Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust

11/11/2025

Remembering can be hard. If you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces, are struggling with your mental health and live in England, Op COURAGE is here to help.

Op COURAGE is a mental health and wellbeing service developed by veterans, for veterans:

Read about mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists, including specialist services and charities.

11/11/2025

This , as a accredited Trust, we remember and honour all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.🌹

10/11/2025

A new music room has opened at our Guild Lodge site. As part of occupational therapy, patients now have the opportunity to learn an instrument, compose music, write songs, rap, DJ, play in a band or join the choir.

The official opening of the ‘Sound Kitchen’ (aptly named as it replaced an old kitchen) drew a big crowd of patients and staff from across our Whittingham-based site. There was an excited and vibrant atmosphere as people gathered for an afternoon of performances from patients.

Based in the Occupational Therapy Department at the heart of Guild Lodge, the team offer an extensive number of creative programmes supporting people with serious mental illness and acquired brain injuries.

The opening event featured performances from a DJ, five piece band, a choir and rapper.

Technical Instructor, Simon Davis, has always believed in the therapeutic benefits of creating music. Simon's passion and determination are the driving force behind the music room, he said:

"I’ve wanted to see this happen for many years and around 18 months ago I was given the go ahead to trial the project for a six-month period and here we are nearly two years later showcasing some of the talent we have here at Guild Lodge."

It was clear to see the pride on the faces of Simon and his colleagues throughout the afternoon, with him adding:

"It doesn't feel like work to me, I get to share my passion for music with our patients and support them to flourish creatively."

Read more and listen to some of the performances on our website: https://bit.ly/43jvM1A

📸 Photos taken by our very own talented technical instructor and photographer, Sam.

09/11/2025

As a accredited Trust, we remember and honour all those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country.

On this particularly poignant day, we want to remind people that if you are an armed forces veteran and need support, we can help: https://bit.ly/3VaIhrL

09/11/2025

We remember all who have who given their lives, and their tomorrow, for our today 🌹

Their extraordinary courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.

If you are an armed forces veteran and need support, we can help: https://bit.ly/3VaIhrL

08/11/2025

The 2025 Community Mental Health Survey has started, and if you received care from one of our community mental health teams in the past year, you may be asked to give your views.

Help us improve services by completing the survey if it is sent to you.

07/11/2025

Recently we held a remembrance service at our inpatient unit in Whalley, formerly known as Calderstones, to honour the site's history as a former military hospital and those across Lancashire and South Cumbria who have given their lives, ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

It was well attended, with representation including the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Trust colleagues, local councillors, residents, the Royal British Legion, the Mayor and Mayoress of the Ribble Valley, Simon and Donna O’Rourke and other dignitaries and members of the community.

There was a short service at St Luke’s Church on site and music from a brass band, followed by wreath laying in the nearby cemetery, two-minutes’ silence and an opportunity to connect and share stories over coffee afterwards.

We’re proud to have held Veteran Aware Trust accreditation status for the last four years and a gold award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which means that there are established structures to support colleagues and service users in appropriate care or treatment who are from the Armed Forces community. ❤️

04/11/2025

Bonfire night and veterans: support from Op Courage 🎆

Bonfire Night can be a fun and festive time for many - but for veterans and those in active service, it can be deeply challenging, especially for those living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The loud bangs, flashing lights, and strong smells can trigger distressing memories and feelings of anxiety. Veterans are trained to be alert to threats, so these sensory experiences can feel overwhelming and isolating.

Daniel Petho, Assistant Psychologist at LSCft and Reservist Lance Corporal in the Queen's Own Yeomanry, shares:

“Emotions are raw and real in the moment. But they are temporary - like a wave, they will pass. You don’t have to act on them, just ride them out.”

Here are some tips from Op Courage to help cope:
• Plan your day
Know when fireworks are likely and decide in advance how you’ll spend your time — whether staying in or going out.

• Know your triggers
Use sensory aids like essential oils or music. Noise-cancelling headphones and blackout blinds can help reduce the impact of loud sounds and flashing lights.

• Remind yourself you are safe
Say out loud:“I am at home, I am safe.”, “I am not back there - I am here, now.”

• Talk to someone
Reach out to friends or family. Arrange a call or ask someone to be with you.

• Remember: This is temporary. The feelings will pass. You are not alone.

Need support?

Call Op Courage North West on 0300 323 0707.

You can also contact our MAPPA, Victims and Veterans Team for help with Armed Forces-related services and support, link in comments.

30/10/2025

Encouraging the whole family to wash their hands will remove dirt, viruses and bacteria and stop them from spreading to other people. This helps prevent the spread of illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.

To beat the bugs, sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice and keep washing your hands until you’re done!

29/10/2025

If you’re self-employed, winter illnesses like the flu can hit you in the pocket unexpectedly.

Don’t just protect yourself and your colleagues, protect your livelihood this winter by booking your seasonal vaccinations.

Contact your GP or speak to a pharmacist to book an appointment.

27/10/2025

Keep your children safe online by having regular conversations with them so you know what they are looking at and searching.

Tell them to speak up if something worries them and make sure they keep their login details and passwords safe.

Find out more about how good health can start online on the ICB website: https://bit.ly/42wBmxf

20/10/2025

A very happy Diwali to all those within our LSCFT family and beyond who are celebrating today. 💙