Below are links to volunteer blogs  Below are examples written by former volunteers on the impact club has on a group or an individual. Club session A major part of VfMH’s work is the provision an environment that in many ways is different from the wards (more space, calmer, non-medical, a community space, opportunity for relaxation and stimulation). The activities offered in the club include reading (news or books), listening to the radio, writing letters, playing games, exercising, using cosmetic products, various art works, socialising, learning some English and accessing emotional support. These activities are highly valued to patients. In the club, volunteers and co-ordinator aim to create an environment where patients get to feel valued and access adequate support in order to cope with everyday life in the hospital, difficulties or illnesses. Patients practice daily living skills (with some patients needing support with things such as hygiene (getting dressed toileting, washing), mobility or eating. They get the chance to improve individual autonomy / decision making in a safe and supportive environment as well as experiencing responsibility for their own actions (with volunteers guiding behaviour through “club rules” around violence, alcohol. smoking and etc). Through the various club activities patients can explore creativity, interests, social and practical skills, motor skills. My belief is that a general outcome from club activities is a strengthened sense of identity (as activities strive to decrease institutionalised behaviour and apply person-centred approaches where individual characteristics and needs are acknowledged)
Finally, the club programme induce continuity and structure to the weeks of patients and a stronger link to the world outside is achieved through newspapers, radio and opportunity to contact relatives and friends through letters. In terms of group activities the club is important in offering a social environment where patients can participate in activities such as board or ball games, music, art projects. These activities help in creating a sense of belonging where individual patients get to feel that they are part of a group. It also facilitates development of supportive skills and recognition of needs in other patients. Patients get to practice teamwork and respect by following instructions and respecting club rules. Final thought: for female patients ”make up sessions” have proved popular. Apart from it being a fun activity another reason for this could be that patients experience an important re-connection or recognition of themselves though the investment in their looks and the access to mirrors (which they have few chances to do in the wards). Marika Lahti (Volunteer 2009) Individual In terms of individuals I think of one particular lady from the Upper Ward who we first came into contact with only during our ward rounds. Although old photos showed she had previously attended the club, she was not on the lists at the time myself and Mary started. Indeed when we were doing the ward rounds we often heard her wailing and it was difficult for staff to to manage her agitation. However as the weeks wore on we started to build a rapport with this lady and were able (fairly unobtrusively) to include her with other groups who came down to the club or went to sit outside. In a short space of time this lady showed marked improvement, engaged in a much brighter way with other patients and ourselves (despite never formally appearing on 'the list') and we noticed for the first time during our stay was allowed to join the other patients outside in the morning in the small yard. On my return at Christmas time I was delighted to find that this lady was barely recognisable from the early part of the summer, she was very much a part of the group and took great delight in helping dress what passed for a Christmas tree in the club and joining in with singing some Romanian carols (colode de craciun?). Whilst I'm sure a lot is down to medical factors, I would also think that her experiences in the club and perhaps as importantly outside the hospital building were of great benefit with her progress. I am hoping that this will develop further under the present volunteers and may one day allow this lady to return home and see her two young children again.
Group As far as groups are concerned, we had one particular group on a Tuesday afternoon from the Lower Ladies Ward who initially took a lot of cajoling into any semblance of interest in the activities of the club but after Mary introduced them to the delights of throwing a ball around came to life and seemed to bond extremely well during the time we were in Tarnaveni. Initially Mary very much directed this activity whilst I would tend to play table tennis with one or two of the more able members of the group. However, as time went on the group who played ball developed their own momentum and again, despite some identified risks of absconding, were able to play outside in the warm weather with a fairly minimal supervision. This meant we were able, with the approval of the group and, indeed, to their delight, to take some photographs both for the club album and for the individuals themselves. At the same time the individuals I had played table tennis with were able to participate in a wider range of activities, including arts and crafts and planting and tending flower bulbs. By the time we left I felt this group had grown considerably and were much more confident and capable than previously.
Scott Harvie (Volunteer 2010)
Work within the Club There are several types of therapy that occur in the Club but it may be useful to focus on one individual and one group.
One Individual By enabling one staff member to focus on this young man with suspected learning difficulties, possibly also on the autistic spectrum, we saw some progress. With little or no history, it was working ‘blind’ but we noticed he responded to observing and copying tasks. Therefore, the one-to-one work was started with simple puzzles and lego type building. Copious praise, both verbally and by clapping, was given for any tentative attempts at the tasks. All the team noticed that his body language changed from cowering to more upright, and occasional eye contact was given. By working with him constantly, one hour a week, he managed to achieve and sustain learning. The sixth session was very noticeable in my memory because he started the puzzle on his own (pieces were on the table ready), without waiting for the staff member to join him. It was felt that by coming to the Club and having individual attention, this young man was becoming interested in his surroundings and enjoying the time away from the ward environment.
One Group Within the club there is always an attempt to have a group project. Several results can been seen on the walls. To give an idea of the therapeutic value of these projects, one is outlined below: A womens’ group which had proved difficult to move away from their established ‘routine’ when they attended the club, where given the opportunity to participate in making a summer scene. This included collage-type pictures, drawing and pasting. The six women were of different abilities and the team worked with the less able. It was interesting to see that because there were different activities, but a common aim, all wanted to achieve. Some of the women did not like making a ‘mess’ or getting their hands sticky but once they realised all could be cleared up without a fuss, they began to enjoy the activity. Ever produced piece of work was added to the scene, usually by the participant after the teams encouragement. The scene was put up for everyone to see. The team felt the group became more sociable towards each other, and there was certainly more smiles and laughter! A learning point was to have a project that can be completed and displayed quickly, otherwise the group become fed-up and disgruntled – it becomes a task not a pleasure. Mary Motteram (Volunteer 2010) |
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