Learning Disability Patients Win Second Prize In Thurrock Garden Centre’s Scarecrow Competition

Our Learning Disability Patients at Byron Court have recently won second prize for their ‘Harry Potter’ themed scarecrow in a Scarecrow Competition run by Thurrock Garden Centre.

Patients at Byron Court entered the competition run by the local garden centre with a ‘Harry Potter’ themed scarecrow. The idea for a ‘Harry Potter’ themed scarecrow came from after one of the patients following a visit to Harry Potter World.

Support Staff at Byron Court worked with the patients during their evening activities to make the scarecrow. Several of the patients contributed with ideas and suggestions about how to make the scarecrow, including the idea for its head that was cleverly crafted using a ‘papier mache’ face mask on a balloon.

The competition was open to local schools, clubs and similar organisations; the entries formed part of a public display that was on show at the garden centre between 23 May and 1 June 2015. The judging of the competition was made by members of the public visiting the garden centre who voted for their favourite entry.

It is with much delight that our patients at Byron Court came second, winning a prize of £25.00.

Shoenagh Mackay, SEPT Clinical Lead for Learning Disability’s commented  “I’m delighted, our staff and patient worked so very hard on this, and all brought different and creative ideas to the plan. We will use the money toward more sensory plants for our sensory garden, where ‘Harry’ will take pride of place.”

South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) provides Learning Disability Inpatient Services at Byron Court; treating patients that are18 years and over, that have learning disabilities because of mental illness and other mental disorders, such as autism.