Our Trust is a transparent and forward thinking
organisation which believes that open and
trustworthy communication can support the
creation of a positive working environment,
cements working relationships with internal and
external parties and can set the tone for the
entire organisation.
We recognise thatimproving communication
with ourstakeholders is key to ensuring
effective mental health services which meet the
needs of the people accessing them.
To us, good communication is more than a simple
exchange of information and messages, we
believe it involves attitude and behaviour too. We
are committed to fostering an environment of
trust and openness and have a number of
initiatives which assist in the establishment of
effective, robust communications.
During the year, we have engaged with a number
of stakeholders to understand their communication
needs and as a result of their feedback, we have
developed a comprehensive three-year
communications strategy which was approved by
our board in March 2008.
Our magazine, Trust Talk is the main way in
which we communicate with our members and
service users. Copies of this popular bi-monthly
publication, which celebrates our achievements,
are available at all of our sites. A personal copy is
also sent to every member of our Trust through
the postal service. Electronic copies are available
to download from our brand new website which
we re-launched this year.
Internally, we have developed a number of
information channels which ensure our staff are
fully engaged with the vision for our Trust, are
aware of any important changes, are well
informed about key activities, and know how to
influence and provide feedback on strategic
developments and policies. We regularly update
our staff with the latest information about our
Trust by way of regular face to face meetings,
team briefings, global emails and a
comprehensive intranet site, which includes a
daily news feed.
Engaging with our communities
Preparing for Foundation status not only provided
our Trust with a great opportunity to visit the
communities, and meet the people we serve, but
also enabled us to demonstrate how we work
and eliminate some of the stigma which is still
attached to mental health.
We have continued to work closely with local
schools to raise awareness about the services
provided by our Trust and the career
opportunities we have to offer. Our diversity team
has largely undertaken this work as part of the
diversity and community engagement agenda.
During 2008/09, in partnership with Rethink, the
Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP)
and independent Islamic counselling organisation
Stephen Maynard Associates, we provided
mental health awareness training for a group of
25 imams and madrassa teachers. The training
sessions, which were delivered at Birmingham's
Green Lane Mosque, included visits to some of
our mental health services across the city.
2
266
Hand in hand
Communicating and working
in partnership
Trust Talk, issue 25 Receptionist Ann Dunkley at the National Centre for Mental Health-Birmingham. Trust Talk, issue 25