Celebration at Littlehampton care complex

Deepdene Court, in St Catherine’s Road, welcomed visitors to its two “wings”, Fieldings and St Catherine’.

There was a special cake and party food for residents and visitors to enjoy, as staff worked to achieve the day’s twin aims of raising greater awareness of the issues surrounding mental health, and counter-acting the stigma and discrimination often experienced by those living with mental health.

Steve Brooks, manager of Deepdene Court, said: “We wanted to give people who perhaps wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to meet people with mental health problems, and to learn more.

“We have had a few people come in off the street to have a look round, and a police community support officer we already know came with a couple of colleagues – for me, the highlight of the day was when one of our residents was trying on a police hat and having fun with the officers.”

Some of the 22 residents of St Catherine’s, which provides nursing care for residents in transition from longer-term care to prepare them for life in the community, helped to bake the treats for the day.

And some of Fielding’s 22 long-term residents also spent time enjoying the activities on the day, including special aromatherapy sessions.