Forensic services say “Eid Mubarak!” with special celebration
Service users and staff who are based in the Trust’s forensic wards celebrated Eid-Al-Fitr together this year.
Reflecting the Trust’s commitment to recognising the religious identities of its service users and staff, this event was a poignant moment for people to take part in an uplifting community celebration.
Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast throughout the month, giving thanks for the good things in their lives and focus on daily prayer and readings of the Koran.
Service users and staff thoroughly enjoyed the event, which is part of wider planned celebrations: throughout the year, key religious dates will be celebrated in different ways.
Funded by EyUp! Charity and the Trust and in consultation with service users, the staff were able to buy special sweets and biscuits, which everyone sampled together.
One service user commented that it was lovely to have Asian sweets again after a long time without them. The comfort and aromas of tasty food hung in the air, as everyone enjoyed a special Eid meal prepared by the Trust’s talented catering team at Fieldhead Hospital.
The service users also opted to eat their monthly take away together, the night before the celebration which gave them a chance to enjoy time with their peers and relax together.
The wards were decorated with brightly coloured handmade decorations, made by the service users and staff. The artwork on display reflected the talent of the busy creatives and gave people a chance to express what Eid-Al-Fitr meant to them.
Everyone enjoyed taking part in an Islam themed quiz, learning interesting facts about the religion.
Carol Harris, the Trust’s chief operating officer said: ““I am delighted that my colleagues and our service users in forensics have taken the opportunity to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr together. We are committed to celebrating the religious and cultural identities of all people within our services as we recognise the depth and strength our individual differences bring to everyone.”
Stacey Hayton, a clinical manager in the Forensic care group said: “I’m really glad we had a chance to celebrate Eid-Al-Fir together. It was great fun and everyone enjoyed it. Thanks to EyUp! Charity and the Trust for funding the event. Huge thanks too to Andrea Robinson, associate practise governance coach, for her hard work and support in making this event happen.”
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