Blog

Filter blog

‘I wouldn’t be who I am today’ – My journey on Roseacre Ward

In this powerful account Rachael shares the struggles that she has had with her mental health and writes about how the team on Roseacre Ward, Cygnet Hospital Maidstone’s specialised personality disorder service, supported her to learn coping strategies, engage in therapy and ultimately achieve a successful discharge.

Dr Jon Van Niekerk

‘A gift to my body’ – Why I am taking part in Dry January this year

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Alcohol Change UK’s Dry January campaign which encourages people to stop drinking alcohol for an entire month. In our latest blog Dr Jon Van Niekerk, Cygnet’s Group Clinical Director, writes about his commitment to completing Dry January this year as well as the physical and mental health benefits of abstaining from alcohol for a month.

How to cope with loneliness at Christmas

You might be alone on Christmas for different reasons, such as social anxiety or living far from relatives and loved ones. But there are ways to make sure Christmas can still feel special and fulfilling for you. We asked our team of Occupational Therapy experts at Cygnet Health Care to share some valuable advice on coping with loneliness at Christmas for those who may find themselves struggling alone this festive period.

My Journey on Roseacre Ward – Rachael’s Story

In our latest blog Rachael, a former service user at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, shares her journey on Roseacre Ward, the hospital’s specialised personality disorder service. Rachael writes about her mental health difficulties, how the ward team were able to support her, as well as her own determination to make her stay on the ward a success.

Dr Tony Romero

No Wrong Door – a response from Cygnet’s CEO Dr Tony Romero

On Friday 2nd December the NHS Confederation published a report they had commissioned from the Centre of Mental Health called “No wrong door: a vision for mental health, autism and learning disability services in 2032”. Cygnet's CEO, Dr Tony Romero, has lent his support to the visions and themes outlined in the report and you can read his response below.

Charmaine

My Schizophrenia Journey

In our latest blog Charmaine, a resident at Hansa Lodge, talks about how schizophrenia has affected her and her ten year journey with the condition.

Chris Stone

International Men’s Day – Chris’s Story

In recognition of International Men’s Day 2022, this is the second of two blogs written by male colleagues at Cygnet who have shared their feelings about male stereotypes growing-up. In this one Chris Stone, Group Training Manager, reflects on his upbringing and the importance of boys and men not imposing unrealistic and unfair expectations on themselves.

Troy Winfield

International Men’s Day – Troy’s Story

Saturday 19th November is International Men's Day which raises awareness of men’s well-being and highlights positive role models. This is the first of two blogs written by male colleagues at Cygnet who have shared their feelings about male stereotypes growing-up. In this one Troy Winfield, Human Resources Business Partner, writes about struggling to fit in at school and overcoming stereotypes of masculinity.

Dr Jon Van Niekerk growing his annual Movember moustache

The importance of Movember

This month it is Movember, an annual event during the month of November that raises awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. In our latest blog Dr Jon Van Niekerk, Group Clinical Director, writes about why he feels it is important to get involved in Movember every year.

Dr Seb Thompson

Burnout – What it is and how to deal with it

Today is National Stress Awareness Day. In this blog Dr Seb Thompson, Cygnet's National Psychology Lead for CAMHS Services, takes a look at stress in the workplace, how it can result in burnout and some of the things we can do to combat burnout.

Agnes Tutani

Speak Up Month

As part of Speak Up Month this October, Agnes Tutani, Cygnet's Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, talks about the importance of an open culture in health and care settings, where people are encouraged to speak up so that organisations can learn, develop and improve for the benefit of everyone.