Welcome to the latest e-newsletter version of Better Together, your regular members’ magazine keeping you up-to-date with all recent news, updates and developments which have taken place in the Trust.
This issue comes during the coronavirus pandemic, an unprecedented time for all of us across the NHS and beyond. Learn how we have continued to support our patients and staff, recognising volunteers and team members with our Long Service Awards, free online courses with our Lincolnshire Recovery College, and furthering the fight of COVID-19 through research.
Better Together e-news issue 34
Welcome from the Chair, Paul Devlin
As I write this welcome to the new issue of Better Together I have been reflecting on how different our circumstances are from the last time we published our e-magazine in March.
Coronavirus has changed everything in ways nobody had anticipated. Many of our plans for the near and distant future have been turned upside down, and we have all had reasons to worry about our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones. And while a virus doesn’t discriminate – in the sense that everyone can get sick – it’s worth remembering that its consequences are not distributed equally. I am aware how lucky I am to be able to work from home and have enough room for my partner and me to share the space comfortably (albeit due to broadband capacity we need to sometimes schedule our video calls).
However, I’m acutely aware of the additional challenges many others face. Our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff, volunteers and service users are disproportionately more at risk of contracting coronavirus and, sadly, of becoming more sick or even dying. Some people have underlying additional risks including some health conditions. Many are living with economic uncertainty through not being able to work. We also know that isolation can be very challenging, and also that for some, being in ‘lockdown’ is not safe.
I want to emphasise that the Trust continues to provide mental health and emotional wellbeing services, even though we’ve had to adapt to the new reality of caring for others while following social distancing guidance. We have outlined what the Trust is doing to be able to provide mental health, emotional wellbeing and learning disability services, and you can read about it in 'Our response during the coronavirus pandemic'.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please let them know that the NHS is still here to help and people don’t have to suffer alone. Aided by new technology that we rolled out in the last few months, we can still see service users, talk through issues, and provide support and help.
We also now offer virtual “cuppa and chat” sessions for carers. We know that caring for your loved ones is a great responsibility and can be very challenging. Talking to other carers provides social interaction and these sessions are a fantastic opportunity to talk about your feelings, share ideas and gain advice. Having the opportunity to talk to other carers may help you feel more connected and not alone with your worries. You can read more about carer support in the Carers Week article available on our website.
Finally, please remember that this is difficult for us all and – as I’ve reminded myself from time to time – it is okay not to be okay and to seek help if you need it.
Best wishes,
Paul Devlin, Chair
Click on each of the items below to expand the news story.
LPFT Information Governance Lead Andrew Scott was keen to support the Trust during the pandemic and 
Older adult community mental health placement team