A mental health team have won an Exceptional People Team Award in recognition of their work.

Oxford City and North East primary care mental health team scooped March’s award for its high-standard patient care.

The team delivers adult and older adult mental health services through the newly established Keystone Mental Health Hub in Oxford and bridges the gap between primary and secondary mental health care.

The team also acts as the gateway to mental health services for many Oxfordshire residents.

Oxford City and North East primary care mental health team were nominated by assistant business manager for the community mental health transformation team, Francesca Sisson, for the impact they have on their patients and the community.

She said: “The team have received feedback from many patients about how the service they provide has renewed their trust in mental health services, and this is a goal they continue to work towards in everything they do.”

A number of patients have given positive feedback.

One said: “You’ve given me some hope that I haven’t felt for a while.

"Partly by validating the things I’ve felt and experienced – I’m not just making a fuss or overreacting, but also that I can rely on definitely being able to access treatment.

"Even if it’s still another year or two, just knowing that option will be there ready for me is a huge relief. In a time where the NHS seems to get so much criticism, my experience with your team has been nothing but positive and I am so grateful.”

Another said it was the “fastest support I have ever received”, while one patient said “thank you for listening, I have always been scared speaking up for myself but now I want to speak up to get the best for myself and I am able to do that”.

Recently the team have moved locations, but have provided uninterrupted care while ding so.

The team strives to minimise the stigma around mental health while making its services as accessible as possible for everyone in the community.

The team aims to ensure that every patient receives the right care on their first visit, which is particularly important for their patients, who are often vulnerable.

Every team member listens with "empathy and kindness", using their personal mental health experiences to make patients feel "understood and safe".

By sharing their experiences, patients create relationships and trust with the mental health team.

They also share insights and guidance with other teams across the trust’s mental health services, engaging in learning opportunities to improve their services.