In a build-up to the Commonwealth Games later next month, our colleagues, service users and their families got into the spirit by taking part in their very own ‘Games’.
The ‘Games’ took place last year at Tamarind, where our service users promoted the health benefits in sport for mental health patients in secure and complex care. This event was a roaring success, and we even broke world records on the day… so we decided to do it all again at Ardenleigh. Ardenleigh is a blended unit that provides assessment, treatment and care for young people (up to the age of 19) and women who are experiencing complex mental health difficulties.
Our Ardenleigh facility held multiple events that saw patients and staff unleash their inner competitive side. Not even the weather could dampen their spirits throughout the day as our team brought the Games indoors! From wheelchair basketball shootouts and other hand/eye coordination activities, everyone had the opportunity to take part in using sports to improve their mental health.
Abigail Shervington, B2022 Lead Engagement Manager said: “The Commonwealth Champions Mental health project, is an inclusive model has been developed through a partnership with Birmingham 2022 Community Engagement Team, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and the Dear Youngers project. The project, through sport, aims to raise awareness of mental health, break down stigmas and help to support individuals as well as the community. We have a big vision for the project! But through a collective passion and commitment we are already breaking many boundaries, bringing a sense of connectivity, and belonging for patients and staff; not only to the Games but also to each other and the communities we live in. Commonwealth Champions, has the power be as a catalyst for change in the way we view and work with mental health services”.
“Working on the Commonwealth Champions Mental Health project and bringing the Games to Ardenleigh, was an amazing privilege! We are supporting a ground-breaking initiative that aims to not only help improve a patient’s mental and physical wellbeing, but also increase the morale of NHS staff, improve patient recovery rates, social integration and positive culture change. Dear Youngers’ aim is to help connect underrepresented young people to opportunities where they can gain great work experience, whilst giving back to their communities and supporting vulnerable demographics. Ultimately, we are humbled to play a role in building a long lasting legacy that inspires positive system change and improves wellbeing through the ‘Commonwealth Champions’ Initiative” – Yeshua Carter, Dear Youngers Project Lead”.
