Developed by the same team who created Star Wards, CAMHeleon celebrates and promotes Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) ward best practice and the things that really make a positive difference to young inpatients, identifying small changes that have a big impact. Its overall objective is to support ward staff in enabling young people to really make the most of this time away from their usual lives.
“This is the first ever CAMHeleon award for a PICU, and I tell you, world, the bar has now been set very, very high.”Geoff Brennan, CAMHeleon
Unicorn Ward worked hard for six months on the project with a 45 point action plan created to implement improvements and new ideas. These included building a sensory room, co-produced care planning, improved facilities for families and friends, developing relationships as a team and breaking down the barriers between young people and staff.
“You all worked together to make this celebration happen. I can’t put into words the difference you are all making.”Iris Benson MBE, Expert by Experience
There are 9 themes for CAMHeleon and the themes spell out ‘colourful’. The nine themes are:
- Caring Relationships
- Opportunity and Expression
- Leisure and Therapeutic Activity
- On and Off the Ward
- Understanding
- Relational and Physical Safety
- Family and Friends
- Unique Recovery Journeys
- Learning and Growth
On Friday 22nd March the hospital held a big Unicorn-themed party to celebrate and showcase the work achieved. The event was attended by staff, the young people on Unicorn Ward as well as CAMHeleon’s Geoff Brennan and Iris Benson MBE. For the occasion Iris brought along with her a very special Unicorn celebration cake.
“It was fun having the party and showing the visitors the new things we’ve done. My favourite is either the sensory room or the ‘All about me’ book which has funny photos and facts about staff. I can’t believe we are the first ward to get CAMHeleon, everyone should do it!”K, Young Person on Unicorn Ward
Everyone got dressed up for the occasion in rainbow wigs and ‘Colourful’ t- shirts. The ward was decorated with unicorn balloons and everyone got a unicorn party bag. It was a heart-warming and inspirational day for everyone who attended.
“Truly embracing the CAMHeleon project has not only stretched our imaginations, made significant improvements, brought in new practices and strengthened our team, we’ve also had lots of fun! The celebration day was a brilliant way to showcase our work and invite others to see what can be achieved by working together. And who doesn’t love a unicorn party?!”Ali Doolan, Unicorn Ward Manager
Congratulations to Ali, the ward team and all the young people on Unicorn Ward for this fantastic and very ‘Colourful’ achievement. You should all be very proud.
To find out more about the CAMHeleon project please visit the CAMHeleon website.