News

Update on Togetherall

From 1 July 2024, the Trust changed the way we offer online support for anxiety and low mood in Cornwall. We no longer offer services through Togetherall.

Instead, people in Cornwall will be able to connect with others, share experiences and access online peer support via Mind’s online community Side by Side

Launched in August 2020, Side by Side is a safe place where you can listen, share, and be heard. The community is open 24/7 and supported by a team of Mind professionals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 0800 038 5300.

Original press release

This Stress Awareness Month, Truro hairdressers are uniting to raise awareness of a new online service to support those experiencing mental health issues. The Togetherall service, is being offered by the Trust as part of a programme of work to improve mental health services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Number 8 Hairdressing owner Claire Pascoe who is opening her salon to the hairdressing community explains:

“The importance of hairdressers was highlighted during the pandemic. Not only do we help people feel better about themselves by looking after their hair, but we also listen to people's worries and concerns. I'm proud that we can come together as a community, rather than competitors, to normalise discussions about poor mental health and signpost a service that could potentially help our clients deal with some of their problems.”

Free for anyone over the age of 16 with a Cornish postcode, Togetherall provides a safe, online space in which people can share advice, post concerns, and take part in discussions about issues that are troubling them. The service, which also includes courses on issues including anxiety and stress, is supported by trained therapists who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist members if needed.

Jeremy Sandbrook, Consultant Psychiatrist, is one of a team of people working on improving mental health services in Cornwall and is speaking at the Number 8 event. He explains:

“A team approach is crucial for effective mental health services, and we welcome opportunities to work with communities like this group Claire has brought together to raise awareness and tackle the stigma we still see around mental health. Although they do not take the place of other services and professionals, digital resources can be very helpful, and crucially, accessible for people seeking support or help in relation to their mental health.”

Read Truro hairdressers join together to support mental health…

Staff from Cornwall’s child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) have taken part in a NatureWell away day at Newquay’s Community Orchard. They were there to learn how people’s health and wellbeing can be improved in natural settings. As well as how best to implement this into their clinical practice.

The CAMHS Goes Wild event was hosted by the Natural Academy. They have developed the NatureWell approach from over 14 years of working with people’s health and wellbeing in nature. The programme aims to help people be supported in nature to not only recover, but flourish with their mental health. It also gives teams the tools on how to embed nature-based interventions into their care.

Beth Chapman is a Consultant Psychiatrist and co-lead of the project. Beth works alongside Gemma Morshead, Advance Clinical Practitioner Trainee.

“In November 2021 we organised CAMHS Goes Wild staff wellbeing away. We went to a lovely farm and spent some immersive time in nature to reconnect with ourselves and our colleagues. After, we received such positive feedback from staff and how great it made them feel. They then all asked if we could do more nature away days with a focus on how we can use our time in nature within our clinical practice.

“I fed this back to our managers, and we received support to continue. As well as funding from the Mental Health Research Initiative to create a project for CAMHS Goes Wild. The event today is an introduction to that project. All CAMHS staff have been invited, and the turnout is amazing. Today they will have an introduction on how to incorporate nature into their care. 16 more staff will later go onto do higher NatureWell facilitator training. We hope that we can spread this knowledge and our learning across CAMHS. The project has the potential to benefit both our staff and young people who use our service. We will be evaluating the impact on staff initially. Hopefully days like today will give clinicians the confidence to think about using the outdoors in their clinical practice; it’s exciting.” Beth Chapman

Studies show that being in nature has benefits for our whole health, not just physically, but immersing in nature can provide unique therapy and grounding. This is particularly helpful before a clinical encounter.

“It feels wrong in many ways to not be using nature in our clinical practice and making the most of the outdoors right on our doorstep, especially in Cornwall. Young people have a right to spend time outdoors. A connection to nature is fundamental to theirs and everybody’s health and wellbeing.” Beth

Young people who have already benefited from NatureWell’s programme in 2 other NHS trusts. They fed back that they “found mindful walking like freedom” and that they “felt normal” after spending time outdoors. They also report that their anxiety has lessened. As well as being able to practice mindfulness away from the lights and alarms of a clinical hospital room. CAMHS Goes Wild will be engaging with young people in CAMHS and their families to gain their views.

