A series of memorable events at Buckingham Palace marked a proud moment for five of our colleagues, who were recognised for making a lasting difference to people using our services.
The colleagues - a consultant psychiatrist, assistant psychologist, learning disability nurse, care support worker and nurse prescriber - attended the King’s Garden Party on 6, 8 and 12 May 2026. They joined guests from across the country who were celebrated for their contribution to public service.
Their invitations followed success at our Trust’s Staff Awards last year, where they were named gold winners for the difference they make to people using services and to the colleagues they work alongside.
Deepika Vijayaraj, Assistant Psychologist who works in our Farnham Road Hospital, attended the Garden Party with her Husband last Wednesday.
She said: “It was an absolute honour and privilege to be nominated to attend the King’s Garden Party. It means a great deal to know that my work is being recognised.
“We were fortunate enough to see several members of the Royal Family, although we did not get the chance to speak with them one-to-one. However, that did not really matter to me — simply receiving an invitation from the Sovereign was more than enough. It will be something I will always feel incredibly proud of and will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Also in attendance were Dr Laura Vivarelli, Consultant Psychiatrist in Community Mental Health Recovery Service, Richard Asker, Care Support Worker who also works at Farnham Road Hospital, and Carla Withers, Community Learning Disability Nurse.
Carla said: “Attending the King’s Garden Party was a real honour and a wonderful recognition of my work supporting people with learning disabilities. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many people being recognised for the positive difference they make.”
Angela Dhanda, Trainee Nurse Prescriber, attended the King’s Garden Party with her father on Friday, 8 May.
Angela said: “It was a lovely experience and I felt a real honour to be part of the event and to share that with my father.”
