Trees of Hope and Promises at Cygnet Alders Clinic

The team at Cygnet Alders Clinic, a rehabilitation service in Gloucester for women with personality disorder and complex needs, have recently made some improvements to their ward environments with the addition of a Tree of Promises and a Tree of Hope. These improvements have been co-produced in line with suggestions and comments from the hospital’s People’s Council.

The Tree of Promises has been added to Severn Ward, the admissions ward at Cygnet Alders Clinic. The Tree of Promises features leaves with promises from staff to show what they promise to service users whilst they are on the ward. Examples of some of the promises include:

“I will listen and support you”
“I will walk alongside you so that you’re never alone”
“I will always have time for you”

When service users are preparing for discharge they move on to Coln Ward. When they leave the service they can add a leaf to the Tree of Hope. The idea is that these personal messages will provide inspiration and hope for others to see. This tree also has some life stories from present and past service users to show that rehabilitation and progression is possible. Examples of some of the Tree of Hope messages include:

“Without the dark, we would never see the stars”
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today”
“Your dreams CAN become your goals”

Another recent addition at Cygnet Alders Clinic is the ‘Carers Nook’. This has been added to the reception area and makes readily available information on support networks, carer assessments and services on offer not only in the near vicinity but further afield as well.

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