Newton Lodge health event is huge hit
Service users in the forensic units at Fieldhead have been discovering new ways to look after their wellbeing following an event which focused on fitness, food, and feeling good.
The event, held in adult mental health unit Newton Lodge, was open to service users and staff from the Trust’s low and medium secure wards.
On the day, dietitians were on hand to dish out some food facts, busting myths on popular diets and weighing up the best food and drink for exercise. Service users were also able to test their tastebuds by seeing if they could tell the difference between full sugar and diet versions of fizzy drinks.
At the event service users were also introduced to the benefits of stealthy exercise – activities weaved in throughout the day to burn calories without needing to hit the gym. Prompt sheets were handed out offering handy tips on things patients could do in their rooms, on ward or courtyard areas, and while out on local community leave.
Healthy bakes were on the menu, with 100 calorie versions of chocolate chip cookies, brownies and popcorn bars on offer to try at the event. A snack swap game also helped service users to understand the amount of sugar stacked into their favourite sweet treats.
Information was also available on how to make small changes for a big impact, such as changing to herbal teas from milk based drinks, or choosing lower calorie baked snack alternatives to crisps.
Pastoral care introduced service users to mindfulness meditation, while the Newton Lodge occupational therapists covered sleep hygiene, relaxation, and books to boost your mood.
Music and singing sessions were carried out throughout the event, and other professionals covering all areas of health such as dental care, stopping smoking and primary care nursing held informative displays.
Newton Lodge (also known as The Yorkshire Centre for Forensic Psychiatry) is a 90 bed medium secure hospital based at Fieldhead in Wakefield. The service provides care and treatment for women and men with mental health problems and men with a learning disability from across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Danielle Hornby-Nunns, domestic and catering supervisor at Newton Lodge, said: “The whole event was really well received – lots of people came and it was really busy. It was a good way to promote physical and mental health as good wellbeing is about both of these things. Both staff and service users really enjoyed the whole day.
“We’ve had some brilliant feedback from service users saying the event was informative and interactive, and they have all been asking when we are going to do another one.”
View a gallery of photos from the day:
