Author: Jade Quartermaine
LGBT+ people face multiple barriers to support when experiencing domestic abuse which increases the time it takes to get help. In response, NHS Devon and partners across the Peninsular applied for funding to commission specialist LGBT+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). In this blog for 16 Days of Action, Helen – Intercom’s senior LGBT+ IDVA – explains why this approach is so important for LGBT+ people.
I work for Intercom Trust, a community-led charity for LGBT+ people of all ages, their loved ones, and the professionals who work with them. We provide help, support, advocacy, low-cost counselling, and family support for our LGBT+ communities.
As the senior LGBT+ IDVA I set up Safer Rainbow which supports LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse (and more recently sexual violence). We work across sexual orientation and gender identity spectrums with people facing different forms of abuse and risk of harm.
I have compiled a range of specialist LGBT+ interventions including trauma stabilisation tools, interventions to support understanding of power imbalance in LGBT+ domestically abusive relationships and the longer term impact this may have on individual wellbeing, sexual identity and future relationships.
While LGBT+ people can face similar forms of domestic abuse to their cis gendered heterosexual peers, they can also face abuse specifically related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
There are many myths with regard to LGBT+ communities and domestic abuse which can increase barriers to seeking help. For example, the myth that partner abuse does not happen within intimate LGBT+ relationships or that abuse is about size and strength- indicating that the perpetrator of abuse will present as the more masculine in the relationship. There may be misconceptions regarding same-sex rape in women or men when the reality is that sexual assault in same-sex relationships can be equally serious.
Our clients can often be reluctant to report any incidents or issues to the police for fear of being judged, misunderstood, or that their case may not be taken seriously. My role is to support them to gain more positive experiences with police reporting, increase awareness of police diversity teams and how this can support their next steps.
Our clients confirm how it is easier to enter a service that has already learned to take on a more open-minded approach to people of any gender or sexuality. Intercom Trust as a service have experience and knowledge of the complexities of our LGBT+ communities and have a compassionate and shame sensitive approach when supporting.
I am passionate about working with LGBT+ communities for many reasons and find my role incredibly varied and rewarding; whether I am with a client at court, supporting reporting to the police, or sitting with someone who may be in the early stages of coming to terms with their traumatic experiences. I admire Safer Rainbow clients’ courage in working alongside us learning to trust a way forwards with their lives. The Project is continuing to expand and develop utilising client voice with regard to information, resources and what individuals have found beneficial.
I have always enjoyed working with groups, and recently developed and started a pilot “Empowerment and Recovery following Domestic Abuse” face-2-face 8 week group programme. We are currently running these sessions from our Exeter office and my plan is to make this a regular part of Safer Rainbow support and expand across the region.
If you’ve been affected by the issues in this blog, you can contact The Intercom Trust via the helpline 0800 612 3010 or helpline@intercomtrust.org.uk
Referrals to Safer Rainbow can be made via the Intercom Trust website on https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/referral-form/
Doctors in Devon are reminding parents to consult the HANDi paediatric app if they aren’t sure what to do when their child is unwell.
The free app, available to download onto any Apple or Android device, was launched specifically with children in mind and is loaded with expert advice, support and guidance for parents with concerns about their children.
The easy-to-use app was designed with local paediatric consultants to provide clear, concise information for parents and carers.
It covers a range of common conditions such as high temperatures, chestiness, abdominal pain, headaches and rashes, which can cause concern to a parent or carer if they are not sure what to do.
The award-winning app asks a series of questions about the symptoms the child has and then advises the best course of action to take, whether to treat the condition at home, consult a pharmacist or GP, and if it is serious to head to the Emergency Department.
It has been specifically adapted to be suitable for people in Devon, directing users to their nearest hospital.
HANDi is updated regularly by qualified clinicians to provide the best advice and will ask users a series of short questions to identify their child’s condition, and then advise them what course of action to take.
Dr Maria Williams and Dr Melissa Lemon are two Plymouth-based GPs who are keen to share their knowledge as GPs, and experience as mums, to help support parents, guardians and caregivers with the uncertainly of looking after poorly children.
They are sharing regular health updates and trusted information about common childhood illness, specifically respiratory illness, over the winter months on Facebook and Instagram, as well as at some face-to-face drop-in educational sessions for parents with Dr Melissa Lemon across Plymouth.
Both Dr Williams and Dr Lemon are GPs at Pathfields Medical Centre in Plymouth. Dr Williams says: “As we get further into winter, we often see an increase in the number of contacts about children with cough and cold symptoms, as well as various viral illness, which are exceptionally common at this time of year.
“We are keen to share information to help people feel more comfortable about when to self-care and when to seek appropriate help, from the right setting, at the right time.”
Dr Lemon said: “We advise our patients to look at the HANDi paediatric app and the website www.what0-18.nhs.uk to find excellent information and guidance around childhood illness and links for physical and mental health issues.”
A partnership of voluntary sector representatives in Torbay have launched a new campaign to keep people healthier.
Torbay Communities’ Live Longer Better courses cover everything from diet and nutrition to outdoor and indoor fun activities that will keep people as fit as they can be.
