For the first time, Metro South Health (MSH) is offering a dedicated student placement in leisure therapy, cementing the future of this vital mental health service.
Ward 2C at Logan Hospital is leading the way in this exciting new chapter, recently welcoming Abena Nuako to the role.
Abena said she her role involved working closely with mental health consumers develop positive leisure habits that supported their long-term wellbeing.
“My experience so far has been very eye-opening and it allows me to learn while making a real impact on the lives of the consumers,” Abena said.
“What I love about leisure therapy is that it motivates patients to think beyond their treatment.
“Leisure is fun, but it’s also therapeutic and empowering. It helps people rediscover themselves and build positive routines that they can continue long after they leave the hospital.”
Abena’s supervisor, Senior Leisure Therapist Leah Dufficy, was instrumental in securing a student placement position within her team.
She said by offering this placement, MSH Addiction and Mental Health Services (AMHS) was investing in the future of leisure therapy, ensuring that this service remained a core component of mental health care.
Leah explained that leisure therapy was about laying the groundwork for long-term wellness focused on providing consumers with meaningful, enjoyable activities that aided their recovery and boosted their mental wellbeing.
“We build different relationships with the patients because we get to do the fun stuff. It’s a different connection from the medical side of care,” Leah said.
Leah said she believed having leisure therapy students on board would continue to improve patient care.
“Abena’s work has been well received by patients, with some referring to her as an “angel” on the ward.”
As Abena continues her six-month placement, she said she was excited to implement more leisure activities and help shape the future of mental health care at Logan Hospital.
“I have great goals for the next few months. I’m just getting started,” she said with a smile.