Grace Hancock, is a Community Psychiatric Nurse who works within our Forensic Intensive Recovery Support Team (FIRST) at Reaside. In this Five Minutes With feature, Grace shares what it is like working for such a specialist service and explains more about the care she and her team provide to keep our patients safe.

BSMHFT’s forensic community mental health service (FIRST) provides intensive support for patients transitioning into the community from a secure setting. Individuals who are supported by our teams may enter the service when there are concerns about mental health needs in relation to a higher risk to themselves and the public. These individuals are commonly subject to legal frameworks under the Mental Health Act such as Community Treatment Orders and restriction orders. Our professionals have statutory obligations, including clinical and social supervision to ensure effective care and risk management. As a service we acknowledge the restrictions these legal frameworks can place on individuals and we strive to empower patients by involving the individual, their family and carers in all stages of treatment planning.

Hi Grace, could you please share your career journey for us?

I began my career in mental health as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) and then staff nurse on an acute female ward in Coventry. However, it wasn’t long after I qualified until I found myself working within my first secure setting in a locked rehabilitation unit. It was a challenging environment that offered me valuable experience in providing care for individuals with complex and enduring needs that required intensive support. Following this, I transitioned to working on the mental health ward at HMP Birmingham.

What were your experiences working in a secure care environment at that time?

Both experiences were demanding and rewarding, as they required balancing security measures with the provision of compassionate care. Working with individuals within these settings allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by this population. This reinforced my commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who find themselves within forensic services.

Can you please explain the role of the FIRST team and who your team supports?

I am proud to be part of FIRST as a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) and I have been part of the team since November 2021. Our service is designed to offer comprehensive support to individuals transitioning from secure settings back into the community and in doing so we work closely with the secure hospitals within the Trust. We are also partnered with St Andrews Hospital, a medium and low secure service for men and women with mental illness and autistic spectrum disorders.

We provide tailored interventions, risk management and continuous support working with patients from their time as inpatients, to facilitate successful integration and recovery.

What would you say is the biggest impact of your service to the patients and the wider community?

The team offers a wide range of services including, social supervision, care coordination, psychological and occupational therapies, substance use work, employment support and support for daily living. We are a team of 80+ professionals, but we are ever expanding as our service continues to improve and progress. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that each service user receives personalised care tailored to their specific needs.

By focusing on holistic recovery, we aim to reduce the risk of reoffending and promote long-term stability and wellbeing.

Our impact is evident from the feedback we have received. One service user said they can find it difficult to talk to professionals but always feel welcome at FIRST. They also highlighted that the staff helped them to feel relaxed and that this had contributed to their recovery. By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for service users, we contribute their successful reintegration into society. As individuals experience improved mental health and stability, they are better able to engage positively in their communities, reducing the risk of reoffending and enhancing public safety.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the field of forensic mental health?

Four staff members from our FIRST team

Go for it! During my time working in forensic mental health care, I have been encouraged to pursue training related to my own interests and participate in professional networking to diversify my connections and experience. The diverse experience gained through working in forensic settings equips you with skills and knowledge needed to excel in your role and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones.

We have recently designed a Band 5 Preceptorship scheme, marking a significant development in our commitment to professional growth. For the first time we have hired two newly qualified Band 5 nurses and will be providing them with structured support to progress to Band 6 roles through the Preceptorship scheme. The programme will offer comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, ensuring that new nurses are well-equipped to handle the complexities of forensic mental health care. The scheme is designed to foster confidence and competence, paving the way for a smooth transition to more advanced roles within our team.

For more information about our services and career opportunities, please email our Clinical Service Manager Dianna Dass-Farrell d.dass-farrell@nhs.net.

Past, present or future, what three people would you most want to sit down for a meal with?

Firstly, Sylvia Plath. I first read The Bell Jar aged 14. The semi-autobiographical novel of Plath’s life was the first exposure I had to mental illness and started me on the trajectory to where I am now as a mental health nurse.

Secondly, Gustav Klimt. An Austrian painter prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th century. He is known for his mesmerising portrayals of women and themes of his work include femininity and human connection. My favourite artist since I first studied him at college, I even have a tattoo of his work!

Lastly, my grandmother on my dad’s side who passed away before I was born. She was born in Malaysia and I would love to have heard stories from her first hand about her experiences and learnt about her Malaysian heritage and culture.

Tell us something that people might not know about you

When I’m not at work I’m a singer in a band! We’re called Together With Grace and we play acoustic covers of classic pop-punk music. It’s an exhilarating way to de-stress and express myself creatively. Performing with the band brings joy and a sense of community. It’s a fun contrast to my professional life! You can follow us on Instagram @togetherwithgrace

Describe yourself in three words

Kind, confident, dedicated.