Action for Brain Injury Week, led by Headway, is taking place 13–19 May and aims to raise awareness of brain injuries and the impact they have on the whole family. To support this year’s ‘Hats 4 Headway’ theme, the patients and staff on the ward made hats which they wore throughout the coffee morning.

The Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, offers state of the art facilities to give patients the best possible surroundings for recovery and rehabilitation.

The unit, within Kendray Hospital in Barnsley, opened in 2012 and has been designed to meet the needs of patients with brain tumours and neurological long term conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS) and head injuries.

Anne Massey, ward manager said, “Action for Brain Injury Week is a great way to raise awareness of all types of brain injury, from the very severe to more mild injuries which can still have major effects on people’s lives.

“Many of our patients are in a low awareness state when they arrive as a result of their injuries and can therefore find communication difficult or impossible. We provide rehabilitation and help the brain to learn alternative ways of working.

“The coffee morning gives patients and their families a chance to meet our team and talk about their experiences. This is a great way of offering further support to the patient to make sure they’re offered the best possible care”

The coffee morning was attended by ward staff and therapists. The service will continue to host coffee morning and evening groups in the future to ensure patients and relatives have the opportunity to discuss concerns, issues and views with staff.

Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s society, a national charity that works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England. The awareness week is an opportunity to get people talking – to find out more about what the condition is, how you can recognise the signs and the help available.

In support of the awareness week and to give people the opportunity to talk, the Trust’s Admiral Nurses are hosting a tea party on Friday 24th May at Folly Hall Mills in Huddersfield, from 10.30am until midday. Admiral Nurses are specialist mental health nurses who specialise in supporting carers of people with dementia and are hosting the event in partnership with Making Space, a national organisation which supports people with a range of mental health conditions, learning disabilities and dementia, and their carers.

Local people who use Trust services, members of the public, staff and carers are welcome to the join the tea party to find out more from the Admiral Nurses about how people can improve the quality of life of those with dementia and their carers.

Dementia is a common condition. Over 665,000 people in England are currently living with the condition. Dementia is a syndrome, a group of related symptoms, associated with the ongoing decline of the brain.

There is no cure for the condition and symptoms are progressive which means they will get worse over time. However there are a number of treatments available that can help people cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Ian Black, Trust Chairman said, “During this year’s Dementia Awareness Week we are encouraging our staff, those who use our services and people living in our local communities to talk about dementia. Talking about the condition will not only help to raise awareness about it and its symptoms, but it’s also an opportunity for people to find out about support available to help them live well in their community.

“Dementia affects many people in our local communities, including my father and at the Trust we are working to promote and improve services available for people with dementia and their carers, listening to them about what matters most so we always provide the right service, at the right time and in the right place.”

For more information about Dementia Awareness week, advice on living with the condition and details of events planned in support of the week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s society, a national charity that works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England. The awareness week is an opportunity to get people talking – to find out more about what the condition is, how you can recognise the signs and the help available.

Dementia is a common condition. Over 665,000 people in England are currently living with the condition. Dementia is a syndrome, a group of related symptoms, associated with the ongoing decline of the brain.

There is no cure for the condition and symptoms are progressive which means they will get worse over time. However there are a number of treatments available that can help people cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Ian Black, Trust Chairman said, “During this year’s Dementia Awareness Week we are encouraging our staff, those who use our services and people living in our local communities to talk about dementia. Talking about the condition will not only help to raise awareness about it and its symptoms, but it’s also an opportunity for people to find out about support available to help them live well in their community.

“Dementia affects many people in our local communities, including my father and at the Trust we are working to promote and improve services available for people with dementia and their carers, listening to them about what matters most so we always provide the right service, at the right time and in the right place.”

For more information about Dementia Awareness week, advice on living with the condition and details of events planned in support of the week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s society, a national charity that works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England. The awareness week is an opportunity to get people talking – to find out more about what the condition is, how you can recognise the signs and the help available.

Dementia is a common condition. Over 665,000 people in England are currently living with the condition. Dementia is a syndrome, a group of related symptoms, associated with the ongoing decline of the brain.

There is no cure for the condition and symptoms are progressive which means they will get worse over time. However there are a number of treatments available that can help people cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Ian Black, Trust Chairman said, “During this year’s Dementia Awareness Week we are encouraging our staff, those who use our services and people living in our local communities to talk about dementia. Talking about the condition will not only help to raise awareness about it and its symptoms, but it’s also an opportunity for people to find out about support available to help them live well in their community.

