Many young people hadn’t been able to celebrate their own Prom last year due to Covid-19 and others weren’t going to be able to celebrate their Prom this year as they are in hospital. Head of Occupational Therapy Katie Condliffe said, “As a team we wanted to celebrate the successes of the young people and acknowledge how hard they have worked as part of their recovery journey. Prom is a significant rite of passage for our young people, and we didn’t want them to miss the opportunity to take part because they are in hospital.”
The team at the hospital sat down with the young people and asked them how they would like to celebrate their Prom and they decided they wanted a woodland theme of green and silver. A date was chosen – 15th July 2021 – and everyone set about planning a Prom that fulfilled the young people’s wishlist.
The hospital’s fabulous catering team, Steve and Christine, met with the young people to find out what they wanted to eat so that they could cater a Prom buffet that everyone could enjoy. The kitchen team worked really hard to include everyone’s requests and the buffet was superb, with very little left at the end of the evening.
Before the event, staff were able to gather together donations of Prom dresses, suits and shoes so that everyone would have something to wear on the evening. With the help of Occupational Therapy students, Lydia and Olivia, every attempt was made to match the young people up with the outfit of their dreams Staff members from across all departments of the hospital came together to offer support to complete hair and make-up for those that wanted it, and there was a nail bar for those that wanted their nails painted.
On arrival at the Prom the young people were offered a glass of mock champagne and the opportunity for a photograph in front of the woodland theme balloon arch. There was a mocktail bar, sweet bar, buffet, desert bar, candyfloss machine and chocolate fountain which was appreciated by all. A local DJ was hired to provide the music and lights for the event and many of the staff and young people were able to dance the night away.
On the evening there were lots of staff who come along to the Prom to celebrate with the young people, some of whom came in on their day off so that they could take part. There was a memory wall with pictures of all of the events that have been held since the hospital opened and a leavers’ book where everyone could sign a message for the class of 2021. Each of the young people will be able to take a copy of the leavers’ book and their pictures home with them when they are discharged from hospital.
The evening was a real success, providing the young people and staff the opportunity to celebrate together and share in an amazing occasion. There were smiles all round and the young people returned to their rooms all danced out!
Click on the images below to view more pictures from the event.
