THE ST. JAMES' JOURNAL

Behind the Scenes
 
Entering Brunel Villa one evening, a pleasant sound came drifting along the corridor, the sound of male and female laughter. At first one thought that it was coming from the radio or television, but no! This was real laughter, people were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
 
Going into the dining room, one was met by a fantastic sight, male and female patients playing Bingo, and during a break in the game another patient entertaining by story telling. It was a happy picture. Here was a group of patients, some old, some young; but everyone was laughing or smiling, not a sign of depression or unhappiness. A group of patients enjoying themselves and the evening arranged by the patients themselves. One looked for the staff but they were helping with the refreshments. They were away from the main party, but near at hand to give help if required.
 
This is their own social club, run by the patients themselves. Outings are arranged and paid for by the patients with advice from the ward staff when necessary.
 
Patients help each other back to their respective wards at the end of the meeting and those left behind in the Villa tidy up, leaving the room ready for next day. Few people who attend parties think of the back-room people who do the work, but here is a group who help themselves and each other. Unfortunately, today so many are not willing to help, the cry is 'What do we get out of it?' There is a true saying that 'Living is not what one takes out of life, but what one puts into it'.
 
So to the Patients' Social Clubs in the Hospital we say good luck, carry on, keep up the good work; because good work it is. There will be difficulties but carry on.
A. G. B.
 
Spring 1967
 

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