“Dementia affects many people in our local communities, including my father and at the Trust we are working to promote and improve services available for people with dementia and their carers, listening to them about what matters most so we always provide the right service, at the right time and in the right place.”

For more information about Dementia Awareness week, advice on living with the condition and details of events planned in support of the week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Awareness Week is organised by the Alzheimer’s society, a national charity that works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England. The awareness week is an opportunity to get people talking – to find out more about what the condition is, how you can recognise the signs and the help available.

Dementia is a common condition. Over 665,000 people in England are currently living with the condition. Dementia is a syndrome, a group of related symptoms, associated with the ongoing decline of the brain.

There is no cure for the condition and symptoms are progressive which means they will get worse over time. However there are a number of treatments available that can help people cope better with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Ian Black, Trust Chairman said, “During this year’s Dementia Awareness Week we are encouraging our staff, those who use our services and people living in our local communities to talk about dementia. Talking about the condition will not only help to raise awareness about it and its symptoms, but it’s also an opportunity for people to find out about support available to help them live well in their community.

“Dementia affects many people in our local communities, including my father, and at the Trust we are working to promote and improve services available for people with dementia and their carers, listening to them about what matters most so we always provide the right service, at the right time and in the right place.”

For more information about Dementia Awareness week, advice on living with the condition and details of events planned in support of the week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has organised a special week of activities, running from Monday 10th June to Friday 14th June. Activities have been organised in venues across the district and include dance sessions, badminton matches, football tournaments and cricket games.

The timetable of activities for the week includes:

• Monday 10th June – Dance session at Barnsley Civic Theatre, 1030am – 4.00pm
• Tuesday 11th June – Badminton & table tennis tournament at Hoyland leisure centre, 10.00am – 4.00pm
• Wednesday 12th June – Cricket & netball tournament at Shaw Lane Rugby club, 10.00am – 4.00pm
• Thursday 13th June – Football tournament at Barnsley FC, 1.00pm – 6.00pm
• Friday 14th June – Together run starting at Locke Park, 9.30am

The activities have been organised by the Trust’s physical activity development team, who support people, regardless of ability, to get involved in sporting activities to build their confidence.

Jane Baker, physical activity assistant in the team said, “We have organised the week of activities in June to give local people the opportunity to get involved in sport, try something they’ve never done before and enjoy the benefits of doing physical activity. Not only does physical activity boost your fitness levels, it also helps boost your mental wellbeing by relieving stress, boosting confidence and encouraging participation in a social event.

“These activities build on the success of the activities we ran last summer, which aimed to use the spirit of London 2012 to get people involved. This year’s activities are open to everyone including those who use our services in Barnsley, their carers, family and friends and are completely free to enter.”

For more information about the week of activities visit the physical activity development team’s webpage or contact Jane on 01226 434784 or email jane.baker@swyt.nhs.uk

State of Mind, an initiative which promotes practical ways for people to look after their mental health is working with the Trust’s recovery and wellbeing team and local organisations Action Space Mobile and PSS health trainers in Barnsley to deliver the pilot to local people and sports teams.

As part of the pilot, men over the age of 16 will be invited to attend five sessions that explore how physical and artistic activities can be utilised to help men manage difficulties they may be experiencing while improving their physical and mental wellbeing.

The pilot project will be launched at a special event on 25 May 2013 at Shaw Lane sports complex, Barnsley, S70 6HZ from 10am – 12 noon. Throughout the event there will be presentations by State of Mind trainers about the campaign, as well as a market stall event to provide information on local NHS, sporting and community services available in Barnsley.

Jane Baker, who is part of the Trust’s physical activity development team said, “We are really excited about working with State of Mind to deliver this project in Barnsley. We hope that men will get involved as it will give them the opportunity to explore different sports and artistic activities such as drumming sessions, cooking sessions and football matches as well as sessions to help them manage stress, anger management and coping strategies.

“Everyone in the local area, those who use Trust services and their carers, along with local sports club are invited to the launch event in May to find out more about the pilot as well as local NHS services.”

To find out more about the State of Mind pilot project visit the physical activity development team’s webpage

Dying Matters week will run from 13 – 19 May and this year’s theme is ‘be ready for it’. The week aims to encourage people to take small actions to be ready such as planning future care, signing up as an organ donor and telling loved ones your wishes.

To support people who are experiencing dying or bereavement, the Trust’s end of life care team in Barnsley plan, develop and co-ordinate systems to ensure that service providers recognise and deliver high quality end of life care. The service is developed in line with evidence based practice and ensures support is easily accessible to patients and carers.

