Peer support workers and staff spread Christmas cheer

Peer support workers at wards in Chelmsford have been organising festive activities for patients in the run up to Christmas.

The Trust’s peer support workers are colleagues with personal experience of mental health services and at this time of year their insight and support is key to helping patients who will be in hospital over Christmas.

The team have been working alongside clinical staff to at The Linden Centre and the Crystal Centre with activities including decorating biscuits, parties with seasonal films and a workshop and performance led by a community choir.

The team also distributed Christmas snack bags to more than 70 patients.

Renee Conley, Inpatient Peer Support Team lead, said: “As a team we decided to come up with some fun and engaging activities for the patients on Galleywood, Finchingfield, Topaz and Ruby wards during this holiday season.

“It tends to be a challenging time for many, especially if they are not able to be at home with loved ones.”

Staff held a ward decoration competition at Edward House, which has two wards, in Chelmsford.

Patients were involved in making decorations, whilst also making use of empty cardboard boxes from our deliveries, toilet rolls, newspapers, and even empty toiletry bottles and medication pots. 

The winning ward won a new PlayStation game for everyone to play.

In addition to the festive activities that have been happening across the Trust, Christmas food hampers have been delivered to all wards for staff and patients so they can celebrate Christmas together.

Chief executive Paul Scott said:  “Christmas can be a particularly difficult time, especially for those who find themselves spending the holidays away from loved ones and friends.

“I hope the festivities our clinical teams organise across the Trust bring some joy and help make the Christmas period a little bit easier for our patients.

“I’d also like to thank colleagues across the Trust for the care they show throughout the year and special thanks to all those working throughout the Christmas period.”