Mental health governors reach out at community festival
Mental health governors had the chance to talk to the public, and sign up new members, when they attended Worstead Festival at the weekend.
The rural event in north Norfolk, on Saturday and Sunday July 27 and 28, provided the opportunity to showcase the work that governors at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust do and to promote the benefits of Trust membership to festival goers, many of whom signed up on the spot.
Lead governor Rebecca Toye and public governor Abbie Kampta were also able to talk to people about becoming a governor and standing for election in the autumn.
Membership officer Lesley Hastie, who was at Worstead on the Sunday, said: “Family events like this are a great way for governors to meet and listen to people’s views on NSFT’s services.”
The NSFT stand also included information about participation and Recovery College and the chance for youngsters to draw a picture on the theme ‘what makes you happy’.
Rebecca said: “It is vital that the Trust is represented at these events to gather the public’s views on our new Trust priorities, and to understand what matters to those that have contact with our services. It also provided an opportunity to encourage people to put themselves forward for the upcoming governor elections later this year.”
Abbie added: “Events like this enable me to hear from a wide range of individuals from all different walks of life, which is vital feedback that I might not otherwise receive. It was a great opportunity for me to interact with the public, to increase our membership and promote engagement with the Trust.
“The overall goal for me is to make sure that our membership reflects the people we represent and to ensure that their thoughts, wishes and feelings are heard.”
The highlight of the weekend for her was meeting and talking to people and building connections. “I meet people who have so much to give, who are passionate about mental health, but simply haven’t been aware of how to get involved – but now they do,” she said.
Deputy CEO and chief people officer Cath Byford said events were a good way for the public to interact with NSFT, ask questions about services and find out about getting involved in the trust’s work.
“The work of the governors and membership is vital in making NSFT a safer, kinder and better place for all our service users, carers and families and for people to get involved in shaping the future of mental health in Norfolk and Suffolk.”
You can find out more about becoming a governor and how to sign up for membership on the NSFT website.
Council of Governors | Norfolk and Suffolk NHS (nsft.nhs.uk)