This week, we’re pleased to introduce you to Kim Blower, who has a unique role within our Children and Young People's Mental Health Triage and Navigation team. Her team plays a crucial role in managing mental health referrals for children and young people across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
"I've had a varied career before joining DHU Healthcare," says Kim. "I retrained as a dual mental health and adult nurse about ten years ago, but prior to that, I was working in strategic roles within the civil service in Westminster. That experience gave me a broad perspective on how systems work and how to navigate complex organisational landscapes."
Kim's background is indeed diverse. She has worked in prisons, brain injury units, and eating disorder clinics. Each role has developed her understanding of both physical and mental health care, adding "Working in such varied environments has given me a unique insight into the different facets of healthcare. I've seen firsthand how mental and physical health overlap and the importance of addressing both to provide comprehensive care."
In her current role, Kim and her team manage professional referrals from schools, social workers, and other professionals, directing them to the most appropriate services. They also handle self-referrals through a dedicated website, empowering young people to seek help directly. "Our goal is to ensure that every young person gets the right support at the right time. We’re here to navigate the complexities of the mental health system so that young people and their families don't have to do it alone.
"I believe it's crucial to encourage young people and their families to recognise and manage normal, healthy reactions to life’s challenges. Not every emotional response requires medical intervention. By fostering resilience and promoting self-care, we help young people develop the skills they need to manage their mental health throughout their lives."
In addition to her role in mental health triage, Kim has recently taken on the position of Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at DHU. "The Freedom to Speak Up role is all about creating a culture where staff feel safe and supported to raise concerns. It’s a proactive approach to continuous improvement. My aim is to ensure that everyone, from clinical staff to administrative personnel, feels their voice is valued. We want to create an environment where people can speak up about patient safety, staff well-being, and any other issues without fear of reprisal.
"I've spoken up in previous organisations, and it wasn't always well-received. Here at DHU, I've found that speaking up can lead to positive changes, and that’s incredibly motivating. It's about more than just addressing issues; it's about fostering an inclusive and supportive culture where everyone feels they can contribute to making DHU a better place to work.”