Janet Owen, clinical lead for the end of life care team said, “It’s really important to talk openly about dying and bereavement as it can help ensure that we get the care and support we want at the end of our lives. A lack of conversation is often the most important reason why peoples’ wishes go ignored or unfulfilled.

“Dying Matters week is an opportunity to raise awareness about end of life issues and ask people to consider their attitudes towards death and bereavement. It’s also a good way to highlight where people can go to for support if they need it.”

To find out more about the awareness week or the work of Dying Matters visit www.dyingmatters.org.

Richard Bates and Chris Howard who set up the cycling group.

The NHS provider of mental health services in Kirklees is reminding people of the importance of exercise for good wellbeing for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

For one week each May the Mental Health Foundation campaigns around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s campaign, which runs from 13-19 May, is physical activity and exercise, highlighting the impact they have on mental health and wellbeing.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust knows only too well the positive impact physical activity can have on physical and mental wellbeing and encourages activity in the delivery of care.

Enfield Down in Huddersfield aims to increase access to wellbeing activities already being provided for service users currently resident at the rehabilitation unit. Activities available include walking groups, tai chi classes and monthly sporting events at venues in the local community such as golf, ten pin bowling and swimming.

Enfield Down is an inpatient unit that provides recovery and rehabilitation services for people experiencing mental health problems who need a longer time to re-establish their independence.

Funds from the Trust’s Creative Minds initiative will help to buy equipment for the activities including golf clubs, table tennis bats, swimming equipment, bike hire and pay for hire fees at local venues as well as transport to and from events.

The additional funds will buy equipment that people can keep as their own. This will allow people to carry on with the activity after they have left the service, allowing them to maintain their physical fitness levels and making the transition to living within the community easier.

Taking part in this project will bring a number of benefits to service users including boosting physical activity levels and improving mental wellbeing through being engaged in motivating, competitive activities. There will also be opportunities for service users to interact with local environments, community venues and public services, which will help to build their confidence in their abilities as they widen their experiences.

Jenny McGuigan, occupational therapist at Enfield Down said, “We try to find as many ways as possible to engage our residents to take part in physical activity and see every day the benefits this can have. We hope the awareness week will help emphasise how beneficial exercise is to mental health and wellbeing and that people will give it a go.”

Jenny continued, “Getting active doesn’t have to mean sweating it out in the gym or running yourself ragged on the treadmill. Physical activity can be anything from competitive sport and exercise to active hobbies such as walking, dancing or activities of daily living, such as housework and DIY. Simply put – any movement that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath.”

Physiotherapists recommend that adults exercise at moderate intensity for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, but this could be broken up into three or four smaller chunks. Just being a little more active throughout the day can benefit all-round wellbeing.

For more information about South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, including how to become a member, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk

For one week each May the Mental Health Foundation campaigns around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s campaign, which runs from 13-19 May, is physical activity and exercise, highlighting the impact they have on mental health and wellbeing.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust knows only too well the positive impact physical activity can have on physical and mental wellbeing and encourages activity in the delivery of care.

When service users at the Elmdale ward at The Dales Unit in Calderdale expressed an interest in cycling, the occupational therapy team was quick to respond. Securing funding from the Trust’s ‘Creative Minds’ initiative, the team bought four mountain bikes and accessories and have set up a cycling group to help promote the physical health and wellbeing of people using acute mental health services.

Service users who are interested are encouraged to build up their confidence in cycling independently and are helped to find local cycling groups so that they can continue when they leave hospital. Positive results include improved self esteem and confidence, better physical health, increased social interaction and a reduction in stress.

One service user who has taken part said, “I feel positive and uplifted and more confident following the session.”

Physiotherapists recommend that adults exercise at moderate intensity for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, but this could be broken up into three or four smaller chunks. Just being a little more active throughout the day can benefit all-round wellbeing.

Richard Bates an occupational therapist on the Elmdale Ward, said, “We often hear about the health benefits of exercising in reducing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, but it can be just as beneficial to our mental wellbeing. 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem during the course of a year, so chances are we all know someone who is having problems. Exercise can help people boost their overall wellbeing and help ease any stress they might be feeling before it gets worse. We hope the awareness week will help emphasise how beneficial exercise is to mental health and wellbeing.”

Richard continued, “Getting active doesn’t have to mean sweating it out in the gym or running yourself ragged on the treadmill. Physical activity can be anything from competitive sport and exercise to active hobbies such as walking, dancing or activities of daily living, such as housework and DIY. Simply put – any movement that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath.”

