 2 cans cannellini beans,
rinsed and drained
• 15ml olive oil
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 70g olives, chopped
• 90g chopped red onion
• 25g chopped fresh basil
• 2g oregano
• 2g ground black pepper
• 1 can tuna in water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Combine the beans, oil,
and lemon juice in a large
bowl and stir together.
3 Add remaining
ingredients and mix well.
Chill before serving.
This year’s Big Health Check Day will take place on Wednesday May 13.
Held at Wall’s Social Club, in Barnwood, Gloucester, the annual event is aimed at
people with a learning disability, their support workers and carers.
The event features information stalls, healthy activities, demonstrations and
entertainment. It’s all aimed at promoting healthy living for people with
learning disabilities across Gloucestershire.
Keep an eye on our website and social media accounts for more details, or
ring Simon or Lorraine on 0800 019 3346 or 01452 321015 to find out more.
13
March 2015
Small Sparks (for communities)
Barnwood Trust is a charitable foundation, based
in Gloucestershire, dedicated to helping people
with disabilities and mental health challenges to
make the most of their lives.
The Trust gives four types of grants to people,
groups and organisations in Gloucestershire:
The Wellbeing Fund (for individuals)
The Wellbeing Fund enables individuals to live
independently - whether that means help with the
purchase of domestic appliances, holidays,
personal items, adaptations, disability-related
equipment or other things that would otherwise
be beyond their reach.
Previously grants have been made for items such
as riser/recliner chairs, mobility aids, domestic
appliances, computers and bedding.
Grants typically range from £50 to £750.
The Opportunities Award (for individuals)
The Opportunities Award gives people the chance
to try something new that will enable them to
move on to employment, volunteering or give
them the ability to help others.
It can also be used to fund training or equipment
that will enhance their ability to pursue a current
hobby. Grant recipients have previously used the
funding to pay for a training course and buy
specialist clothing for a work placement.
This fund helps small groups of people get
together to do something they enjoy and make a
difference to where they live.
You might need gardening equipment to grow
vegetables, or books or wool to get a club going.
There are no formal application forms to complete,
you just need to make sure that at least one of you
planning or wanting to enjoy the activity has a
disability or mental health challenge.
You can apply for grants of up to £250.
Grants for organisations
Small grants of up to £1,000 are available to
organisations in Gloucestershire who work directly
to benefit the quality of life of people with
disabilities and mental health challenges.
Grants could be for new projects, pilot schemes or
specific equipment. Grants for holidays and play
schemes are also available to organisations with a
proven track record of providing either for people
in Gloucestershire with a disability or mental
health challenge.
Apply for a grant
Full details of the grants and application forms are
available at www.barnwoodtrust.org.uk or by
phoning 01452 611292.
The average grant amount in 2014 was £850.
Music is the peace
The world grows the sounds
Beauty in the vision
Beautiful voice in nature
Collecting images
Freedom of the day
Colours decorating your life
Sing to the sky
Looking at the day
Shown a precious dream
Love is the formula
14
Beauty is told in a story
Colours make a meaning
Love reactions
The peace of the heart
Free in music
The musical scorer
A beautiful face of today
A demanding voice
The song in your wealth
The sky is a great dreamer
A day of material singers
A beauty so magical
The scene of developing lines
The world a joyful course
Love the tenderness
Beauty is a rhythm in colour
Life the storyteller
Brightness of spirit
Deep crystalized vision
The face of the sky
Loves great song
spot to while away an hour or two on a Spring day.
Get directions via www.wyedeantourism.co.uk
The daffodils are out, the days are getting longer and
we should soon be able to put our ice scrapers away
for another year.
Fresh air, exercise and sunlight are all proven to have
a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing,
so what better time to take advantage of what’s on
our doorstep and visit some of the jewels in the
landscape of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
5. Painswick Rococo Garden: This attraction, near
Stroud, is at its best at this time of year. A lovely spot
to see crocuses, tulips and daffodils in all their glory.
For entrance fees and opening times, visit
www.rococogarden.org.uk
Here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do this Spring:
6. The International Centre for Birds of Prey: The
oldest dedicated birds of prey centre in the world,
this attraction, in Newent, is the place to see hawks,
falcons, owls, eagles, vultures and much more.
