The event was organised to provide service users with testimonials from Experts by Experience with regards to life after leaving hospital and life without using illicit substances and alcohol. There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of peer support or mentoring.
It was a busy day, starting with a discussion with Narcotics Anonymous, followed by former resident at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham, Melvin’s Recovery Journey and a discussion with Alcoholics Anonymous. The unit chef, Tommy, had also provided lunch and then a BBQ in the garden.
The event was organised by Rachel Kitten (Deputy Head Occupational Therapist for Cygnet Hospital Blackheath and Cygnet Lodge Lewisham) with the support of the Unit Manager, Belinda Mawire, and the OT Team at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham. The driving force behind the event, however, was Melvin. Melvin had contacted Rachel and suggested that he speak to the current service users at Cygnet Lodge Lewisham about his recovery journey.
The event was well attended by both staff and service users and the response was overwhelmingly positive. In the words of a service user from the Lodge, “I was not going to attend but I ended up staying and listening. It has made me think about how I can change.”
A big thank you to all involved, especially Melvin for setting the ball in motion.