A Holistic Approach to Recovery

Activities include:

• Dance, yoga, and movement therapy – to promote body awareness and emotional regulation
• Art, crafts, and drama – to encourage self-expression and creativity
• Games and movies – to foster social interaction and relaxation
• Social outings, such as eating out, to build resilience and prepare for real-life family and community experiences post-discharge

These experiences help patients develop coping strategies, rebuild social confidence, and rediscover enjoyment outside of the illness. Every activity is thoughtfully integrated into the therapeutic journey, supporting recovery in a safe, structured, and empowering way.

Hobbies and Therapeutic Leisure at Ellern Mede

At Ellern Mede, we recognise the importance of personal interests and leisure activities in supporting emotional wellbeing and recovery. People are encouraged to continue with hobbies that bring them comfort, joy, and a sense of identity, whether that’s arts and crafts, knitting, sewing, or outdoor pursuits.

Our staff actively support patients to access local facilities, such as stables for horse riding, and can arrange dance, yoga, and gardening groups tailored to individual preferences and recovery goals. These activities are introduced at a pace that suits each young person, helping them reconnect with their strengths and build confidence in a safe, structured way.

For those with pet dogs, family visits in the hospital gardens can be arranged, offering a meaningful connection and emotional boost during treatment.

Social Eating and Snack Programmes

Social eating is a key part of recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating, helping patients apply their meal plans in real-world settings. Our dietetics team and activity coordinators guide weekly outings to community restaurants or cafés, where patients practice interpreting their meal plans, navigating social situations, and building resilience for family life post-discharge.

For patients who are not yet ready for full social eating experiences, we offer a Social Snack programme, a gentle, structured step toward community integration. Patients can enjoy a packed lunch or snack picnic-style in a local park, accompanied by staff, allowing them to begin engaging with food outside the hospital in a supportive and low-pressure environment.

These programmes are designed to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and prepare young people for successful reintegration into everyday life.

Therapeutic Education and Enrichment at Ellern Mede

School Time: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

All children and young people receiving care at Ellern Mede are entitled to a full school education, which is provided through Ellern Mede School in London. This education is separately funded, typically by Local Authorities, and occasionally by parents, and is delivered by a team of dedicated, specialist tutors.

Education at Ellern Mede is not only academic, it is therapeutic, designed to acknowledge and support special learning needs within a nurturing and structured environment. Most inpatients attend the full school day, and those who have left school but remain in further education (such as college) can also participate, receiving bespoke support tailored to their curriculum and emotional readiness.

Pets as Therapy

We offer Pet Therapy for patients who benefit from animal-assisted emotional support. Our therapy dogs are a much-loved part of the Ellern Mede community, providing comfort, companionship, and opportunities for play and gentle exercise. We also welcome external therapy animals, including visits from petting zoos, which offer enriching sensory experiences and joyful interaction.

For patients with pet dogs at home, family visits in the hospital gardens can be arranged, allowing for meaningful reconnection and emotional grounding during treatment.

School Break Activity Programmes

During school holidays, we ensure that the school day is replaced with a programme of fun, therapeutic, and socially engaging activities. These experiences help patients practice the skills they’ve developed in hospital in more independent, community-based settings.

Planned summer events include:

• Social outings to local attractions
• Visits from a petting zoo
• A summer art programme to encourage creativity and self-expression
• Weekly drama workshops to build confidence and communication
• Barbecues and outdoor games to foster social connection and enjoyment

These activities are thoughtfully curated to support holistic development, promote emotional wellbeing, and prepare young people for life beyond inpatient care.