“Today is all about finding small ways to bring nature into our young people’s lives along with highly skilled mental health training. It is hoped that the time spent outdoors will help young people in their recovery and eventual discharge.

“Nature connectness in health and wellbeing will help young people to self-manage some of their symptoms and regulate emotions. We want to be able to continue this work once they are discharged in their own gardens, community orchards and farms to help in the future in times of distress.” Catriona Mellor NatureWell event facilitator

Read Child and adolescent mental health services go wild…

We are partnering with Tate St Ives to offer a series of creative workshops for people who have been bereaved by suicide throughout the county.  

The informal workshops, called Walking with Art, will be led by environmental artist Greg Humphries, and take place at Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Anne Embury, who leads Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Suicide Liaison Service, said: “Anyone who might be interested in attending the sessions doesn’t need to have art experience. It’s about bringing people together to connect and benefit from walking in nature and soaking in the calming qualities of Barbara Hepworth’s internationally acclaimed sculptures.

Hepworth’s remarkable body of work is said to have been her way of creating calm. Drawing on nature and the surrounding landscapes, she used her creative talents to produce a body of organic work, which for many, help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of comfort.

Andrew Litten, a local artist from Fowey who is involved in the project and has lived experience of dealing with complex grief added: “I find that creativity is inherently hopeful. These workshops are about creating a positive and nurturing environment where people can find comfort from art, but also find connection with others, if they wish. The whole thing will be very relaxed, allowing people to engage with the creativity in ways that are valuable to them as individuals.”

Taking place on Wednesday mornings throughout next month (March 2023), the series of creative workshops is open to residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly who have been bereaved by suicide. Anyone interested should call the Suicide Liaison Service administration team on 01208 871 905.

Read Creative arts project for people bereaved by suicide in Cornwall…

This Eating Disorder Awareness Week (27 February to 5 March), Peer Support Worker Lucy Shephard and her colleague Alice Marler, a mental health and wellbeing practitioner, are taking part in a skydive challenge at Perranporth Beach to raise money for eating disorder charity, BEAT.

Working for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Lucy is part of a Truro-based team offering support to the increasing number of people in our community living with eating disorders. Having overcome an eating disorder herself, Lucy is using her experiences to help others recover. This way of working is termed 'peer support' and is having real success.

Lucy says, “Over a few sessions, we work on normalising situations around food, going shopping or visiting a café to reduce fears around everyday social experiences. People are inspired by my recovery story and genuine ability to say life is better without an eating disorder.”

Lucy and her colleagues received peer support training from charity BEAT which provides a vital helpline and resources for those with eating disorders and their carers. BEAT is calling for a fundraising approach 'two-gether' to symbolise that no one should face an eating disorder alone. For those waiting for NHS support or reluctant to receive clinical care, the charity is a positive alternative.

Marilyn Conroy, Specialist Dietitian and Operational Lead for the Adult Eating Disorders Service explains, “We have seen a huge increase in demand for our services since the coronavirus pandemic. Working together with voluntary and social organisations enables us to reach more people. The work of Lucy and her colleagues is having an amazingly positive impact and it is good to know that there are organisations like BEAT who can offer support alongside our services.”

Lucy has already raised over £900 towards her target and is keen to do more.

Lucy reveals, “I am frightened of heights but thought a skydive would be fitting as I ask people to take on their biggest fears around food every day. Jumping from 15,000 feet is nothing to facing a long-suffered fear of eating normally.”

To support Lucy, visit her Just Giving page.

Read Taking the plunge to help people with eating disorders…

Time to Talk Day takes place every year on 2 February and is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health.

James Ward, Clinical Lead for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies, said: “We all have mental health that needs taking care of, like we do our physical health. Any day is a good time to be talking about it and identifying ways we can support ourselves and each other. But Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It's a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. The more conversations we have about mental health, the better life is for everyone.”

