February 2022
From the Chief Executive

Today (28 Jan) is London’s first ever Great Mental Health Day, a campaign set up by the mayor and the Thrive LDN team to help all Londoners lead happier, healthier lives. Winter is always a challenging time for us in the NHS, however I am very grateful to staff, patients, service users and carers for the resilience they’ve shown to keep going and help minimise disruption to the health and care we deliver.

There are alternatives available to you and your loved ones, at times when the NHS is at its busiest, to make sure you get the best treatment in the most appropriate setting. Have a look at the mental health support on offer in North West London and the national Help! campaign launched recently to publicise IAPT (talking therapy) services. You can see more about our services here.

We’ve also been in the news several times recently, with our new Medical Director discussing Blue/Brew Monday, our Director for Local Services explaining how to access mental health support and ITV News visiting one of our physical healthcare settings, Clayponds Hospital.

Finally, huge congratulations to one of our volunteers, Ragini Patel, who was recognised in the new year’s honours list and to our team who won a national award for their work on overseas recruitment.
Find out more about what’s going on at the trust below and, as ever, please send your feedback to [email protected]

Carolyn Regan
Chief Executive
Trust wins Nursing Times Workforce Award

The Trust was delighted to receive a Nursing Times Workforce Award in November for its work recruiting mental health nurses from the Philippines. The Trust won the International Recruitment Experience category and was pleased to see the team make an appearance at the awards ceremony.
In the news: Chris Hilton, Derek Tracy MyLondon interviews; ITV News

The Trust has been well represented in the news these past few months after ITV filmed at Clayponds Hospital and two directors were interviewed by MyLondon.

Dr Chris Hilton, director of local services, urged people to continue to seek mental health support amid a new wave of coronavirus, and the Trust’s medical director, Dr Derek Tracy, gave a candid interview about Blue Monday, calling it ‘just marketing’. ITV News were filming a TV package about how Clayponds is being used to treat patients well enough to leave acute hospital but still in need of care before returning home.
Trust chairman shines a light on Britain’s disabled heroes

The Trust’s chairman, Tom Hayhoe, celebrated UK Disability Month by writing a fascinating column for NHS Employers. The column was called Hidden in plain sight – what three statues can teach us about Disability History Month.

Tom, who is also the co-founder of the Disabled NHS Directors’ Network, shone a light on some of Britain’s most famous heroes, including Churchill, who, unknown to many, was disabled.
Volunteer recognised in New Year’s honours list

The Trust was incredibly proud to announce one of its volunteers Ragini Patel was recognised in the New Year’s honours list. Ragini was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her volunteering efforts in Northolt and the London Borough of Ealing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Staff pass course with flying colours

Well done to the first of the Trust’s degree apprentices who have completed their Level 7 Senior Leader/ MBA Degree. They were taught management skills, how to lead people, finances and marketing. Find out what they had to say about the experience here and click here to look at the employment opportunities at the Trust here.
Trust celebrates long-serving members of staff

In December, the Trust celebrated its long-serving members of staff. After collecting results from a staff survey, the Trust updated its policy to recognise staff who have worked at the trust for 10 to 35 years.

It meant many more milestones to celebrate and the Trust wrote to over 1,000 colleagues, providing them with a range of rewards, including thank you cards and vouchers.
Dry January comes to an end (but there's still support available)

The Trust marked Dry January by highlighting some of its alcohol services.
The Trust’s medical director, Dr Tracy, made a short video explaining his top tips for reducing your alcohol consumption. Drug and alcohol reablement worker, Charlie Kibble, also took part in a Q and A highlighting some of the Trust’s alcohol support services. Despite the one-month challenge coming to an end, support is still available. 
New service launches to support young people battling mental health problems

November saw the launch of the new Best of You mental health service. Best for You is a new patient-centered model of care to help the rising number of young people in need of mental health support.
The service is a fantastic example of some of the collaborative working taking place with charities and neighbouring Trusts.
High Sheriffs visit new facility at Broadmoor Hospital


It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the amazing work happening at the hospital and the difference the new building is making to both staff and patients.

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Imam Monawar Hussain called the visit a ‘real pleasure’ and said they were all ‘very impressed’ by the new building, which provides a therapeutic environment to patients. 
Don't suffer in silence this winter

The Trust is continuing to remind people about its 24/7 mental health helpline this winter. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis you should call 0800 328 4444.
The team offers emotional support and advice to people who require urgent mental health attention.
West London NHS Trust | www.westlondon.nhs.uk