Working in partnership with Qdos Creates, occupational therapy staff at Mount Vernon Hospital have introduced a series of creative workshops to engage service users, help them unlock their creativity and have the opportunity to build their self-esteem and confidence through the arts.
As part of the project, Louise Edwards from Qdos Creates runs sessions every Wednesday on two of the wards at Mount Vernon hospital offering people the opportunity to try their hand at creative movement, singing, poetry reading and writing and drama activities. The sessions are specifically for older people who need physical rehabilitation and those with cognitive impairments such as memory loss.
People can take part in the activities as a group or on a one to one basis with the aim of using creativity to boost their wellbeing. The activities are also an excellent opportunity for staff to build positive relationships with service users as they work together in a different way and to experience the benefits of utilising creative interventions in a ward setting.
Paul McLaughlin, occupational therapy team leader explained, “We have been running the sessions since June and the enthusiasm of service users to take part is really starting to pick up. Those who I have spoken to about the sessions are full of praise for them, saying that taking part gives them a lift and a focus for the day.
“Ward staff who help facilitate the groups have also reported the benefits that service users are getting from taking part including increased levels of stimulation and motivation which in turn means people are more willing to participate in therapy activities run during the rest of the week.”
For more information about the project contact paul.mclaughlin@swyt.nhs.uk