A simple idea designed to promote wellness has become an incredibly beneficial activity for mental health consumers at the Coorparoo Community Care Unit (CCU).
Sharon Bamforth started the initiative earlier this year which sparked from a personal passion.
“I know how much I gain out of going for hikes and taking photos, and I thought why not see if our consumers would be interested in doing the same,” she said.
“We have a big focus on health and exercise here, so I just made the suggestion we get out and about to chase sunsets while also adding in the fun activity of taking pictures and creating a photography competition.”
The CCU is an accommodation facility for adult mental health consumers who are in recovery but require additional support and life skills to successfully transition to independent community living.
Consumers snapped up the concept from the beginning and have already visited scenic sites such as New Farm Park, Kangaroo Point, Southbank, and Mount Gravatt Lookout.
Sharon said it’s become so much more than just a wellness walk.
“The afternoons open-up discussions and we’re having conversations we wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s also an opportunity to get to know everyone better,” she said.
“One of our residents couldn’t come because of their schedule so I encouraged them to go walking themselves and take sunset photos, which they promised me they’d do.
“I just caught up with them and they’ve got these magnificent photos they’d taken while walking with a family member in the local area. We’re now taking it one step further and editing the photos.
“I’m so proud of everyone for engaging in this activity. To see the personal gains made while creating these positive connections to health and wellness is just fantastic.”
It’s also been incredibly rewarding for Sharon who has been at Metro South Health since 1985, working in the acute inpatient setting for decades before transitioning to her current role in community.
“I just really love what I do,” she said.
Well done to Sharon and everyone at Coorparoo CCU for brightening the lives of our consumers, one sunset at a time.