Focus Weekly: Celebrations edition

26 June 2026

Welcome to our new Focus Weekly bulletin, this week focusing on successes and achievements across the Trust.

Remember, 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 Mark - 22 June 2026
• Heat Health alert – now extended to 9am on Sunday 28 June: 
• Urgent call for staffing support for our inpatient wards: if you can cover a shift, please contact Fiona White (working age adult) or Kate Sales (older adult). 
• Share and enter this year's Trust art competition
• Deprivation of Liberty: a new definition from the Supreme Court - view the blog post by Andrew Coburn on Focus
• Sharing your news: please continue to submit your news on Focus. You can also post on the closed staff Facebook group - visit Facebook to join up.

Celebrations

Congratulations to Julian for 40 years’ service

Community mental health nurse Julian Bannister was presented with his 40 Years’ Service Award by Chief Executive, Mark Powell, celebrating his longstanding dedication to patient care and to the Trust.

Julian began his career in finance after completing his A-Levels, before a relative inspired him to take up a career in mental health nursing. After some thought, Julian met with the Assistant Director of Nurse Education in Derby at the time where he secured a place on a three-year training programme from 1986 to 1989.

Once qualified, Julian worked across a range of mental health services in Derbyshire, supporting people in both inpatient and community settings and participating in significant changes in how care is delivered. Over the course of his career, he has seen services move towards more community-based, person-centred support, with a greater focus on helping people to live well in their own communities.

Mark Powell, Chief Executive at the Trust, congratulated Julian on reaching four decades in the NHS. He said: “Julian is a fantastic example of the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown by NHS colleagues every day. To give 40 years of service to mental health care is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly grateful for the difference he has made to patients, families and colleagues across Derbyshire.

“His commitment to providing high quality, compassionate care is clear in everything he does, and I am delighted that we have been able to recognise his outstanding contribution through this long service award.”

After initially retiring, Julian returned to work during the COVID-19 pandemic to support services at a critical time. Nearly six years on, he continues his semi-retirement while contributing to the Living Well Service.

Julian said: “I love what I do and that’s why I retired and returned. My main philosophy has always been to offer a service to our population that I would wish for myself and my family.”

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Congratulations to the winner of May’s DEED of the Month

All DEED nominations from May 2026 have been considered for a DEED of the Month award. Congratulations to Julie Tomlinson – Community Psychiatric Nurse, Forensic Community Mental Health Team who is May’s DEED of the Month winner.

The winning nominations read: “Julie Tomlinson and other team members were outstanding in their quick response to an escalating situation in the community. A service user had become acutely psychotic and was exhibiting erratic, unpredictable and unsafe behaviour. The team supported the service user and residential care home staff and collaboratively managed a ‘public protection’ situation in a safe, calm and co- ordinated way. There is little doubt that the timeliness and cohesive response prevented a serious incident from occurring. Thank you.”

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Annual celebration recognises and thanks our armed forces community

To honour Armed Forces week, the joint Armed Forces Staff Networks for both Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust came together for their annual celebration, alongside other members of the Armed Forces community to share stories, celebrate service and strengthen our connections.

The Armed Forces event celebrated and recognised the contribution, resilience and sacrifices made by serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.

Thank you to our network and allies who attended.

Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday 27 June 2026 and is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

The staff network group has two main aims:

• For the Trust to be a great place to work if you are ex-Forces or a reservist, with pro- active recruitment and support for people leaving the Armed Forces;
• If you are ex-Forces you will receive great care from us, adapted to your needs and in line with the NHS commitment to prioritise care for ex-Forces patients.

STOP PRESS! Hayley Lawrence, (pictured above right) Senior Clinical Nurse Educator at the Trust, last night won a national British Forces in Business Award for her contributions to clinician education and her leadership of the Trust’s Armed Forces Staff Network. Congratulations, Hayley! 

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Service user says: “Derbyshire Healthcare showed me life is worth living”

A Derbyshire resident has shared how specialist mental health support helped her move from repeated crisis admissions to building a hopeful future in the community.

Neneh, 29, from Erewash, has faced significant mental health challenges, including emotionally unstable personality disorder and bipolar two disorder, as well as difficult experiences earlier in life, including bereavement and childhood trauma. She is now using her story to encourage others who may feel caught in a cycle of repeated admissions or crisis support to know that recovery is possible.

Neneh said the turning point in her journey came through access to the right therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, also known as DBT, and continuity of care from the Trust’s community mental health services.

Neneh said: “The support from my Community Psychiatric Nurse and therapist made the most difference, alongside the nurses who looked after me on the wards, who also had a big impact on my recovery. Being reminded of my strengths pushed me to be better, do better and manage my illnesses.

“Without the support, I’d not be alive today. The continuity of care from my community team and therapist helped me make those changes and put me in the driver’s seat.”

