Suzey Joseph BEM, Clinical Lead for the Homeless Health Team, has chosen to dedicate her award of the British Empire Medal to wider efforts to improve the lives of people experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) in Nottingham.
Suzey has been a driving force behind increasing recognition of the extreme health inequalities faced by people experiencing multiple disadvantage and the opportunities for local services to make a difference by working together to meet their needs.
Reflecting on her award, Suzey said:
“Attending Morning Service to celebrate our Communities and The King’s Official Birthday at Southwell Minster is reminiscent of when I addressed the congregation with the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for Framework’s Christmas challenge 2018 and raised awareness of the terrible suffering I witnessed whilst caring for people at their rough sleeping locations. I had at the forefront of my mind that I would endeavour to improve access to GP Practice for all, ensuring that no matter what, everyone can be registered with a GP, enabling me to facilitate continuity of care and improve hospital discharge and outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“So much has been achieved since then. I have networked and worked side by side with fantastic people who are genuinely dedicated to making a difference. What’s improved over the last 7 years to help us help those we care for is the wonderful way we now work collaboratively and share our knowledge and skills. Working collaboratively brings challenges, competing priorities and resources, but our SMD Partnership network has overcome this enormously, with Changing Futures leading the way.
“Ultimately, I believe the biggest impact has been the creation of the Practice Development Unit. It’s interactive and easy access for all; gives learning, skills and confidence; and networks across the entire sector and beyond, with readily available up to date information and training continually improving lives.”
Bobby Lowen, Programme Director for Changing Futures Nottingham, was full of praise for Suzey and the work she has done in the city: “People experiencing multiple disadvantage are too simply dismissed as having made poor choices or being too hard to engage without realisation of the trauma they may have experienced in their lives. Suzey has shown first-hand the difference that partnerships and compassion can make and has been an inspiration to colleagues and services across our system who are working to bring together their support around the needs of individuals. We are indebted to her for her groundbreaking work in outreach and for using her honour to highlight the continuing efforts of our partnership in Nottingham.”
We would like to congratulate Suzey on receiving the British Empire Medal. It’s deserved recognition for her incredible work improving lives of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Nottingham. The work of her and the Changing Futures team has never been more important. They are invaluable assets to our city.