Trust Matters December 2025 edition

Welcome from our Chair Kathryn Lavery

Let me start by thanking each and every one of you reading this. Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) is the combination of all our efforts and once again in 2025, I see and hear examples of people going above and beyond. I also recognise folk showing up, every day, even when in their own lives, work can be difficult, traumatic or hard.

There’s a lot of excitement in this issue of Trust Matters. The opening of the new neurodiversity centre in Bentley, the Elizabeth Quarter development in Scunthorpe, the brilliance of our award ceremony, or the fun of the decorating contest, to pick out a few highlights.

I know at the same time there is anxiety, anger and disappointment. We have been working hard since the early autumn to discuss how we meet the NHS financial challenge. From January 9, some vacancies will be permanently deleted, while from January 26, we will consult on changes to established roles, likely leading to the redeployment of valued colleagues. None of this easy, and your voice does matter, suggesting alternatives are welcome, recognising we want to move to pace. The cost of delay into April is £500,000 a month and anyone advocating such delay needs to explain the consequence of their views for jobs in our trust.

When the board met in November, we were struck by the diversity and enthusiasm of our 350 plus volunteers, now a firm fixture in the trust. When we meet in January, we will not only discuss the 2026 and 2027 training plan, as Toby tends to say the only budget we will never cut, but will also explore what it is like to have a placement at the trust. As we spend 2026 focusing in part on peer support workers, and delivering promise 1, it is more important than ever that our sense of who “we” are embraces roles and traditions beyond only being “staff”. That is what nurturing the power in our communities means, an organisation with boundaries that are very permeable.

From April, almost all pathways in our trust will be 4-week maximum wait pathways. Talking to other chairs in the NHS, that stands out as an incredible achievement. We should be intensely proud of those changes and that milestone. Of course, in 2026 and 2027, we need to sustain it, and we need to deliver a short wait for children and for adults waiting for neurodiversity diagnosis, or treatment options. Nonetheless, let’s take a moment, before 2026 starts, to reflect on your incredible achievement, the shortest waiting times in the whole NHS.

Kind regards,
Kathryn

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Christmas celebrations

Celebrating teams and co-producing Christmas

Our third annual Christmas decorating contest took place last week, with judging elves from our Board of Directors, including trust chair, Kathryn Lavery, and non-executive director Rachael Blake. The board’s newest director, Simon Sheppard, won best dressed elf!

It was definitely Christmas at our newest site, the Elizabeth Quarter, in Scunthorpe, but it was the building site and patient side of Mulberry and Laurel where the judges found a wonderful Christmas round the world celebration in full swing. Thank you to Natalie and Theresa for all their hard work, with families doing gift wrapping for the patients. Our Frankincense winners for a traditional Christmas!

The Heathfield Centre and Badsley Moor both put in strong entries, with Ferham’s administrative office also going large. For some teams, it was the first they’d heard of the Diwali contest, which, with fewer entries, may be easier to win (put October in your 2026 calendar).

Osprey was so disappointed not to win last year, Kingfisher again had a fabulous entry but sometimes it can be harder to decorate an office space. So even though Woodfield Headquarters was beautiful, the judges went for the Primary Care and Continuous Service Improvement space at Swallownest Court in Rotherham for the Myrrh Award. A lovely cupboard.

On the Tickhill Road site, many of the wards had created some beautiful spaces, with patients doing lots of work and certainly the ideas. A special shout out to Amber Lodge, one of two strong entries from Learning Disabilities and Forensics Danescourt was beautiful with fresh produce for hampers grown in the garden.

But the patient involvement on the Hospice Day Unit, led by Richard Smith, caught the judges’ eye for the Gold Award. Even Rufus the dog got involved.

Toby’s video log before Christmas celebrated the grotto that Santa and the Children’s Care Group had created to bring joy for children in the care and looked after system. They almost scooped the top prize, after the Children’s Care Group won two last year! So too did Aspire for their fantastic natural entry at New Beginnings.

But this year, the unanimous judging elves’ decision was that Hazel Ward’s take on “every bay has Christmas”, and the involvement of so many in the team, as well as the community, should be our overall winner. Congratulations.

To see all entries and a variety of Christmas photos visit our Facebook.

Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust festive Christmas

Our kind-hearted colleagues have pulled out all the stops to put smiles on the faces of our patients and the families who use our services.

It has become a trust Christmas tradition of collecting donations of gifts for those who are less well-off and who need a bit of support over the festive season.

Our teams have collected for the Reverse Advent Calendar for families and young people who use our children’s services and patients who will be spending Christmas alone, and those who find homelessness over Christmas. All donations have been given to our access teams, children’s urgent services, adults who live alone and older adults who may be living in poverty.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas collections… here are a few of the Christmassy activities:

Fast becoming an annual community tradition, our teams and colleagues supported the People Focused Group’s (PFG) Buy a stranger a Christmas present appeal.

The aim of the appeal was to buy Christmas presents which would be given out to people over the festive period.

Among the teams adding their support was our Strategic Development team which called into the PFG’s base at The Wellness Centre in Intake to hand over the items they had collected.

People Focussed Group Christmas dinner

Hosted in our Food and Drink Café for those who might spend Christmas day alone. Free dinners for everyone and a present, with games and singing.

Supporting the rough sleeper community

Colleagues partnered with the People Focussed Group to support people experiencing homelessness in Doncaster over the winter.

Staff responded generously to the appeal, donating warm clothing and easy-to-eat food items for distribution during People Focussed Group’s twice-weekly city centre visits.

Philip Gowland, Director of Corporate Assurance and Board Secretary, thanked everyone involved, highlighting the contribution this effort makes to the organisation’s commitment to “promise 6” helping to poverty-proof communities.

Helping communities

In the run-up to Christmas, the Promises team visited Changing Lives in Doncaster and the Forge Project in North Lincolnshire offering support to tackle the struggles of homelessness.

The team donated clothes, blankets and sleeping bags as part of its project to help people in our communities who find themselves homeless.

Thank you to everyone involved in the team. The immense work that is put into helping communities, with peer mentors and volunteers also, is truly inspiring.

Community Learning Disability team festive fundraiser

In their spare time outside of work, colleagues in the Community Learning Disability team put their crafting skills to the test, embracing the festive spirit while supporting a great cause.

The team enjoyed creating beautiful Christmas wreaths, many exceeding expectations, while sharing a delicious festive buffet. The event wasn’t just fun, it was meaningful. Raising an impressive £230 for Your Hearts and Minds charity Therapy Pool Appeal at the Diamond Activity and Therapeutic Centre.

A huge well done to everyone involved for their excellent effort, creativity, and for learning new skills along the way.

High dependency rehabilitation unit celebrates Christmas

Festive activities on our new high dependency rehabilitation unit included colleagues searching for the missing Christmas Elf.

Christmas comes early on Brodsworth and Cusworth wards

Patients on our adult mental health wards were treated to an early Christmas present thanks to the kindness and generosity of local business Woodhouse Cues.

Based in Armthorpe, Woodhouse Cues specialise in high-quality pool and snooker cues and tables. On receiving the call for help from our Volunteer and Involvement Co-ordinator Lottie Weinberg to give a new lease of life to the pool tables on Brodsworth and Cusworth wards, the team at Woodhouse Cues swirled into action.

Kev Jones, business owner and Michael Thomlinson, table fitter at MT Pool Table Recovers volunteered their time to refit 2 pool tables, and donated 4 cues and a set pool balls, to the value of £1,300.

Lottie Weinberg said:

“This is amazing. The pool tables were so damaged that patients could not play pool properly. Thanks to Kev and Michael, patients on the wards can enjoy this therapeutic activity which helps them to relax, socialise and open up.”

Kev Jones said:

“This is the first time that we have supported the NHS in this way. We are a local business and like to do our bit for our communities. When I received the call from Lottie to see if we could volunteer our time on the wards, it was a great opportunity to do something positive for the people who use the wards.”

Volunteering is part of the trust’s strategy. Having local businesses volunteer their time to support us is a nice twist to our promise 3.

