Welcome to the Focus Weekly bulletin, this week focusing on events, training and benefits across the Trust.
If you are looking for a specific section of the newsletter, click on the grey square in the bottom right of your screen.
What's happened this week...
- Message from Vikki - 3 August 2026: this week's message includes an update on the Mental Health Personalised Care Framework, our crisis text messaging service, community team relocations and many more. You can read Vikki's full message on Focus
- Earlier today (Friday 7 August) colleagues received an update on the development of new Mental Health Urgent Assessment Centres following a recent national announcement - please read today's message, which includes a clarification on local developments
- The summer edition of the Medicine
- Read the Library Evidence Bulletin for a round up of evidence published in mental health for July.
Events
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) - how you can help out
Football and rugby games will be held in the run up to World Suicide Day on 10 September to help start conversations, share hope and remind people that
support is available.
For the 9th year running, the WSPD football and rugby games will see volunteers handing out WSPD Z-Cards at fixtures across Derbyshire. The Z-Cards include the club image on the front, fixture information and mental health and suicide prevention support information inside.
The next event will be held on Saturday, 15 August, and volunteers are asked to help out from 1.20pm until 3pm.
No previous experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to support an important community event. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for more than one game, but please be aware that additional games, dates and times will be added to the volunteer form as they are confirmed. Volunteers can also stay and watch the game for free after supporting the Z-Card handout.
Please feel free to share this with colleagues, teams and partner organisations who may be interested in supporting. To sign up please complete the form here - https:// forms.cloud.microsoft/e/feYVWSFXX3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHS Trust's Annual Members Meeting (AMM) to focus on art and hope
Themes of art and hope will feature at the annual members meeting of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on 30 September – and everyone is welcome to attend.
The meeting, which is being held online from 6pm-8pm, will start with a slideshow featuring the finalists of the Trust’s 2026 art competition, titled “A ray of hope”, before the formal meeting begins.
There will then be a special focus on the positive impact of the Trust’s new healthcare facilities and therapeutic activities, and on two Trust services: the Community Enhanced Rehabilitation team, who support people across Derbyshire recovering from mental ill health; and the Specialist Psychology team, who work with patients with HIV, AIDs, cancer and brain injuries.
The event will conclude with the winners of the art competition being announced. The competition is open until midnight, Sunday, 16 August, so children, young people, colleagues, service users and carers are encouraged to get creative and submit their artwork. You can send in group work or individual entries.
You can find the poster and entry form on our website Art competition 2026 :: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Other items that will be covered at the meeting include:
· A look back at 2025/26
· An update on the Trust’s accounts and financial position
· A look ahead to future plans.
Advance questions are being encouraged – by emailing dhcft.membership@nhs.net – and there will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the meeting, time permitting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retirement and your pension
Your retirement may be years away yet, but it's never too soon to start planning ahead.
A series of courses is available to anyone who wants to make sure that their retirement savings are on track. Details of the three events are below.
Planning for Retirement
Are your retirement savings on track? Do you know how much income your pension savings may provide? Have you thought about how much income you might need when you retire?
Retirement might be up to 10 years away but it’s never too soon to start planning. This course is perfect for anyone thinking about retirement or already at the planning stages.
NHS Partial Retirement
Did you know that you can now take up to 100% of your pension and continue to work? From 1st October 2023 a new pension income flexibility has been made available to staff members who have built up pension in the 1995 NHS Pension Scheme. If you are thinking about your retirement income options and want to understand more about all the flexible ways you could take your pension, especially the option for drawdown then this course would be ideal for you.
Your Pension and the Public Sector Pension Remedy
Did you join a public service pension scheme on or before the 31st March 2012 and were still a member of the scheme on or after 1st April 2015? If your answer is yes, it's likely that you'll be part of the McCloud judgement remedy which resulted from the breach of age discrimination rules. This course has been developed to help you understand the changes, explore your options and help you to make the right decisions when the time comes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Partners in Progress
Following previous successful reverse mentoring schemes, we are now preparing to open cohort 2 of our Partners in Progress race equality reciprocal mentoring programme.
Partners in Progress brings together senior leaders and colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in reciprocal mentoring partnerships to increase understanding of lived experience, strengthen inclusive leadership, support psychological safety and contribute to positive culture change across the Trust.
The programme is a key action within the Trust's Race Equality Strategy and Action Plan and supports delivery of the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) Action Plan, NHS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Improvement Plan and wider organisational commitments to inclusion and belonging.
Expressions of interest will be taken from senior leaders (Directors, Heads of Service, Senior Mangers) and colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (bands 2-7). Expressions of interest are open from 19 August to 4 September, with an information session taking place on Tuesday 11 August. You can join the Teams meeting by clicking here. More information on how to express your interest will be shared soon.
