A wonderland of wellbeing in a secure mental health setting
Staff and service users at Chadwick Lodge, one of our secure mental health units recently came together for a magical Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party at the unit.
The event was part of our ongoing efforts to support patient wellbeing through creative and meaningful activities.
The Silver lining café area was transformed with colourful decorations and themed touches that brought the story to life. One of the highlights was a fantastic cake made by Lauren, one of the peer support workers. It looked like something straight out of the Mad Hatter’s tea table—complete with a pocket watch, playing cards, and even a pair of white rabbit ears on top. The cake added a lovely bit of magic to the day and became a real talking point.
Service users were encouraged to invite their adult loved ones to join them for tea. This made the afternoon more special, providing a chance for them to spend time together in a relaxed setting, share a laugh, and enjoy something positive within the unit.
Staff worked collaboratively to ensure the event was inclusive and uplifting. Activities were designed to promote self-expression, social interaction, and recovery-focused engagement. The tea party is a great example of how creative, patient-led initiatives can support emotional wellbeing and strengthen therapeutic relationships.
One service user reflected, “the event was amazing and the whole of Jordan ward enjoyed being off the ward for lunch with other wards.
Another noted that “Avon ward enjoyed making the decorations.”
Events like these remind us that recovery is not just clinical. Creating moments of joy, connection, and hope are essential to everyday life in the unit.
Oct 2025