If you are interested in volunteering and want to find out more about volunteering in our teams, then please contact us on:

• Phone

  03000 214 427

• Email

  rdash.volunteers@nhs.net

Deja flu 3000 again

We are well on our way to reaching our target of 3000 vaccinated colleagues.

So far, 2428 colleagues have taken up the offer of their free flu vaccine. This is a fantastic achievement, but we need to reach 3000 (around 75% of our workforce) to really reduce the impact and spread of the flu virus.

There is still time to be vaccinated, and even some immunity will greatly help you avoid the worst of the symptoms. Don’t delay book your flu vaccine via the Staff Portal or catch a flu vaccinator at a trust meeting, pop-up clinic or in your area.

The flu virus is circulating earlier than expected and the best way to protect yourself and loved ones is by having the vaccine.

This year, as an organisation, we have done really well and been the top trust regionally and nationally for flu vaccinations.

Netting vaccines can save lives

Doncaster Rovers got behind our flu vaccination campaign, making themselves top of the division when it comes to having the flu jab.

Besides the football club, Club Doncaster Foundation, which works with the community, also saw many of its staff and members having the vaccination recently.

Our nurses headed to Eco-Power Stadium to give the vaccinations, which could save lives.

Gavin Baldwin, Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers said:

“We are delighted to support this important campaign, and we are working through our Foundation to increase awareness of how easy it is to protect yourself and your family members during the winter.”

Steve Forsyth our Chief Nurse, added:

“Having the flu vaccination is something we can all do to protect ourselves and everyone around us from a very serious virus.”

Doncaster residents can get the free NHS flu vaccine if they:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person or receive a carer’s allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Roshanne Bottomley, one of our Nurse Directors, added:

“Through receiving the flu vaccine, we can protect ourselves and those who we care for. Offering the flu vaccine to those who are carers, including those who are unpaid carers or live with someone who has a compromised immune system is vital in preventing the spread of flu.

“It was a privilege to be invited to build on our community networks to support the roll-out of the flu campaign into our communities, vaccinating those who are clinically vulnerable or care for someone else.

“The flu vaccine is the best protection we have against flu, so don’t delay, get yours today.”

Progress on our 4-week wait

Leading the NHS: from April for all services bar neurodiversity, we will be living our 4-week wait.

When we think back to 2023 this promise 14 seemed absurd. Yet almost all services will meet this promise from December 2025, and the incredible work and service redesign to do so stands us in great stead for the future.

Community and mental health services are disadvantaged by a belief that our working models are imprecise, when compared to general practice and hospital medicine. You have demonstrated that we can do better. Whether it is the memory pathway, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), diabetes, community mental health teams, or other services, we are now consistently delivering, and reporting that monthly to primary care and the public, to be challenged. From December, our work on the 18-week “secondary wait pathway” will treat our patients as the NHS Constitution indicates they should expect, if waiting for dermatology, ophthalmology, or anything else.

Over the past 18 months, we’ve placed a major focus on ensuring members of our communities have timely access to care through Promise 14, particularly our pledge to achieve a maximum 4-week wait for all referrals by April 2026. This commitment matters because behind every referral is a person, a family, and a story, and long waits can add stress and uncertainty or even worsen someone’s condition.

We know that some people feel they “drop off the face of the earth” after being referred and waits particularly in neurodiversity services, have been too long. At the same time, we hear powerful feedback about the difference our care makes, giving hope, turning lives around, and being described as “a gift”.

We’re making real progress

In June, 32% of services met the 4-week maximum wait. Today, we continue to improve at pace, with plans to reach 80% by 31 December. Teams across the trust are redesigning pathways, improving triage, working more collaboratively, and introducing innovations that help people reach the right professional first time.

Digital tools created by the Performance team and Health Informatics team now allow us to monitor waits in real time. SystmConnect, coming soon, will streamline booking and improve communication with the people we support.

Frontline colleagues are leading the way with creative solutions, from redesigned community pathways in tissue viability and lymphoedema, to expanded cardiac tape fitting and new self-fitting options for patients. Former long-COVID specialists are now supporting people recovering from stroke and functional neurological symptom disorder. Mental health care groups are transforming pathways across memory, perinatal, and community teams, and children’s services are simplifying access to free clinicians’ time up to provide direct care. Cross-team work is also driving improvements, such as reduced continence wait times and better coordination across getting help getting advice services. Crucially, teams are looking not only at referral delays but at bottlenecks across entire pathways to keep care flowing smoothly.

Even as demand continues to rise and NHS resources remain stretched, what sets us apart is our collective determination to deliver for the people we serve. Every colleague and every service contributes to promise 14. This goal is more than a target, it reflects our values of care, compassion, and commitment. Together, we will achieve it.

2025 annual awards

We held a bumper night of colleague celebrations at our fabulous Annual Awards Ceremony on 21 November, and what an incredible evening it was.

Held at Doncaster Racecourse, the event was hosted by the brilliant co-presenters Roop Mullins and Barrington and saw nearly 400 people come together to celebrate the shining stars across our organisation.

The evening recognised those who truly embody our values every day.

It was a night full of joy, appreciation, and pride as we celebrated the dedication, compassion, and achievements of our amazing colleagues who go above and beyond to make a difference every day.

We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors for helping to make our annual celebration such a success.

Their generous contribution made this special night possible and helped us shine a light on the people who make our organisation great.

Thank you to all our award sponsors:

• Microalarms
• RJ electric and Security Limited
• Exclusive Secure Care Services
• MMVA
• Your Hearts and Minds
• Virgina Mason Institute
• Browne Jacobson
• Sewell Advisory
• Clerkenwell Health
• LIO
• O&P Construction Service Limited
• People Focussed Group
• Safehinge Primera
• Concept Health
• Fleet Solutions

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive, said:

“Recognising the great work being done across our organisation is what our annual awards are all about. They celebrate those who have gone beyond their day job to do something truly remarkable for the people who use our services.

“Receiving nearly 500 nominations across our award categories demonstrates the importance of reward and recognition, not only for the individuals and teams involved, but for services across our trust. It shows that people really do notice the good stuff happening every day.

“Once again, our patients, governors and trust leaders faced the challenging task of judging the entries and were inspired by the dedication and passion shown by our colleagues. Rewarding great work is not only an investment in morale, but it supports high-quality care, showing our colleagues that their efforts are recognised and genuinely valued.”

Here are our fabulous Gold and Silver award winners…

Volunteer of the year

Mona has volunteered for the hospice for a number of years. She volunteers 2 to 3 times every week and always works tirelessly to improve the environment on the ward. No job is too small or big for her, and she has a real can-do attitude.

Receiving her award Mona said:

“What a total surprise it was to be shortlisted in the RDaSH Annual Staff Awards 2025 in the Volunteer of the Year category and even more amazing to win the gold award.

“In 2019 after spending almost 50 years working in the NHS, I began working as a volunteer at St John’s Hospice until COVID arrived. I was asked to return in 2022 in the catering department.

“As a volunteer my roles have evolved over the years, and now I’m happy to do whatever I can to help. I feel so incredibly fortunate to be a small part of such a dedicated and compassionate team that provides excellent care and support to patients and their families.

“It’s humbling to be recognised but I am absolutely thrilled to accept this award.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate me.”

Equality, diversity and inclusion champion

Kudzai is a passionate advocate for equality, inclusion and representation in mental health services. Through her daily practice, she challenges inequality, amplifies marginalised voices, and creates safe, culturally responsive spaces for both patients and colleagues.

Talking about her award Kudzai said:

“I thank God and am humbled to receive the gold award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion.

“My passion for equality comes from life, not textbooks. I remember living in Lincolnshire when a little girl got on a bus and refused to sit next to me because of the colour of my skin. Her mum, clearly uncomfortable, just said ‘kids’ and moved away. The sting I felt wasn’t from the child, but from the adult who chose silence over the chance to teach compassion. I forgave her, but it pushed me to speak up whenever I see injustice.

“Maya Angelou reminds us that if people can be taught to hate, they can also be taught to love. It’s up to us to guide those lessons. This award isn’t only a celebration of what’s been achieved. It’s a reminder of what still needs to be done. Thank you.”

