I’m Vicki and I’m a patient at Cygnet Elms. I have been at Cygnet Elms for 2 and a half years and previously was at Cygnet Acer Clinic for 2 years.
I became part of the National Lived Experience Awards in 2022 when I performed my poem “Diagnoses”, then joined the Events Team for the 2023 and 2024 awards. I also won an award in 2023 for my Makaton teaching.
The awards are important because they provide an opportunity to share success stories and be inspired by all of the nominees.
As part of the Events Team we decided on themes, food, and entertainment. I also will be performing my poem again this year.
I benefited from being part of the Events Team because it gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to share my views and my interests.
Having my voice heard is important because I feel like I am part of a team and I get to work with Flo (both years) and Charlene this year.
I’m most looking forward to experiencing Doncaster Racecourse and the inspirational stories.
And I’d like to share with you
About how I became on the Events Team
And how I came to do the things I do.
I am a patient at Cygnet Elms
A hospital in Brum
The best hospital I’ve been in
Since my illnesses begun.
In 2022, I first attended
The National Service User Awards
I did my poem called “Diagnoses”
And my popularity soared.
In 2023 I joined the Events Team
Accompanying my friend Flo
My artwork was used for the passes
And we made signs on each table to go.
I was also very blessed last year
As I won an award myself
For my teaching of Makaton to my peers and staff
And it’s proudly sat on my bedroom shelf.
I love coming to the National Lived Experience Awards
To hear all the stories and inspiration
So many of them having arisen from
Excellence and dedication.
I love to hear all of the successes
And the entertainment too
It’s always such a pleasure
To do what we do.
Being on the Events Team
Gives me a chance to have a voice
And suggest ideas and agendas
For which I have a choice.
We make decisions on dress codes
On entertainment, and food as well
And every team is different
As our experience can tell.
This year we are at the Racecourse
A venue of which I’ve never been
And I’m so proud to be a part
Of the National Lived Experience team.
I can’t wait to hear the stories
Of successes and dreams come true
And that is why I love being part
In all we have to do.
This year again, I worked with Flo
And this year Charlene too
These, my fellow patients and friends
And we are just a few!
The Events Team are a lovely group
Of patients and peers
All working so hard
As Events Team volunteers.
So as I draw this blog to a close
I wish you all the best
After working hard to make these awards happen
It is soon our time to rest.
But one last thing before I go
I’d like to say to the crew
A massive applause of appreciation
For each one of you.