For more information about South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, including how to become a member, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk

Football tournament at Barnsley FC

To raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness week South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is highlighting how local people in Barnsley can get involved in fun, creative and enjoyable physical activities this summer to boost their mental and physical wellbeing.

Mental Health Awareness week runs from 13th – 19th May and this year’s theme focuses on the impact physical activity can have on mental health and wellbeing. The week aims to highlight the benefits that physical activity can have on people’s wellbeing, quality of life and mental health, as well as improved fitness levels.

The awareness week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation, a national charity committed to reducing the suffering caused by mental ill health and to help everyone lead mentally healthier lives.

This summer the Trust’s physical activity and development team in Barnsley have organised a number of events to give local people the opportunity to join in with sporting and physical activities including cricket, dancing, football and rugby.

On 25th May the team are launching a new project in partnership with State of Mind – an initiative that promotes practical ways for people to look after their mental health. Five sessions will be run that highlight how physical and creative activities can be utilised to help people manage difficulties they are experiencing and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Between 10 – 14 June the team have organised ‘Get active Get involved’ – a week of activities that will take place across the district including football tournaments, netball matches and a dancing session.

Jane Baker, physical activity assistant in the team said, “All the events we have planned for this summer aim to encourage people to get involved as doing physical activity can give a big boost to your wellbeing. Not only does it help improve your fitness levels and reduce the risk of you suffering from conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, it also helps to improve your mental wellbeing by reducing stress, boosting confidence and encouraging participation in a social event.

“The State of Mind pilot project and the Get active Get involved week are just two examples of the projects we are running this summer. Our team support people, regardless of ability, to get involved in sporting activities and build their confidence so that in the future they will be able to continue this independently.”

To find out more about the awareness week and other activities planned for the week, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Full details about the State of Mind pilot project and Get active Get involved activities are available on the Trust website

The new sessions are part of ongoing work to promote physical activity as a way of improving wellbeing, as well as to make activity increasingly accessible to all.

The activity is being formally launched as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from 13 – 19 May. Run by the Mental Health Foundation, the week aims to raise knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellbeing issues and focuses on a different topic each year.

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week is themed around physical activity and exercise, highlighting the positive impact they have on mental health and wellbeing. To tie in with this theme, the formal launch of the hooping classes aims to raise awareness of hooping as a fun and enjoyable exercise which improves mood and energy levels alongside physical and mental health.

The weighted hoops weigh from three to five pounds and offer resistance for the muscles during the workout. A hooping workout can help to strengthen the core, increase flexibility in the spine, is an excellent source of low impact cardio vascular exercise and can be done virtually anywhere to promote a healthier lifestyle.

The activity has been initiated by the Trust’s principal physiotherapist Margaret Freeburn and physiotherapy assistant, Carol Denton who encourage staff and service users to improve their health and mental wellbeing by taking regular exercise.

Margaret said, “Hula hooping is a great way to tone up whilst enjoying a bit of fun, making exercise less of a chore. Hooping can help to improve mood, it’s nostalgic and seeing and feeling the improvements in the physical body can help to lift spirits and improve confidence.”

Hula hooping groups are offered on a regular basis in Wakefield as part of a comprehensive therapeutic timetable.

Local people are invited to drop in anytime between 2pm and 6pm at Space to Create near the Bandstand in Clarence Park, Wakefield on Saturday 11th May.

Wakefield CAMHS works with children and young people up to the age of 18, their families, carers and other professionals involved in their care, with a broad range of mental health problems such as psychotic disorders, eating disorders, self harm and depression or bipolar disorder.

As part of a review to look at what the service provides and how it meets local needs now and in the future a number of participation events have been organised in the local community. The events are an opportunity for people to help make a real difference and improve local mental health services for all children and young people.

Young people, and their families, are being asked where they would go if they needed help with emotional issues, what qualities are important in the person they would talk to, where they would like to be seen and what kind of service they would be happy to use.

The events are being supported by Wakefield-based company Faceless, a professional arts organisation. Faceless are using unique approaches to help capture and record the views of young people and their families.

Two similar events have already been held, one with a group of young people at The Hut in Airedale and another with pupils aged 9-10 at Rooks Nest Junior School in Outwood.

Once the events have taken place the work will culminate in a presentation to local decision-makers, led by young people from the service. The information collected will then be used to steer forward plans for the future.

CAMHS worker Carol Rejaie said, “We are inviting all local people to get involved, particularly those who have used our child and adolescent mental health service. We need your expertise and experience of using our service to make sure we get it right and to help ensure we are meeting the needs of local people.

