Dudley mental health recovery service benefits from awareness week

A Trident Reach service in Dudley, that provides recovery focused support for people with complex mental health needs, has received a £607.23 boost, thanks to a week of activities at West Midlands Integrated Urgent Care’s 111 call centre.

The 300-strong team, that operates from a call centre in the Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill, took part in Mental Health Awareness Week, in May, to increase their understanding of mental health conditions and raise funds for Murray Grey Mews. Trident Reach is a care and support charity that offers services throughout the Midlands. Its Murray Grey Mews service in Dudley provides modern, sheltered accommodation and support for people who have recently left hospital after treatment for serious mental health conditions.

Vanessa Wright, the mental health lead nurse at the Care UK-run 111 helpline, explained: “We wanted to make the most of Mental Health Awareness Week, for the benefit of our colleagues, the people who call the phoneline and for the wider community, through raising money for the invaluable work done at Murray Grey Mews.”

Each day the team received talks and took part in activities designed to raise awareness of their own mental wellbeing, as well enhancing their knowledge of how a mental illness effects people.

Vanessa said: “Call centre environments can be stressful, so we arranged wellbeing walks and talks on how to cope with stress, depression and anxiety. Our medical experts also gave team briefings on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, addiction, psychosis and eating disorders. One in four people can be living with mental health problems, at any one time. With 300 in the team, we wanted everyone to know the signs of stress and depression in the work place and how to deal with it. Mental health issues could also be facing one in four of the many people who call the centre each month, which made it an invaluable learning experience for everyone.”

As well as raising awareness the team threw themselves into fundraising with a cycle-thon, fancy dress competition and a cake and mocktail sale.

Harbinder Kaur, Service Manager for Murray Grey Mews at Trident Reach said: “Both staff and customers at Trident Reach’s Murray Grey Mews service are extremely grateful for the time, effort and support from Care UK, NHS 111. We are delighted that they are promoting Mental Health Awareness Week, where funds raised will be used to aid our customers on their journey to recovery. We are also very grateful for the new partnership formed following on from this charity event.”

For more information on Trident Group, please visit tridentgroup.org.uk

For more information on Care UK, please click careukgroup.com