In the meantime, for further details contact Shaminder Uppal, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, on shaminder.uppal1@nhs.net.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Training and benefits
Help us beat flu, together – get trained to become a peer vaccinator!
From October, we will be offering colleagues the opportunity to have a seasonal flu vaccination, as part of our efforts to keep everyone safe from flu.
To ensure access to the flu vaccination is as easy as possible, we are asking colleagues to volunteer as ‘peer vaccinators’. Peer vaccinators are clinical staff (usually experienced registered nurses) who volunteer to provide flu shots in addition to their usual duties. Full
training will be provided, and managers will support releasing peer vaccinators to provide this service.
If you would like to become a peer vaccinator and make a positive difference to your team, email samantha.brien@nhs.net, Clinical Lead for Physical Health, by Friday 28 August. Training will take place throughout September with vaccines supplied from October.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Want to make a real difference in your service but not sure where to start?
Applications are now open for the next QSIR (Quality Service Improvement and Redesign) Practitioner Programme.
If you're passionate about improving services, enhancing patient experience, supporting colleagues, or tackling challenges in your area of work, QSIR provides the knowledge, skills and practical tools to help you turn ideas into sustainable improvements.
Delivered over five interactive learning days, the programme supports participants to develop their understanding of improvement science, apply recognised improvement methods and build confidence in leading change within their teams and services.
Why join QSIR?
1. Develop practical improvement skills that can be applied immediately
2. Learn proven approaches used across the NHS
3. Build confidence in leading and supporting change
4. Network with colleagues from across Derbyshire Healthcare
5. Apply learning to a real improvement opportunity that matters to you
Whether you are leading a service improvement project, supporting transformation work, or simply want to make a positive difference in your area, QSIR can help you achieve meaningful and lasting change.
Cohort Starting dates: September 2026 and February 2027
Location: Derby - Kingsway Site
Booking information: drop the Transformation Team an email on dhcft.transformation@nhs.net
Places are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
If 5 days is too much you can always come along to our 2 day course. The next one will be delivered in Ilkeston in October.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brush up your knowledge to stay internet-safe
Three new courses are available on ESR for anyone who wants to keep their internet safety knowledge up-to-date.
The courses are useful for anyone who uses the internet regularly, or who wants extra knowledge to support children and young people in safe web use.
The courses will be held on 24 August and 29 Sept, and cover algorithm and self harm; artificial intelligence and smart technology and nudes, semi nudes and sextortion.
They can be found in the My Learning section of ESR. If you have any questions, please contact Safeguarding Children Trainer, Chetna Mistry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tackle that imposter syndrome for good
Do you have strong feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt? Do you feel uncomfortable when people praise you and have a habit of playing down your strengths? If the answer to both questions is yes, you may be suffering from impostor syndrome.
The Trust is offering colleagues the chance to take part in workshops which offers a clear understanding of what imposter syndrome is and how and why it impacts on us in the workplace. Delegates will explore skills and practices to help grow professional and personal confidence.
Who would benefit from attending?
The workshop is available for individuals who want to manage imposter symptoms and build personal confidence levels and for HR Professionals / Business Leaders who want to firstly develop their own knowledge before considering how they can support employees who suffer with the symptoms in the workplace.
Core development objectives covered include what is imposter syndrome; recognising imposter syndrome in yourself and others; moving out of our comfort zone and replacing self-criticism with self-care.
To join the Developing Resilience session on Tuesday, 8 September, 9.30-12.30pm - Join the meeting Meeting ID: 391 735 925 276 640
Passcode: Ay3cE2yn
To join the Emotional Intelligence in Practice session on Tuesday, 6 October, 1.30-4.30pm - Join the meeting Meeting ID: 373 142 556 539 738
Passcode: at3p7TV3
To join the Overcoming Imposter Syndrome session on Thursday, 29 October, 9.30-12.30pm - Join the meeting Meeting ID: 393 892 860 702 802
Passcode: o4Vq9cJ6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking to develop your nursing career?
Empower your nursing team, promote compassionate care, and lead sustainable service improvements with a Level 7 Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) leadership module.
Designed for registered nurses across all fields of practice, it is grounded in the specialised application of the A-EQUIP clinical supervisory framework. This module enables you to guide nursing colleagues through complex clinical reflections, protect professional well- being, and advocate for safe, high-quality care environments.
The PNA course will be delivered by a team of experienced professionals, combining expertise from both academic and practice backgrounds. This diverse wealth of knowledge ensures a well-rounded and holistic approach to learning, enriching participants with insights that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to practice as a professional advocate, demonstrating leadership skills and providing specialist support to others.
