All Aboard!
Drymmau Hall is an integral part of the local community, and we aim to offer those in our care the rich and rewarding activities that nurture personal growth in meaningful ways through interactions with that wider world. To this end, we bring a wealth of experiences in to the people we care for at Drymmau Hall (linking them with local schools, churches, choirs etc.) and make sure we take our people out into the world to connect with things that interest and stimulate them.
To enable our people to connect with the outside world we have our very own Drymmau Hall community minibus. It is often to be seen out and about in the area, easily recognisable with our new colourful logo of two oak leaves encapsulating nature, the outdoors, and growth which are at the heart of our ethos here at Drymmau Hall.
Of course, our minibus has a functional aspect, often taking our residents to hospital appointments etc. but is does so much more by ensuring our people have regular access to the fun experiences and treats that are so vital for their health and wellbeing.
One such example is our recent summer outing to Aberavon Beach, not far from us here in Skewen. On a lovely fine day on 2nd July, Drymmau Hall owner Tim was at the wheel of the minibus, with Leila, our designated activities coordinator at Drymmau Hall alongside, to take four of our residents for a couple of hours to the seaside.
We ensure that our people are safe and secure in the minibus and that the ratio of our staff to residents is appropriate for the specific needs of those people – needs are diverse specifically catered for.
One of the four people onboard was ‘J’, a wheelchair user, another was ‘M’ who is currently with us for respite having recently undergone very challenging times at home which have had a negative effect on his mental health and wellbeing. Also on board was ‘K’, one of our residents who readily admits he too, has ‘ups and downs’ with his mental health and relishes a day out in the sunshine and fresh air. Another ‘J’ was of course on the trip, not one to miss an expedition into the outdoors, and with her was her longstanding companion, her four-legged companion, Quentin, also a resident here with us. All were looking to a change of scenery.
As the saying goes, ‘a good time was had by all’ on our trip to the seaside – walking along the promenade and stopping for a cup of tea or coffee and a cake or an ice-cream. It’s activities like this that do so much for the spirit and the soul and prove to our residents that they are part of the world outside. It is also a great opportunity for them all to bond, and have a good chat, and perhaps share and solve their worries together.
The feedback from the four says it all and goes to show how valuable getting out and about is.
“Thoroughly enjoyable, it was a lovely morning out.” (‘K’)
“The highlight for me was watching Quentin eat his doggy ice cream,' (‘J’)
“I’m still feeling the effects of long Covid, so it's always a worry about how far I might have to walk, but breathing the sea air and being by the sea was perfect” (‘M’)
All four were home safely in time for their lunch and for the minibus to be made ready for another trip for another group to visit The Range superstore that afternoon.
The minibus at Drymmau Hall, is not just a vehicle, but a symbol that we and our residents are an active part of the Skewen and Swansea community.