We have many links with community organisations, which are in the areas of voluntary work, education and community activities. Service users also develop independence with activities of daily living in order that they are prepared for their own community accommodation. Each service user works alongside the Occupational Therapist and wider team to seek out and plan activities, which meet their individual needs and preferences.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our community activities have become limited. However with restrictions beginning to ease, we are all looking forward to beginning to focus on community integration again.
Voluntary Work
Many of our service users engage in voluntary work and this is tailored to their interests, goals and skills. As a result, we have developed links with a variety of organisations and businesses that are willing to support the service users with voluntary work.
Service users have chosen roles including shop work, catering, horticulture and stock management. Links have been made with Calderdale Recovery College, which supports service users in gaining catering qualifications and engaging in woodwork roles.
“I wanted to build my confidence and have experience with working in a shop. I’ve found it great serving customers and I’ve been surprised how easy it is. Time flies when you are serving customers and are into the role of working. I have experience with a till now if I want to work in a charity shop. I would like to do something like this when I move on from hospital.”Service user
Community Activities
We encourage service users to engage in meaningful occupations in order that they have a structured routine and enjoy engaging in positive activities. Some of the planned therapeutic groups support them to explore new interests, such as going to the local gym and swimming pool, art groups and music groups.
We also support service users to engage in other interests, which are specific to their interests. Service users have increased interests in cookery, through community initiatives such as Jamie’s Ministry of Food. Other service users have learnt to play instruments, joined sporting groups and teams, attended places of worship, and have been part of creative arts groups.
“I’ve had opportunity to partake in interests that enhance my personality. I have become more myself since being here.”Service user
Educational Services
The service users come with a range of different qualifications or a motivation to learn. Gaining skills and qualifications can support with future work or confidence in new situations. We have links to local colleges and Adult Learning centres services, which provide courses to support the service users to achieve.
“I have found it excellent and I enjoyed learning in general. The support worker put so much effort in; I could not thank her enough. The course educates you and keeps your mind stimulated.”Service user
Preparing for Community Accommodation
Service users have the opportunity to move into the unit flat, which contains three en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen living area. This enables service users to develop independence with activities of daily living, through cooking their own meals and maintaining the flat. The flat aims to encourage and support service users to make the transition between rehabilitation and independent community living, whilst they continue to receive all of the services and support that Cygnet Lodge Brighouse provides. Service users, who have resided in the flat, have progressed into their own accommodation, such as supported accommodation or their own flats.