This June we have been celebrating the individuals that make up our wonderful workforce and thinking about why we have Pride Month. As a Trust, we value and respect our people and strive for progression, inclusivity, and acceptance for all our staff, carers, patients, and the wider community. Pride to…

What are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? February 14th is brewing around the corner as I write. There has been a myriad of responses when asked for ‘first thoughts on Valentine’s Day’, and it would at first glance appear as if the day of love is, unloved. …

What happens in the NHS if you aren’t a doctor, nurse, or part of corporate services? Well, you are more than likely part of the third largest workforce in the NHS, an Allied Health Professional. Allied Health Professionals or AHPs, are ‘professionally autonomous professionals’* who provide care to assess, treat…

Paul Draycott, Chief People Officer As we know a job can make a huge difference to someone’s mental wellbeing and mental health recovery and for some it is their ultimate goal when they are experiencing severe mental health illnesses. Having meaningful occupation can provide us a reason to recover, a…

This week is occupational therapy week (OT week) and our colleagues across the Trust are showcasing the work they do. As a profession, occupational therapists are on the frontline of health equity and are uniquely placed to understand and tackle the challenges people face. …

What is COP26? The UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October — 12 November. The focus will be, in the recovery of COVID-19, taking the opportunity to tackle climate change at the same time and to build back better and greener. A…

Jon Pritchard, Southern Health's first Associate Director of Housing (and first in an NHS organisation), describes the relationship between health and housing and what impact it can have our mental health and recovery. “Before I joined Southern Health, I worked for a national charity that provides housing and care &…

by Paul Draycott, Director of Workforce, Organisational Development and Communications for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. It’s Black History Month — a time look forward to with eager anticipation and with a little trepidation. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the rich history of the people in our communities and…

Pre-read warning: In this blog Dan Arnold describes, in detail, some of his real life battles with his mental health and some of the content may be upsetting to read. …