Nurturing the power in our communities exemplar

The Young Advisory Group is made up of young people from diverse backgrounds across different localities. The group has championed equality, diversity, and inclusion by co-producing projects that give young people a real voice in service design.

Talking about their win, they said:

“We are very proud of ourselves to have been nominated and feel surprised, appreciated, and happy to be winners.”

The Children’s Care Group added:

“We are incredibly pleased and proud of what this group has accomplished. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership not only reflect their passion for making a difference but also demonstrate the powerful impact young people can have when they are supported and listened to.

“Their achievements give us real confidence and joy, knowing they are shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and community focused future.”

Peer support worker of the year

Tracy creates psychological safe spaces for patients to thrive, not survive. Through the psychological safe spaces Tracy helps to create with the patients, they are able to open and explore the things that are important to find solutions.

Tracy said:

“I feel really proud and honoured to win the award. It was lovely to feel valued for the work that I do.

“I would like to thank everyone at the People Focussed Group and everyone in the primary care mental health hubs for the love and support they have all given me. I could not have done this without them.”

Living our values award

Katie has worked tirelessly for 20 years to embed psychological best practice across our adult mental health pathways.

Recognised as an expert in cognitive analytic therapy, she has supported countless psychologists locally and regionally with training in this treatment.

She goes above and beyond to support colleagues who are struggling to work with our most vulnerable patients because she “wants to do what is right”.

Commenting on her award Katie said:

“Receiving this award was a real surprise and I am incredibly grateful for being nominated.

“I am proud to be part of an amazing group of psychological professionals in Rotherham who hold the trust’s values at the core of everything they do and the care they deliver.

“This award is a lovely recognition of this, thank you so much.”

Leader of the year

Andrew has been a hugely important part of the North Lincolnshire Senior Leadership team for a number of years. In recent months he has gone way over and above what would be expected of him by working clinically and being the interim care group medical director in Doncaster.

On receiving his award, Andrew said:

“It was a great honour to be nominated for the Leader of the Year award, and I very much appreciate the recognition of my commitment to the support and development of my colleagues, whilst maintaining high clinical standards.

“Reflecting on the nomination, I am really mindful of all the other leaders who have made a particular difference to me in the last 12 months over 2 care groups, including those who have helped me develop new skills and have challenged me when I was wrong!

“Leadership is about curation, knowing where to put your energy and where to hold back, knowing when to do things yourself and when to allow other people to try things with your support. And also, sometimes doing things you would rather avoid, and at other times having the privilege of being quietly proud of the success of others. It’s not been the easiest year, but the best thing about it has been working with so many people who could have been given this award just as easily as me and I think that it is hugely positive for RDaSH and the communities we serve in the next few years.”

Research and innovation award

Stephen is helping to create a culture of research and innovation within our services, supporting colleagues and those in their early career to develop their research confidence, publish and use research as a way of pragmatically addressing challenges in services.

Talking about his award Stephen said:

“I want to thank those who took the time to nominate me for the research and innovation award. I was chuffed to have been nominated and even more chuffed to win the gold award. The reason for this is that a lot of my work faces away from the trust (despite the research often being conducted within the trust) because it means collaborating a lot with tech companies, funding bodies and universities, and so the folk that represent those organisations.

“My work being recognised in the trust means that I feel valued and recognised for what I do locally and that means a lot to me. Thanks also to my colleagues in Grounded Research who support me to do my work.”

Quality and safety award

Deborah established a robust pathway for people with learning disabilities who may be admitted to the acute wards. This has been done in collaboration with the ward managers and matrons on those wards.

Commenting on her award, Deborah said:

“It was a great honour to win the gold award in quality and safety this year.

“I felt privileged just to be shortlisted and attend the awards, but when Jude Graham announced my work, we knew it was my gold star moment. I have worked in the Community Learning Disabilities team for the past 12 years, supporting individuals who are in crisis and require intensive support.

“I truly love my role leading such a great team, enabling us to support people with learning disabilities effectively.

“This award is the perfect recognition, confirming that I am making a positive impact in this area. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Learning and education award

The team has demonstrated outstanding commitment by delivering impactful learning disability awareness training to care homes and care providers through a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach. Their work has significantly enhanced understanding, empathy, and quality of care for individuals with learning disabilities.

On receiving their award, the team commented:

“It is such a privilege to win this award, and we know that we were up against very strong competition. Sharing our knowledge to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities across our community is something that we are very passionate about. Having our work recognised is simply brilliant, thank you.”

Equity and inclusion award

People experiencing homelessness now receive a podiatry service to the same standard as other patients. The team also launched appeals for shoes and warm clothing to donate to homeless hostels and has worked collaboratively with Changing Lives to secure funding to create foot care packs.

Susan Batley, Podiatry team Lead, said:

“We are very proud to have been nominated and to have won this award. Working with people currently experiencing homelessness in Doncaster can be challenging but very rewarding.

“I am proud of all my team who have embraced this new outreach clinic making a difference to people who previously were unable to access the service.”

Chair’s rising star award

This award is in its third year. The award reflects a contribution which is visible at board level and has been noticed as distinctive and impactful for our Chair Kathryn Lavery. The award reflects leadership, and potential, to make a huge contribution to what we do in the years ahead.

Nicola has demonstrated a strong commitment and passion to her patients which was evident when she led on one of the pilots for poverty proofing in her service. She has worked brilliantly with partners to help bring patients back from long term mental health rehabilitation placements into Rotherham and into their own flats.

Her work with internal colleagues, the Assertive Outreach team and South Yorkshire Housing Association has significantly improved the lives of those patients. Throughout Nicola has demonstrated leadership, passion, curiosity and tenacity and I only see great things for her in the future at the trust.

On receiving her award, Nicola told us:

“I am incredibly humbled to receive the Chair’s award. It was a huge but pleasant shock. This award reflects the amazing teamwork, dedication, and passion for patients within the Burns Court Community Rehabilitation Project.”

Team of the year: children’s clinical care

This compassionate and dedicated team supports families facing mild to moderate parental mental health challenges and parent-infant relationship difficulties.

Through a strengths-based, nurturing approach, they empower parents and caregivers to cultivate healthy, loving bonds with their children.

The team commented on their award:

“To win the award truly meant a great deal to all of us. Our work with the families is meaningful, and this award reflects not just our team’s dedication but the strength, resilience, and trust of the families we are privileged to support. Thank you so much for this recognition. We’re grateful, proud, and inspired to continue this journey together.”

Team of the year: adult clinical care

Since January this the team has undergone a huge innovation to transition to the nurse led rapid assessment and diagnostic clinic model, providing their patient group with the same day assessment, diagnostic and treatment appointments.

Precious Keta, Team Manager, said:

“We are honoured to receive this gold award and grateful that our collective efforts have been recognised. We have worked incredibly hard over the past year, adapting to continuous change as we worked to improve the quality of care we provide.

“We are now well positioned to meet promise 14, a maximum 4-week wait for all referrals by April 2026, and we are optimistic about achieving this even sooner. Timely assessments make a profound difference to our patients and their families, offering earlier support, more treatment options, and ultimately a better quality of life. Thank you once again for this recognition.”

Backbone team of the year

The team produces a consistently high quality work to help new employees move through the recruitment process with ease. They are supportive, kind, helpful and always willing to go the extra mile to help any newcomer.

On receiving their award, the team said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated and shortlisted for the backbone team award and to receive an invitation to the glittering annual trust award ceremony.

“The opportunity to celebrate our hard work over the past 12 months as a team in fantastic surroundings was amazing. Imagine our surprise and joy when we were announced as winners and to go on stage to receive our award. We received so many congratulations and compliments on our support across the trust both during the ceremony and afterwards which has really made us feel appreciated and valued. We are proud to be part of the backbone workforce.”

Silver winner: the Patient Flow team.

Colleague of the year backbone

Segun joined us in August 2024 with the expectation of further developing risk management at the trust. A year on, his contribution and expertise are shining through with the profile of risk management elevated, systems and processes, insight and expertise provided across the trust.

