The occupational therapy team have introduced Zumba (dance) groups to offer people in the Trust’s forensic service at Newton Lodge an opportunity to boost their physical and mental health while enjoying a fun and energetic activity.
With the support a Zumba instructor, the team are hosting regular Zumba sessions for groups in the sports hall at Newton Lodge. As well as offering the opportunity for people to increase their physical activity, taking part in the sessions is proving a great way to socialise with peers and staff, express thoughts and feelings in a dynamic manner while developing imagination and finding inspiration.
The Trust advocates the mission of ‘enabling people to live well and reach their potential’. By providing this group it will enable the learning disability and mental health service within the forensic BDU to develop a specific innovative service which provides accessible; high quality; needs-led, care. Ensuring that respect, dignity and control is given to service users.
The project has the capacity to reach the entire patient population of Newton Loge (90-100 patients) and Newhaven (16 patients) – offering the opportunity for everyone to experience the benefits Zumba can bring.