#CelebratingSocialCare: creativity and generosity within the care community

Throughout April we’re #CelebratingSocialCare and all the great work happening across the sector. We asked you to send in your good news stories and we’ll be sharing these throughout the month. In this article we’ll be hearing about some creative and charitable activities from providers across the country.

Alternative Futures Group builds homes for furry friends

Health and social care charity Alternative Futures Group has welcomed two bunny rabbits to their Bolton mental health facility thanks to the creative efforts of two residents.

John and Andy have been hard at work during their recovery at Alternative Future Group’s Oak Lodge hospital, making regular visits to their local Men’s Shed Association workshops to learn woodworking skills.

The pair have worked together to build a rabbit hutch, meaning the charity have been pleased to welcome two dwarf lionhead rabbits as their most recent additions.

Building the hutch has helped John and Andy learn a variety of new skills, bolstered their confidence and provided a great sense of satisfaction for having provided a home for the rabbits.

All Oak Lodge patients are now involved in the animal’s daily care, providing them with a sense of responsibility that will prepare them for successful discharge. The rabbits will also contribute to improved wellbeing by providing valuable pet therapy to John, Andy and other patients.

Jenny, Mental Health Nurse, Alternative Futures Group said:

Stepping up for a cause: ISL Macclesfield completes two million steps to raise money for Silklife Foodbank

Staff and clients at ISL Macclesfield supported living services have successfully completed a two million step challenge to raise money for a local foodbank.

The group raised £250 by walking a total of 2,028,261 steps within the month of February. Proceeds from the effort were donated to Silklife Foodbank, an organisation that supports clients with nutritional food in times of need and encourages healthy dietary choices.

The challenge involved clients and ISL staff performing regular walks in all weather conditions around their local area, at an athletic track or in the gym. Clients were able to visit new locations and walk in a variety of interesting settings, such as Macclesfield Forest.

Community relationships have improved as a result of the challenge, with clients stating they felt a strong sense of purpose having supported a local charity. Health and wellbeing outcomes have also improved due to the regular activity; many client family members have been inspired to walk more in an effort to improve their health.

Tim Medwell, Service Manager, ISL Macclesfield said:

Granville House residents mark the first day of spring with a colourful sensory walk

Throughout winter, those receiving support at Granville House, Rugby, have been putting their creative skills to use by handcrafting colourful paper lanterns.

On 1 March, these lanterns were lit and a sensory walk was conducted that included music, disco lights and glow sticks for those receiving support to enjoy.

The event was a pleasant and colourful way to celebrate the first day of spring for staff and residents.

Oxford community art class engages attendees with creative activities

A weekly community arts and crafts class in Oxfordshire has adopted pancake flipping as its latest activity. The free event, which takes place in Uffington and is funded by home care company Walfinch Oxford, is open to anyone in the community as a safe space to enjoy crafts, activities and refreshments.

Pancake flipping is a unique way of engaging participants, particularly those living with dementia and brain injury.

Kam Gill, Registered Manager, Walfinch Oxford said:

Bill, participant, said:

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