The high dependency complex care service for women with learning disabilities in Streetly Road, Birmingham, has posted a huge hand-made rainbow mural outside the home, bringing smiles to local residents and passers-by.
Rainbow pictures have started appearing in windows across the country as communities try to lift spirits and keep up morale during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rainbow Trail campaign, now a global phenomenon, encourages families to paint and draw rainbows and display them for others to find.
Becky Sewell, an Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Elms, said the rainbow mural was just one of the activities at the 10-bed unit aimed at spreading positivity during the coronavirus lockdown. Service users have also been taking part in gym sessions, gardening and baking and have opened a tuck shop.
“We all wanted to do something to recognise the dedication of NHS workers and people across the care sector and some of our service users came up with the idea of creating the rainbow mural so everyone outside can see it,” said Becky. “It’s our way of saying how much we appreciate the wonderful messages of support that we have received as well, particularly from local shops and the families of our service users.”
Describing how the unit is coping with the current crisis, Becky added: “We’re really proud how everyone is handling the current lockdown. On top of creating the rainbow artwork, one service user has been writing to people in local care homes to express her support and let them know we’re thinking of them too.”
“While our service users cannot get out as much, we have been keeping busy with lots of activities, including a disco. We are all feeling fit and healthy, so we are very lucky.”
One of the biggest challenges is losing the regular family visits to the unit, said Riccardo Brade, an occupational therapist. “Most service users have mobiles, but being able to see their family in person is very important,” said Riccardo, “It’s tough on everyone not being able to see each other. One of the ways we are helping is to organise Skype calls and it’s working well.”