Upcoming summer elections for our Council of Governors – nominations open Friday 6 June 2025
Our Council of Governors play an active role in representing the views and opinions of our members, as well as the public. Governors are responsible for holding our non-executive directors to account for the performance and services of the Trust.
This summer, we will be holding elections for a number of staff, public, service user and carer seats.
We have the following vacancies available:
- Public Borough of Boston (1 seat)
- Public Rest of England (1 seat)
- Service User (7 seats)
- General Carer (3 seats)
- Young People Carer (1 seat)
- Staff Corporate Division (1 seat)
- Staff Adult Community Services Division (1 seat)
- Staff Older Adult and Frailty Services Division (1 seat)
Nominations for the upcoming governor elections are open from Friday 6 June and will close on Friday 4 July if you know anyone who may be interested in being a governor.
Voting will then take place between Thursday 21 August and Tuesday 16 September, with the results of the election formally announced on Wednesday 17 September.
For more information, please contact the Governor and Membership Officer at lpft.governor-member@nhs.net or call 01522 309176.
To find out more about our upcoming elections, visit our Governor elections page.
New Governor Andrew Page shares his journey with the Council of Governors Representation Committee
At a recent Council of Governors Representation Committee meeting held on 17 April, new Service User governor Andrew ‘Andy’ Page shared his personal journey into the role, offering a candid and heartfelt account of his experience so far.
“I had no idea what the Council of Governors was or what they did,” Andy admitted. “But through my work with Every Voice, I saw how powerful it is to bring patient experiences—both good and bad—to the people who can make change happen. That’s what drew me in.”
Andy spoke openly about the challenges he faced during the enrolment process, particularly in light of his forensic history, and shared how the support he received from Samantha Swindell (Governor and Membership Officer) and Louise Bannister (Every Voice Guardian) helped him overcome his doubts and feel confident in taking on the role.
“I thought some elements of my past would be a barrier,” he said. “But Sam and Louise challenged that. They said ‘We’re not judging you by what’s on paper from years ago—we’re looking at who you are now.’ That gave me the opportunity.”
Despite finding the role initially overwhelming, Andy is embracing the learning curve. “I’m slowly figuring it out. The support I get before each meeting really helps.”
Lead Governor Rebecca Mezzo praised Andy’s contribution, adding “It’s great to hear you’re getting your teeth into something and enjoying it. It takes time to understand the role and you’re doing really well.”
Kevin Lockyer, Trust Chair, echoed the sentiment: “You said it’s a privilege to be a governor — but it’s a privilege for the Trust to have you. Thank you for stepping up.”
Support also poured in from fellow governors and staff all welcoming Andy to the team.
The Every Voice group, which played a key role in Andy’s journey, meets monthly and is led by Patient Partners from each ward. Attended by Executive Directors and senior Trust leaders, the group provides a platform to raise concerns, celebrate what’s working well, and collaborate on solutions. The group also offers paid opportunities for patients and carers to contribute to service reviews, policy updates, and improvement projects—ensuring that every voice truly matters.
For more information about our Council of Governors visit their webpage.
LPFT celebrates two years as Midlands Op COURAGE lead provider
This year marks two years since Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust became the lead provider for Midlands Op COURAGE, bringing the veterans’ mental health and wellbeing service together as the Midlands Partnership, offering the full range of mental health and wellbeing services across the region.
The service has supported more than 2,400 veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families throughout the Midlands.
Developed with people who have served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill health, Op COURAGE works together with charities and NHS services to make sure people who have served and are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing get the right specialist care, support and treatment for their specific needs.
In the last year the service was named a double finalist in the Soldiering On Awards and was also honoured to host a visit from Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns OBE MC MP to its Birmingham base at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Doug Wing, operational lead for the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership, said:
“It’s been another busy year for us, with a huge amount being achieved by the team. We continue to see increased demand for our service and we’re incredibly grateful to our partners and brilliant, dedicated colleagues for helping us achieve great outcomes for veterans and their families across the Midlands.”
Veterans, their families or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer, to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net.
Please visit www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.
Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership by: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, St Andrew's Healthcare, Walking With The Wounded, The Ripple Pond, Tom Harrison House, and Mental Health Matters.
Recovery College summer timetable now available
We are excited to say that the Recovery College has now launched its new timetable for the summer term, running through until July 2025.
Face-to-face courses are now being offered at 12 locations across the county. More information can be found on their website by using this link. Lincoln Recovery College continues to collaborate with staff and service users in each locality to decide which sessions to bring to the community, available both during the day and in the evening.
