Celebrating 30 years of South West London and St George’s: Meet Yvonne Beckford
This year we are delighted to be celebrating 30 years of South West London and St. George’s!
Our Trust was first established in 1994 as The Pathfinder National Health Service NHS Trust before changing to its current name in 1999. So much more has changed over the past three decades - across our sites and our services, but also in terms of attitudes to mental health and mental illness.
This year we will be celebrating the changing face of South West London and St George’s by sharing the stories of the people who know it best, our colleagues, as we build up to our official birthday on 12 December.
Celebrating 24 years of dedication:
Name: Yvonne Beckford
Position: CAMHS Senior Child Mental Health Worker
Tenure: 2000 – 2024 (24 years)
Yvonne Beckford has been an invaluable member of our Trust for nearly 25 years, serving as a Senior Child Mental Health Worker within our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Her unwavering dedication has been central to supporting the mental well-being of young Deaf individuals and fostering a compassionate environment for their growth and recovery.
Reflecting on her time with us, Yvonne shares:
Q. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at our Trust?’
"There are so many! When I first started at the old Corner House, we used to take the children out to the ward’s in-house green area, where there were some apple trees. We would pick apples, bring them back to the ward, and bake with the children.”
Q. What motivates you to continue serving the community after all these years?
“Seeing young Deaf kids recover and move forward with their lives.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the NHS?
“Always make sure communication is at the forefront of your care. Communicating and engaging with patients clearly and effectively is paramount to a successful treatment.”
Q. Who has been the most influential figure in your journey at our Trust, and why?
“I have been inspired by all the wonderful, hardworking Deaf staff who began as Health Care Assistants, worked hard in their studies, and advanced to become RMNs, Band 6s, OTs, and even Managers.”
“They make me proud and remind me that all my years of commitment to young Deaf service users have been truly worthwhile.”
Q. In three words describe your experience working in the NHS?
“Supportive, collaborative, inspiring.”
