Patients and colleagues across Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s acute wards have taken part in a successful summer games challenge aimed at promoting wellbeing, participation and social connection.

The three-week initiative brought together 16 wards from across the Trust, encouraging patients and staff to get involved in a wide range of activities designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Together, participants recorded more than 25,000 minutes of activity, equivalent to more than 423 hours, taking part in everything from sports and exercise sessions to arts and crafts, gardening, board games, music and wellbeing activities.

The challenge highlighted the positive impact that meaningful activity can have on recovery, helping to build confidence, encourage engagement and strengthen connections between patients and colleagues.

Eden Acute Ward was named the overall winner after judges recognised the team’s outstanding patient and colleague engagement, alongside a varied and inclusive programme of activities throughout the challenge.

Congratulations also go to the runners-up:

  • Eden PICU
  • Mary Seacole Ward 2
  • Caffra Ward
  • Lavender Suite

The summer games challenge showcased the creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork across the Trust’s acute wards, with teams finding innovative ways to support wellbeing while creating enjoyable opportunities for patients to take part in activities that mattered to them.

The initiative also reinforced the importance of providing therapeutic and recovery-focused environments, where patients can stay active, develop new skills and build positive relationships during their time in hospital.