Flintshire Hospital Hosts Summer Festival

Patients at a North Wales mental health service joined together with staff and loved ones to enjoy Cygnet Delfryn Lodge’s summer fete.

Cygnet Delfryn Lodge, on Argoed Hall Lane, Mold in Flintshire is a 24-bed hospital run by Cygnet Health Care for women who have severe and enduring mental illness.

The team recently held their annual Lodge Fest, this year the theme was ‘Carnvial Fun Fair’.

The activities team worked with the service users to prepare for the big day by making props and decorations including a giant bucket of popcorn, a giant chocolate bar and some giant Quality Street sweets. The team also made some big top style curtains to add to the magic of the circus.

On the day there was a bouncy castle and lots of fairground games like hook a duck, ring toss and a coconut shy. There was also a photo booth and a sweet station with a pick n mix, candy floss mocktails, a popcorn machine, BBQ and ice creams.

There were a number of guests on the day including DJ Daf from Gifted Workshops, who got everyone up on the karaoke and dancing. Antonia from Cyfle Cyrmu came to do some face painting and pet therapy dog Harry and owner Helen joined in the fun too. Harry dressed for the occasion in a homemade dickie tie. Illusionist Ian also mesmerised everyone with an incredible magic show.

Hospital Manager Jade Davies said: “It was a brilliant day and lifted everyone’s spirits. We would like to thank everyone who helped set up the carnival and dressed for the occasion. It was an absolute blast and everyone is looking forward to the next one.”

Jade said the aim of the fun day was to give service users the opportunity to participate in various leisure activities by encouraging social interaction with others.

She added: “We had wonderful feedback from our service users and to have that response is incredible.

“We know how important these events are for our service users, they bring a sense of normality and fun, and provide an opportunity for families and carers to come in and celebrate with us.

“Seeing both service users and staff take part in such a large event, it was such an amazing experience. The entire team went above and beyond to make it such a special event for the people who use services and staff at the hospital.

“The weather was on our side and the atmosphere was electric. It was a breath of fresh air to see everyone enjoying themselves together.”