The centre was decorated with posters, flags, and fun facts about more than 15 countries. Various national dishes were displayed on a long table in the main hall for sampling, with popular tunes from these countries playing in the background. A world map was displayed with everyone encouraged to decorate their country of origin – which quickly became full of colour.
Service users from Oak Court and Ramsey Ward were all smiles at all times! Some of them danced and some stayed till the end and helped with the cleaning up. This was a memorable event for service all. Lynn, Hospital Manager, and Lauren, the Clinical Manager, attended, as well as many from the administration team, doctors and support workers. Together with the Multicultural Network at Cygnet Hospital Colchester, the Occupational Therapy department hosted the event and their input and presence was remarkable.
The intent of the day was to both educate each other about our different cultures, as well as create a more informed appreciation for difference. At the end of the day the coloured countries were added up from world map provided, where various nationalities had proudly recorded their presence. Twenty-five countries were counted, that is just how richly Multi-Cultural Cygnet Hospital Colchester is!
Special thanks go to Sharin Daniel for the publicity of the event; Emmanuel Ozowara, Lidia Kakosha, Vjeta Sharma, Dr. Abida Wiqar & Lynn Mcghee, who provided the different national dishes. Also thanks to the whole OT department, particularly: David, George, Thandeka and Lucy for preparing the venue and taking care of it after the event.
Many thanks to all who made this event possible, we can’t wait to do it all again next year!
