At Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT), every badge tells a story, but it only scratches the surface. Our dedicated staff are far more than their job titles. Every day, they exceed expectations, bringing compassion, commitment, and innovation to everything they do.
Through our "Beyond the Badge" campaign, we're celebrating the diversity of roles and teams that power our organisation. More importantly, we're honouring the incredible individuals who consistently go the extra mile to support patients, colleagues, and communities throughout the Black Country.
In line with Mental Health Awareness Week, we met with David Stocks, Black Country Healthcare's Suicide Prevention Strategic Coordinator. In addition to his leading role, David has other responsibilities at the Trust, including responsibilities at several of our networks and being a staff governor.
What do you do?
My primary role at BCH is as a Suicide Prevention Strategic Coordinator. Here, I am responsible for making sure we have a coordinated approach to suicide prevention across the Black Country. A lot of my work involves connecting with communities to provide them with the tools and confidence to have open conversations with people who may be thinking of taking their own life.
I am also the vice chair of our Disability Staff Network and co-chair of the Integrated Care System (ICS) Staff Equality Network. In these roles, I help support staff on Equality and Diversity issues. I also run events and help chair monthly meetings.
Finally, I am also a staff governor. This position helps me support staff issues and influence the direction of the Trust, which benefits everyone.
What is the best aspect of your job?
The understanding and support from colleagues and management. I have a bipolar mental health condition and an autism diagnosis - the Trust has been great in helping me work flexibly, providing reasonable adjustments and focusing on my ability, not disability.
What inspired you to work in mental health, and what keeps you motivated?
I was hospitalised on a number of occasions because of my mental health, and it was the support from fellow service users and the community around me that made me want to give something back.
I volunteered for Rethink and campaigned for mental health nationally. This led to a fascinating period of my life, where I spoke in Parliament and Number 10. I also worked on a leadership programme for RADAR.
When this programme ended, I came back to my roots and became an Expert by Experience for the Trust. I got a job in Employment Services, and finally, the job I do now.
What are you proudest of?
There are many things. It’s the difference I make personally, providing hope to people through difficult times.
I am also proud of a poetry group I set up, (Un)Spoken Word. This helped form a sense of community I could not envisage, especially through Covid-19.
The warmth and sharing in the group provide light in the dark times. Publication of the poems has spread that warmth further to people who could not connect until this group was founded.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Do not ‘should’ on yourself. This was a nugget of wisdom shared by my psychologist at the time. Basically. Do not say ‘I should have done this,’ or ‘I should have done that.’ Just be kind to yourself.