The afternoon saw staff and service users come together to complete a reflective piece on ‘being yourself’ which the group shared with one another. The group also participated in a LGBTQ+ general knowledge quiz followed by a music quiz which featured songs by LGBTQ+ artists and icons.
The team of service users were crowned the quiz champions. Staff and service users also received goody bags, containing positive pictures as well as motivational stress balls and love heart sweets.
Jay, a service user on Spencer Ward described the day as ‘excellent’. Jay had earlier in the day baked some rainbow cookies with the OT team, which they were really pleased about. Jay received lots of positive feedback from their fellow peers about how nice the cookies were.
Below are some outtakes from the reflective discussion between service users and staff surrounding ‘being yourself’…
Have you heard the phrase ‘be your true self’? What does it mean to you?
“To me this means thinking about what I want to do and feel like, and not worrying about what other people think about me.”
“It can be very hard to be yourself in places like this (secure services) as you often worry about how people are interpreting what you do or say.”
“You have to be brave to be yourself and it’s ok to be different.”
Where and when do you feel comfortable and free to be yourself?
“Spaces like the drama group are somewhere I feel like I can be my true authentic self and not have to worry about expressing myself and being judged.”
“The drama therapy sessions with Tash are just wonderful. Tash is so good at helping you express yourself and build your confidence. She is just fabulous.”
“Having other patients who I trust and staff who I feel safe and supported to work with helps me feel comfortable and more able to be myself.”
How can we support others to be their true selves?
“Setting an example for others by being ourselves and showing that it is possible.”
“If we aren’t being true to ourselves that shows, so if we are ourselves and aren’t worried about what others think, that is a good thing to show others.”
“Try to think about your own time and happiness and encourage people to do the same.”
“Show other people that they matter.”