A new addition to the timetable is the co-produced course ‘Personal Wellbeing and Recovery Plans (PWR Plans)’. Developed with support from the Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment team, this course offers students the chance to explore what ‘being well’ means and to create personalised action plans to protect and promote wellbeing.
In other news, the college is partnering with SoundLincs, a charity organisation that uses the transformative power of music to inspire creativity and build stronger communities in Lincolnshire. They are introducing two new sessions: a drumming workshop and a songwriting workshop.
Support for those in a caring role continues, along with collaborative efforts with Carers First. Please refer to the timetable and webpage for more details.
Their partnership with the Macmillan Information and Support team also continues, bringing you ‘Cancer. How are you feeling?’, a session designed to support the emotional and mental health of those navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The next available date is in Spalding.
The College would love to hear from you! If you have any feedback, want to learn more or wish to discuss ideas, please get in touch at lpft.recoverycollegefamilyhubs@nhs.net or call 01522 309333 between 9.00am and 2:30pm, Monday to Friday. Leave your name and contact number, and the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Thank you for being such fantastic advocates for the College and for sharing the sessions and support they offer far and wide.
An update from Lincolnshire NHS Charity
Colleagues from across the Trust and Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in May. This endurance test covered a 24-mile circular route with a total ascent of 5200 feet!
In other news, the charity has recently made a fantastic contribution to Johnson Hospital in Spalding by funding an additional trolley for podiatrist consumables. This new equipment will create a more ergonomic environment for podiatrists and enhance the overall patient experience. It's the little extras that make a big difference!
The charity is also on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to become Charity Champions. If you think this might be up your street, feel free to get in touch by emailing lhnt.lincs-nhscharity@nhs.net or calling 07934 175022. Your support is invaluable in helping the charity achieve its goals and continue making a positive impact on the community.
Lincolnshire NHS Charity is the shared dedicated charity for both LPFT and Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS). Dedicated to improving healthcare services across the region, they provide essential resources and equipment to local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Through fundraising, donations and volunteer support, the charity aims to enhance patient care and support the wellbeing of NHS staff, ensuring the community receives the best possible healthcare services.
Learn more by visiting their website at www.lincolnshirenhscharity.org.uk. Thank you for your continued support!
An update on our amazing volunteers
A Royal invitation
We are delighted to share that two of our volunteers, Karen Broughton and Tracy Sutherland (Volunteer of the Year Award winners), have been nominated to attend one of this year’s Royal Garden Parties.
Karen and Tracey volunteer alongside Spring Lodge staff (Lincolnshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and LPFT’s Lincolnshire Recovery College. They have been instrumental in the co-production and development of the course ‘Self-care after sexual trauma’ at the Recovery College and we hope they enjoy the experience.
Volunteers support inter-ward activities at Discovery House
Activity sessions continue to be supported by volunteers at Discovery House. Recently, these have included weaving coasters and Easter crafts.
Volunteers on Brant and Langworth wards have also been busy supporting staff and patients with making dragons for Lunar New Year, along with parachute games and singing .
Research update
Our research team has been busy over the past few months, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Join Dementia Research (JDR) and supporting the ongoing study, ‘Improving Black Health Outcomes’.
Join Dementia Research turns 10
Join Dementia Research (JDR) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and to honour this milestone, we invite you to sign up and help us understand the causes of dementia, develop effective treatments, and improve care for those living with the disease.
JDR primarily targets people with dementia, their carers and family members, but also includes studies for healthy volunteers or those at risk of dementia. We encourage all staff to promote JDR within their teams and discuss participation with service users and carers.
Since 2015, we have partnered with JDR to encourage volunteer participation in research studies aimed at improving dementia services and understanding the disease. We were the first organisation to pledge our commitment and have worked closely with JDR to integrate and promote research studies among our service users and carers.
Sign up to JDR and help advance dementia care, diagnosis and treatments at Join Dementia Research.
Improving Black Health Outcomes
Our research team, in collaboration with King's College London, is recruiting participants aged 16 and above for the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) study. The IBHO BioResource aims to investigate the social and biological causes and impacts of various health conditions in Black communities in the UK. These include conditions like diabetes, pregnancy/childbirth complications, sickle cell disease, anxiety, depression and dermatological issues.
The IBHO BioResource focuses on individuals from Black African, Black Caribbean, Black African-Caribbean, Black British, Black Welsh, Black Irish, Black Scottish, Dual or Mixed Black heritage and other Black backgrounds.
Participants will complete a short questionnaire (about 15 minutes) and provide a blood or saliva sample. As a thank you, they will receive a £15 gift voucher.
To participate or for more information, contact Lizwi Nyathi at lizwi.nyathi@nhs.net or call 07775 552811.
Learn more about our research team at www.lpft.nhs.uk/research.
