The Involvement Network brings together service users and staff from secure services, including NHS and private organisations, in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The Network is about sharing best practice, service improvement, and collaborative working to improve the experience and quality of support that individuals receive.
The annual Network event is always a highly anticipated day, with service users and staff working together throughout the year to plan and prepare. The planning group for 2024 were keen to celebrate in the style of a ‘night out’, starting with a VIP red carpet entrance, upbeat music throughout the day, mocktails and tasty ‘end of the night’ food.
Once everyone had walked the red carpet and got their VIP stamp, tickets and glow sticks, the ‘Big Day Out’ was ready to begin. Kicking off the day was ‘Rock Fit’ who held an alternative dance fitness session on the field. This got everyone up and moving around to a rock and mental soundtrack, making it a really fun workout!
Having worked up an appetite, food began to be served to the hungry attendees. There was a choice of burgers, hotdogs, kebabs and chips to enjoy. Also on the menu was a range of delicious mocktails, including a Passionfruit Martini, Berry Bramble, Virgin Mojito and another which turned your tongue bright blue!
Throughout the afternoon, there was a wide range of activities to choose from. For those who wanted to get moving outside, there were ball games on the playing field, including rugby and football. There was also a mini adventure golf course, and a crowd favourite of a Graffiti workshop, where service users were shown how to use spray paint to create art. Everyone who took part added to a vibrantly coloured ‘mural’ which celebrated the day. The finished piece looked fantastic!
There was also a range of activities inside to take part in too, including a disco with a live DJ and lights, karaoke, and the very popular photo booth, which had participants dressing up with funky glasses, hats, masks and signs to get their photos taken. A quiet space inside the Rugby club was also provided for anyone who wanted a quiet area away from the activities.
In keeping with the tradition of the Network events, each service was asked to decorate a top or jacket of their choice for the most creative jacket competition. There were glittery painted hoodies, embellished shirts and colourful jackets with 3D elements attached.. All of the entries were amazing! The end of the day saw everyone come together to celebrate all of the entrants. Congratulations to everyone who entered, and to the winners of the competition Ridgeway, Roseberry Park.
Here’s what some of the attendees had to say about the day:
“I have a had a good day and have enjoyed the mocktails the most…they were great”- Service user
“I have been in the community now for a little while and it feels really great to come to something like this from the outside world. Everyone has been so friendly, and everyone seems to get along and is having such a good time and the weather is nice too” – Service user
“The food has been really nice and I’ve had fun in the photo booth as well as having a dance in the disco.” – Service user
‘It’s always amazing to see everyone having such a great time, there was so much talent around the room too- people expressing themselves through rap and music.’ – Service user
‘It’s been brilliant! I have had a great time with our patients, and it’s been nice to see people enjoying themselves’ – Support worker
“Being able to get the community team involved in things like this has made a real difference and gives people something to look forward to.” – Staff member
“Thank you to you and your team for creating an amazing Day Out for the service users and staff. It really is the highlight of the year for many. Everyone took something different from the day, and all the hard work of your team is really appreciated.. It was good to see so many familiar faces and see how far they had moved forward on their recovery journeys too.” – Staff member
Overall the day was a great success, with everyone having a fantastic time. The Cygnet team is looking forward to joining again for next year’s event already.
