Find out what's happening at NELFT from our Chief Executive
This week marks the 15th annual apprenticeship week. This year’s theme for apprenticeship week is Build the Future, which is what we aim for here at NELFT. We currently have 200 apprentices here at NELFT, in clinical and non-clinical roles and we are showcasing some of their stories across our social media channels throughout the week. It is important for us to have colleagues who are trained and supported to excel in their future career. Apprenticeships are available at NELFT at entry level and for continuing professional development. There is more information on the routes into NELFT on our new dedicated careers website.
We are also privileged to be part of the BHR Academy, working with our partners at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) to support the training and development of both new and existing staff across our local NHS. Part of this approach is to help us to grow our own workforce from our local communities and this supports the Build the Future theme. You can find out more about the BHR Academy here.
It’s also Children’s Mental Health Week and I would like to recognise the work of both our Universal Children’s Services and our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for all their work supporting children and young people. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tough time for everybody. In particular, it has had a significant impact on the mental health of children and young people who have experienced increased anxiety, stress and loneliness during lockdown due to school closures and loss of social contact with their friends and family. This week provides an opportunity for us to broaden the conversation about the mental health and wellbeing of young people as we all as how we offer support through our services.
I would also like to offer my thanks to each of you for continuing to support Team NELFT at a time when there are huge pressures on our services and the wider NHS. I appreciate all you are doing to deliver the best possible care to our patients and communities. 
Take care and stay safe.
Jacqui