Exercise classes were provided for most abilities, which are adaptable for use in the comfort of people’s own homes.
There were also opportunities to have a go at a range of activities, including lawn green bowling with coaching, tips and experienced players to help along the way.
Beach and sea sessions were also organised to build people’s confidence in the water – no swimming experience was necessary.
While sea dips were arranged for those who were slightly more confident but wanting support.
Finally, for those who prefer the view under the surface, there were introduction to snorkelling for beginner sessions at Broadsands.
The project began its autumn programme in Paignton, Torquay and Brixham on 16 October. While it is primarily aimed at over 50s, all ages are welcome.
For more information, visit the Live Longer Better website.
A brand-new, state-of-the-art facility for people with eye conditions in Devon and Cornwall has opened in Plymouth.
Surgeons there have been learning Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) processes from system colleagues as part of the One Devon Elective pilot.
The new Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) building includes a third operating theatre dedicated to sub-specialisms, such as oculoplastic, orbital and corneal surgeries.
As a specialism, ophthalmology (eye services) has a lower reliance on an acute hospital site, making it a suitable candidate for a move away from the Derriford Hospital site. The REI opened to the public on 9 October, with improved access for patients, a drop-off zone and parking.
TALKWORKS (Devon’s NHS Talking Therapies service) and the Devon County Football Association are launching a partnership to encourage more adults across Devon to access mental health and wellbeing support.
The partnership will see TALKWORKS supporting players, club officials and FA staff across Devon, aged 18+, who are experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety, or sleep difficulties.
The NHS service also has a dedicated Talking Health team, experienced in supporting adults with long-term health conditions, to improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
Working together, TALKWORKS and the Devon County FA want to normalise conversations around mental health, both in locker rooms and in the wider community. The NHS service were recently in attendance at Devon FA 567s small-sided football league, where they held conversations with players and staff about how to look after their health and wellbeing, both on and off the field.
An innovative Careers Hub that aims to enhance students’ access to job opportunities within healthcare and the NHS was launched by Plymouth partners earlier this month.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP), Livewell Southwest and City College Plymouth have worked together on the project.
The hub is a completely free resource available to young people in the Plymouth community, which offers them the opportunity to explore various NHS career options, initiate the development of their career paths, and seek answers to inquiries related to NHS employment.
The NHS is facing an unprecedented demand for healthcare professionals to address both current and future needs, with a particular emphasis on preparing for the years ahead.
To align with the NHS’ goal of creating a 21st century workforce by 2024/25, the NHS Careers Hub will widen participation across the city by raising the profile of the 350 different career paths within the NHS.
It will provide careers information, advice and guidance to students aged 16 to 18 in both the college and across schools in Plymouth.
The advice and guidance will not only signpost young people to one of the many vocational and academic courses on offer at City College Plymouth, but also towards apprenticeships.
During the Career Hub’s official opening, UHP’s Chief Executive Officer, Ann James, spoke about the importance of the hub giving students access to a healthcare career and creating a seamless integration of workforce development across multiple sectors within the city.
Ann said: “Our young people are the future of the NHS. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting project and look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with City College Plymouth.”
Schools interested in finding out how the Hub can help their pupils are asked to call 01752 305 300.
The offer of a seasonal autumn Covid-19 vaccination for eligible people ends on 15 December 2023. Appointments are now available to book your flu and Covid-19 jab at the same time at various locations across Devon.
People in Devon have just four weeks left to protect themselves against Covid-19, before winter. The eligibility for an autumn Covid-19 vaccine is different to the spring vaccination campaign, and local health leaders are concerned that some people may not realise they are entitled to a seasonal Covid-19 vaccine.
Those entitled to a Covid-19 vaccine before 15 December 2023 include:
- Everyone aged 65 and over.
- Household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed.
- Paid and unpaid carers.
- People aged 5 and over with underlying health conditions including chronic liver and heart conditions, severe mental illness, learning disabilities, diabetes and pregnant women.
- Health and social care staff.
- People who live in care homes and those who are housebound.
More information and full details of who can have a seasonal Covid-19 vaccine this autumn can be found at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. In addition to being invited by the NHS, people can self-declare that they are entitled to a Covid-19 vaccine by calling 119 for free or using the online national booking service www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations
Dr Alex Degan, GP and Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon, said: “This is the shortest seasonal Covid-19 vaccination campaign that the NHS has run and we’re concerned people may not realise the cut-off date for vaccination is 15 December – in just four weeks’ time.
“In particular, some groups of people are eligible this autumn who weren’t included in the spring vaccination campaign, including unpaid carers and household contacts of people who are severely immunosuppressed. If you’re in one of these groups and haven’t already been invited for your vaccination by the NHS, you can self-declare using the online national booking service or by calling 119, for free.
“Covid-19 is still here and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the people you care for.”
Getting vaccinated is easy with 35 community pharmacies, GPs and vaccination centres offering bookable appointments across Devon.
