Support for emergency services during pandemic.
Patients and staff at Cygnet Elms have brought a splash of colour to their local community by joining the Rainbow Trail to spread hope during the lockdown.
The high dependency complex care service for women with learning disabilities in Streetly Road, Birmingham, has posted a huge hand-made rainbow mural outside the home, bringing smiles to local residents and passers-by.
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, now a global phenomenon, encourages families to paint and draw 
Becky Sewell, an Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Elms, said the rainbow mural was just one of the activities at the 10-bed unit aimed at spreading positivity during the coronavirus lockdown. Service users have also been taking part in gym sessions, gardening and baking and have opened a tuck shop.
“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,” said Becky. “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.”
Describing how the unit is coping with the current crisis, Becky added: “We’re 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.”
One of the biggest challenges during the lockdown is losing the regular family visits to the unit, said Riccardo Brade, an occupational therapist. “Most patients have mobiles, but being able to see their family and friends is very important,” said Riccardo. “It’s tough on everyone not being able to see each other. One of the ways we are helping is to organise Skype calls and it’s working well.”
Cygnet Elms has a team of forty, from psychologists to chefs, speech and language therapists, nurses and support workers. The unit is rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.