Staff Awards

One moment that captures what our team is about came from a TREAT patient who recently told us that he did not think he would be alive without the timely support he received from the team.

He was able to start medication that made a profound difference to his symptoms, while avoiding a hospital admission, which had been a traumatic experience for him in the past. He told us that no previous treatment had helped him in the same way. Now, he feels more able to live his life, be present for his wife, and even express his experiences through the songs he composes.

For us, that story represents the heart of our work: evidence-based care delivered with compassion, at the right time, in a way that helps people reconnect with their lives.

Our team works well because it brings together the best of research and clinical practice, with a shared focus on making a real difference to patients’ lives.

Staff are enthusiastic, genuinely passionate about the work, eager to learn and committed to delivering the best possible care. There is a strong culture of curiosity, reflection and continuous improvement. We are also fortunate to be supported by forward-thinking managers in the Lambeth Directorate, who trust and support the team to innovate while keeping quality and patient safety at the centre.

We have made a difference by taking a systematic, evidence-based and individualised approach to care. We continually review the latest scientific evidence and translate it into real-world, patient-centred practice.

By facilitating the initiation of clozapine in the community, we have improved access to a recommended treatment for people with severe mental illness, particularly for those who may otherwise face significant barriers to care. We also work hard to build trust with patients and carers, because they know we genuinely have their best interests at heart.

This has helped improve outcomes while supporting people in a way that feels safer, more collaborative and more responsive to their needs.

Be brave, be systematic, be passionate and stay rooted in science.

Start by defining the outcome you want to improve. Analyse the current situation, identify the barriers, and be creative in finding practical ways to overcome them. Most importantly, keep reviewing what you do, listen to patients and carers, and be prepared to adapt. Continuous improvement comes from combining evidence, compassion and the courage to do things differently when patients need us to.

Never underestimate the value of collaborative working across disciplines and organisations within the King’s Health Partners network. Strong professional relationships create opportunities for shared learning, innovation and consistency in care...all of which directly benefit patients and carers.

Last month, the PICuP Clinic Team won the Research and Development Award at our 2026 Staff Awards Ceremony! We spoke to the team about the importance of evidence-based practice and how individuals with lived experience help to shape their work.

In the past people with psychosis have been excluded from almost all PTSD research trials, and clinicians were wary of delivering trauma-focused therapy in routine clinics for fear of making the psychosis symptoms worse. Developing effective psychological interventions that improve outcomes is a priority, which is why PICuP led STAR. STAR was a multi-site randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effectiveness of a trauma-focused therapy integrated with CBTp for people experiencing co-occurring PTSD and psychosis. PICuP is a team of clinical academics with specialist training and expertise in psychosis. We are a fantastic example of scientist practitioners who are utilising the strong links between SLaM and King’s College London to understand how we can better serve individuals with psychosis, and particularly those who are affected by trauma. The PICuP team are passionate about the work we do.  We always strive to not only transform the lives of those we serve but also set a new standard for mental health care delivery.

People with lived experience of trauma and/or psychosis were integral throughout STAR. Experts by experience shaped the research questions and advised on outcome measures. They were included as co-applicants on the funding application and were members of the trial steering committee. Now that the study is complete, STAR training offered by PICuP is co-developed and co-delivered alongside those with lived experience.

PICuP has its own Peer Support Service to support clients accessing therapy within the clinic. This was designed by experts-by-experience and is run by those with lived experience having received therapy at PICuP and specifically within STAR. The service offers meetings with Peer Supporters to clients so they can find out about therapy from someone who’s been through it; provide support to attend appointments if people are finding it difficult to make it to sessions; and through accessing community resources and an art group to support inclusion.

Our experts understand what therapy involves and how hard it can be to trust and be open with a therapist. Those with lived experience model every day that recovery is possible and work collaboratively and compassionately with clients enabling them to achieve their goals.

STAR (Study of Trauma and Recovery) showed an integrated trauma-focused-cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis was safe and highly effective. Half of those receiving therapy no longer met PTSD criteria post-therapy, compared to just over 20% receiving treatment as usual, despite all participants reporting multiple traumas. Importantly, there were exceptionally low rates of disengagement from therapy (6.5%), demonstrating therapy is highly acceptable. 

One STAR participant involved in the STAR training delivery has since completely turned his life around and now works as a Peer-Support Worker in PICuP. He said:

“STAR gave me the tools to make sense of experiences I had carried for years and change how I see myself and others. I didn’t just learn ways to manage and reshape trauma memories - I rebuilt trust, confidence, and a sense of connection. It gave me back a feeling of control and the belief that recovery is possible.”

STAR findings have been disseminated nationally and internationally through academic publications, conference presentations and training for clinicians. All clinicians and trainees in PICuP now deliver trauma-focused-CBTp, with senior clinicians providing STAR training as well as ongoing supervision to ensure services can implement this therapy effectively and sustain best practice. This will change the lives of service users, carers and their families. 

What drives me most is knowing that even small acts of kindness, compassion and understanding can have a lasting impact on someone during difficult times. I always try to treat people with dignity, respect and empathy, and I want service users and their families to feel heard, supported and valued. Seeing positive outcomes and knowing I’ve helped someone feel hopeful or supported is what motivates me every day.

One moment that has stayed with me is having my hard work recognised through this award. It means a lot to know that the effort, dedication and care I’ve given over the years has been appreciated. I also truly value receiving robust and constructive feedback and taking the time to listen to patients, as this has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Listening to people’s experiences and learning from them has always been an important part of the way I work and continue to improve the support I provide.

I would say always lead with compassion, patience and kindness. Take the time to listen and make people feel valued, because often that human connection is what people remember most. Even on difficult days, small gestures and positive encouragement can give someone hope. Never underestimate the difference you can make simply by being present and genuinely caring.

I’m inspired every day by the people around me, the patients we care for, colleagues who support one another, and senior management who go the extra mile. Even on tough days, their kindness and resilience remind me why our work matters.

I try to inspire others by leading with warmth and openness. I listen, show appreciation, and make sure people feel seen. Even a simple “thank you” or a small act of kindness can change the atmosphere. I also encourage team bonding, sending birthday greetings, sharing snacks, and using light‑hearted banter to ease tense shifts. When people feel supported, they naturally bring their best to the team.

Small acts of kindness go a long way. Be patient, look out for each other, and speak up when something can be improved. Celebrate the good when you see it. Every positive action adds up and together, we can make a meaningful difference.