“We hope that as well as gathering information we can encourage any young people who are struggling to cope with feelings of sadness, worry or just where every day events are getting too much to tell somebody what they are worrying about so that they can help them find help. We would encourage young people to speak to a GP, teacher, health visitor or another adult if they are struggling to cope and they may put you in touch with us – we can then help you with how you are feeling inside and offer advice on how to cope.”

Mobility scooter event to promote safety.

Are you struggling with your mobility scooter? Don’t know the laws about using a scooter? Or are you thinking of getting your first scooter? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this free mobility scooter safety event is for you.

Local people are invited to join South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s health and wellbeing team, the Neighbourhood Police Team and mobility retailer Go Mobility Centre at a special safety event to find out more about the safe and courteous use of mobility scooters and highlight common safety risks.

The event takes place at St .Luke’s Church, Carlton Road in South Elmsall on Tuesday 14th May between 10am and 12.30pm. The event is free of charge and open to any existing mobility scooter users or anyone who is considering buying a mobility scooter.

There are around 330,000 users in the UK for whom scooters provide a lifeline to the outside world giving them their freedom and independence. But staying safe on board is essential to get the most out of your mobility scooter.

At the event people will be able to get top tips on how to get the best from their scooter while keeping safe. Driving demonstrations will be provided on the indoor scooter track with the chance to have a go afterwards. A free ‘Safe Scoot’ DVD introduced by Sheila Reid, who played Madge in ‘Benidorm’ and a ‘Safe Scoot’ Highway Code booklet will be available for any scooter user who safely negotiates the indoor track. Information on choosing and looking after a scooter will be provided by South Kirkby-based Go Mobility Centre and the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be on hand to answer questions about using a scooter legally and safely.

Julian Glover, health and wellbeing development worker, said, “Mobility scooters represent freedom to people with impaired movement, but it is important to understand the scooter and the responsibilities that come with its use. We hope local people will join us to find out more about scooter use and welcome anybody thinking about getting a scooter to come along and have a test drive around our indoor track. This might just be the encouragement and reassurance somebody needs to get mobile again and get back their independence.”

Places at the event are limited. To book your free place please contact Julian Glover, health and wellbeing development worker on 01977 705473 or e-mail julian.glover@swyt.nhs.uk

Deaf Awareness Week runs from 6th – 12th May and this year’s theme is Get involved, Get aware. The aim of the week is to promote the work of organisations that support people with hearing loss and deafness and to help people seek the support available to have a good quality of life and maintain independent living.

To help promote the services available to people in Barnsley the sensory impairment service, which is run by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will be holding a free information event and inviting other local organisations that help people.

The event is being held in Barnsley town centre (Cheapside area) between 10am and 2pm and anyone is welcome to come along and find out more about the help available and advice. The Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Dorothy Higginbottom will also be attending at 10.30am.

Organisations on hand to offer advice include Barnsley Audiology NHS, BSL Healthy Minds, Equipment companies – Sarabec, Clofield, Action on Hearing Loss and a mental health worker for deaf. Representatives will be talking to people about their hearing difficulties, deafness and equipment that could help.

Moira Alton, Senior Rehabilitation Officer with Barnsley Sensory Impairment Services, said, “It is estimated that 15% of the population are deaf to some extent and out of every 10,000 people, 10 will be extremely deaf and 100 will be partially deaf. It is important that people know what help is available to them both locally and nationally to support them in their every day lives and to try ensure they don’t become socially isolated.

There will be lots of stalls where you can get information and advice about your hearing and how you can look after it and also what to do if you are struggling with your hearing or are deaf. Everyone is invited to come along and find out more whether for themselves or for someone they know.”

The session, which will involve non-contact touch rugby will teach people the skills and rules of rugby league and give them the opportunity to have a go themselves. The session will be run by coaches from Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and opened by Giants Business Development Manager Robbie Hunter-Paul.

The touch rugby session has been organised thanks to a new partnership between Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides NHS mental health and learning disability services throughout Kirklees.

Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to come along and play, regardless of their skill level or knowledge of the game. Individuals or teams are welcome and people do not have to book their place.

The touch rugby session will be held on Thursday 23rd May, from 12 noon – 2pm at The Zone, St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield. Registration to play will start at 11am.

Mark Wisbey, a member of the Trust’s equality and inclusion team said, “As well as encouraging people from the local community to get involved in this session, we are inviting people who use our services to come along and try their hand at touch rugby.

