Publish date: 18 September 2023
Service users, staff and guests came together for a brilliantly well attended and fun marquee event in Whalley on Friday.
As the site retracts, this was a moment to share the very best that the learning disability service there has to offer, with dance, games, fun and some of the biggest smiles in the Ribble Valley. Former colleagues returned, including the Mayor, alongside Whalley community leaders and some of our new colleagues from Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS.
Set inside a big marquee on the Circle, and with games and stalls ranged outside, the day gave time to reflect and share the spirit of the site.
Head of Service Julia Musker thanked all attendees and service users made their passion about great care heard loud and clear. Guests received a history booklet about the hospital from its time as receiving soldiers from the Battle of the Somme onwards, a limited-edition silver coin depicting the hospital and also tokens for free ice cream and candy floss.
The event was devised by Tracy Collard, Service User and Carer Engagement lead, who was so delighted that some of the site’s most vulnerable and complex service users were able to attend, with their families, in ways that would not have been possible when they first came to Whalley.
There was a signed musical sequence from service users which was very moving as well as a lively exercise session from guests Dance Syndrome. Christy Ryder, the Trust Events Manager, organised the day and John Rowbotham, communications manager, provided music. Herbstones Restaurant, as ever, provided a fine and varied range of food which was really well received.
A special shout out to the service user who helped pop the spare balloons at the end (under supervision) and said that was the best bit of the day!