Lynette Dudley on LinkedIn: Saying Goodbye: A Journey of Support and Growth in Diversional and… (2024)

🌿 Reflecting on Our Wellness Forum 🌿Our recent Wellness Forum was a fantastic opportunity to come together as an organisation to share, learn, and inspire one another. The insights and discussions were not only thought-provoking but also reinforced our commitment to fostering a culture of well-being within our teams.One of the greatest aspects of this forum was witnessing the role that diversional and recreational therapists play in promoting wellness - not just for our staff, but for the residents in our care homes as well. It's a testament to how well we integrate holistic approaches into our practices, fostering environments where individuals can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. A huge thank you to all the presenters who delivered such engaging and informative sessions. Your expertise and passion were evident and greatly appreciated by all who attended.Special thanks to Julie-Ann, Olivia, Shaun, Capetu and Chris, Manpreet and Kaveena for your invaluable contributions. Your dedication to promoting wellness and your willingness to share your knowledge have made a significant impact on our journey towards a healthier, more resilient workplace.To everyone who participated, your presence and engagement are what make these forums truly meaningful. Let’s continue to build on the momentum and apply what we’ve learned to create lasting positive changes in our daily lives.Together, we are making wellness a priority. 🌟#WellnessAtWork #TeamWellbeing #WorkplaceCulture #Gratitude #DiversionalTherapy

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Gratitude and Reflection as I Embark on a New ChapterAs I prepare to move into my next role, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I've had with some amazing people at CHT—Margaret, Sarah, Kym, Suzanne, Vernice, Fernanda, Harshpreet and Manpreet. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such dedicated, compassionate, and inspiring individuals.I will forever cherish the thoughtful words and the heartwarming gifts that you’ve given me. They are a testament to the strong bonds we’ve built and the shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we care for.Thank you for your kindness, your wisdom, and the unwavering support you’ve shown me. I am grateful to have been a part of this team, and I will carry the lessons I've learned and the friendships I've made with me into this new chapter.Here's to continuing to uplift and inspire each other, no matter where our paths may lead. 🌟

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Celebrating Cultural Connections and Culinary Delights at Our Care Home! We recently had the privilege of hosting members of the Asian community who shared their incredible traditions with us. Our residents were treated to the delightful experience of making and enjoying steamed buns while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance behind this culinary art.Our Chef Manager eagerly embraced this learning opportunity, adding a new skill to their repertoire. It was a beautiful example of how food can bring people together, transcending generations and backgrounds.This activity was particularly meaningful as it combined sensory and cognitive benefits, engaging our residents in a holistic experience. The hands-on nature of making steamed buns stimulated the senses, while the cultural exchange and learning process enhanced cognitive function. Beyond the enjoyment, this activity offered multiple therapeutic benefits, including mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and social interaction. It’s a testament to the incredible work of our Diversional and Recreational Therapy team, who continuously strive to create activities that are not just enjoyable but deeply enriching.Grateful to everyone who made this possible and to our community members for sharing their time, knowledge, and joy with us!#DiversionalTherapy #RecreationalTherapy #CulturalDiversity #AgedCare #TherapeuticBenefits #CommunityEngagement #WellBeing

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Celebrating International Leaders in Diversional and Recreational TherapyIn the ever-evolving landscape of Diversional and Recreational Therapy (DRT), knowledge sharing across borders is more critical than ever. It’s through the collaborative efforts of global leaders that we continue to push the boundaries of therapeutic recreation, ensuring that our practices remain innovative, inclusive, and impactful.Last week, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the most inspiring minds in our field. Their insights and experiences from different corners of the world have not only broadened my perspective but also reaffirmed the vital role of shared knowledge in driving our profession forward. Together, we are:- Fostering Innovation: By exchanging ideas and best practices, we’re able to develop new and creative approaches that cater to the diverse needs of those we serve.- Promoting Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the cultural nuances in therapeutic recreation allows us to create more meaningful and person-centered experiences for our clients.- Building Stronger Networks: International collaborations are strengthening our global community, providing us with the support and resources needed to overcome challenges and celebrate successes.- Advancing Evidence-Based Practice: Through shared research and data, we are solidifying the scientific foundations of DRT, ensuring our interventions are both effective and recognised within the broader healthcare landscape.To all the leaders and colleagues contributing to this vibrant exchange of knowledge—thank you. Your dedication to the profession is truly inspiring, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth together. Let’s keep the conversation going! 💬#DiversionalTherapy #RecreationalTherapy #GlobalLeadership #KnowledgeSharing #TherapeuticRecreation #InnovationInHealthcare

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Celebrating Success in Diversional and Recreational TherapyI am thrilled to announce that our dedicated apprentices have successfully achieved their qualifications and are now Registered Diversional and Recreational Therapists (DRTh). This significant milestone not only marks the culmination of their hard work and commitment but also strengthens the healthcare landscape in New Zealand.Registered DRThs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals in care, bringing therapeutic value to their day-to-day experiences. Their work is grounded in evidence-based practice, ensuring that every activity is meaningful and tailored to the needs and preferences of those they support.The registration of new DRThs is particularly relevant in today’s healthcare environment, as it informs best practices across diverse settings—from aged care to mental health services. As our population ages, the demand for skilled professionals in diversional and recreational therapy will only grow. These newly registered professionals are equipped to meet this demand, contributing to a more holistic approach to care that values not just physical health, but emotional and social well-being.Congratulations to all the newly registered DRThs—your journey is just beginning, and your impact will be profound. Here’s to making a difference, one meaningful activity at a time!#DiversionalTherapy #Healthcare #NewZealand #ProfessionalGrowth #QualityOfLife #TherapeuticRecreation

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Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Our Care HomesAt CHT Hillsborough, we recognise and embrace the richness that cultural diversity brings to our care homes. With a diverse team of staff and residents, we celebrate the unique perspectives, traditions, and experiences that each individual contributes to our community.As a Diversional and Recreational Therapist, I see firsthand the positive impact that cultural diversity has on the well-being and engagement of our residents. By incorporating culturally responsive activities and programs, we create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging for everyone. These efforts are essential in ensuring that our care homes are inclusive environments where every resident feels valued and respected.A special shout-out to Manpreet, our exceptional Activity Coordinator, who did an outstanding job in arranging the cultural diversity celebration. Manpreet continuously demonstrates her dedication by maintaining strong community links and empowering the older adults in our care home. Her efforts ensure that our residents stay connected with the wider community and experience the joy and vibrancy of cultural exchanges.We also extend a huge thank you to the community members who volunteered their time and talent to perform during the celebration. Your contributions brought joy and enriched the lives of our residents in meaningful ways.We had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Candice McMullen, Professor in Therapeutic Recreation at St. Lawrence College, Canada, to our care home. Candice's expertise and passion for therapeutic recreation were truly inspiring, and her insights will undoubtedly enhance our approach to diversional and recreational therapy.I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Candice in the future and to learn more about the innovative practices in Canadian recreational therapy. Together, we can continue to elevate the quality of life for our residents through culturally sensitive and evidence-based practices.Thank you, Candice, for sharing your knowledge with our team at CHT Hillsborough. Your contribution has left a lasting impact, and we look forward to future collaborations!#CulturalDiversity #RecreationalTherapy #TherapeuticRecreation #AgedCare #CHTHillsborough #Collaboration #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #CommunityEngagement

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