The purpose of the Conference was to raise the status of families in investigations, making them central to the process. Making Families Count are a unique group of families who have suffered complex bereavement having:
- Lost family members after a mental health homicide or suicide
- Lost adult children with a disability
Their work is facilitated by NHS England South Central nursing team and attempts to make a real and sustainable difference to the way families are supported when a family member dies in the care of the NHS (or NHS funded Care). They also aim to improve the way families are included and become central to the investigation process.
“Well organised day, hard-hitting presentations, very brave.”Conference delegate
The conference was opened by Cygnet Health Care’s Director of Nursing – Julie Kerry, who originally established the Making Families Count work. Julie introduced a series of hard hitting films, and presentations sharing family’s experiences and accounts of being involved in investigations, using films and hearing directly from families.
“I’ll never forget that 999 call, and then speaking to Len afterwards. That day will live for a long, long time.”David Cole, Chief Executive, Cygnet Health Care
There were also a range of excellent external speakers who shared different perspectives. These included Vicky Robson, Family Liaison Officer, Metropolitan Police, who presented a practical model of family liaison used in the Police Service. Dr Androulla Johnstone of HASCAS shared learning from other investigations, include the Saville investigation.
Julian Hendy, Hundred Families, presented a model for family engagement based on audit work his charity did with bereaved families. This, alongside Frank Mullane’s AAFDA presentation on a “Helpful culture”, provided delegates with real practical, usable tools to take away and use in their practice.
“A very brave and inspirational conference.”Conference delegate
The conference was a huge success with 87% of delegates rating the conference as ‘Excellent’. More importantly the conference provided delegates with a number of common themes and ideas on how to Make Families Count, including:
- The importance of giving information and support to family members
- The value of saying sorry
- The importance of a compassionate approach when working with families
- The importance of being honest with family members throughout the investigation process
- The length of time an investigation takes and the affects this has on the families
- The importance of breaking down barriers