Commenting on receiving his award Segun said:

“Winning the RDaSH backbone colleague of the year award means a quiet moment of gratitude for me. Much of the work that keeps things moving sits behind the scenes, so this acknowledgement carries real personal meaning.

“It reminds me of the many people across our trust who show the same steady commitment every day. I see this recognition as a reflection of the support and teamwork around me, and I am genuinely thankful to be part of a community that values this kind of contribution.”

Colleague of the year clinical

Faith joined the team a year ago. As a general nurse by profession, she joined the learning and disability team with limited experience in this speciality. Over the last 12 months she has embraced every opportunity to learn, develop and flourish. She is a valued member of the team and her knowledge and skills in learning disability nursing are really beginning to show through and shine.

Speaking about her award, Faith said:

“Being called upon to receive the gold award as ‘colleague of the year clinical 2025’ was an incredible honour and a humbling experience.

“For me, this recognition reflects the values that make RDaSH such a special place of compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering person-centred care.

“Every day, I strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we support and their families. This award reminds me that even the smallest acts of kindness and professionalism can have a lasting impact. It also reinforces the importance of collaboration because none of this is possible without the amazing colleagues I work alongside.

“I am deeply grateful to my team and the trust for creating an environment where we can grow, innovate, and truly put people first. This achievement motivates me to keep learning, keep caring, and keep championing the values that define RDaSH.”

A word from Kathryn Lavery

Talking about the awards ceremony, Kathryn Lavery, said:

“It was truly a wonderful evening bringing people together to celebrate success and the achievements of their peers. Lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and supporting each other with their nominations.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented, passionate, and dedicated people across our trust. Every person is deserving of recognition and should be rightly proud of the real positive difference they make to the people who use our services. I am looking forward to the 2026 awards which I’m sure will be better than ever. A massive thank you to everyone involved and our sponsors for making this year’s awards very special.”

Collaborative working in South Yorkshire improves care for people with eating disorders

Why eating disorders?

In South Yorkshire, similar to the national picture, there have been gaps in the provision of eating disorder services for adults and children and young people across mental health, physical health, primary care and acute care settings.

This has led to many patients receiving little or no care, and in some cases only receiving support when they are in a significantly deteriorated state and requiring specialist inpatient care. This is why the Mental Health and Learning Disability Collaborative across South Yorkshire has set improving eating disorders as one of its priorities and has been focusing on 4 key areas:

• expanding provision of community eating disorders for adults into Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley
• improving compliance with the medical emergencies in eating disorders (MEED) when patients with an eating disorder are admitted to acute hospitals
• developing plans to provide NHS based specialist inpatient eating disorder services
• improving knowledge and training for professionals working with people with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

A Community of Practice was formed in 2023 involving clinicians and operational colleagues alongside commissioners to inform and oversee the work in the 4 priority areas above. The Community of Practice also includes working with people with lived experience so that they are involved in designing and producing solutions. Some key areas of work delivered have been the design of an adult eating disorders hub and spoke community service across South Yorkshire, the development of clinical pathways, assessment of current compliance with guidance and identifying workforce and training gaps.

Progress so far…

Patients in Doncaster and Rotherham can now receive care in their own communities. In October 2025, a community eating disorders service for adults was launched which now provides care in Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley. The service is run by Sheffield Partnership University Foundation Trust (previously known as Sheffield Health and Social Care). The service is provided out of Ferham Clinic in Rotherham and The Jade Centre in Doncaster. In addition, patients from Doncaster can now be referred to the day hospital.

Patients will be better cared for when admitted to acute trust in 2026. Funding has been identified to invest in phase 1 of additional medical support for each acute hospital in South Yorkshire and shared nurse practitioner across all 4 sites. Recruitment to these posts will start in January 2026 at the same time as acute trusts look to make changes, by designating a receiving ward within the hospital which is able to manage up to 2 adult eating disorder admissions at a given time

Patients will be cared for within the NHS when requiring a specialist inpatient admission which will be more cost effective and allow more investment in community services from 2027. Specifications for NHS provided specialist inpatient units have been developed for adults and for children and young people and 2 detailed business cases are now being drawn up including plans for buildings.

More patients are receiving support for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association has expanded its young adult group and started a pilot of an early intervention group for parents and carers. An assessment is being undertaken with local teams to understand current caseloads and how to best support the gap and develop opportunities.

What next?

Whilst good progress has been made in this priority area there is still more to do. This includes improving the transition of care from children and young people services to adults, reducing the long lengths of stay of patients in specialist inpatient care and improving physical health care monitoring of patients in primary care. However, eating disorders care will remain a priority for the collaborative for 2026 and 2027. If you want to know more about the eating disorders work or want to be part of the Community of Practice please contact:

• Jo McDonough

  joanne.mcdonough@nhs.net

• Marie Bell

  marie.bell11@nhs.net

Jo McDonough is Director of Strategic Development and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for eating disorders in the South Yorkshire Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Collaborative.

Celebrating our nursing times finalists

We offer huge congratulations to our teams in North Lincolnshire on reaching the finals of this year’s Nursing Times Awards.

Being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication, innovation, and compassion shown by our colleagues every day. Our shortlisted teams are:

• care of older people: rapid assessment and diagnostic service
• technology and data in nursing: flow, a collaborative service evaluation for people experiencing depression

We are also delighted to celebrate colleagues from children’s services. A special well done to Tracey Hepworth-Long, who was shortlisted for the prestigious Nurse of the Year award.

Well done to everyone involved, your hard work continues to make a real difference.

North Lincolnshire news

Welcome to the Elizabeth Quarter

Our teams have now settled into their new premises in the Elizabeth Quarter in Scunthorpe town centre.

Since receiving the keys to the building from Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council at the end of October, our teams have completed a series of phased moves from different locations across the town.

These moves include our community mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity, talking therapies and Children’s 0 to 19 services.

The new facilities include consultation spaces, clinical rooms and group areas, supporting appointments, therapy sessions and everyday help for adults, families and our community. Opening hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday with plans in place to increase opening hours in the future.

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive said:

“Opening the Elizabeth Quarter building is a huge leap forward for local patients and for our staff. This is a purpose-built environment which supports great quality care.

“The new building is easy to access for many and right in the heart of Scunthorpe. We remain committed to expanding our services in the villages locally.

“We are also rebuilding the Great Oaks mental health unit in Ashby and that work will complete in May 2026, meaning all of our 3 bases in the district are now well designed for the care we provide.”

Elizabeth Quarter, built on the former Scunthorpe Market site, is a modern 3-storey centre designed to bring work, activity and community services closer to local people.

Official opening event

We are celebrating our services moving into the Elizabeth Quarter and invite local people to our official opening event on Thursday 8 January 2026. The event will start at 11am with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Councillor Carol Ross, Mayor of North Lincolnshire followed by a tour the building, and opportunity to meet the teams, and learn more about the services available.

Great Oaks improvement scheme update

Work to enhance the environment at our Great Oaks inpatient unit in Scunthorpe continues to progress well.

Mulberry Ward, which provides inpatient care for people experiencing acute mental health episodes, is now taking shape. The updated layout includes newly created rooms and relocated areas to make the best possible use of the available space. Initial feedback from colleagues has been very positive. In November, new bedroom doors were successfully installed.

Redecoration has also begun in parts of the unit, including visible improvements within the reception area.

Overall, the improvement works are moving along as planned, and we expect to begin work on Laurel Ward early next year.

If you would like more information about the scheme, please contact:

• Lou Redhead, Continuous Service Improvement Manager
• Vicky Clare, Director of Nursing.

Welcome to Simon our new Director of Finance and Estates

A warm welcome to Simon Sheppard who has started in post as our new Executive Director of Finance and Estates on 8 December.

Simon joins us from Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust where he was the Chief Finance Officer including leading the financial aspects of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital development which opened in 2024. Before that he was the Director of Finance at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust. He brings a wealth of experience having also worked in senior finance roles at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Simon lives in Chesterfield and is married to Emma, a specialist children’s respiratory nurse at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. He has 2 children Ellie who is PE teacher at Dinnington and Sam who is at university in Manchester.

