Our Trust makes an Olympian effort to raise spirits

You would be forgiven for thinking the 2020 Olympics were not due to start until later this year some 5000 miles away in Tokyo but in actual fact, the Games have already begun here at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The torch was figuratively lit on Monday 27 April and over the next four weeks our wards will be engaging in a little friendly competition as they represent a chosen country and take part in a daily challenge.

Involving both our staff and service users, the Ward Olympics aim to bring a sense of community spirit to our wards and Supported Living Services, and help combat the feelings of increased social isolation that our service users are facing.

Vicky Search, an Occupational Therapist from our Low Secure Forensic inpatient ward at the Newsam Centre, created the Games to offer some enjoyable distraction from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, which has meant that friends and family are unable to visit our inpatient sites.

“In what would have been an Olympic year, we developed the games as a way of supporting our service users to take part in meaningful activity, and encourage a sense of togetherness between wards in these challenging times.”

“Having our services come together to compete against one another also gives us the opportunity to connect virtually with each other, which is crucial in combating the increased social isolation our service users are facing due to ‘lockdown’ restrictions. We hope this will bring a sense of fun and community spirit for both our service users and our staff teams.”

Devising the daily challenges, while continuing to follow social distancing and infection control guidelines has required some creativity.  So instead of gymnastics, the modern pentathlon or dressage, the Wards have been battling it out with keepy-uppies, Origami and a “Jigsaw Sprint”.

Much like the traditional Olympic Games, a medal table is available on the Trust website at https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/get-involved/ward-olympics/ and regular updates will be shared on Twitter at #LYPFTOlympics.

Following the conclusion of our Ward Olympics in four weeks’ time, a virtual Closing Ceremony will take place on Monday 25 May to announce the winning ward, and share our staff and service user highlights from taking part.