Patients at Cygnet Hospital Colchester enjoy summer fete

Cygnet Hospital Colchester, which is on Boxted Road is a 54-bed service run by Cygnet Health Care.

The hospital provides a range of intensive support and rehabilitation services for men with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or mental health needs.

It held its summer fete last week and patients were encouraged to have a stall.

The hospital hosted a variety of activities throughout the day, including; skittles, hoopla and Soak the Manager.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Patients from the acute ward, Highwoods, made bracelets whilst intensive support wards Oak and Larch Court had a “Beat the Goalie” stall.

Ramsey Unit, the high dependency rehabilitation unit, had a Giant Jenga competition to try to beat the World Record for the number of levels achieved.

Hospital Manager Lynn McGhee said: “We had a fantastic BBQ lunch provided by the kitchen staff, and various cakes that people had baked and brought to share for the event. There was also freshly popped popcorn and an ice cream van.

“We had bean bag toss, coconut shy, guess the weight of the cake, guess the name of the teddy and guess how many sweets in the jar.

"The grand finale was Soak the Manager, where patients and staff got a chance to trigger the bucket to tip over the manager. I think this and the food were probably the most popular parts of the day.

Games - Soak the Manager was a popular activity (Image: Cygnet Health)

“There was a wonderful display of balloons and bubbles and our staff kept us entertained with lots of fabulous music playing in the background.

“Holding events like these is really great for the morale of everyone at the hospital. Patients and staff get to work together to plan and run the event, and everyone is able to have fun together, which helps break down barriers.”