TAWS’ Physical Health Connector team have been nominated for a Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust Values Award in Quality Improvement, Research and Innovation for their work supporting people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) to attend their physical health checks.

People living with a severe mental illness, such as Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Psychosis, are more likely to experience poor health outcomes due to factors such as social inequality and healthcare access. Our Physical Heath Connectors work with Neighbourhood Mental Health teams to support those living with an SMI by offering tailored support to individuals, such as translation, flexible appointment times, accompaniment, and signposting to financial, housing, and/or other health services.

This person-centred, trauma-informed approach that leads with compassion, respect, and understanding enables patients overcome health inequalities associaated with their illness and circumstances.

We are immensely proud of the work from all of our PHC team. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in June.