Dr Richard Sharpe, Public Health Consultant at Cornwall Council specialising in mental health, added: "There are lots of ways people can talk about mental health. Sometimes opening up to someone we trust can make a world of difference. Other times we need more independent professional support. Our local mental health crisis line is available 24/7 and there are lots of excellent listening services, such as the Samaritans. There’s also the Talking Therapy Service, where people can self-refer for help with difficulties like low mood, stress and anxiety."

Self-referrals for talking therapies can also be made via an online self-referral form. Alternatively, anyone in a mental health crisis can call Cornwall’s Mental Health Connect line on 0800 038 5300. Or visit Cornwall Council's mental health pages for a range of mental health resources.

Read Cornwall urged to open-up for Time to Talk Day…

Update on Togetherall

From 1 July 2024, the Trust changed the way we offer online support for anxiety and low mood in Cornwall. We no longer offer services through Togetherall.

Instead, people in Cornwall will be able to connect with others, share experiences and access online peer support via Mind’s online community Side by Side

Launched in August 2020, Side by Side is a safe place where you can listen, share, and be heard. The community is open 24/7 and supported by a team of Mind professionals.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 0800 038 5300.

Original press release

The NHS in Cornwall has launched a new digital partnership which will see people aged 16 and above given free access to an online peer-to-peer mental health support community.

Anyone who lives in Cornwall can now create an anonymous account with Togetherall. This will allow them to connect with and support others in a safe online space 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Togetherall is a leading online mental health service that provides thousands of people with around-the-clock, peer-to-peer support. The service is moderated by licensed and registered mental health practitioners.

“It’s part of a wider strategy to transform how mental health services are delivered across the county in the coming years. This latest offer is simply an extra resource on top of the other forms of help and support that are provided by the NHS and our excellent voluntary and community sector,” Dr Jeremy Sandbrook, Consultant Psychiatrist

Local mental health services continue to see high demand from the community. With the cost-of-living crisis and pandemic adding to the stresses being felt by many. Our 24/7 mental health crisis phone-line received 3 times the number of calls this Christmas compared to last. Nationally, demand for crisis mental health services has also increased by a third since before the pandemic and doubled since 2017.

“Use of digital or remote care rapidly expanded during the pandemic. It’s not something that will replace face-to-face support and nor should it. However digital solutions do play an important role in helping to increase access and choice,

“Also, we know how important it is to address the isolation some people find themselves in. The more people feel connected with others who can understand and empathise with what they are going through, the likelihood of them deteriorating and needing more complex, specialist interventions is reduced. The power of people helping each other by sharing their thoughts, feelings, stories, and encouragement should never be underestimated.” Dr Jeremy Sandbrook

Togetherall is clinically proven to help those who are struggling with stress, isolation, anxiety, depression, and other common mental health issues.

“I started using it at a time of crisis. I was finding it difficult to manage my distress. Using the site has helped me reduce anxiety, stress and feelings of isolation, enabled me to feel connected to others who have emotional issues. It has given me an opportunity to be part of a helping community.” Togetherall user

People can register for Togetherall anonymously using their postcode, email address and date of birth.

Alternatively, anyone in a mental health crisis can call our Mental Health Connect line on 0800 038 5300.

Read Access to new mental health support network…

A meeting with Cornwall Council’s Learning Disability team CHAMPS prompted an enormous change in signage at hospitals across the county.

Cilla Long, Patient Experience Officer, met with the Cornwall Health and Making Partnerships (CHAMPS) after discovering that they were having difficulty navigating clinical areas in hospitals. CHAMPS are a team of 7 people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions.

Cilla worked with Ben Law and Nicky Jones from CHAMPS to look at the current signage and to see how improvements could be made for those with disabilities such as learning difficulties, Alzheimer’s, or dementia.

Around 1.5m people in the UK have a learning disability. It’s thought that up to 350,000 people have severe learning disabilities.

A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and how they communicate. This means they can have difficulty understanding new or complex information, learning new skills, or coping independently.

“I found it so sad. I was visiting a hospital with one of the CHAMPS when we ended up in the kitchen as he could not navigate the hospital signs. He was distressed and extremely upset that he couldn’t do a simple task like visit a hospital. All because he could not understand the signage.” Cilla Long

Soon after, Cilla and the CHAMPS spent time creating self-explanatory signs for a pilot at Bodmin community hospital.