“Getting involved in physical exercise such as a game of rugby has both psychological and physical benefits and it’s a great way of encouraging people to come out of the house and build up their social networks.

“The session will also be a great opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma as people from different backgrounds will be brought together while playing the game.”

Glenn Holdsworth, Rugby development manager of the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust added “Touch rugby is an excellent way to meet new people, make friends and have a laugh.

“Touch rugby is a really fun version of the 13-a-side game that keeps you fit without going to the gym, it can be played indoors or outdoors and with no-contact there is no real risk of injury.”

For more information about the touch rugby league session contact Mark Wisbey at mark.wisbey@swyt.nhs.uk

The labyrinth at Fieldhead in Wakefield.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, a local provider of NHS services in Wakefield, is officially opening a labyrinth at Fieldhead, Ouchthorpe Lane on Monday 29th April.

A labyrinth is a pattern with a single winding path that leads from the entrance to the centre. Labyrinths differ from mazes as they have only one path to reach the centre.

The labyrinth has been built within the Fieldhead site so that people can benefit from this alternative therapeutic activity and is part of a larger Caring Garden, which offers a relaxing environment as well as the space for services to offer horticultural therapy.

Work on the labyrinth began in September 2012. Gardeners from the Trust have developed the space; recycling many materials from across the site to landscape the area. Around the labyrinth, flower beds representing the four seasons have been planted and seating areas have been made.

The Trust’s chief executive Steven Michael will open the labyrinth supported by members of the pastoral and spiritual care team, who have lead the project. People who use services provided by the Trust and members of staff will also attend and will have the opportunity to experience walking the labyrinth.

Rev Mike Gartland, head of pastoral and spiritual care, said, “The process of walking a labyrinth is based on the idea of the journey of life and although the path twists and sometimes appears to go backwards, it eventually takes us to our goal. It is used for reflection, contemplation, meditation, concentration and focus. People who enter the labyrinth can enjoy the value of quiet surroundings to reflect on their lives and take time to centre themselves and their thoughts.

“At the Trust we recognise that spiritual support can be very useful to some people who use our services and their carers at what is often a very difficult time in their lives. We support patients of all faiths (or no faith) and our spiritual and pastoral care team give people the time and space to talk through feelings, concerns or plans for the future, in confidence and safety.

“The labyrinth has created a space for staff, service users, carers and visitors to the Fieldhead site to take the opportunity to unwind, still the mind and return to a centre point of peace and stillness. The journey to the centre of the labyrinth is symbolic of remembering and reconnecting with the whole (health) of ourselves in a compassionate and accepting way.”

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of NHS community and mental health services across Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

Representatives from recognised trade unions at the Trust are known as ‘Staff Side’ and they have made a short film that describes the vital role they play in the working lives of the Trust’s staff.

Tony Wright, Trust Staff Side secretary and joint UNISON branch secretary said, “Many staff weren’t fully aware of what Staff Side do and the influence we have on their working lives. So I decided to produce a film to reach as many people as possible and it’s had a great response.”

The Trust has a strong track record of staff and Staff Side involvement and the film includes interviews with the Trust’s chief executive, chairman and director of HR.

Tony Wright said, “The high level of partnership working we have built in this Trust enables us to hold early and sustained discussions on all areas including transitional issues, organisational change, and policy development. We represent the interests of staff at all levels and I hope our new film helps people become familiar with the role of Staff Side here at the Trust.”

Steven Michael, chief executive, said, “I was very happy to be involved in this film. Being a partnership organisation means being a partner not only with our service users and carers but also, importantly, with our staff. Staff Side have a fundamental role to play and I hope people watch the film and understand more about how they fulfil this.”

View the film at : www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/work-for-us/staff-side/

Breathing Space offers people with dementia and their family member, partner, carer or support worker a range of creative activities to improve cognitive function and maintain and strengthen relationships. It’s proven that taking part in creative activities has positive benefits to mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The Breathing Space sessions gives participants the opportunity to take part in weekly group sessions where they can meet people, make friends and have fun. Sessions include music and song, movement, dance and visual arts.

This latest series of workshops offer accessible group-based movement and dance sessions, which will be led by the Trust’s dance movement psychotherapist Dr Richard Coaten, will involve a combination of moving, dancing, singing and remembering. It encourages feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem and a joy in moving.

Sessions take place on Monday mornings on 22nd April, 29th April, 13th May, 20th May and 3rd June and run between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The group is open to people with a diagnosis of dementia and their family member, partner, carer or support worker and absolutely no previous experience is required.

