Rainbow tribute to spread hope with new trail
Patients and staff at a Birmingham-based care service for women with learning disabilities have brought a splash of colour to their local community by joining the Rainbow Trail to spread hope during lockdown.
Cygnet Elms, the high dependency complex care service, has posted a huge handmade rainbow mural outside the home.
Rainbow pictures have started appearing in windows across the country, as communities try to lift spirits and keep up morale during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rainbow Trail campaign encourages families to pain and draw rainbows – and display them for other people to find.
Becky Sewell, an occupational therapist at Cygnet Elms, said the rainbow mural was just one of the activities the 10-bed unit aimed at spreading positivity. Service users have also been taking part in gym sessions, gardening, baking and have opened a tuck shop.
Ms Sewell said: "We all wanted to do something to recognise the dedication of NHS workers and people across the care sector and some of our patients came up with the idea of creating the rainbow mural so everyone outside can see it.
“It’s our way of saying how much we appreciate the wonderful messages of support that we have received as well, particularly from local shops and the families of our patients.
“We are really proud how everyone is handling the lockdown. On top of creating the rainbow artwork, one patient has been writing to people in local care homes to express her support and let them know we’re thinking of them too.
“While our service users cannot get out as much, we have been keeping busy with lots of activities, including a mini disco in the TV lounge. We are all feeling fit and healthy, so we are very lucky."
