'My first contact with the team was December 2021 following an incident while on shift, involving being held at knife point by a patient. Laura contacted myself and the team for a debrief and continued her support since then. The team have supported myself at each step of the police investigation, and guided me through especially when there have been issues or delays. They have chased for answers from the investigation when I haven’t been able to get anywhere or I have not been in a place to follow this up fully and have ensured that the case has not been forgotten. Regular contact has been maintained at each development as well as genuine check in on my progress. Expert knowledge, professionalism and commitment continues to be demonstrated throughout.

I have been kept up to date and consulted at each stage, which has meant a great deal. It is thanks to Laura’s patience, knowledge, understanding and approach that I have been able to return to a job I love and worked so hard for, in all honestly I doubt I would have been able to otherwise. She supported alongside the trauma counselling I underwent, also supported my transition back into work encouraging and revisiting aspects I needed to rebuild my confidence in until I felt able to complete these tasks. Regular check in’s and contact has been maintained even nearly a year later normally over the phone, but also in person or on Teams. The team have demonstrated professional determination and commitment to supporting teams and improving aspects since the incident occurred, but also in creating lasting change to support all moving forward. 

Although I can only speak of the impeccable support I personally have and continue to receive , others throughout the hospital speak highly of them. This incident happened when I had been qualified for 3 months, and as a new nurse to the trust I was unclear the role the team played, now however I couldn’t recommend them enough, and have turned to them for support not just from this but also when the ward has needed advice in regards to other situations occurring on the wards. The team are always prompt in providing support and encouragement when needed.' 

In acceptance Laura and Shawn commented:

 “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and hear the comments of those who we have supported but I would also like to mention my colleagues in the SAFE team.

We pride ourselves on a team approach and it is not just the work of the individual but the work of the collective which contributes to the services delivered to our clients in support of their staff.