Co-produced environmental changes at Cygnet Lodge Kenton

Service users and staff at Cygnet Lodge Kenton have been working hand-in-hand to make environmental changes at the service. Cygnet Lodge Kenton, in North-West London, is a high support inpatient rehabilitation (level 2) service that provides a care pathway for women who are preparing to step down and help bridge the gap between hospital stays and community living.

The service looks very much like a residential property and everyone was very keen to preserve its homely feel as a rehabilitation service whilst also making improvements and upgrades to certain areas.

The team decided very early on that it was vitally important to coproduce as many of the changes as possible with the women who use the service.

Emily Courtier, Hospital Manager for the Cygnet Health Care service explains:

“The reason we want to coproduce as much of the environment as possible, is because it fits with our ethos of “doing with people, not to people”.

“Empowered decision making and having a sense of ownership over the environment are a core part of trauma informed care and recovery.

“We consulted with the service users in Community Meetings and the People’s Council to share ideas and plans to shape the hospital environment.

“They also sat with us to while we made purchases and picked their favourite colours and designs.”

On the benefits of empowering service users to make choices about their environment, Tosin Osinowo, Ward Manager, added:

“Service users have a sense of control and autonomy in their surroundings, creating a supportive and empowering environment for everyone.”

The focus of the changes has been on creating sensory environments, initially with some small tweaks and touches such as new cushion covers, wall stickers, new furniture and softer, more adjustable lighting.

Emily said:

“There was particularly high demand for some fairy lights and our maintenance lead, Scott, went one better and lined the whole perimeter of the conservatory roof with adjustable LED strip lights. It looks so cosy and warm at night, and along with the warm uplighters in the corridors, it really helps set the tone for winding down for bed.”

On the importance of Kenton working towards a sensory informed environment, Helene Morngard, Specialist Occupational Therapist, said:

“It’s important for the service users to have their sensory needs met and the Occupational Therapy (OT) team will make sure that any sensory needs are addressed in regards to the environment. Sensory assessments will be part of the OT admission process and a sensory passport will be in place for those who needs it.”

The women at the service have made some fantastic contributions. They discussed a mural design in a community meeting and agreed upon a Tree of Life, with autumnal leaves to reflect periods of change. The mural was designed, drawn and painted by a very talented service user and she had some help from her peers with the finishing touches. The mural has gorgeous depth and detail to it and has sparked a lot of positive conversation.

One of the most recent additions is the Kenton Gallery.

Emily explains:

“We have so much creative talent amongst our service user group and it’s amazing to come in every week and see new pictures and affirmations stuck to walls, windows and bedrooms doors.

“Every Monday our OT team (Helene and Christina) run a creative group which has become a firm favourite on the therapy timetable and they often support a service user to lead the group too. Such beautiful pieces are created, so, I wanted to surprise the ladies with a gallery wall as a way to emphasise and celebrate their creativity.”

The biggest project of the year so far has been creating a new garden.

The previous decked garden had been much loved, but it was aging fast and lacked the space needed for the full range of activities the team wanted to offer. Initially they set about creating a temporary garden from an area previously used for parking, but everyone has come to love the new space so much they’ve decided to keep it as a permanent space instead.

As a result the service now has a much larger outdoor space with a sheltered seating area, planters and plenty of room for games and activities. The garden will see further development in the Spring.

Lois, Expert by Experience, said:

“Improvements to the garden have created a tranquil space, offering service users the chance to connect with nature and experience moments of calm. This collaborative approach has not only resulted in a space that truly meets the needs of our service users but also empowers them to shape their own recovery journey. It’s a powerful reminder of how meaningful change happens when we work together, listening to and learning from one another.”

Feedback on the updates has been really positive from staff, service users and visitors alike.

Anne has worked at Cygnet Lodge Kenton since 2006 as an administrator and has seen lots of changes over the years, she said:

“There have been massive changes to the environment and you can see the way it impacts the way people feel. I hear such lovely comments from the service users. It’s great that they are so involved in the progress of Kenton to make it their place and their ideas are part of everything we do.

Lois, added:

“The transformation within Cygnet Lodge Kenton this year has been amazing. The team has focused on creating a space that feels more welcoming and therapeutic. The environment feels less clinical and more supportive of recovery, while the co-produced mural and gallery wall celebrate the creativity and individuality of our service users.”

Service users have also really enjoyed being an integral part of the upgrades. One said,

“It’s been great to have the opportunity to get involved. It’s inspired.” Another added: “Being creative makes me feel fulfilled.”