He is a qualified accountant (CPFA) with the Institute of Chartered Public Finance and Accountancy. Outside of work, Simon enjoys spending time with his family and friends, as well as watching sport.

Commenting on his new appointment, Simon said:

“I’m delighted to be taking on this new role at such an important time for the organisation and the NHS. Supporting the trust’s strategy and its promises is something I am very excited about. I look forward to meeting people both in the trust and the wider community in the months ahead and working on the future vision for our estates function.”

Reappointments to our board

We are pleased to announce the following reappointments to our board of directors:

Kathryn Lavery, Chair

Kathryn said:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term with RDaSH, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have been reappointed for a second term. It continues to be a joy and a privilege to work with staff and communities that are so committed to the delivery of our promises and through those do our very best to improve lives.”

Pauline Vickers, Non-executive Director

Pauline said:

“I love working with our people across RDaSH. It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to step up into the vice-chair role during my next 3-year term. I look forward to continuing to deliver our strategy and promises to transform our services for our patients, staff and communities.”

Dave Vallance, Non-executive Director

Dave said:

“I’d very much like to thank our governors for giving me the opportunity to continue with RDaSH. It’s a pleasure and privilege to be part of a team that is trying to break the mould and do things differently in the service of our communities, patients and our people.”

Armed Forces Gold Award

We have been presented with a gold award for our commitment to support armed forces’ veterans, reservists and their families. This accolade is in line with our promise 11 to deliver in full the NHS commitment to veterans and those in our service communities, recognising the specific needs many have, especially for access to suitable mental health and trauma response services.

We already hold the silver award and have been judged as reaching the top gold standard by the Government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The award was presented to trust representatives at the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards Ceremony on November 14 at the De Grey Rooms and Museum Gardens, York.

Chair Kathryn Lavery said:

“This is a great achievement for us. We have worked incredibly hard and it’s brilliant to get recognised for our efforts. More importantly this highlights that we are forces-friendly, supporting the employment of reservists, armed forces veterans, including the wounded and injured, cadet instructors and military partners.

“I’d encourage armed forces veterans or those in the process of leaving the armed forces to look at our job opportunities as we strive to do all that we can to positively support transition into civilian roles, recognising the value of their skills and experience to the NHS.”

The Government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme is supported across the region by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Yorkshire and The Humber.

To achieve gold, employers must:

• provide at least 10 days’ additional paid leave for reservists
• implement human resources policies for veterans and Cadet Force adult volunteers
• advocate for defence across their networks and sectors
• demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond the minimum requirements

Supporting our Armed Forces community

In November, we held a workshop to strengthen how we support the Armed Forces community and their families when using our services.

The day focused on promise 11, the Armed Forces Covenant, and how we can deliver trauma-informed, compassionate care. We also explored ways to improve our data recording, expedite support, and deepen our understanding of the challenges veterans and their families face.

We heard powerful lived experiences from John, Cheryl, Teresa, Tracey, Leah, Adrian, and George, and learned more about OpCourage, Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) training, and good practice in our Talking Therapies services.

Key actions

• Update SystmOne to record Armed Forces connections and flag veteran status.
• Deliver Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance training for colleagues and include it in our induction and learning half days.
• Develop a peer support worker role.
• Share OpCourage referral information and links to third sector support.
• Strengthen partnerships and promote collaborative working.

You can help by

• Keep asking the question “Have you or a family member ever served in the Armed Forces?”
• Discuss our commitment to the Armed Forces community at your next team meeting.

These steps form a strong foundation for fulfilling our commitments under promise 11 and the Armed Forces Covenant.

Rotherham news

Promoting mental health support for young people

Young people, With Me In Mind, and Rotherham United have come together with one shared goal, to encourage young people to talk about their wellbeing and seek help if they have worries or mental health needs.

Pupils from Rockingham Junior and Infant School and Swinton Academy recently visited New York Stadium to interview footballers Cameron Dawson and Joe Powell ahead of the launch of Mind Goals, a campaign reminding young people that “asking for help is not a red card.”

With Me In Mind, run by our trust, provides mental health support for children and young people aged 5 to 19 in schools across Rotherham. This work supports our Promise 17 of embedding our child and psychological health teams alongside schools.

Gemma Thomas, Engagement Lead for With Me In Mind, has been working closely with Madeline Dyson from Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT) to bring the campaign to life.

Gemma said: “We spoke to young people who told us they would be more likely to seek mental health support if key messages came from role models like footballers and were shared through active, outdoor experiences. It’s brilliant that Rotherham United Community Trust were so enthusiastic about joining forces. Together we want to make sure every young person knows that ‘mental health matters, you matter.’

The Mind Goals campaign officially launched at New York Stadium on Tuesday 28 October, as The Millers faced Manchester City Under 21s. Staff from With Me In Mind and RUCT hosted a fan zone before the match, offering mental health information and fun wellbeing activities.

At half-time, a Mind Goals video was shown on the stadium’s big screen, featuring young people interviewing players about how they look after different aspects of their mental health.

A huge thank you to Tom Ingle from BBC Look North for covering the launch and interviewing Gemma Thomas on the day (pictured right).

For more information on how to access With Me in Mind please With me In Mind.

Mental health and employment support helps Rotherham dad find new job

A Rotherham dad who lives with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has turned his life around with help from local NHS services and employment specialists.

Liam Winder, formerly a chef, struggled with the pressures of his high-stress job, which worsened his anxiety and OCD. After 9 months off work, he sought help from NHS Talking Therapies, where counsellors supported him to manage his mental health. He was also referred to the Work and Wellbeing Team at South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) for employment support.

With their help, Liam found a new role as a cook at Aspen House in Mexborough, a job that better suits his wellbeing. The reduced pressure has made a big difference to his health and confidence.

“I had lost confidence, but they built that back up. I’ve found the perfect job for me, and I’m enjoying cooking again.

“SYHA really did help me so much,” said Liam.

“I had lost confidence, but they built that back up. I’ve found the perfect job for me, and I’m enjoying cooking again.” Employment specialists at SYHA praised Liam’s progress, saying his recovery and renewed confidence are “so satisfying to see.”

Adele Gardner, Assistant Head of Work and Wellbeing at SYHA added that combining employment support with mental health treatment is key to long-term recovery, helping people stay well and connected to their strengths.

For anyone wanting to know more about the work of employment specialists, please visit the South Yorkshire Housing Association and look for them on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

If you need help from NHS Talking Therapies in Rotherham please call 03000 215 108 or visit the Talking Therapies service page for information and to self-refer into the service. People using the service, who need support with their current employment or need help to find a suitable job, can then be referred to the employment specialists.

Piloting artificial intelligence (AI) technology

Always ready to research new technologies to enhance the way we work across our trust, is a part of our Promise 18, and as such we are currently piloting 4 different ambient speech products.

Ambient speech technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of large language models to generate clinical notes from listening to clinical consultations.

Colleagues across our trust have been trialling the AI technology to ensure that it is safe and effective, and to better understand how we can best use it in our trust.

Dr Michael (Mike) Seneviratne, Associate Medical Director, Chief Clinical Information Officer, and Clinical Director for Research, (pictured) said: “We hope that this technology can help us to create huge time savings for our clinical colleagues so that they can spend more time on patient care. We are looking at how much time it might save and how ready our services are for this technology. Although we are still piloting the technology, early results are promising.”

As a thank you to all those who have been involved in these pilot projects, colleagues attended an event to share results and reflect on the pilots and consider the next steps for the future.

Purpose-designed centre to open soon

Our children’s and adult neurodiversity service is expanding and will soon be moving some services from Tickhill Road Hospital to a brand-new, purpose-designed Neurodiversity Centre.

The new centre, located at the former Emerald Lodge site in Bentley, has been specially designed to support the assessment and treatment of people with neurodevelopmental needs. The Neurodiversity Centre will welcome staff from 2 January, with services opening to patients in February.

The move will improve access for patients and families, with ample on-site parking and several bus routes stopping directly outside the building. These improvements have been designed to enhance the overall patient experience and accessibility of the service.

