Learning through practice and lived experience
The Cygnet Maple House Psychology Team – myself and Beth Day, Assistant/Trainee Forensic Psychologist – attended the meeting run by the National Approved Premises Team (NAPT) alongside Laura Mason, Senior Nurse, and Carrie, a service user at Cygnet Maple House.
The invitation followed Cygnet Maple House’s recent Enabling Environments assessment, led by Angela Gould, who also works as National Lead for Women in Approved Premises. Following the assessment, Angela expressed being impressed by the work taking place at Cygnet Maple House and invited the team to contribute to the event, sharing our insight into working with women and the challenges faced by women across the forensic and mental health sector.
This was an exciting opportunity for the team to equip, educate and share good practice with colleagues from other organisations.
Our attendance allowed both psychological and nursing approaches to be shared with staff in attendance, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary working and relational practice when supporting women with complex needs.
A powerful lived experience contribution
At the event, Carrie shared reflections on her experiences across different services, the challenges she has faced during her mental health recovery, and what it has been like as a mother. She spoke about the work she has done to maintain positive relationships with her children throughout periods of admission, and the importance of feeling listened to and supported.
Her input as a service user was invaluable in helping shape understanding of the experiences women can have within services, and how consistent support, relational practice and understanding can be pivotal and life‑changing.
Carrie received very positive feedback from those attending the event, who were very grateful to her for joining in the day, sharing her powerful story, and being so confident in the process.
The event also held special significance, as Carrie was discharged from Cygnet Maple House the following day, after 15 months of therapy and treatment. Reflecting on the experience, she described it as the “best last day” she could have had at the service.
Shared reflection and pride
Before heading home on the train together, we were able to explore some of Covent Gardens and Camden Market, picking up some little souvenirs as reminders of the event, whilst reflecting on the day together.
We shared our highlights, with Carrie stating that her highlight was “being able to share my story with other people”, recognising that this was an empowering moment for her as part of her recovery journey.
Beth Day commented:
“I have worked with Carrie throughout the entirety of her admission and it was wonderful to see her present so well, and to share her story of recovery with others.”
The team at Cygnet Maple House are very proud of Carrie and her hard work, and wish her very well in future.
Looking ahead
We are very grateful to Angela Gould for inviting us to share our work, knowledge and good practice with her teams. Following the event, Angela said:
“Thank you so much for sharing your insight with us today. Your contribution brought real depth, clarity and practical value to the session, and it is clear our audience gained a great deal from your experience.”
At Cygnet Maple House, we are passionate about equipping and empowering women, and events like this provide valuable opportunities to share learning, build connections and strengthen collaborative working across services and sectors.
We look forward to further opportunities to equip, empower and educate others.