The Show season in the South East has seen prize winning entries emanate from the activities programme delivered by HSE staff in a residential mental health care centre in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Most recently at the Dungarvan Agricultural Show in Co. Waterford, a first prize trophy in the Arts and Crafts section for a cross-stitch embroidery entry came to Haywood Lodge.
Residents and activities team members, upon visiting the Show, were also delighted to see that tomatoes and aubergines grown by them in the poly-tunnel shed in Haywood’s garden also earned first prizes in the Produce section. A scarf knitted by Haywood residents and a lettuce grown by them were also prize winners at the Dungarvan Show.
Participation in the Clonmel Show held earlier in July and the Bansha Show taking place in August are features of an activities programme for residents at Haywood Lodge that also emphasises art and cookery, among a range of other interests and involvements facilitated in the centre.
Opened in 2012, the purpose built Haywood Lodge is comprised of two units (East and West House), each containing 20 en-suite bedrooms. The East House is for residents under the care of the HSE/South East Community Healthcare’s South Tipperary Psychiatry of Later Life team. The West House is a dedicated Rehabilitation and Recovery unit
All resident bedrooms and living spaces in Haywood Lodge are built around two internal courtyards. Each bedroom has an external door that leads directly to a garden area.
Activities Co-ordinator in Haywood Aisling Carroll says the taking part in the in-house programmes are the source of fulfilment and enjoyment to residents but that the winning of prizes for what they shape is also a boost:
“Colleagues throughout the mental health services in the South Tipperary area, whether in residential or community settings, prioritise the welfare of those we care for and support. The provision of activities programmes, such as in Haywood Lodge, are therapeutic in themselves – whether music, art, gardening or any other form of recreation. Time and again, we see how people that might otherwise face challenges as regards partaking in some pastime or social situation, find it encouraging and rewarding to be involved in one of the activities we promote.”
“We have visiting artists and other guests here in Haywood that add to our activities programme and we’ve always been able to facilitate day excursions. In recent years, however and with the support of HSE management locally and regionally, we have been delighted to develop a connection between Haywood Lodge and the Summer Shows. Going to the likes of the Bansha, Clonmel and Dungarvan Shows with us is something the residents look forward to doing anyway. What an addition to the experience it is, however, to see our arts and crafts and horticultural produce there – and to be rewarded!”
Last updated on: 31 / 07 / 2024