For current patients, all contact details will remain unchanged. We apologise in advance for any temporary disruption during the move and will share updates as the transition progresses. Please also look out for our upcoming videos, which will provide step-by-step guidance from the bus stop to the new centre.

Pilot to launch of new Mental Health Homeless team in Doncaster

In March 2026, a new Mental Health Homeless Team will launch as an 18-month pilot in Doncaster, aiming to reach people experiencing homelessness who are unable to access NHS mental health services or who frequently miss out on vital mental health care.

If successful, the pilot will be expanded across North Lincolnshire and Rotherham, helping to address significant health inequalities faced by people without stable housing. This pilot is part of our commitment to Promise 10 of being recognised as an outstanding provider of inclusion health care.

The creation of the team builds on work done nationally by the Pathway charity. This work has built an evidence base for effective practice in inclusion health. It led directly to NICE guidance for health systems in the care of homeless people.

Whilst “pathway” teams are more common in acute hospitals, teams focused on wider needs including mental health, exist in South London and in Hull.

Working across both inpatient and community mental health settings, ensuring continuity of care, the team will provide flexible, and person-centred mental health support, adapting to individuals changing needs and circumstances.

Taking a strong partnership approach, the team will work closely with other health services within RDaSH, while partnering with City of Doncaster Council, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the borough. RDaSH is currently working collaboratively with City of Doncaster Council to design and develop a central safe space for people experiencing homelessness.

The team will include mental health practitioners, a peer support worker and a recovery worker, with access to psychiatric, a GP and psychological support. By embedding peer support workers with lived experience, the team will help build trust and support people to navigate and access healthcare more effectively.

Factors such as chronic stress, trauma, physical exhaustion from sleeping rough, social isolation, and reliance on substances to cope, all contribute to worsening mental health for people experiencing homelessness.

The pilot aims to reduce health inequalities and the barriers to accessing mental health care by improving engagement with services while providing rapid mental health support for people who are rough sleeping or experiencing homelessness. This pilot represents a significant step forward in addressing the complex relationship between homelessness and mental ill-health, ensuring that some of the most vulnerable people in Doncaster receive the care and support they need.

To know more about this pilot please email Nicola Abdy, Strategic Development Lead, at nicola.abdy@nhs.net.

Doncaster news

Muslim Wellness Conference brings communities together for hope and healing

The second Muslim Wellness Conference took place on 15 November at the Eco Power Stadium in Doncaster, bringing together community members, mental health advocates, faith leaders, and healthcare professionals for a day focusing on hope and healing.

Sponsored by our trust, the event opened with a welcome address from Chief Executive Toby Lewis, who reflected on the importance of culturally informed mental health support.

The conference spotlighted emotional and powerful lived experiences related to suicide, trauma, and mental health challenges within global majority communities. Speakers and attendees shared deeply personal stories, emphasising the ongoing need for compassion, culturally sensitive services, and accessible support pathways.

Money and debt advice for our patients

As part of Promise 6 Poverty Proofing, we are committed to supporting our patients with practical help around money and debt.

To make this support easily accessible, we have partnered with Citizens Advice Doncaster. Through this partnership, money and debt advice is now embedded within our patient pathway.

This means that anyone using our services can be directly referred to their local Citizens Advice by a member of our staff for free, confidential, and expert guidance on managing money, dealing with debt, and accessing the support they’re entitled to.

Citizens Advice across our geographical areas is also providing dedicated time at our trust, including appointments on sites across the trusts.

In 8 months working with Citizens Advice 436 people have been supported, benefitting from a collective rise in income or debt write-off of over £570,000.

Here we have included stories about how people have been supported by Citizens Advice (their names have been changed to protect their identity).

The role of Citizens Advice Doncaster by Megan

My name is Megan Ward, and I’m the NHS Supervisor at Citizens Advice Doncaster. With a background in supporting vulnerable people across job roles in prison and pharmacy, supporting people has always been a passion of mine, and a role I’ve always continued with. Working with Citizens Advice Doncaster has allowed me to continue helping individuals understand their rights and access the support available to them something that I am passionate about.

I am based on two projects, both within health settings. The Promise 6 Project based at RDaSH each Wednesday and The Advice on Prescription Project within Doncaster GP Surgeries. We help people navigate difficult situations, tailoring advice to their circumstances so they feel informed and confident. We cover an array of advice areas, including debt and money advice, benefit form filling and general advice. I would say my skillset is varied due to my past roles, and empathy, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are key to how I have always work. I take care to listen, recognise the challenges people face, and ensure they feel respected and supported.

Working this role provides real job satisfaction seeing people move from feeling unsure to feeling empowered, from struggling to living comfortably and from having nowhere to turn to knowing where to turn for free, confidential and impartial advice.

Citizens Advice Doncaster plays an important role in our community, and I’m proud to contribute to the positive difference we make every day. This project has not only positively influenced the lives of those accessing our services, but it has also demonstrated the importance of outreach support in trusted and familiar locations.

Citizens Advice sessions and information for colleagues

Citizens Advice is also holding money and debt sessions for our colleagues as part of the learning half days. This covers things such as key benefits, eligibility and how to access for patients, for example pensioner credits and universal credits. Keep checking the app and intranet for more details.

How to refer a patient to Citizens Advice

When you speak to a patient or carer, for example at referral stage, assessment, review of appointment or care, discharge planning as part of the multi-disciplinary team you need to see if they have any household money or debt problems. If they have, you can refer the person to Citizens Advice direct, using the form for the patient’s area which can be found on the intranet.

• Citizens Advice Doncaster
• Citizens Advice Rotherham 
• Citizens Advice North Lincolnshire

This will then be followed up direct with the person, or with someone else where this is requested. You will need to record in the patient’s record that a referral has been made and ask how this has gone in any follow-up appointment. Please make sure you have the person’s consent for sharing their information, and record this on their patient record (see below where to record).

Where to record on SystmOne

RDaSH Generic Information template. This is available trust wide, which can be found within the red triangle, patients’ details, please see below:

RDaSH MH Assessment template. This can be found in the Personalised Care Launch Pad (orange triangle), under DIALOG+ section, within the RDaSH Mental Health Assessment and Review, under financial.

To know more about this work, please contact Ray Hennessy, Deputy Director of Strategic Development, via email ray.hennessy@nhs.net.

Celebrating our psychological professionals

On Friday 14 November, we held our first Psychological Professionals Conference, coinciding with National Psychological Professionals Week.

The event explored the power of narrative and storytelling in improving patient outcomes and supporting inclusion.

We were delighted to welcome a range of inspiring speakers, including Dr Adrian Whittington, NHS England National Director for Psychological Professionals, and Sharon Prince, Psychological Professionals Network Lead for North East and Yorkshire and Consultant Forensic Psychologist.

They were joined by members of our executive team, colleagues from across our care groups, and professionals representing counselling, psychotherapy, family therapy, clinical psychology, and experts by experience.

Discussions on inclusion highlighted the significance of cultural heritage, poverty, gender, disability, and age in shaping both patient and staff experiences.

If you would like to learn more about the conference or request presentation materials or slides, please contact Dr Jude Graham, Director of Psychological Professionals and Therapies, or Dr Claire Klein, Care Group Director for Psychological Professionals.

Charity news

Community grants update

In April, we allocated grants worth £77,000 to 30 voluntary community and social enterprises, who are working in collaboration with trust colleagues to support projects across Rotherham, Doncaster and North Lincolnshire, which make a real difference to those in need, and may not benefit from mainstream support.

Each of the projects aligns with our 5 key charity missions: A Good Start (children and young people); Our Best Self (mental wellbeing of patients and staff); RDaSH Research; Learning and Development and a Good Death. Here’s a look at how some of them are progressing and how they’re helping people in our local communities.

Your Hearts and Minds funding supports Intake pupils with special educational needs

A £2,000 Community Grant from Your Hearts and Minds is already making a meaningful difference to pupils at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School in Intake.

