Staff and patients at NHS Trust celebrate Lodgefest

Date:

A summer fete has been held at Newton Lodge, Wakefield, to help boost the mental wellbeing of both staff and people who receive care and treatment as the specialist unit.

Newton Lodge, which is based on the Fieldhead site, provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for mentally disordered offenders as well as other mentally ill patients who, because of their condition, need care in a secure environment.

The service is run by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and is a specialist regional service; caring for people from across the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber.

Although the sun wasn’t shining there were smiles all round as staff and patients took part in "Lodgefest" with a whole host of games, stalls and activities as part of the fun packed day. The day concluded with a barbeque and performance from a band made up of doctors.

From their own version of Britain’s Got Talent – Lodge’s Got Talent- to tug of war there was something for everyone. Stalls were organised advising patients about the health risks of smoking and there was also the opportunity to learn to play the guitar. The event was a great opportunity to bridge the gap between staff and patients as they all joined in the activities together.

Trevor Jones, an acting senior clinical practitioner at Newton Lodge, said, "It was a brilliant day and everyone had a great time getting involved in the different activities. It was an opportunity for staff to relax with patients and for patients to forget their troubles and get lost in a day of fun. We know that creativity, physical activity and social inclusion all make a big difference to wellbeing so Lodgefest focused on these areas."

Staff and patients at NHS Trust celebrate Lodgefest

time to read: 1 min