Trust Values in Action: Celebrating June staff and team highlights

At Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of our teams and individuals who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. Here are our latest winners for Team of the Month and Sara's Spotlight.

Team of the Month – Rough Sleepers mental health Service

The Rough Sleepers Mental Health Service (RSMHS) has been named Team of the Month for April 2026, recognising their outstanding work supporting some of Leeds’ most vulnerable people. Acting as a vital bridge between statutory and non-statutory services, the team ensures that individuals who are rough sleeping, or at risk of doing so, are not left without support. Their work is grounded in a psychologically informed approach, combining direct clinical work with consultation, training, and guidance to services across the city.

From navigating high-risk environments to delivering specialist advice and training, the team’s work is as varied as it is impactful. They have also introduced innovative ways of working, including taking physical health screenings directly to people on the streets, improving access to care for those who may otherwise struggle to engage with traditional services. Their flexibility, compassion, and strong partnership working are helping to create a more coordinated and humane system of support for people experiencing homelessness.

As highlighted in the nomination:

“The Rough Sleepers Mental Health Service works in a way that is genuinely unique within Leeds… ensuring that people who are rough sleeping, or at immediate risk of doing so, are not left to fall through the gaps.”

Judges were equally impressed by the team’s impact and values-led approach:

“This is an exceptionally strong nomination with consistent, high-level evidence across all criteria. The team demonstrates innovation, system leadership, and measurable impact while maintaining strong values-based practice.”

Through their commitment, creativity, and unwavering focus on person-centred care, the RSMHS is making a real difference improving access to healthcare, supporting partner organisations, and helping ensure that no one is left behind.

Sara’s Spotlight Award – Spring 2026

We are proud to celebrate Nash Antao, Occupational Therapy Assistant on Riverfields Ward, who has been recognised with the Sara’s Spotlight Award for Spring 2026. This award highlights colleagues who go above and beyond in delivering compassionate, high-quality care, and Nash’s actions truly embody our values.

In March, while supporting service users in York city centre, a person in her care suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. Nash responded immediately, assessing the situation and starting CPR with calmness and confidence. Despite the distressing circumstances, she remained composed, coordinated support from those around her, and ensured emergency services were contacted quickly.

Reflecting on the incident, her nominators shared: “This incident represents an outstanding example of responding to a highly traumatic and life-threatening situation with professionalism, courage, and skill.” They also highlighted how Nash reassured other service users present, maintaining their safety and wellbeing throughout.

Thanks to her swift and decisive actions, the service user made a full recovery. Nash’s professionalism, compassion and clinical skill made a life-saving difference, and we are incredibly proud to recognise her contribution.