Life now looks very different for Neneh. She spends time with her two best friends, who she says, “never stopped loving me even when I felt unlovable”, and is preparing to start a voluntary role supporting others in crisis through the SHOUT service - a free, confidential 24/7 text messaging support service for people in the UK who are struggling to cope or experiencing emotional distress.

Neneh’s long-term goal is to train in psychology and become a therapist, so she can support people who are in a similar position to the one she was once in.

Tumi Banda, Director of Nursing, Allied Health Professionals, Quality and Patient Experience at the Trust, said: “Neneh’s recovery is a powerful reminder of how those in crisis can move forward in life once they find the right support and feel listened to. Thank you to Neneh for having the courage to share her story. It is important we keep circulating this sort of good news in hope that it reaches those who are struggling to know there are better days ahead with the right people behind you.”

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Nursing Assistant receives National Award from England’s Chief Nurse

Chidiebere (Thompson) Kasim, a Nursing Assistant on Wren Ward has been presented with the prestigious Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Healthcare Support Worker Award. The award was presented today by Tumi Banda, Director of Nursing, AHPs, Quality and Patient Experience.

The CNO award recognises the outstanding contributions of healthcare support workers who consistently demonstrate NHS values and make a vital difference to patient care.

“Through his compassion, dedication and genuine kindness Thompson makes a real difference every single day. He strengthens his team, enhances patient wellbeing and truly reflects the very best of NHS values”.

Many congratulations Thompson on a brilliant and well-deserved achievement.

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Karen and Cubley presented with award for carer-friendly discharges at Trust’s carers celebration event

Congratulations to Karen Doorga and the Cubley Court team, who have been presented with an award by Derbyshire Carers Association and Derbyshire All-Age Carers Support Service for improving the discharge experience for carers.

Karen was presented with an H-connect certificate of achievement at the Trust's carers celebration event on Friday 19 June at Kingsway Hospital.

The Cubley Court team have been working for over a year to achieve the award. The H- connect project is dedicated to improving the hospital discharge experience for carers in Derby and Derbyshire, ensuring they feel supported, informed and recognised throughout the process.

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Trust services generate media buzz

The Trust has hit the airwaves in the last couple of weeks with the spotlight shining on the East Midlands Gambling Harms Service and the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline.

Deputy Care Group Operational Manager Bradley Allison-Stevens appeared on BBC Radio Derby to raise awareness of the change to the Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline 0800 number, which will be switched off from 1 July, meaning all callers will need to come through 111.

Brad explained what this means for local people and discussed other support services available in Derbyshire. 

Service user Craig Clements and psychotherapist Dorian Carr also appeared on Radio Derby to talk about the East Midlands Gambling Harms Service; how it has helped Craig, and his journey using music and poetry as part of his recovery. 

The pair then also appeared on East Midlands Today, discussing the impact of the World Cup on those struggling with gambling. Well done to Brad, Craig and Dorian for raising awareness of Trust services!

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Massive Congratulations to Sami

Samihah Khatoon, in the Medical Device Team has recently completed an apprenticeship qualification in Business Administration, Level 3. Sami gained a Distinction in all three parts.

A massive well done for her hard work!

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Trust colleague Subodh inaugurated as president of the RCPsych

Last week Professor Subodh Dave gave the Presidential address at International Congress, setting out his priorities for the next three years and his vision to see psychiatrists playing a more important role in healthcare planning.

Making his first speech since becoming President at the College’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, Subodh acknowledged it is a time of real challenge for psychiatry and healthcare as a whole.

“But there is hope,” he said, “and it is my job to build upon this hope.”

Speaking at the start of the final day of Congress, Subodh spoke of his upbringing in a small flat in Mumbai, saying: “It is a proud honour and a privilege to stand before you today.”

As President himself, he pledged to “draw a straight line between policies and standards and patient outcomes”, adding: “The foundations of shaping the future must be built on respect. We’re always stronger when we work together. We’re one profession. We are psychiatrists.”

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Welcome to the Trust

Welcome to all colleagues who have started working at the Trust recently – including all our new colleagues in Older People's Mental Health and Adult Neurodevelopmental services.

We hope you have settled in and are enjoying your new role...

