Sir Norman Lamb’s Legacy at South London and Maudsley (SLaM): A Commitment to Community and Innovation

Sir Norman Lamb, who has served as the Chair of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) since 2021, announced last November 2024 that he will be stepping down to retire in March 2025. Throughout his tenure, Lamb has been a steadfast advocate for mental health, prevention, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on SLaM’s mission to provide high-quality care and support for people struggling with mental health issues.

On 26th March, Lamb’s achievements and mental health support initiatives were celebrated, and on behalf of the HOPE-FX programme, FashionCapital / FEL CEO Jenny Holloway (Jenny pictured with Norman above), was in attendance. Lamb has been a prominent figure in the UK’s mental health landscape, and a key driver behind many initiatives aimed at improving both the mental health care system and the lives of those who rely on it. His time at SLaM has been marked by a commitment to making mental health services more accessible and connected to the communities they serve.

One of his most notable achievements is the creation of South London Listens, a programme designed to connect with people in the community, particularly those who may not traditionally engage with mental health services.

South London Listens: A Lifeline During COVID-19

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, South London Listens provided a critical lifeline for thousands of people across South London. The programme reached out to over 6,000 people, providing vital information and emotional support during a time of uncertainty and isolation. The programme’s success in engaging with communities, especially when face-to-face interactions were limited, demonstrated the potential of digital platforms in reaching vulnerable populations. Sir Norman’s leadership in ensuring SLaM remained one of the most interactive mental health trusts during the pandemic was a testament to his belief that mental health services should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally.

The South London Listens initiative not only provided timely support during a public health crisis but also reinforced Lamb’s focus on prevention rather than just treatment. By connecting with communities early, the programme sought to prevent the escalation of mental health issues, thus reducing the need for more intensive care down the line.

Focus on Prevention, Community Engagement, and Innovation

Lamb’s time at SLaM has been defined by his holistic approach to mental health, which centres on prevention, community involvement, and the creation of sustainable, inclusive systems of support. One of the standout achievements of his leadership has been the development of the Be Well initiative. This project has trained 500 Be Wellchampions across South London, who now play a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness and supporting individuals within their communities. This grassroots approach ensures that people feel supported before issues escalate, making mental health care more proactive rather than reactive.

The Be Well programme has also grown significantly, with 80 organisations now recognised as Be Well organisations, each committed to fostering mental wellness in their respective areas. This is a clear demonstration of Lamb’s commitment to collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships. He believes that the best outcomes are achieved when the community, local authorities, and health services work together towards a common goal of better mental health for all.

A Focus on Fair Pay and Equality

During his time at SLaM, Sir Norman Lamb has also advocated for fair pay, ensuring that staff within the trust are paid the real living wage. This commitment has resulted in pay rises for 4,600 employees, reinforcing his belief that the people who care for others should be valued and supported adequately. Additionally, 240 GP surgeries have been set up as “safe spaces” for people experiencing mental health challenges, ensuring that patients receive compassionate care in familiar, trusted environments.

Lamb has worked tirelessly to ensure SLaM’s services are not only available but also inclusive. One of the key achievements during his leadership was the integration of community groups such as the Islamic Centre of Croydon into the conversation around mental health. Lamb’s approach demonstrated that people are not “hard to reach”; instead, the challenge often lies in making services more accessible and welcoming. By engaging with these diverse community groups, Lamb ensured that individuals from all backgrounds felt empowered to seek the help they needed without fear of stigma or exclusion.

Enhancing Support for Schools and Young People

One of the standout achievements of Lamb’s tenure was the development of the CAMHS for Schools initiative. Through this programme, over 10,000 interventions were provided in schools, ensuring that young people could access mental health support early, in a familiar and non-stigmatised environment. By working with schools, Lamb has made a significant impact on the mental well-being of students, reinforcing his commitment to prevention and early intervention.

Innovation in Mental Health Care and Collaboration

Under Lamb’s leadership, SLaM has been at the forefront of innovation in mental health care. The Trust has been involved in several groundbreaking trials and research studies, partnering with institutions such as King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, and the Caribbean and African Health Network. These collaborations have led to the development of new models of care and research that have had a real-world impact on improving mental health services.

A key element of Lamb’s strategy was the focus on ethnic inclusivity, breaking down barriers in mental health care for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. SLaM’s work in this area has been instrumental in ensuring that mental health services are not only accessible but culturally competent. Lamb’s work highlighted the collective responsibility we all share in improving mental health outcomes, regardless of background or ethnicity.

A Lasting Legacy

As Sir Norman Lamb leaves his position as Chair of South London and Maudsley, his contributions to both the trust and the wider mental health community are undeniable. His focus on prevention, early intervention, fair pay, and community-driven support has changed the way mental health services are perceived and delivered in South London. With SLaM’s continued growth and innovation, Lamb’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to impact the lives of countless individuals across the region.

At his farewell, Lamb was presented with a gift by Beverley Wong, a symbol of appreciation for his years of dedicated service. South London and Maudsley, under his guidance, has made remarkable strides, and the community is better for it.

As SLaM looks toward the future, it is clear that Sir Norman Lamb’s approach to mental health care—focused on collaboration, inclusivity, and community—will continue to serve as a model for mental health trusts across the UK.