Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) is marking Mental Health Nurses Day (Saturday 21 February) by sharing powerful reflections from mental health nurses across the organisation, offering a unique insight into the compassion, skill and humanity that underpin mental health nursing.

Mental health nurses support people and families at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Their role goes far beyond clinical care, encompassing listening without judgement, building trust, advocating for dignity and walking alongside people on their recovery journeys.

As part of Mental Health Nurses Day, the Trust invited mental health nurses to reflect on their experiences – from the moments that inspired them to join the profession, to times when they saw nursing care change a life and what helps them stay grounded on difficult days. Their reflections reveal a workforce driven by empathy, resilience and a deep commitment to person‑centred care.  

Many nurses described how small, human moments can have a lasting impact. One shared:

Knowing that just sitting, listening and being present made someone feel safe reinforced how important compassionate care is, even in small moments.”

Others reflected on witnessing people arrive in crisis and gradually rebuild hope through consistent, respectful support:

Seeing patients who have been acutely unwell go into hospital and come back completely changed is so rewarding.”

Another nurse described the power of dignity and kindness in recovery:

Once someone realises, they are worthy of respect and kindness, it’s like watching a warm light being turned on.”

The reflections also highlight the importance of teamwork and community within mental health services. Nurses repeatedly spoke about the strength they draw from their colleagues:

We are like a family. We look after each other, so we are able to look after those we care for.”

Compassionate care was described not as a single action, but as a way of being:

Listening without rushing, responding to distress with curiosity rather than judgement and seeing the person beyond the diagnosis.”

Many nurses also reflected on what helps them stay grounded during challenging days, often pointing to peer support and reflection:

My colleagues. Team support makes all the difference.”

Mental Health Nurses Day provides an opportunity to recognise not only the clinical expertise of mental health nurses, but also the emotional labour, compassion and commitment that shape their work every day.

BSMHFT would like to thank all 1,784 mental health nurses across the Trust for their dedication, care and the difference they make to the lives of people, families and communities.