A DEDICATED Teesside man has helped thousands of youngsters throughout a staggering 50 year career as a mental health practitioner.

Rod Morris’ tireless efforts to improve the lives of young people across the North-East were recognised at a ceremony staged to mark half a century of working for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Morris has worked for the trust in its various guises since 1966, when he became a cadet nurse.

Now a team manager at Middlesbrough Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), the 66-year-old qualified as a mental health nurse in 1971 and worked in a variety of roles, including charge nurse, clinical manager and nursing officer.

In the mid-80s, Mr Morris moved into the community team where he helped to pioneer the Trust’s approach to community work.

The father of seven was instrumental in developing the Teesside CAMHS approach to self-harm in young people and has co-authored a multi-agency self-harm protocol within Teesside child protection services.

Mr Morris said he has observed numerous changes within mental health nursing throughout the years.

He said: “Over the years, we have grown significantly, undergone name changes and cover a wider area.

“However, our commitment and dedication to service users has always remained at the forefront of everything we do.

“I’m proud after all this time to still be serving the local community and helping to raise awareness of mental health and the support available.”

Mr Morris’ dedication was recognised by the Trust’s chairman Lesley Bessant, who presented him with a Living the Values award.

She said: ““It’s clear Rod is a very motivated and committed member of our staff.

“Over his 50 years in the Trust he has played a key role in the development of some of our services and we really wanted to celebrate this achievement.”

Chris Davis, head of children and young people’s services in Teesside, added: “Fifty years’ service in the same Trust is testament to Rod’s commitment and dedication to the mental health and wellbeing of local people.

“His experience and knowledge is invaluable and we are very honoured to still have Rod in our service.”