Patients with learning disabilities share their experiences in ‘Book of Inspiration’
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHSTrust is proud to launch the ‘Book of Inspiration’. The book has been produced using inspirational quotes and art by people who use the Trust Community Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Services.
The personal and touching stories from the people who helped to create the book share their experiences, achievements, and special know-hows after using the Trust’s community learning disabilities and mental health services. They describe how supportive the service is and how it has helped them to become more independent, confident and deal with everyday anxiety. It also features their creativity showcasing how art and creative writing has been a form of support and therapy.
Psychologist, Liz Perryer supported the initial development of the book with people who attend the service and who were keen to tell their story to help others. They also wanted to help others know about the support available and what a difference it can make by accessing help. Together with Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Ashby, Lead Art Psychotherapist in the Coventry Community Learning Disabilities Team they pulled together their stories and art pieces to create this wonderful and inspirational piece of work.
Dr Liz Ashby, Lead Art Psychotherapist, at CWPT, said: “Sometimes you can feel alone navigating and dealing with life with a disability or mental health disorder. The aim of the book is to show people how little steps and the right support can nurture you to overcome everyday obstacles and achieve great things.
Amelia, who attends the service describes her experience:
“I have to deal with autism every day. I swear, get angry and upset about the way people treat me every day. I haven’t got much of a social life to help me cope with trouble and strife. Lavender keeps me calm every day. Dark chocolate gives me energy through the day.”
Another lady who uses the service describes how she enjoys being part of a drama group which integrates adults and children with and without disabilities which has helped them to build their confidence and ‘escape’ for a while. She said: “I quite like to wear different costumes to get into character. You’re not yourself anymore, you’re someone else which feels good. I’ve made more friends and get to meet my old friends too.”
You can read the first edition of the Book of Inspiration on the Trust website.
Service users and patients are keen to grow this book further with the aim of inspiring and helping others. If you or someone you know, would like to their story or experience added to the book, call the community learning disabilities team on 024 76 32 4380.
The Book of Inspiration follows on from the work the Community Learning Disabilities and Mental Health services completed in 2020, the Virtual Art Gallery.
The Community Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Service supports adults aged 18 and over. They provide a person-centred community-based service to adults with a learning disability in Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull. Each of the four teams consists of specialist nursing, psychiatry, psychology, speech and language therapy, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. Other services can be accessed depending on location, for example art therapy, music therapy or aromatherapy. For further information about the service visit the Service Directory.