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Carol’s Column | |
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Since my last missive we have visited RHS Wisley several times, especially with the photography group joining us. This has produced some excellent results in terms of therapy goals achieved. One patient I work with is physically injured coupled with PTSD and hypervigilance and on his first visit to a very busy Wisley had a great time with his camera. The crowds were not a concern to him, he was laughing, joking and able to spend some time independently walking the grounds without us. His photographs are going to be part of an exhibition at Headley Court.
The RHS have been great supporters and it only takes an email to arrange our visits which are beginning to be a regular feature.
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We have made our first batch of sweet chilli sauce and it has not lasted a week! My patient confessed this morning, the bottle we made on Tuesday this week is very nearly finished. I did warn him it can be addictive. So I guess we will be making rather a lot more. Making chutney is also a regular request and no doubt the ‘Big Pan’ will be working overtime in the coming weeks. Preserving is a great thing for patients to try. It is excellent for standing tolerance, manual dexterity, mindfulness and calming – at the end of the session something delicious to eat, what’s not to like? The orchard will be quaking as we forage for fruit for our next preserving session.
I am very happy to report two of my patients after long rehab journeys have returned to their Units. This is not often the case so when it happens it is something to really celebrate. Well done lads, your hard work and determination has paid dividends. To be part of that journey has been a great privilege.
Also in the ‘brilliant news’ column is regarding a patient travelling to South Africa with the charity Tusk to help with Vulture conservation. He never imagined this would be possible when he had a conversation with Anna and myself earlier in the year. He had no idea that Anna would make this happen for him and she has. By the time you read this he will be in South Africa achieving his dream and I am so excited for him! He hopes to be a pathfinder and encourage other injured personnel and veterans to get involved. I look forward to hearing all about his experience on his return.
So what’s next? Grafting apple tree master classes, more basket weaving, visits to Wisley, developing ‘Home Thoughts’, dedicated vocational sessions and encouraging more patients to engage with HighGround especially regarding the Rural Weeks which have proved to be so successful.
My story to end this newsletter comes from a patient this morning as he was digging potatoes on his prosthetic legs – “This is brilliant, oh yes!!!!” he exclaimed “I am going to do this at home, potatoes everywhere!” and he went on to say it was really depressing coming to the greenhouse etc before HighGround got involved and now it is fantastic. Straight from the horses’ mouth, praise indeed.
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Unsubscribe: If you do not want to be contacted by HighGround in the future please unsubscribe here.
Charity Reg No: 1151225. Limited Company No: 8236843 |
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