As part of a programme to fund innovations that have a positive impact on care, Oxford Health Charity supported the production of a valuable booklet on managing and overcoming suicidal thoughts through the Suicide Prevention team. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust crisis team professionals now have copies of these bright colourful and interactive booklets to work through with patients and to support those being discharged from the wards.  

The interactive booklet was written by clinicians and experts by experience to provide a resource to work through with patients, exploring early warning signs and recognising triggers and changes in their emotions. A variety of suggested coping strategies are highlighted and recommendations are given for who to contact during a crisis.

Karen Lascelles, who held the role of Suicide Prevention Nurse Lead while facilitating this project, submitted the original bid for charity funding. Speaking to us following publication of the booklet, Karen commented:

"The funding from Oxford Health Charity has enabled us to produce a high-quality, full colour booklet on this important subject. We haven’t had a resource like this before, and feedback so far has been very positive in aiding discussions.”

Julie Pink, Head of the Charity and Involvement team during this period, noted:

“Oxford Health Charity works alongside Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust staff and experts by experience to make a difference to patients. We are happy to have been able to support this co-produced project that will be the starting point of many important and, potentially life-saving, conversations.”