Hoot is a creative partner of South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and as a result is part of a growing infrastructure of community organisations who are working with the Trust to provide creative projects to local people. As part of Creative Minds the Trust aims to support voluntary and community organisations, like Hoot, to deliver a variety of creative projects to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

Speaking about Breathing Space, Dr Richard Coaten said, “Movement and dance promotes physical health and wellbeing, supports self-esteem and confidence, and is at heart a very sociable activity. In this series of sessions there is no attempt to remember steps from previous weeks, learn any particular technique, tire anyone out, or put anyone on the spot. Simply spend time together moving and dancing and getting to know each other a bit more each week.

Moira Wade of Hoot added, “We are pleased to have teamed up with South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on this work and share our passion for using creative activities to maintain health and wellbeing. Since Breathing Space began local people diagnosed with dementia have been attending weekly group activities where they can meet people, make friends and have fun. Sessions include music and song, movement, dance and visual arts. We hope to see new and familiar faces at these weekly sessions. We would also welcome referrers to come and see what we do and refer people to a project.”

For more information and to find out how to refer contact Moira at Hoot on 01484 516224.

More information about Creative Minds can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creativeminds

The creative art sessions are free and run every Tuesday between 2.30 – 4.30pm starting 16th April at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George’s Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 7BY.

The sessions have been developed in association with the Alzheimer’s Society and are partly funded through South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Creative Minds scheme.

Verd de Gris is a not-for-profit company based in Hebden Bridge, which works to develop a range of stimulating and meaningful projects for older people. As well as creating opportunities for artistic expression it advocates for new ways of working with and responds to the needs of older people.

Jeff Turner at Verd de Gris said, “We all have feelings about the seasons and our local landscape; the beautiful cold clear skies, the heavy weight of January rain and blasted moorland. These creative sessions are an opportunity to come together and try something new, while exploring the feelings associated with the seasons. Now Spring is here it’s the perfect time to try something new! Verd de Gris provides a warm and friendly environment so why not come and give it a go!”

Verd de Gris was chosen as a creative partner by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and is part of a growing infrastructure of community organisations who are working with the Trust to provide creative projects to local people.

As part of Creative Minds the Trust aims to support voluntary and community organisations, like Verd de Gris, to deliver a variety of creative projects to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

These new creative art sessions are part of Verd de Gris’s wider project Changing Landscapes, which aims to provide a new service for older people who want to get creative and stay healthy. It offers creative and cultural opportunities directed at improving the quality of life, health and social integration of older people in Calderdale.

More information about Creative Minds can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creativeminds

For more information about the creative art sessions please contact Sharon at Verd de Gris on 07598 387772.

Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2013 runs from 15-21 April and is a week to tell the world what life is really like for people affected by Parkinson’s. It also gives the charity Parkinson’s UK the chance to let people know about them and what they do.

The Halifax and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK, supported by local arts company Verd de Gris, is inviting anyone affected by Parkinson’s, along with family, friends and carers, to a Dance Taster on Saturday 13th April. A pilot project to explore the physical and emotional benefits of moving to music begins the following Thursday (18 April) at Elim Church in Halifax 11-12.30pm.

This work is part of a wider initiative by Verd de Gris called Changing Landscapes, which aims to develop and deliver uplifting and creative sessions for older people across Calderdale, partly funded by South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Creative Minds scheme.

Verd de Gris was chosen as a creative partner by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and is part of a growing infrastructure of community organisations who are working with the Trust to provide creative projects to local people.

As part of Creative Minds the Trust aims to support voluntary and community organisations, like Verd de Gris, to deliver a variety of creative projects to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

Community dance worker Natalie Speake says there’s never been anything like it in the region before for people affected by Parkinson’s Disease. “This is something of a first for Calderdale and the fact it is happening is wonderful news for anyone affected by Parkinson’s in the region. A growing body of research is showing that dance can help people with Parkinson’s in lots of ways. Greater ease in moving, increases confidence and – just as important – can be a lot of fun.”

The Dance Taster on Saturday 13 April will start at 2pm at Elim Church Hall, Hall Street, Halifax. For further information contact Natalie Speake 0772 3452673.

More information about Creative Minds can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creativeminds

The activity, organised by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s health and wellbeing development team, aims to knit at least 50 pairs of mittens for the shelter by October 2013. The team will be at the Ferrybridge Community Centre on the second Monday of each month giving people the opportunity to join in.

Jackie Sharp, health and wellbeing development worker said, “The knit-a-mitt activity gives people in Wakefield the opportunity to work together for a great cause. As well as providing mittens for the shelter, the social and interactive element of the activity can also give a real boost to a person’s mental wellbeing.

