"Patients and Carers Summer Fete BBQ/Sports Day"

 I am a patient Ridgeway ward and would like to share my appreciation of the Summer Fete Event. Firstly, I would like to say a massive thank you to the Patient Involvement and Engagement team, Michelle and Mo for organising this amazing event, furthermore I would also like to thank staff from other departments such as Structured Day coordinators, Therapy Services, Catering staff, managers and ward staff for their efforts and teamwork to make this event memorable.

It was an amazing day!!, even in the beginning we had some scatters showers, however whilst the day progressed the sun was out and it was very nice. The atmosphere was so relaxing, enjoyable, and it does not feel I was in a medium secure unit. This togetherness of patients, carers, staff was so special.

Even for me, my family could not attend, I felt involved and included by chatting with other patients family and peers form other wards. Staff were very welcoming, engaging and supportive. I enjoyed myself involving in all the activities, enjoyed the fresh air and made the most of the day.

Each wards showcase their stalls, there were games such as Tombola, Raffles, Tuck shops, cake store, Art & Crafts items make by patients for sale, sport activities such as Archery, crazy golf, bowling etc. I spent some money buying sweets, cakes and I won a few items on the Tombola.There was an informative store by the Primary Healthcare, explaining on health and wellness. A Bake Off competition was judged on the day by Senior Leaders of the Trust, there was two winners Ridegway and Tamar ward.

The kitchen staff deserved a big thank you, the BBQ and the service they provided was excellent. Everyone enjoyed the food, the sausages, burgers, wedges, corn on the cob were so delicious. I would like to mention that they catered for vegetarian and patients who eat only halal meat.

Since I have been at Arnold Lodge, this has been the best event for me and it has made me feel so happy, the togetherness that event like this bring is amazing. I hope next Summer we will have another one.