Mill View Hospital, led by Professional Lead Occupational Therapist Claire Michie, have developed a Recovery Through Activity Programme to run across all wards. Mill View have been fortunate to receive a legacy in recent years, and have had support from Brighton and Hove League of Friends to bring the programme into fruition.
The programme was co-produced with service users who identified things that worked, what they needed more of and what new things they would like to see in a therapeutic space at Mill View. Ideas centered around digital items to enable services users to enjoy music, and connect with others, physical activities like outdoor gym equipment, and improvements to the environment like raised beds for the ward gardens.
Mill View also partnered with Pedal People and Wishing Well who provided matched funding to provide cycling and music therapy services into the hospital. The programme is now moving into its second year of activity and feedback has been really positive:
"Using the gym in the mornings gives me a confidence boost for the rest of the day. Exercise is a good way for me to process my thoughts, I find it meditative, especially cycling. It is a great way to achieve personal goals while in the ward environment. (Service user)
“The flowers are so beautiful, they're so refreshing to look at after taking a nap outside, they make me feel like I can change my life.” (Service user)
Stone seats and chairs
Black and white chess squares
2 diamond formation flower beds
Golden marigolds, petunias mauve and white
White geranium’s
Mountain fleece
Pine trees and tomato plants
In a stone circle
Taking pride of place
Is a punch bag
There is resistance
Shoulder press
Who could ask for less
Arm and pedal bike
Helpful on a hike
A double rower
When you want to go slower
The flower power takes over the ward
Every hour
To provide a love and kindness shower
Poem by JM, reflecting on the improvements brought about through the Recovery Through Activity programme