“So far, we’ve completed 25 pairs of mittens, but we need more people to get involved to help us reach our target. When we’ve finished, the mittens will go to the Trinity Mission night centre which offers a drop in twice a week and overnight accommodation on Thursday and Friday nights from November to March.”

This new challenge follows on from last year’s popular knit-a-thon challenge to knit the longest scarf in Knottingley. The scarf reached 232 feet and was turned into three blankets for the night centre.

If you would like to take part in the activity, you can pick up a pattern and some wool at the next community drop in at Ferrybridge Community Centre or contact Jackie on 01977 705473 or 07881 595968.

The next knitting session will be held on:

Monday 13th May at Ferrybridge Community Centre, from 10am to 12 noon.

On the 1 April 2013 the Calderdale and Kirklees Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is transferring from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust to South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The change follows a competitive tender process by NHS commissioners, who are responsible for planning and paying for local health services.

All the staff in the service will transfer to South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. There will be no change to the care and support available to young people or their families and current treatment will not be affected. The service will be working closely with NHS commissioners over the coming months to ensure delivery of a new and improved service model across Calderdale and Kirklees.

Anna Basford, the Trust’s district director for Calderdale and Kirklees said, “We look forward to formally welcoming the service and its staff to our organisation. Our Trust already provides CAMHS services in Barnsley and Wakefield so we were delighted when we were chosen to also provide the Calderdale and Kirklees service as it will ensure our skilled and experienced clinicians share their expertise for the benefit of young people across our area.

“Over the coming months we will continue to listen to and respond to feedback, to make sure the service meets local need and offers high quality care, tailored to individuals. Child and adolescent mental health services play a vital role in our local communities; helping young people to reach their potential.”

The award is part of an initiative by Leeds School of Medicine to encourage and reward undergraduate clinical teaching across the NHS in West Yorkshire.

Six awards of £2000 were available to NHS employees or teams currently teaching Leeds medical or dental students, to support their further development.

As part of the application process, the Trust, which provides mental health, learning disability and community services across Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, had to provide evidence of promoting and improving students’ learning experience as well as showing how it would continue to develop learning and teaching within the Trust.

The awarding panel commented that the Trust demonstrates “an enthusiastic approach to an excellent placement experience for students” and “a strong learning ethos within the team”.

Dr Nisreen Booya, medical director for the Trust said, “We are delighted to have received this award. South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been teaching medical students for a number of years, helping to grow the next generation of health professionals. This award is a real bonus for doing something that already benefits both our staff and the undergraduates we support in so many ways.

“We are very proud of our continuing commitment to local students and I am grateful for the hard work, vision and dedication of Dr Fariha Kamal, Dr Ian Pickering and our secretarial support Louise Hunt, who all contributed to the successful application.”

The pilot project aims to improve an individual’s quality of life as well as providing advice and information.

The pilot, which will run until July 2014, is provided by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s care navigation service – a specialist service for people who have long-term conditions.

The service is working in partnership with Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s colorectal specialist nurses who offer the service to patients as a further way to help manage their condition and promote recovery.

Following surgery, discharged hospital patients who are identified as having a long term condition are being offered a series of telephone consultations. These are undertaken by qualified nurses known as nurse care navigators.

The navigators are trained to work closely with people to help bring about positive health behaviour changes. Following an initial assessment, patients receive telephone support for three to five months.

Paul Hughes, care navigation service lead for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, explained, “Cancer survivors may suffer from a range of ongoing psychosocial and physical problems including depression and anxiety, lowered self-esteem and body image, fatigue, pain, nausea, reduced cardiovascular and pulmonary function, and muscle weakness. Our care navigation service provides information and advice and focuses on a person’s wellbeing by changing the relationship between patients and care providers. The service empowers patients to maintain and improve their own health rather than focusing on the specific illness.”

It is expected that the pilot project will help cancer patients:

 experience improved quality of life, health and wellbeing and be more independent

 feel supported and empowered to care for themselves

 have active involvement in decisions about their care and support

 have access to high quality health and social care services to support their individual needs

 reduce the need for multiple appointments with health care professionals

Jane Parker, clinical nurse specialist at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said, “The pilot provides the opportunity for clinicians from both acute and community healthcare providers in Barnsley to develop the patient pathway. It has also enabled community based staff to undertake our training on the enhanced recovery programme.”

The Barnsley care navigation service is available to help anyone with a long-term condition or ongoing illness. To access the service, just call freephone 0800 612 1976.