March 2010

WISMS - Giving the "gift of time"

As we approach that tense political period heralded by the general election and concern ourselves, like so many people right now, with thoughts of economic crisis, war and disasters it's a pleasure to be able to share two "good news stories" that have brought some sunshine into the WISMS service.

Whilst many aspired to experience a night out under the stars to raise awareness of those who have no choice but rooflessness by the time of the BIG Charity Sleep Out only two members of WISMS were big and brave enough to carry it through. City Centre Wakefield provide the open air venue but bitter cold, sleet and howling wind, plus the cathedral bells that chimed with annoying regularity transpired against anyone getting a good night's sleep. That did not thwart our fearless dynamic duo Melanie and Sheila from putting in a full days work the day after - respect!

Melanie and Sheila raised over £180.00 for the BIG Charity Sleep Out.

Speaking of respect - what does it take to rise to the "Dignity Challenge". The NHS is promoting patient dignity and WISMS is championing the cause in conjunction with service user representatives by "giving the gift of time". - a simple, but novel idea led by the WISMS well being support nurses that aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation as well as promote confidence and self esteem. Donwload the Dignity Challenge poster.

The WISMS dignity initiative is a "treat" - High Tea in Pontefract - aimed at our older service users, nursing staff accompanied a specially selected group, encouraged them to bring along friends and family and promote the importance of a genuine and warm therapeutic relationship in a person's recovery - a simple reminder of the importance of taking the time to see the world through the eyes of our service users and in that way enable people to maintain the maximum possible level of independence, choice and control.

Anthrax - be aware

An anthrax alert has been disseminated throughout the country following confirmed cases in Scotland and more recently London. Harm reduction advice has been widely disseminated through services in the form of posters and leaflets and we are doing our best to encourage disengaged and new users to make contact and get access to treatment. Look out for the harm reduction information through links on the wisms homepage insert link

WISMS practitioners have always been dedicated to enhancing their professional development but we now have a new multi-disciplinary forum delivering a full years programme of learning, linked to key areas in the treatment field such as residential rehabilitation and recovery. The programme kicked off with a successful safeguarding event in January - thanks to the WISMS family support team for their expert input. Details of the planned topics, speakers and venues are accessible by contacting the WISMS Office.

Finally - a big thank you to all the service user representatives who have been involved in distributing and collecting responses to the first ever bespoke WISMS service user questionnaire - so far we have accumulated over 100 responses and the interim findings are proving very informative. A full report is expected in April and will be presented to the Integrated Care Organisation Pilot Board.

Until the spring and daffodils

Linda