Staff from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have been speaking about the importance of looking after their own mental health whilst supporting others, to mark this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May).
The Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week since 2001 and this year’s theme is ‘community’, something NHS staff working in local mental health services say they value deeply.
Ask for help
Jennifer Hartman, from East Harling in Breckland, is a Senior Learning Disability Nurse working in NSFT. Her role involves supporting children with learning disabilities and their families to live independently.
Jennifer said she joined NSFT because she wanted to “create change and advocate for people who might not feel able to speak up themselves”. She supports her own mental wellbeing by ensuring that she paces herself, uses visual schedules, and surrounds herself with people who ‘get it’.
Jennifer adds that struggling with your mental health doesn’t mean you are ‘weak’ or ‘incapable’.
“The truth is, asking for help and navigating those challenges takes immense strength,” she said.
“You don’t have to push through to prove anything. Rest is productive. Speak kindly to yourself and reach out, there are people who care and want to help. We are here for you and truly hear you.
“I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported, especially our families and young people whose voices are often unheard.”
Importance of self-care
Dr Somayya Kajee, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist and NSFT’s Director of Medical Education, works at a specialist unit in Norwich supporting women during and after pregnancy. She also mentors junior doctors and supports female colleagues to develop into leadership roles.
Somayya echoes the sentiment that people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when they need it.
“Connection, self-care, and small daily actions can make a huge difference. Look after your wellbeing, set boundaries, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it,” she said.
Somayya has worked for NSFT for more than two decades and says she finds the role very satisfying: “Women’s mental health is a deep-rooted passion of mine.
“Supporting new mothers during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives is incredibly rewarding, especially witnessing their recovery and the strengthening of the bond with their babies.
“It’s a constant reminder of resilience and hope. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance, spend quality time with family, and practise mindfulness where I can.”
Work-life balance
Carla-Marie Binns, a Community Clinical Support Worker in central Norfolk, helps adults regain control of their lives through one-on-one support.
She said: “The best part of my job is building meaningful relationships and seeing how far someone has come in their mental health recovery.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. I try to keep a good work-life balance, make time for exercise and hobbies, and talk openly with friends or colleagues when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Even small daily routines help me stay grounded.”
Carla-Marie, who lives in Norwich, also encourages others to speak up if they’re struggling: “Don’t suffer in silence – talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, a support line, or a professional, reaching out can make a huge difference.”
Supporting each other
Harprit Hockley, director of culture and organisational development at NSFT, said: “This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to champion the importance of caring for our mental health both in and out of the workplace.
“We know that being part of a safe and positive community can be vital for mental wellbeing, allowing us to create meaningful connections, support one another, and give us a true sense of purpose.
“As an organisation, we are strengthening our community to improve the culture across our Trust. This will allow us to create a more productive, engaged and fulfilled workforce to better support our service users. Together, we can support each other’s mental health.”
NSFT has launched a new series of free self-help guides to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Covering topics like low mood, bereavement, domestic abuse and sleep, the guides offer practical advice for daily mental health support and can be found here.
