The latest event combined presentations, discussions and a talent show by service users. The day was a success and well attended by carers from both Cygnet Hospital Blackheath and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham. There were three presentations on the day:
- ‘Company overview of Cygnet Health Care’ by Joseph Thomas, Hospital Manager and Registered Manager
- ‘Dual Diagnosis: An introduction to working with substance misuse and mental health issues’ by Dr Niki Loft, Clinical Psychologist
- ‘My Carers Story: Carers rights and empowerment at Family Health Isis’ by our guest speaker Matthew McKenzie
Each presentation was informative and engaging, sparking questions for our speakers and further discussions into the breaks and over lunch.
“This is what I want to see more of. Carers speaking out saying this is what we feel is the problem. Why are you not listening to us? Have them on board speaking about what their carer’s journey has been like… Let them become part of that recovery model! … Speak up when you go to events like these. This is what I want to see.”Matthew McKenzie, Guest speaker for FHI
For the latter part of the day service users from Meridian Ward, Tyler Ward and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham were given the opportunity to display their talents. Two service users wrote their own song for the event which included singing and rapping, and others sang along to their favourite songs. There was also a display of artwork and poetry. Congratulations to all the service users who were involved and supported their peers.
The day was organised by Paréce Bell (Assistant Psychologist, Meridian Ward) with the support of Rachel Kitten (Deputy Head of OT) who brought some Christmas festivities to the ward. A massive thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success.