We also have some walk-in vaccination clinics available in Devon. Details of all the ways to get vaccinated are here:
| Book using the NHS App or online | nhs.uk/nhs-services/covid-19-services/covid-19-vaccination-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/ |
| Find a local walk-in session | onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/coronavirus/nhs-covid-19-vaccination-programme/ |
If you can’t get online, you can call 119 for free to book an appointment. You now also book your flu vaccination at the same appointment, at several vaccination centres across Devon, including Home Park in Plymouth, Greendale in Exeter and at Tesco in Barnstaple. Flu vaccines can also be booked directly through your GP practice or local pharmacy (for adults).
While flu and Covid-19 are unpleasant illnesses for most people, they can be very dangerous and even life threatening for some, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still become very ill or die from Covid-19.
A new provider has been named as the new organisation responsible for the running of the Mayflower Medical Group of GP practices in Plymouth from April 2024 for a much longer period than before, meaning greater stability for patients and staff.
The Group, which covers five sites in Plymouth, is responsible for providing GP services for nearly 40,000 people in the city.
The current arrangements, with provider Livewell Southwest are due to come to an end on 31 March 2024. This was a temporary arrangement, with Livewell Southwest stepping in to take on this large service in 2022, ensuring that people could continue to receive local GP services.
In that short time, Livewell Southwest transformed the practice from an inadequate rating for the previous provider, from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), to ‘good’.
Established GP provider, Fuller and Forbes Primary Care Group, will run the practice from 1 April 2024 on a 10-year contract.
The planned transition shouldn’t cause any disruption to either staff or patients. Patients are being reassured that it’s business as usual at the practice and they should continue to access their practice in the normal way.
Staff at the five sites have been reassured that their employment will transfer to the new provider and that they have a key role in the future of the service.
Jo Turl, Director of Commissioning at NHS Devon, said: “We are pleased to announce that such an established and successful provider will take over the running of Mayflower Medical Group from 1 April 2024 on a longer-term basis, providing much more stability for the future. They have an excellent track record of providing GP services and we look forward to working with them in Plymouth.
“Livewell Southwest has done an incredible job in running the service on a temporary basis and have made many improvements to the service. We are extremely grateful to them for stepping in and running the practice so well until a longer-term solution could be identified.
“We are working closely with Dr Fuller and Mr Forbes of Fuller and Forbes Primary Care Group and the current provider to ensure a smooth transition in the handover, with minimal disruption to patients and staff. Patients do not need to take any action and should continue to access the service as usual.”
Dr Mark Fuller, GP at Fuller and Forbes Primary Care Group, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with patients, staff and commissioners as we secure the long-term future of the Mayflower Medical Group practices.
“Our experience in delivering high quality primary care provides an opportunity to add value to the services currently being delivered. We believe that the core of GP services is the provision and protection of face-to-face appointments.”
Visitors to Exeter Chief’s Sandy Park last weekend took the opportunity to have a pre-match blood pressure check ahead of the game against Bristol Bears.
As part of the Know Your Numbers campaign, aimed at people over 40 years of age, community pharmacists, NHS Devon and our Public Health team were on hand with blood pressure monitors to offer the free service.
Around 80 people had their blood pressure checked and just under half of the eligible over 40s tested were given advice to monitor or manage borderline or high readings.
High blood pressure is responsible for more than half of all strokes and heart attacks, and is also a risk factor for heart disease, kidney disease and vascular dementia. And with relatively few symptoms, that’s why high blood pressure is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’.
The only way to know you have the condition is to get your blood pressure measured, and to Know Your Numbers.
PE Teacher, Martin Miller, was one of those aged over 40 at the Chiefs game who had a raised blood pressure reading. He was followed up within a few days by his local pharmacy, who advised him to check his own blood pressure each day over the next few days at home.
“That was excellent,” says Martin. “I’d not expected to get a high reading, but now I’m aware of it, there’s opportunity for me to do something about it.”
Getting your blood pressure tested is easy to do and could save your life. You can either go to your local community pharmacy or measure it yourself at home with a cheap and easy-to-use machine.
Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:
“Just under half of the over 40s tested before the Chiefs game last Sunday had borderline or high blood pressure readings, which they wouldn’t otherwise have known. They’re now able to do something about it. It’s as simple as that. It was a win for the Chiefs on Sunday, but I’d say it’s also a win for those people who now can take steps to reduce their blood pressure, and reduce their risk of related complications.”
Thank you to Exeter Chiefs for supporting the campaign, we hope to hold some more events at Sandy Park so watch this space!
Health and care partners in Plymouth are setting themselves ambitious goals as part of a ‘100-Day Challenge’ to support urgent care services.
The challenge, which launched at a dedicated session earlier this month, will focus on improved care and services to support system outcomes.
System Development Lead Katy Kerley said: “The short timeline of 100 days is tough but intentional, inviting a cross-section of diverse partners from the Plymouth health and social care community to generate momentum and action. We are also setting ambitious 100-day goals that support relentless and intense collaboration, innovation, and execution.”
Each team will be working on specific goals in system priority areas. To find out more, email katy.kerley@nhs.net