Something for all ages, there is also a children’s play
area. Full details available at www.icbp.org
1. Goodrich Castle: This mid 12th Century ruin sits
above the River Wye, near Ross. The English Heritage
monument represents one of the most complete sets
of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any
English castle. Entry prices and opening times can be
found at www.english-heritage.org.uk
7. Symonds Yat: Right on the border of Herefordshire
and Gloucestershire, Symond’s Yat is popular with
tourists and locals alike. You can take the hand ferry
across the Wye, walk over the bridge at the Biblins or
go bird spotting on the rock. Simply Google ‘Symond’s
Yat’ or visit www.forestry.gov.uk
2. The Severn Bore: One of Britain’s most spectacular
phenomena, the Severn Bore is a large surge which
comes up the River Severn and represents one of the
biggest bores in the world. There are some 3 and 4
star bores during March and April. For information on
safe viewing areas and dates, visit
www.severn-bore.co.uk
8. Hereford Cathedral: Dating back to Saxon times,
the Cathedral is an architectural gem. The award
winning Mappa Mundi and Chained Library Exhibition
is open year round. Visit www.herefordcathedral.org
for visitor information.
3. Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum: The
only designated country park in Herefordshire, the
park, near Leominster, includes a 47 acre collection of
rare and exotic trees. The park is open every day from
dawn to dusk and entry is free. Details can be found
via the Herefordshire Council website.
4. Lydney Harbour: Once a bustling trading port, the
harbour is now a scheduled ancient monument and a
popular destination for walkers and history buffs.
Great views up and down the estuary and a lovely
9. Tyndale Monument: This tower, at North Nibley,
near Dursley, was built in 1866 and is 34 metres tall.
You can climb to the top of the tower if you’re feeling
energetic – all 120 steps! Information can be found at
www.northnibley.org.uk
10. Cotswold Farm Park: Famously owned by TV
farmer Adam Henson, all ages are catered for at this
popular destination. The lambing season is now
getting into full swing, so what better time to visit.
Entry prices and opening times are available at
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
Win Sunday Lunch at Hatherley Manor
Hatherley Manor Hotel, near Gloucester, have very kindly given us a
voucher for Sunday lunch for 4 people. To be in with a chance of
winning, email your name and address to [email protected]
or post us your details to Communications Team, Rikenel, Montpellier,
Gloucester GL1 1LY.
Closing date: March 26 2015.
15
March 2015
gether Service Experience Department
2
Let us know your views about 2gether
services including compliments, suggestions,
comments, concerns and complaints.
Tel: 01452 894072
Email: [email protected]
Carers Gloucestershire
Local information, support, advice,
advocacy and support groups for carers.
Tel: 0300 111 9000
www.carersgloucestershire.org.uk
Drugs and Alcohol Service Herefordshire
(DASH)
A free and confidential service for adults
affected by substance misuse problems.
Tel: 01432 263636
Dementia Service, Herefordshire
Information, advice and support for people
affected by memory problems.
Tel: 0800 234 6343
Gloucestershire Adult Social Care
Helpdesk
Information and help for adults and older people,
their carers and relatives regarding social care,
health, housing, financial and general support.
Tel: 01452 426868
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk
Gloucestershire Children &
Families Helpdesk
Information and enquiries about services for
children and families, including requests for a
needs assessment.
Tel: 01452 426565
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk
Gloucestershire Young Carers
Support for young people aged 8-25 years
whose lives are affected by caring for a
relative.
Tel: 01452 733060
www.glosyoungcarers.org.uk
Healthwatch Gloucestershire
Consumer champion and provider of information
and advice about health and social care.
Tel: 0800 652 5193
www.healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk
Healthwatch Herefordshire
Consumer champion and provider of information
and advice about health and social care.
Tel: 01432 364481
www.healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk
Herefordshire Carers Support
A registered charity providing practical support and
advice to the carer community in Herefordshire.
Tel: 01432 356068
www.herefordshirecarerssupport.co.uk
Independence Trust
Support for individuals, families and communities with
concerns about mental health, alcohol and drugs.
Tel: 0845 8638323 www.independencetrust.co.uk
Let’s Talk
Information, guidance and therapy during times when
you feel stressed, anxious or depressed.
Tel: 0800 073 2200 www.talk2gether.nhs.uk
Managing Memory 2gether
Information, advice and support for people affected by
memory problems.
Tel: 0800 694 8800
Mind
Information, advice and support for people experiencing
mental illness and their carers.
Tel: 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk
NHS 111
Health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tel: 111 www.nhs.uk
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Advice and liaison with clinical services to resolve a
concern or assist in making a complaint.
Tel: 01452 894073
Email: [email protected]
Samaritans
Available 24 hours a day to provide confidential
emotional support.
Tel: 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org
Cirencester Eating Disorders Support Group (Beat)
Confidential, approachable and understanding group for
help, support and information.
Tel: 01285 770385
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