Published on: 2 June 2026
Recognising and celebrating exceptional care is important. Highlighting positive experiences not only acknowledges the dedication of healthcare professionals, but also reassures others that support is available. 
Charlotte Devlin, an Occupational Therapy Assistant who works within the Older Adults Community Mental Health Team in Chesterfield at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised by a service user for the positive impact she’s made on their experience with the Trust’s service.
Charlotte, who is also a third-year Occupational Therapy apprentice at Sheffield Hallam University, supports people with a range of mental health conditions to engage in meaningful activities and increase independence within their communities.
The Trust’s Delivering Excellence Every Day (DEED) awards recognises and celebrates Derbyshire Healthcare staff and volunteers who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their work, and thereby demonstrated one or more of the Trust’s values. The service user described how Charlotte worked with them across two separate periods, helping them explore opportunities outside of mental health services, including identifying a suitable volunteer role and a writing group aligned with their interests.
In their feedback, the service user praised Charlotte’s communication, empathy and personalised approach, describing how she took time to understand their anxieties, goals and capabilities. They highlighted her ability to listen carefully, avoid rushing conversations and check understanding, which helped create a safe and supportive environment.
Charlotte was also acknowledged for her practical support, including helping to plan journeys, accompany the service user into the community, and gradually build independence through techniques such as gradually introducing opportunities to face and overcome situations, which would invoke fear and uncertainty as well as other anxiety management methods.
The service user noted that this approach reduced stress and enabled them to feel more confident attending activities independently, “she makes it easy to chat informally, relax and open up about thoughts and feelings.
“This support and direction help me to become independent of Charlotte, which has enabled me to acquire the skills and knowledge to undertake the journey on my own.
The feedback also commended Charlotte’s professionalism, reliability and commitment to person-centred care, with the service user describing her as “the best Occupational Therapy [Assistant] I have met”.
Tumi Banda, Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Quality and Patient Experience at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “This is fantastic recognition for Charlotte and the work she does. It is so important to keep sharing stories of compassionate and effective care, and we must encourage more people to seek help when they need it, knowing they will be met with understanding and expertise - like this service user.”
Charlotte said: “It’s lovely to be recognised for my work. It reassures me that I am doing a lot of things right and allows me to grow in confidence. I really enjoy working with people to find out what is meaningful to them and finding ways to approach challenges at a pace and style that suits them. I strive to create an environment where people feel safe to express themselves and work towards their goals.
“It’s a pleasure to work for the Trust to keep supporting people, making a positive difference and providing caring and inclusive care.”
If anyone who has experienced good care from a member of staff at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, they can nominate them through the scheme by filling in a DEED nomination form.