“We were guided where the CHAMPS thought signs should go and how they should look. We see things through different eyes, and we felt that the CHAMPS would be best to make these decisions. They were delighted to be so involved.”

Since the signage pilot, Cilla and the Patient Experience Team have received significant positive feedback. We are now fitting accessible signage into every hospital across the county.

“The pilot has grown. Each hospital provides different services, so there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach. We’re now having to expand our signage to cover all services and places of interest to match the hospital’s requirements.” Cilla Long

“Previously many people with a learning disability may avoid or miss appointments because of the anxiety surrounding finding the clinic or service within a hospital. We hope that the new signs will combat this.” Zoe Locke, Patient Experience Manager

“The new signage is going to help so many people attend their appointments; they have already changed my life.” Ben Law from CHAMPS

Read New hospital signs changes lives of people with a learning disability…

Our child and adolescent mental health unit has once again been supported by a national charity, who provides gifts for our inpatients. The Sowenna unit, which opened in 2018, provides inpatient mental health treatment for young people aged 13 to 18 years of age.

Being in hospital can be difficult at any time of the year but can feel even more isolating at Christmas. Christmas for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health services) is a registered charity that provides special Christmas gifts every year for children and young people who are inpatients in child and adolescent mental health wards and units across the UK over the holiday period.

“Christmas was very challenging earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, where decorations were limited, visiting was restricted, and all staff were having to wear masks. The presents provided by Christmas for CAMHS brought a much-needed boost for our young people, showing them that they matter, and they too deserve to feel joy at Christmas.” Alicia Morse, Deputy Ward Manager at Sowenna

Christmas for CAMHS was originally set up because volunteers saw a huge gap in the way CAMHS units were treated over the festive period compared to other NHS services for children and young people. They wanted to do something to change that.

“The charity made contact with us to ask what types of gifts would be best suited to our patients” explains Alicia. “They think carefully about what gifts would be age-appropriate, safe, and what will bring joy to the young people we work with. This year, we received a fantastic selection of gifts, including, face masks, fluffy socks, and journals, as well as Christmas-themed activities and decorations for the ward.”

Each year, the charity aims to raise £10,000 to buy gifts for CAMHS wards all over the country, including the Sowenna unit. “Ro and their team of Christmas helpers do incredible work throughout the year by fundraising and campaigning, and then buying gifts, packing and sending them to us in time for Christmas” adds Alicia.

As well as sending gifts to each of the young people on the ward, Christmas for CAMHS also sends a present for the whole ward to enjoy. “Last year, our young people were playing a lot of football, so they sent us a new ball for the ward. This year we received a jewellery making kit which the young people will enjoy using with us”, said Alicia.

“It’s incredibly important that young people receiving inpatient mental health care over the festive season do not feel forgotten. It can be such a difficult time of year to be in hospital. We love spreading Christmassy magic and we really hope the young people on Sowenna love their chosen gifts. Thank you to all our supporters for helping to make their Christmas special.” Jessica Boatright, Project Coordinator at Christmas for CAMHS

In 2021, the Christmas For CAMHS sent 1,543 individual gifts, as well as 26 additional gifts for young people in need, in addition to small sensory toys, decorations, advent calendars, and activities to 137 wards across the country.

Donate to Christmas for CAMHS.

Read Christmas comes early to young people’s mental health unit…

We have welcomed the first patients to the new Community Diagnostic Centre in Bodmin.

The centre sits in the grounds of Bodmin Community Hospital. It will deliver a range of diagnostic tests for example CT and MRI scans. It is home to only the fifth CT scanner in Cornwall and the first east of Truro.

Our diagnostic strategy is to locate centres like this one away from our acute hospitals. Located in Bodmin, this centre is easy for people from mid, north and east Cornwall to access. It will make more services available closer to where people live.

Our aim is get patients to the right test in the right location, with as few visits and appointments as possible.

In May 2022 there were over 58,000 people on a waiting list in our system. The centre will help to reduce waiting times. It will also help achieve elective recovery and referral to treatment targets.

At full capacity, the centre will deliver an extra 120,000 diagnostic tests a year.

"Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Imaging are delighted to be providing extra diagnostic services for people around Bodmin. These include CT, MRI and ultrasound scans. It will make a real difference for patients to access these services in their locality.

"The centre provides a calm, outpatient scanning environment. It alleviates our hard-pressed acute and emergency diagnostic imaging services in Truro. Digital technology and connectivity will ensure expert advice is immediately available to the Bodmin Community Diagnostic Centre clinical staff. As well as supporting our services on this site to meet exemplary standards.

"Our thanks to Professor Sir Mike Richards for his vision to provide more local diagnostic services. To NHS England for funding this excellent new facility, including the top of the range digital x-ray equipment and a new CT scanner. As well as the Estates Team at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The Estates Team have worked tirelessly with the sub-contractors, our clinical teams and the equipment providers, GE and Philips, to transform the old treatment centre. It is a fantastic new facility for patients and for the staff who work here". Emma Spouse, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust Diagnostic Imaging Lead

Other benefits of the Bodmin Community Diagnostic Centre include reduced travel time and costs, as there is free parking on site. It has also created local jobs.

"Not only am I delighted to see this facility open, but I am also delighted as a resident of north Cornwall that my fellow residents will not have to travel down the A30 to Truro for their diagnostics. It is fantastic to have this facility available closer to where people live". Margaret Schwarz, Chair of Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Background information

The Bodmin Community Diagnostic Centre is a system-wide project.

• The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust will deliver the diagnostic services.
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is responsible for the redevelopment and management of the building.
• NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly secured 2021-22 early adopter community diagnostic centre funding from NHS England.
• NHS Property Services own the building.

We will complete work on the centre in 3 phases.

1. Using early adopter funding, this phase focusses on the ground floor. This includes CT, X-ray, ultrasound and 2 hard standings. The latter is capable of hosting hospital 2 mobile imaging trucks of any modality. This phase is now up and running.
2. Will see the creation of the urgent care centre. The minor injury unit and its staff will relocate onto the ground floor in early 2023.
3. Involves creating a multi-use clinical space on the second floor. This will fulfil the outstanding community diagnostic facilities. It is planned for September 2023.

The centre will support the achievement of national diagnostic targets for waiting times.

The centre will relieve pressure on Royal Cornwall, University Hospitals Plymouth and North Devon and Exeter Trusts. From an urgent care, patient choice and mutual aid perspective.

This matches the emergency care strategies for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It will help address health inequalities and inequitable access to services.

Read New Bodmin Community Diagnostic Centre welcomes first patients…

There are many reasons why people might have low mood or be struggling with anxiety and stress. One of the most powerful tools available for tackling these common difficulties is the power of talking.

Opening up to a trusted friend or family member can make a world of difference during challenging times. Sometimes though, we might need more help in learning ways to manage life’s stresses.

Our talking therapy service receives over 10,000 referrals a year. Now we are launching a campaign to remind our local community that we are here for them.

The message is a simple one. It’s okay to not be okay. We are here to provide free and confidential talking therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

We are linking up with local media partners such as Pirate FM and Rewind Radio to run advertising campaigns that will help us reach even more people aged 16 and above. We want people to come forward and seek help for mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety, which impacts around 1 in 5 of us at some point in our lives.

We know it can be hard to take the first step towards getting help, so we want to make it as easy as possible. Our campaign will encourage people to self-refer online, using a new simplified version of our self-referral form.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service offers free talking therapies which can help you learn how to reduce your stress, low mood or worry. IAPT stands for Improving Access to Psychological Therapies.

"The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly IAPT service is developing and expanding its range of treatment options. Not only are we transforming the service to help us see and treat more people, but we’re also offering people a broader range of therapies, including new groups and courses. We also have digital therapy options and several ways in which people can access therapy, including video and telephone as well as face-to-face appointments.” Dr Yonette Hassell, Head of Psychology Professions in Community Mental Health

We hope that our campaign will encourage more people to take that first step to getting the support they need to feel better. Listen out for our adverts on Pirate FM, Rewind Radio, and other digital platforms, such as Heart FM.

Read Promoting the power of talking…