The National Service User Awards are designed to celebrate service user led initiatives in mental health, learning disability and autism services across the country and service users involved in the shortlisted projects are invited to a black tie gala awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced.
The following projects are finalists:
Lockdown Parties, Wyvern Ward, Cygnet Hospital Derby – Finalist in the ‘Outstanding Service User Involvement’ category
Service Users at Cygnet Hospital Derby decided they wants to take part in the national ‘street party at home’ event held last year for VE day. They made all the arrangements as well as decorating on the day and following the success planned a Hawaiian themed beach party. The parties really gave both service users and staff a boost during a very difficult time.
Sedgley’s Work Programmes, Cygnet Sedgley House and Lodge – Finalist in the ‘Outstanding Service User Involvement’ category
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Sedgley House and Lodge had to get creative with how the service users could engage with therapeutic works programmes. The service users were involved with making works programmes more meaningful and important responsibilities within the hospital. They took responsibility for some audits and compliance tasks giving them all more confidence, skills and self-esteem.
Broadway Media Suite project, Cygnet Hospital Bury – Finalist in the ‘Recovery and the Arts’ category
The broadway media suite at Cygnet Hospital Bury was born from a visit to a local radio station by some service users. They told staff they’d love to have something similar, and the media suite was funded. The service users chose the name, painted murals and later featured on the radio station playing music and DJing at events within the hospital.
George’s Foodbank, Cygnet Lodge Brighouse – Finalist in the ‘Excellence in Co-Production’ category
George, a service user at Cygnet Lodge Brighouse, initiated a monthly collection for the local foodbank. He spent time with staff in order to keep the project alive and has been commended by the local church for his efforts. George is extremely proud of his achievements and likes to ‘give something back’.
We would like to congratulate all the service users nominated for the above projects, they should be extremely proud. We wish them every success for the final! The awards ceremony is to be held at Colwick Hall, Nottingham on 21st September.