Secure Services hold Family and Friends event at Langdon Hospital

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News on 7th August, 2023

On Saturday 29 July, Secure Services organised a Family and Friends event at Langdon Hospital, featuring delicious food and insightful talks from various colleagues within the organisation, offering support and opportunities to all attendees.

One of the highlights from the event was the opportunity to explore the ancient hedgerow that Alex Watkins, Occupational Therapist Technician, has been helping patients restore and work on. People were in awe of the amazing views over the countryside and sea. Alex guided them through traditional techniques and land use, pointing out butterflies, birds, a badger sett, and wildflowers. Attendees even got a chance to try their hands at some grass cutting using traditional tools.

The event's talks included:

• Tom Woodd, Social Work Lead, who provided a brief update on Secure Services and the key priorities for the Family and Friends Steering Group.
• The Patient Council Chairperson, who shared his experience of getting involved and how it brings him fulfilment while contributing to recent work on vapes used in the hospital.
• Joanna Duke, Interim Together Lead, who discussed patient and carer involvement opportunities at Langdon Hospital and across the organisation, highlighting recent work on a new Carer Strategy.
• Pauline Champion, Early Career and Volunteer Co-ordinator, who talked about volunteering opportunities, and Victor George, a Volunteer Peer Support Worker, shared his personal experience.
• Emma Saunders and Kate Watson from Devon Community Forensic Team, who explained their team's work in supporting people after leaving the hospital and helping them develop skills for independent living in the community.
• Kayla Dickenson, who shared information about the Devon Recovery Learning Community and encouraged everyone to explore the many available opportunities.
• Jade Rouse, Senior PALS officer, and Jo Pidcock, PALS Officer, who emphasised the vital role that PALS play in encouraging and addressing feedback.
• Malc Reddaway, Deputy Lead Chaplain, who talked about the services provided by the Chaplains at Langdon Hospital.
• Emily Poole, Patient and Carer Involvement Coordinator, who discussed the collaborative work with families, carers, and patients to produce an animated film that raises awareness among colleagues about the impact on carers and families. Colleagues across the organisation are encouraged to complete the resulting co-produced Family and Carer Awareness e-learning on DEVELOP.

Tom Woodd, Social Work Lead, said: "This was the first time we have held such an event since COVID-19, and it was great to be back meeting people face-to-face. It was wonderful to welcome a number of family members, some of whom attended with relatives currently staying on the wards at Langdon Hospital. We were lucky with the sunshine, and were able to enjoy the wonderful indoor and outdoor café environment of Plym. There was some delicious food prepared and served with the support of patients who work in the Cafe. Thanks to Simon Burnett and his team! It was such an informative and inspiring day. Thanks to all who were involved. We are already looking forward to the next one."

If you are interested in finding out more or being part of future events, please contact Tom Woodd at tom.woodd@nhs.net.