This coming Wednesday, 14th May is National Day for Staff Networks. The day aims to spotlight the many benefits that staff networks offer, not only to each other as colleagues, but also to #TeamCHFT.
Some of our staff network chairs have shared more about their particular network and how they support colleagues. Feel free to contact them if you’d like more information.
Clinical Coding Assistant Trainer, Julia Fillingham, pictured left, is the new chair of the Colleague Disability Network
She said: “I am #ReadyForChange as I begin to relaunch the network. I want to reach out to more colleagues, to help support and advocate for our colleagues living with long-term physical and mental health conditions, chronic illness, and neurodiversity. The network is a safe space to connect, share experiences and work together to create positive change within CHFT.
“This year I would like to shine a spotlight on neurodiversity, raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, celebrate strengths and educate on ways to support neurodiverse colleagues”.
Outpatient Manager, Wendy Hewitt, bottom right, is retiring soon and stepping down from leading as Chair of the Change Society
“It has been a real privilege to be able to be given the time to provide a safe space for colleagues to come together and feel support from other people sharing their experiences, feeling that they are not the only ones going through the menopause journey. They have shared ideas and hints and tips, talked through peoples’ experiences of medication and some often very intimate topics. I am proud that the Trust recognises the worth of all these colleagues who may be sat thinking they are suffering alone. Just the shared camaraderie of support can enable someone to carry on their day and feel a bit better for the talk.
“Talking therapies are a way for colleagues to stay at work and be able to feel supported, alleviate the stress and anxiety around the topic of menopause and raise awareness of the subject too.
“We don’t shy away from providing this as a wellbeing resource for people.”
Service Improvement Lead, Deehan Mair, pictured right with her co-chairs, Neeraj Bhasin and Polly Shunje is a joint Chair of the Race Equality Network
“The Race Equality Network (REN) has been ongoing for several years and members are from many different areas of the Trust. There are multiple benefits of the network such as it allows a safe place to speak up, raise awareness, educate, influence and support policies, celebrate success, share thoughts and advocate for change. Networks are all about people, supporting the employee journey, improving working lives of staff and inspiring a feeling of belonging.”
Assistant Director of Human Resources, Nikki Hosty, oversees our staff networks. She said: "The brilliance of our peer support networks lies in their ability to foster inclusion, support, and meaningful change within CHFT. They provide a safe space to share experiences and build a sense of belonging with a positive agenda. They are highly valued in the Trust, and we are constantly striving to build the membership of these groups."
Deputy Chief Executive, Rob Aitchison, said: “I’m really pleased we’re able to recognise the fantastic work our staff networks do here at CHFT. These networks wouldn’t be possible without the commitment, support and advice of colleagues involved. Thank you!”
General Manager, Dominic Bryan is the Chair of the Men's Mental Health Network
"The theme #ReadyForChange fits perfectly with the aim of the Men’s Mental Health Network! The time for change is now and our plans over the coming months are to support this by spreading awareness and campaigning to reduce the stigma around men’s mental health. We hope to get our staff talking about mental health and educate our colleagues further on what offers of support are available within the trust and externally in the community."