Busy Bretton brings trips, treats and themed activities to service users
The Bretton Centre’s Thornhill ward has been building independence, community spirit and healthy habits with a range of activities for service users.
The centre is a low secure inpatient service which provides care for 38 men in 3 wards, based at Fieldhead in Wakefield.
Trips away are a favourite of the ward, with a recent visit to Blackpool being a highlight. Travelling down to Matlock Bath for a parade of illuminated and decorated boats was also a day to remember.
An overnight stay in Staithes is currently in the planning, where two service users will spend the night in a coastline cottage accompanied by staff. Focusing on independence, the service users will plan their day trips out and meals for their time away, visiting local towns and shops.
The ward enjoys an opportunity to mark a special event and has celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Halloween this year. As summer is the season of festivals, The Bretton Centre held their own “Thornhill Fest” where service users could have a go at games, DJing, football, giant Jenga and pizza making.
Homely comforts are also a big hit on the unit. Service users look forward to regular movie nights, where they choose a film to watch together and enjoy snacks. The unit’s monthly fish and chips night is also a staple favourite.
Healthy habits are a high priority, and service users are encouraged to eat a variety of nutritious foods. A regular walking group also keeps their activity levels up.
Regular community meetings with service users and staff help the ward to decide on upcoming activities. Service users are given the opportunity to discuss and feed back their opinions and ideas, which are then displayed on a patient information board once agreed.
The ward is planning on creating a staff appreciation board, where service users can thank members of the team.
Ward manager Debra Webster said: “We’re really proud of what we can do and the whole team is really enthusiastic. Everyone takes ownership of their idea for an activity from start to finish, from carrying out a risk assessment to discussing with a consultant.
“The service users regularly get to have a say on what we do and always enjoy a really good time together. We repeat some of the activities so that as many people as possible get to experience them.
“We’re hoping to get a scrapbook so we can display pictures of the memories our service users have made from the activities.”
The unit is currently planning World Cup-themed activities and looking ahead to Christmas where they hope to visit some of the local festive markets.
