From the British Army to the NHS

Nottinghamshire Healthcare has been a long supporter of the Armed Forces community and recognise the valuable contribution, wealth of experience and skills that Armed Forces personnel and their families bring to the organisation and that this contributes to the delivery of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led patient care.

Last year, the Trust re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant showing its commitment to ensure staff who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. We also work in partnership with NHS Step into Health programme, which supports servicemen and women to access career opportunities working in the NHS. Armed Forces and their families include: Service leavers, Reservists, Veterans, Cadet Forces Adult volunteers and spouses, partners and families of those serving. Read more about how we support our Armed Forces community.

Hear from Gavin Oxby, whose dream growing up was to become a solder. He is extremely proud throughout his career to represent the British Army all over the world.  Now a Registered Nursing Associate at the Trust, he shares his story about his life in the Army and the NHS.

Gavin Oxby, Registered Nursing Associate and Veteran

My apprenticeship has played a big part in me pursing my present studies in occupational therapy

For National Apprenticeship Week (7 to 13 February 2022), were celebrating all that is great about apprenticeships and shining a light on our inspiring apprentices in Nottinghamshire Healthcare. 

An apprenticeship combines on the job practical work experience, whilst studying, allowing you to gain experience and achieve a recognised qualification and earning an income.

Bashar Heesambee (Bash), Sports Instructor, at The Wells Road Centre in Nottingham, takes a look back on his apprenticeship journey.

Bashar Heesambee, Sports Instructor

Children’s Mental Health Week: Chelsea uses volunteering and CAMHS support to turns life around after anxiety and self-harm at just 14

With around one in six children affected by mental health problems, supporting children and young people to be mentally healthy has never been more important.

Children’s Mental Health Week is 7 to 13 February. The theme is about growing together and using challenges and setbacks to help us grow.

As part of raising awareness for the week, we spoke to Chelsea, who at the age of 14 experienced anxiety, low mood and self-harm. With the support of the Trust’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), she has turned her life around, from being someone who wouldn’t interact with anyone to a confident young person who volunteers, presents and has even been on the radio helping to raise awareness of mental health and the stigma that still surrounds it.    

Chelsea

Now 17, Chelsea hopes her story can help other young people going through a similar experience.  

No place for discrimination: Natasha's story

For National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Nottinghamshire Healthcare will be launching its 'No Excuse For Abuse' hate incidents/crimes campaign, sending out a clear message to those who abuse its staff, visitors, carers and service users that there is no place for hate in our organisation.

Hate incidents are significantly underreported across society and it is no different for the Trust. Staff have reported, through the Trust’s BME Staff Network and NHS National Staff Survey (2020), that the most common form of hate incident is racism and is one of the many reasons why we are addressing this important issue. The impact this has on our staff and those who use our services is often profound.

We're sharing a story from Natasha Bowen, who experienced a hate incident at the Trust. She talks about how she felt too afraid to speak up as a new member of staff but felt empowered, valued and protected after her manager challenged the person. 

Natasha Bowen, Access to Information Support Officer

Colin's story: “It’s about being independent and respecting who and what I am”

For this year's World Mental Health Day, we're shining a spotlight on the Trust's Employment Support Service, Futures Positive. 

Stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health issues doesn’t just affect their physical and mental health. It can also affect their training and educational opportunities, as well as their future job prospects.

Earlier we told Sarah's story. After experiencing mental health issues during Covid-19, she found herself unsupported at work, before turning to Futures Positive for help. 

For Colin though, employment support came after almost 20 years of mental health issues. Following 14 years out of work, he was referred to Futures Positive by his Occupational Therapist after expressing an interest in finding employment again.  

Sarah's story: “I am still finding my way but having a purpose is allowing me to sustain my recovery”

Stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health issues doesn’t just affect their physical and mental health. It can also affect their training and educational opportunities, as well as their future job prospects.

The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is Mental Health in an Unequal World, so what better opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Trust’s Employment Support Service?

Futures Positive support people with mental health issues to find paid or alternative employment. Being employed in a role you enjoy has lots of benefits for your mental health; it can give structure, meaning and purpose to life. People with lived experience can act as mental health advocates in the workplace too, helping to break down barriers and challenge stigma amongst others.

Sarah* enlisted the help of Futures Positive earlier this year. After experiencing mental health issues during the pandemic, she found herself unsupported at work and overwhelmed by the idea of what to do next.

Nursing associate shares her journey of achieving her dream job of becoming a nurse

Our very first nursing associate has shown her dedication and commitment and now has her first job as a registered nurse.

Nursing associates were a new role in the Trust which began in 2017. They work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public. It is also a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Leah Quick was our first nursing associate in the Trust and share’s her amazing journey of the challenges she overcame to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.