The event was open to service users on both the hospital’s wards and started off with a presentation and discussion titled ‘Coping with Stress’ which was delivered by the hospital’s clinical psychologist, Alan Rowan and assistant psychologist Parece Bell. It outlined stress, symptoms of stress and looked at ways in which we manage stress both the negatives and positives. A question and answers session followed which the service users really engaged in.
The afternoon session consisted of a series of musical performances. Service users performed in front of each other and staff, some wrote their own songs or raps and there were also cover versions of well known songs. The performances went down really well and everyone joined in and sang along.
“The guys seemed to gain a lot from their performances, it was a large crowd but they kept their cool and performed really well, engaging everyone who attended. It was a good boost for morale and self-esteem not only for the ones performing, but also other service users who came and watched.”Parece Bell, Assistant Psychologist
Other activities included a health promotion board where service users and staff wrote down suggestions on how to beat stress. The successful day concluded with a DVD session – watching ‘Silver Lining Playbook’ along with some healthy snacks.
Cygnet Hospital Blackheath provides inpatient low secure and PICU services for men with a mental health illness. To find out more about the hospital and the services it provides please click here.