Karaoke Machine, Yewdale, West Cumberland

In 2024, Yewdale, one of our inpatient units based at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, used money from the Yewdale fund to purchase a karaoke machine to support social engagement for patients.

Yewdale service is for men and women with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis, who require a stay in hospital. It has 16 beds providing assessment and treatment by a multi-disciplinary team.

With money raised by donors for the Yewdale’s fund, the unit have been able to replace a faulty karaoke machine with a new portable, Bluetooth system. The old machine was causing disappointment across the ward, and the purchase of a new machine has been greatly received within the service, enabling many group activities.  Patients and staff have used the resource to support enjoyable group activities, supporting social participation and engagement in valued leisure activities.

It’s been shown to boost social inclusion, confidence and provide humour and entertainment.  – Hannah Lund, Clinical Manager.