The funding, awarded to the school’s charity, Friends of Our Lady of Mount Carmel has enabled the purchase of much-needed Special Educational Needs (SEN) equipment to support children with neurodiversity, learning difficulties, and sensory processing needs.

Melanie Kilbride, who applied for the grant on behalf of the charity, explained:

“We’re a hardworking group who regularly fundraise, but as a small school with only 210 children, raising large sums for projects like this can be challenging.

“We have seven classrooms, from Reception through to Year Six. Each year group has different needs due to the diversity of our school community, and we’re doing our best to support children as they grow and develop.”

The school has created a welcoming sensory space known as “The Bubble”, where children can go when they find the classroom environment overwhelming. The room features a cosy tent for quiet time, alongside a range of visual and tactile resources including bubble tubes, a light table, a sensory tunnel, and fidget tools.

Headteacher Mrs Philippa Martin said:

“We are so grateful for this funding.

“Having this sensory space allows children to ‘reset’, feel calm, and regulate their emotions, so they return to the classroom feeling comfortable and ready to learn.

“When children see their peers using calming tools, it helps normalise differences and fosters empathy. Inclusive play becomes part of everyday life rather than something separate, which reduces stigma and encourages awareness and respect for children of all abilities.”

Children also have access to additional equipment within their classrooms, including fidget toys, ear defenders, and kick bands, which are available whenever needed.

Teacher Mrs Clare Glenton added:

“We are delighted with the benefits this equipment is bringing to our pupils and believe that every school should have access to sensory environments.

“Every child has different sensory needs, and when we support those needs, everyone gains. Sensory provision is a powerful and proactive way to create a more inclusive environment.”

He Matters website launched

The 2024 Doncaster Muslim Wellness Conference highlighted the urgent need to focus on mental health within the Muslim community, particularly among men.

It became clear that more men need to be involved in conversations that impact their health and wellbeing.

A £3,000 Community Grant is helping to fund ‘He Matters’, a project founded by Atique Arif, which is working in partnership with Doncaster’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) and RDaSH Grounded Research to build trust and resilience and provide culturally sensitive mental health resources for Muslim men, who face unique cultural challenge and barriers to accessing research and services.

The project aims to reduce stigma and ensure individuals feel truly understood and supported.

The group recently met for the first time, and has launched a new website He Matters.

Brass band strikes a chord for charity

A big-hearted South Yorkshire brass band has given a major lift to our fundraising efforts with a £500 donation.

The Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band, celebrating an impressive 187 years of music-making, performed its Sounds of Brass concert at St Peter’s Church on Warmsworth Road in support of Therapy Pool Appeal.

Band Secretary and Bb Bass player Morag McKay-Ellison, who is also Team Manager at the Diamond Activity and Therapeutic Services, expressed her gratitude and said:

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to support us, and to my fellow band members for supporting a cause that’s so close to my heart.

“Having a thoroughly modern new pool and enriched sensory environment will greatly help us to provide a wider range of therapeutic support to a larger number of clients, their families, and the wider community.”

Fundraisers take to the skies

Unfortunately, due to bad weather our group charity skydive planned for Saturday 29 November was postponed at the last minute, which meant only 3 of our divers could take part when the date was rearranged to the following day.

Emma Jones, Jessy Winn, and Rebecca, 3 incredible members of the RDaSH team, took the leap from 15,000 ft, all to support our Your Hearts and Minds Therapy Pool Appeal.

A huge well done to them for stepping outside their comfort zones and making a real difference for the families we support.

Our remaining skydivers will take to the skies on Saturday 17 January, so we wish them the best of luck.

Christmas shoppers boost charity funds

Thanks to everyone who braved the bad weather in support of our Christmas Fayre on Saturday 29 November, which raised over £500. As well as lots of fantastic stalls, there was a raffle and tombola which proved popular with all our visitors.

Cuppas and cakes raise funds for Therapy Pool

Our Learning Disabilities Team held a Care for a Cuppa event in the WellBean Café on Monday 1 December, raising over £800. Thanks to all the bakers, prize donors and supporters for the wonderful amount raised.

Hospice news

Hospice team say thank you for funding as founding charity set to close

A special event has been held to say thank you to the charity which founded our hospice after its decision to close after over 53 years of fundraising.

St John’s Hospice officially opened in 1992, following a 7-year fundraising campaign by Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust (DCDT), which has revealed it will wind up its charitable activities this year.

The Hospice team invited DCDT Chair Yvonne Woodcock, and members involved in its inception, to a special event to say a formal thank you for their support in raising more than £2 million in capital to build and equip St John’s Hospice, then a further £1.5 million to build the adjoining St John’s Information and Support Centre, which opened in 2004.

St John’s Hospice Service Manager Sam Edwards said: “We are immensely proud of the services and care we provide to patients and families in Doncaster at St John’s Hospice, but without the hard work and long-term support from DCDT over so many years, we wouldn’t be where we are today. “When we heard they’d taken the decision to close down their charity, we wanted to do something to acknowledge their support and celebrate their friendship over so many years.”

The DCDT members enjoyed coffee and cakes at St John’s Hospice and took a trip down memory lane thanks to scrapbooks collected by founding DCDT member the late Jeannette Fish, which are crammed full of press cuttings detailing the hundreds of fundraising feats which helped raise the much-needed millions required to build the Hospice and Information Centre.

DCDT Chair Yvonne Woodcock said:

“I’d like to pay tribute to Jeannette Fish and all the members of DCDT, past and present, for their commitment over the years.

“As well as building and equipping the hospice, we’ve donated 80 pieces of front-line cancer equipment alongside millions of pounds worth of facilities and medical expertise in Doncaster over the past 53 years, we’ve spent every penny on the best possible causes and truly feel we are ending on a high.”

She added:

“But we wouldn’t have been able to do anything without the generosity and support of the people of Doncaster.

“Our hospice fundraising came on the back of the miners’ strike and pit closures, which hit our communities hard. The largest single donation we ever received was £10k, which demonstrates how many people put their hands in their pockets and donated whatever they could to provide a local hospice delivering the best possible palliative and end of life for their families and for future generations to come.”

Adwick runner raises funds in Great North Run

An Adwick woman has raised an impressive £1,385 after completing this year’s Great North Run in support of St John’s Hospice.

Sally Frankland (56) fulfilled a long-standing bucket-list ambition by joining more than 60,000 charity runners on Sunday 7 September. She chose to fundraise for St John’s Hospice in recognition of the work it does for local people, and because her dad, Joe, has been a dedicated volunteer driver there for many years.

Sally said:

“My Dad’s told me all about the wonderful work they do at the Hospice, so I wanted to raise funds for such an important local charity.”

Reflecting on the day, she added:

“It was such an amazing day. My husband Dave was there to cheer me on. He’s been my biggest supporter in my training, even accompanying me on long runs on his bike!

“My good friend Stacey Sergeant and her family also made the journey to the North-East, proudly holding up homemade banners to support me.”

She added:

“There was such wonderful support from local people too; I’m not sure anyone realises how much it helps the runners when people are there cheering and urging you on.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who sponsored me, including my employer PHS Group who generously provided match funding too.”

Kind-hearted students deliver festive hampers to hospice

Students and staff from Sir Thomas Wharton Academy have once again brought festive cheer to Doncaster’s St John’s Hospice by delivering handcrafted Christmas hampers.

Miss Gerard (second from left) with Sir Thomas Wharton Academy students delivering their festive hampers to St John’s Hospice.

For the third year in a row, Academy pupils and teachers designed a variety of creative, themed hampers filled with treats, comfort items, games, and festive foods. This year’s designs included everything from a sparkling-nosed Rudolph Reindeer to a beautifully crafted Polar Express.

Miss Gerrard, teacher at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, said: “At Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, we take immense pride in giving back to our local community, particularly during the festive season. Our staff and students never disappoint with their creativity and generosity, and this year’s hampers showcase their tremendous efforts. We would like to thank all participants for helping to make our Hamper Challenge such a success.”

Doncaster group keeps dancing to raise funds

We’ve been given a £2,500 boost thanks to a big-hearted group of ballroom and sequence dancers who meet every week at Parklands Ballroom.

