Learning disability wards come together for events

The start of the year can be a difficult time for some, and that includes some of the people in our care.

To help encourage positive behaviours during what can be a difficult period, our learning disability secure wards recently came together to organise Green Behaviour Week. The event featured a week-long activity schedule promoting ‘green behaviours’ – those positive or adaptive behaviours that support progress and recovery.

Frontline staff members were the driving force behind the events, and all of the activities consisted of mixed patient and staff teams. The events gave the people we care for an opportunity to demonstrate positive coping techniques, prosocial behaviours (those which are intended to benefit others) and overall good behaviour.

Cross-ward activities included wacky races, a scavenger hunt and a bake-off (pictured), culminating in a celebration event where awards were handed out to wards and individuals with the most green behaviours.

Felix Davies, Service Director of the Learning Disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorder service at St Andrew’s Healthcare, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the energy and enthusiasm of staff and patients and to hear about the wide range of creative activities and positive behaviours. It was a delight for me to participate in the culminating ceremony at the end of Green Behaviour Week.”

Deborah Morris, Clinical Lead Learning Disabilities, Secure Care, added: “Staff and patients have been inspiring trust throughout the week with great displays of teamwork, thus breaking down barriers between wards, and between staff and patients.”

Our Learning Disability service provides a fully comprehensive pathway, extending from medium secure inpatient treatment, right through to residential care in a community setting.

We deliver person-centred care that addresses patients’ mental and physical health, as well as functional, cognitive, emotional, social, communication, sensory and vocational needs.

Click here to learn more about our Learning Disability service