This programme has been accredited by the Royal College of Nursing Centre for Professional Accreditation until 2028. Accreditation applies only to the educational content of the programme and does not apply to any product.
Entry criteria
- Effective registration with a relevant professional body (ie NMC, HCPC). (Essential)
- Currently be employed in practice and have the support of their manager in undertaking the module. (Essential)
- Ideally have undertaken successful level 5 or 6 academic study.
Successful applicants will be required to complete a university application and provide evidence of academic credentials. The course is delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams and each cohort includes 10 teaching days. Applicants must attend every allocated teaching day. Reliable broadband, a computer/laptop, and a working camera are required; attendance using only a mobile phone is not suitable. Protected time must be provided for course attendance.
Dates:
Cohort 1: 15 October 2026 to 18 January 2027 (closing date for EOI submission 27th August)
Cohort 2: 6 November 2026 to 18 January 2027 (closing dated for EOI submission 18th September)
Cohort 3: 5 January 2027 to 9 March 2027 (closing dated for EOI submission 17th November)
Cohort 4: 7 January 2027 to 11 March 2027 (closing date for EOI submission 19th November)
To register an expression of interest, follow this link Expression of Interest: Midlands PNA Level 7 Training (De Montfort University) – Fill in form
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aspiring Nurse Directors Masterclass
Senior mental health and learning disability nurses who are aspiring to become Nurse Directors are invited to apply for the Aspiring Nurse Directors Masterclass Programme 2026/27.
The 12-month programme offers four masterclass sessions, peer support network meetings, one-to-one coaching and opportunities to hear from nationally influential speakers.
Participants will also benefit from a session on Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), led by Professor Hilary McCallion, with individual follow-up sessions arranged.
The programme is aimed at colleagues who are actively preparing for their next career move into an executive role. Applicants must have the support of their Chief Nurse.
Those interested should submit a personal statement of up to 500 words and their CV to Forum Administrator Gemma Chenery-Jones by Monday 7 September.
Support from your Chief Nurse can be confirmed by copying them into the application email or including written consent with the application.
Sessions will usually be delivered in person at the NHS Alliance HQ in London, with dates still to be finalised. Places are funded by the Mental Health Forum, although travel costs are not covered.
Participants will also be offered funded places at the Mental Health Nurse Director Forum conferences in York on 13 November 2026 and Warwick University on 30 April 2027. For more information or to discuss an application in advance, contact Peter Hasler, Development Officer at the National MH Nurse Directors Forum, at peter.hasler1@nhs.net or 07777 661716. Applications should be sent to Gemma Chenery-Jones, Forum Administrator, at gemma@mhforum.org.uk or 07909 515126.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Guided is live!
If you want to get more money savvy, a new financial wellbeing app can help.
A personal financial assistant in your pocket, Money Guided is free with your NHS benefits and you can:
- Link your accounts through Open Banking – all your balances in one
place, so your money stops living in six different apps.
- Use discount vouchers at over 170 retailers – groceries, holidays, clothing, days out, and more, with an average discount of over 7%. Save money on the things you were buying anyway.
- Ask the Digital Financial Assistant anything – send it a pension statement, an insurance policy, or a mortgage agreement, and it'll make sense of it for you. Ask it whether you've got too many subscriptions quietly eating away at your balance or any questions you’d typically direct towards your manager or Employee Relations team. It's there 24/7, with answers on whatever you need.
- Monthly Quiz to win £1000!
It takes under three minutes to get started and if you point a few colleagues towards it, you could even earn yourself a tenner. That's right, as soon as you download and set up the app, show it to your colleagues, then £10 will go straight into your Save to Spend pot. No catch, no small print. Just a proper thank you for spreading the word.
Download and get started here: https://www.moneyguided.com/#/derbyshirenhs? c=akjh-o876-twej-hg47
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key resources and services for Resident Doctors
NHS Knowledge and Library Services contribute to deliver the 10 Point Plan to improve resident doctors’ working lives.
Resident doctors can benefit from these services by:
1. Visiting Kingsway library! Contact us and find out about the resources and services available to you, including spaces to study, reflect and relax. We provide an outreach service (first Thursday of the month), to Hartington Unit Medical Knowledge and Work Hub in Chesterfield. Please feel free to drop in and ask our librarian for advice / help.
2. Register for an NHS OpenAthens account. It's free and will unlock a wide range of resources for you.
3.Download the British Medical Journal Best Practice app which gives you fast offline access to the clinical information you need. The web version is great too!
4. Try out the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub to do a quick search for journal articles, books and more.
5. Check out Library Resources for Resident Doctors for further information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------