A mental health ward for older people has started crafting afternoons for patients and their loved ones to have fun and learn something new.
Staff at Meadowview ward at Thurrock Hospital are holding the ‘Craft-Tea’ sessions on the first Friday of every month. The ward is run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and provides care for older people living with dementia and other mental illness.
The first Craft-Tea afternoon was held this month and patients and families painted plant pots in which they planted forget-me-not seeds. The flower is a symbol of dementia awareness campaigns.
Activities coordinator Tracy Hart said: “Families and carers join their loved ones in different crafting activities such as decorating bags, printing tea towels, and clay work, whilst enjoying tea and cake.
“Families can take home whatever their loved one makes as a keepsake.
“Our ward consultant, matron and ward staff also attend and join in with these sessions, which enables our families and carers to meet with them in an informal setting.
“This helps families to get to know the staff and give them the opportunity to chat together, all whilst seeing and joining their loved ones to do something practical and enjoyable.”