The dancing sessions are organised by Malinda and Terry Lygo, and run every Wednesday, between 11:30am and 3pm, for a charge of £5 per person, and all the proceeds are donated to local charities, with the latest beneficiary being St John’s Hospice.

Long standing hospice supporter Malinda Lygo said:

“We’ve always been keen supporters of the Hospice and supported the original fundraising campaign to get it built over 30 years ago.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our lovely dancers for continuing to support us each week and for helping to raise funds for such an important local charity.”

She added:

“Our dance sessions are always good fun. They help keep us fit and offer an opportunity to meet socially. It’s very rewarding to be able to support people to remain independent, whilst also raising much-needed funds for charity.”

For more information about the Lunch Time Dancing Sessions, contact Malinda on 01302 884 707.

Thanks for attending our Light up a Life Event 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our third Light up a Life event on Wednesday 3 December, which was generously hosted this year at Alder Grove Methodist Church, thanks to our RDaSH Chaplain June Rutherford.

With lovely music provided by The Feelgood Singers, Pianist Ian Wilkson and Piper Ian Ashley, the event gave over 100 supporters an opportunity to remember their loved ones. Thanks to our Hospice team for taking part, and Flourish Enterprises for the delicious refreshment. The event raised over £2,408 in donations.

We’d also like to offer thanks to a team of volunteers from Nationwide, who travelled from all around the UK to help on the night and to clear everything away the following day.

Christmas raffle rings in a record total

Our 2025 Christmas raffle was a record breaker, raising £4,000. Thanks to local people and businesses who donated prizes, 35 in total, along with everyone who bought and sold tickets, for making this year so successful.

Christmas coffee morning

Thanks to everyone who attended our Christmas Coffee Morning on Friday 28 December, we raised a grand total of £2,407. A special thank you to our wonderful volunteers for supporting us on the day and to Hexthorpe Academy pupils who were pitch perfect. To all the people who baked delicious treats, crafted wooden trees and snowmen, as well as crocheting and knitting beautiful items to sell. Everything on the day was donated, so this is a significant sum, raised in just a few hours, thank you.

Minster concert

A huge thank you to the Doncaster Wheatsheaf Singers who presented their annual Charity Christmas Concert at the Minster of St George, Doncaster, on Saturday 13 December in aid of our Hospice, performing with The Hatfield and Askern Colliery Band.

The concert was generously supported by The Co-op (Funeral care, Food and Membership), who not only provided and served festive refreshments during the interval but also once again sponsored the event along with the 20ft Memory Tree.

The magnificent tree (pictured) was delivered on Monday 1 December and will act as a Memorial Tree. Members of the audience were able to place a memorial tag on the tree in memory of their loved ones, not only at this concert but for anyone visiting the Minster throughout the festive season, so please do take the time to call in and see it.

Your right to be heard

This is where you can get in touch about topic of interest, either work related or something else. Here are the latest questions people have sent in.

When we have thousands of patients why do we always seem to engage with one group in Doncaster? Shouldn’t we be working hard to get more patients involved in what we do and having a say, so that we don’t have incredibly limited feedback from patients?

I think this letter refers to People Focused Group (PFG) who have been our community engagement partner since 2021. In fact the trust works closely with many VCSE bodies, for example S62 in Rotherham. Our charity, Your Hearts and Minds, made community grants to many. From 2026, our “shadow” Clinical Leadership Executive will start work, with 18 organisations representing our communities working alongside the senior leaders of the trust. Nonetheless, PFG remains a key partner for us and a wonderful advocate for peers and carers.

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive.

I heard that you have a fundraising appeal for a new therapy pool. Would this pool be open to the public to use on an evening or weekend.

That’s a great question. The pool is focused on the need of residents using our Diamond Activity and Therapeutic Centre, but once it is installed, (we need more donations), it will mean we can use the pool much more often.

Jo McDonough, Director of Strategic Development.

Why is the Dementia service run by this trust in Rotherham better than the one in Doncaster? Shouldn’t they provide the same level of care.

We run dementia services in all 3 places. It is tremendous that all now offer fast access to diagnosis, inside 4 weeks. The services do differ, sometimes because of what commissioners wish us to do. We have a set of Board quality indicators which we are using to try and improve care trust wide.

Diarmid Sinclair, Chief Medical Officer.

The ICBs are doing voluntary redundancies. Will this be the same for our trust?

To begin by acknowledging the anxieties of friends and colleagues in our ICBs, each of which do have voluntary and compulsory redundancy schemes. Our changes are focused mainly on specific roles and we very much hope to support as many displaced post holders as possible into new roles at RDaSH. We do not currently envisage any form of voluntary redundancy programme as Toby explained in his blog of December 5. If that changes it will be announced trust wide. But our focus is on growing and being fully staffed.

Carlene Holden, Director of People and Organisational Development.

Toby’s last word… the shortest waiting times in the NHS

You may look over this message and think, not again! With Victoria’s video log, article, and other emphasis, are we not satiated? We would all recognise that wait times are an important thing, but not and never the only thing. And yet…

Promise 14 goes further than the 4-week measure

While we have often discussed planned care waits, the promise also talks to urgent care access. We know that patients needing a 2-hour urgent response in physical health urgent access services, or crisis patients needing rapid response, also matter. The High-Quality Therapeutic Care taskforce is focusing on the continuity of care of “unallocated” patients within our Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT). From February 2026 formal monitoring of our 48-hour urgent care standard begins. That standard matters, not least because it opens up questions about how care works over weekends. When we think about having a ‘short wait trust’ all these measures are important. We fail if we displace emphasis from one to another.

Wait times are a foundation for our innovation work, and for wider reform

The innovation among teams to deliver change since 2023 is immense. In many of our services we have seen complete service redesign to ensure that we prioritise the reassurance for patients inside a few weeks. That work has given us good data, not yet great data, on what is going on inside our teams, but direct and indirect contact and work with patients. From spring 2026 we need to make sure that data is in the hands of team leaders every week.

Of course, the data raises questions, rather than provides answers. It helps teams to consider how time is best spent. During 2025 we have begun to put in place meaningful job plans for senior clinicians from all professions. Those job plans do create ringfenced time for activities like education and research, but they also focus more time on direct patient care. We want to end the agenda for change by-product whereby clinicians have to leave patient care and move into ‘management’ in order to progress their career.

Wait times are about building trust

This article is Trust Matter’s last word for 2025. But in every staff induction week in 2025, and I am guessing it will be the same in 2026, I am asking, or speak about, why the wait time guarantee matters. It is because it creates a basis of trust with our patients and their loved ones. We promise to do something, and we can be held to account to do it. At a time of referral, when someone is reaching out for help (after perhaps months or years of worry and self-doubt), they are seeking some certainty. Knowing that they will see a skilled clinician in a defined time alters the balance of power, gives them some rights and some expectations. Trust is the foundation for care, and our Promise 14 is all about trust.

Deferring waits, secondary waits and hidden wait lists

We know that for some specialist care, notably psychological therapy, but also some work inside CMHTs, we have longer waits after assessment. From January 2026, those waits will be monitored tightly, as we look to meet the overall 18-week pathway set by the NHS, as a whole. Many of our pathways ‘don’t count’ on national datasets, but that doesn’t matter or shouldn’t. There is no reason complex therapy, for example in mental health services, should somehow be delayed longer than a surgical intervention. Four weeks are not the gateway to more delay. Its whole purpose is to start complex care more rapidly by identifying those most in need more quickly.

Pride is a difficult subject in the NHS. With some of our future colleagues pushed to strike action, colleagues inside the trust anxious about change in community and corporate services, and harms we can see and not yet prevent, it is right we question ourselves and our culture. But part of the values of the trust and the culture we need is one that acknowledges excellence and aims to be remarkable. Not just on a one-to-one basis, but systematically, as one RDaSH, and because of our teams.

Having the NHS’ shortest waits is a “garden fence” moment for us: something to tell our neighbours when they worry about the NHS, something they will thank you for, as I do.

Happy New Year.

Page last reviewed: February 10, 2026
Next review due: February 10, 2027

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