Carers' News Issue 17
Major new NSFT study launched
Researchers from NSFT are working with service user Sarah Rae to improve experiences after discharge.
Sarah has brought together a nationally-recognised team to develop a major new research study.
The National Institute for Health Research-funded study, called MINDS, aims to improve the outcomes and experiences of those being discharged from mental health hospitals.
Sarah experienced difficulties when she was discharged from mental health wards and wants to use her lived experience to improve the situation.
“I have had two long-stay admissions. On the first occasion, I was discharged at very short notice. During a more recent admission, I became institutionalised after spending eight months on the ward.
“I was terrified of going back into the community. This fear was made worse by the fact that staff did not try to understand my worries or offer any coping strategies. There was no collaborative discharge planning before leaving hospital. The knock-on effect on my wellbeing and recovery was huge.”
A national survey from the mental health charity Mind found that 40% of people leaving mental health hospitals have no plan in place to support them.
Consultant psychiatrist Jon Wilson, joint-lead on MINDS, said:”The cutting-edge part of this research is the work we are doing with healthcare systems engineers at the University of Cambridge. We plan to make a tangible ‘aid’ to help in the discharge process.”
The research team will work with mental health service users and carers to develop a new support package for discharge.
Carer's quote, Norwich
Don’t just be good to others.
Be good to yourself too.
Virtual hug from us to you
We have been offered further wellbeing packs for all carers from Norfolk County Council, in partnership with Caring Together and Carers Voice. Alongside some PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and information to support carers, the pack also contains chocolate, sweets, bubble bath, a bag, tea, coffee and biscuits etc.
Email your contact details to CarersQ&Aservice@nsft.nhs.uk and we will get one to you.
Creativity Arts East brings back special sessions
Creative Arts East’s Our Day Out sessions are returning.
The project is a programme of free, high-quality creative engagement activities for all older people, including those living with:
Early to mid-stage dementia
Other long-term health conditions
Limited mobility
Mental health conditions
Loneliness or isolation
The activities are music and movement-based and are for older people in order to improve wellbeing, decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, and create new social connections
During the pandemic, Creative Arts East adapted delivery into free creative wellbeing packs with activities based on a different theme.
Now, their in-person workshops are returning to Dereham, Watton, Attleborough, Thetford, Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton twice a month.