Following the success of Recovery Colleges across Cygnet, the same concept has been launched at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, just ten months after the hospital opened. The aim of the Recovery College is to enable service users to become experts in their own care.
Service users and staff members worked collaboratively to plan for the event. Guest speaker Michael Humes (Expert by Experience) gave a very inspirational speech about his journey and experience with the college. He encouraged service users to get involved stating that they will be able to share their skills with others and also gain skills that can help lead a positive life outside the hospital.
Visitors toured parts of the building including a tour of the Recovery College and looked at work undertaken by staff and service users involved in the Recovery College. Service users were also invited to sign up for courses and will receive a welcome box file which will include a prospectus with all available courses, a Recovery College branded t-shirt, branded pen and notepad.
The event had a lovely, vibrant feel about it with service users, family members, carers and Cygnet staff mingling together chatting, enjoying the BBQ and networking. The team were also pleased to welcome staff from other services and hope they took away a sense of the high quality work at the hospital.
One carer left a comment to say that it was, “A lovely day, Very well organised with a nice relaxing atmosphere for everyone.” The two or three hours was informative as well as social.
“We do understand that Recovery is a personal journey but within the Recovery College at Maidstone, it is a journey our service users will not have to take on their own. We aim to work together with each student on their journey whatever it may be.”Zaneela Nanyanzi, Recovery College Lead, Cygnet Hospital Maidstone
Following on the success of the event, Cygnet Hospital Maidstone is looking forward to a successful term of Recovery College and another event celebrating the success of the students. Special thanks to our Recovery College Lead, Zaneela Nanyanzi; Head of Occupational Therapy, Neil Barker; Head of Social Work, Maria Bouquest; and Head of Admin, Alison McCulloch for organising the event.