• Nancy Abbotts
• Sarah Alger Booth
• Stuart Allen
• Rosie Allman
• Jane Anderson
• Michelle Anderson
• Abdulrasheed Aremu
• Adrian Ashforth
• Samantha Ashmore Caudwell
• Timothy Asquith
• Azra Aziz
• Yvonne Bailey
• Jenna Baker
• Jasmin Baldwin
• Ruth Barasa
• Rachel Barker
• Miacalla Bentley
• Claire Bond
• Holly Bonnington
• Sophie Boyce - Dean
• Chloe Bradfield
• Paul Bradford
• Dawn Bradley
• Joanne Bradley
• Kristina Brough
• Elaine Brown
• Stephen Browne
• Robert Burndred
• Lucy Butcher
• Natalie Butler
• Lauren Byrne
• Abigail Cantrell
• Janet Carpenter
• Nicola Cashill
• Roldan Castro
• Eleanor Champion
• Michelle Chance
• Karen Chapman
• Christopher Close
• Katie Cockayne
• Lee Corfield
• Mary Cowley
• Carol Crompton
• Chloe De-Almeida
• Julie Dickens
• Eghosa Dickson
• Jenny Dobbs
• Adesoji Dosunmu
• Trudy Dudley
• Anna Dukes
• Karen Dunn
• Chinonso Ehiemere
• Laura Evans
• Sarah Evers
• Kelechi Ezike
• Elizabeth Fenton
• Catherine Fish
• Millicent Flaherty
• Hannah Folaju
• Bethany Ford
• Elizabeth Franklin
• Priscilla Frimpong
• Molly Gallagher
• Mandy Gascoyne
• Olivia Goodwin
• Rachael Grayson
• Courtney Greenfield
• Gurnur Gulati
• Tina Hall
• Mary Halson
• Peter Hancock
• Jon-Paul Harding
• Bethany Haslam
• Nicholas Hayes
• Cara Haylock
• Sarah Hazlehurst
• Henrietta Heron
• Jayne Herrington
• Robert Holehouse
• Edwin Holmes
• Rachel Hunt
• Ian Hurst
• Keisi Hutchinson
• Jemimah Idowu
• Alaba Ijimakinwa
• Uloma Iroajughu
• Sophie Jackson
• Ellie Jackson
• Versha Jhingan
• Kim Jones
• Victoria Keetley
• Anne King
• Kayleigh Lane
• Rebecca Leese
• Alex Lomas
• Richard Ludditt
• Kamila Lugowska
• Joy Lunn
• Corrine Marklew
• James Marples
• Michelle Martin
• Jovanna Mary
• Bethan Mason
• Lee Mason
• Donna McHugh
• Danielle Midwood
• Sarah Miles
• Tracey Milner
• Suliman Mirza
• Keeley Monaghan
• Lauren Moore
• Helen Morris
• Emma Moslin
• Aleenah Muvavarirwa
• Mariana Neda
• Bosko Nedunilam Joseph
• Abbie Newall
• Helen Nixon
• Helen Odwell
• Edelle Offord
• Felix Okoro
• Stephen Ollerenshaw
• Maryclara Onyeka
• Otanoigbe Osimen
• Emrys Owen
• Tanya Palmer
• Rachel Pearson - Delemarr
• Debra Peploe
• Susan Phillips
• Andrea Pinder
• Talia Pinto
• Lisa Platts
• Francesca Poupard
• David Pringle
• Julie Radforth
• Greeshma Rajendran
• Lisa Randall
• Stephanie Rawson
• Emma Redfern
• Nicola Renshaw
• Amy Reynolds
• Toni Reynolds
• Marina Rhodes
• Daniel Roberts
• Hayley Roberts
• Kay Roberts
• Charlotte Rogers
• Catherine Rosser
• Emma Round
• Sarah Round
• Julie Rule
• Abigail Rushby
• Diane Sargeson
• Michelle Saxon
• Carolyn Searson
• Maria Sharpe
• Salahudiin Sheikhmuse
• Hayley Sherriff
• Sirah Sherwin-Bright
• Louise Shore
• Katy Short
• Sarah Skidmore
• Katie Smith
• Lili Smith
• Alison Smith
• Philip Smith
• Jane Smith
• Tracey Smith
• Verity Sowden
• Karen Stringer-Jakins
• Javan Sykes
• Jemma Taylor
• Giovanna Teer
• Sara Thompson
• Clementine Thompson
• Celia Thompson
• Philip Thorpe
• Alyce Tong
• Sapna Tulshan
• Nicola Turner
• Melvis Uche
• Ayeh Ujong
• Ramya Vellapalli
• Helen Walker
• Heather Walker
• Laura Warwick
• Linda Watkinson
• Alexandra Wherry
• Alison Whitelaw
• Kimberley Whittaker
• Peter Wilcockson
• Bethany Wilson
• Denise Wilson
• Amy Wood
• Ivan Wood
• Deborah Wootton
• Mandy Wright
• Nicola Yarrow

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Farewell and good luck

To all our colleagues who are moving on to other roles - thank you for all your hard work for the Trust. We wish you all the best in your future plans.

• Noveer Ali
• Charlene Baker
• Jemma Barlow
• Kate Boitoult
• Samantha Carroll
• Michael Drew
• Sophia Hextall
• Angeline Hopkinson
• Rachel Horvath
• Paula Howes
• Lauren Inwood
• Kiran Jhangir
• Mandy Lymer
• Anne Martin
• Luke Masamvi
• Jordan McCallum
• Karen Moore
• Laura Newbould-Jones
• Abbie Ratidzo Nhemachena
• Dorcas Nyakabau
• Ugochukwu Okuagu
• Sarah Price
• Sophie Price
• Alya Sadique
• Kelleanne Smith
• Aine Somers
• Gurmit Talwar
• Rebecca Walker
• Fiona Wimhurst

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