Arnold Lodge update for June CQC Update / Loneliness / Fishing / recovery

Hi everyone,

This month we had the fantastic news that we have been rated as Good following the latest CQC inspection……Yaahhhh!!  This is a great achievement and I want to say again, Thank You to all our patients, carers and staff for contributing to the inspection.

We are still awaiting the report from the Peer Review which took place.  Highlights will be shared once we receive it.

June is also an exciting month in the British calendar.  It’s our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration month and we are all looking forward to celebrating this unique milestone.  At Arnold Lodge we have decorated our spaces and there will be a staff and patient BBQ on the two bank holidays.

As we move from spring into summer it’s a great time to think about our well-being and what we can do to support this. With the lighter days we will be venturing outdoors more and hopefully all engaging in some activity which makes us feel energised.  Have a wonderful month ahead and remember that small acts of kindness can ripple out widely…. 😊

Best wishes to you all and have a Jubilant June.  Regards, Natasha

Changes to the way we manage COVID-19 in relation to the use of masks

Visitors:  Visitors are requested to continue to wear a mask at all times.

Mental Health Awareness Week, 9^th to 15^th May 2022 – Loneliness

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event when there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.

Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK and had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the pandemic. Loneliness is the negative feeling we have when the relationships and connections we have with others are not what we want. By highlighting loneliness and its impact on mental health, we hope to reduce stigma and support more people who are lonely, or at risk of loneliness.  Some of our patients had discussions about loneliness as shown in this photo.

Patients were also invited to take part in a poetry competition on this subject and we will announce the winners and include some of the work submitted in our next newsletter.

Patient Angling Trip to Purple Badger fishing lakes in May

The ’gone fishing’ trip to Purple Badger fishing lakes was arranged during a dry spell overall. We booked online in advance and the unit fishing tackle was prepared and ready for loading up on the patient minibus.  However, on the day, the forecast had changed to rain for most of the morning and early afternoon. For once the BBC weather reports were correct but being dedicated ‘fishermen’ we did not let this deter us. The two patients and two staff agreed that, having arranged everything for the day, we would go ahead with the plan, taking some necessary outdoor clothing for the trip.

We arrived at the lakes and proceeded to find a couple of swims to fish where we may find a bit of shelter. There were sheltered areas by the lakes if we needed them but our patients were OK to continue in the rain.

We set up our rods and lines and using maggots for bait we proceeded to fish. One patient was an experienced fisherman and he had been so looking forward to the event that he got straight down to the fishing using his skills to start catching several small roach and perch. The other patient was coached through the setting up of tackle, learning how to hook a maggot, cast the line and catch and unhook a fish safely.

rain relented as we were ready to pack up, and although the conditions were not in our favour, the day was a resounding (but damp) success. Both patients stated how much they had enjoyed the morning and catching the fish was a bonus.  They are currently asking about the next fishing trip!

Up coming courses

Recovery College Courses