Fostering recovery through activities: A Day in the Life of our Activity Worker at Primrose Lodge

Funded by the Tees Esk and Wear Valley (TEWV) rehabilitation services, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) has an Activity Worker based at Primrose Lodge. Primrose Lodge supports the recovery of inpatients with complex mental health needs.

Throughout 2024 to 2025, our Activity Worker, Kimberley, offered 115 art therapy sessions, 130 social games and 112 cooking and food prep activities to inpatients, all designed to help them in their recovery.

We recently spoke with Kimberley about her role.  Keep reading to discover how her creativity and hard work help to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those at Primrose Lodge!

Could you tell us about your role within Primrose Lodge? What does a normal day at work look like for you?

"Within my role as Activity Coordinator at Primrose Lodge, no two days are ever the same, and the activities vary from day to day and week to week.

I must think ahead by utilising the national health campaign calendar, wellness calendar, and celebration calendar to plan upcoming activities and events. Staying organised is crucial. The activities I plan are person-centred and tailored to meet the individual needs and interests of the participants. We have a weekly “People of Primrose” group, which provides an opportunity for everyone to catch up, share news, discuss upcoming events, and voice any questions or concerns. The activities I deliver can be either on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting."

Could you tell us more about the types of activities you carry out with patients, and how this supports their recovery?

"We enjoy many walks to various locations, regularly visiting Chester-Le-Street Riverside Park. Some of the unit’s activities include arts and crafts, Kimbo’s Bingo (a music bingo game that is a huge hit), therapy dog visits, cooking sessions (like Supper Club and Brunch Club), unit BBQs, baking, games, movie nights, computer games, pool tournaments, and yoga, among others.

I also organise outings off the unit, such as cinema trips, bowling, swimming, aqua aerobics, and visits to cat and dog cafés, as well as beach trips. Making referrals and connecting with external organisations such as ARCH Recovery College, Waddington Street, and St. Margaret’s is also part of my role.

Recently, we completed a bike challenge for Comic Relief, cycling the distance from Primrose Lodge to the BBC Studios in Manchester. It was possibly my favourite day at work. Everyone worked together as a team and encouraged each other, which brought the whole unit together. These challenges not only encourage social interaction and community support but also promote physical and mental well-being. Having a goal motivated the patients to keep going and not give up, and I felt immensely proud of them."

What do you like about your role, and are there any challenges?

"I genuinely love my job! Knowing that I have positively impacted someone’s day and helped them on their journey to recovery fills me with happiness. Some days are more challenging than others, and it’s not always easy to get the patients to participate. However, with my background in personal training and group fitness, I find ways to encourage and motivate them."

To find out more about Kimberley's role at PCP, please visit: www.pcp.uk.net/primrose-lodge