Last week, homes across the Excelcare group took part in Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), to help spread the word about the importance of maintaining mental health.
Cambridge-based care homes, Etheldred House and Hunters Down decided to collaborate and work on a project together inspired by this year’s theme, nature.
Being closer to nature has been proven to have a positive effect on a person’s mental health and helps to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Many residents across both of these homes have enjoyed gardening throughout their lives, so being close to nature is something they are all familiar with.
During MHAW, the residents of Etheldred House and Hunters Down discussed what project they would like to do, that not only gets them closer to nature but also helps to do their bit for the environment too. Together, after doing some research, they decided to take part in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) campaign called, Action for Insects. The WWF have said, ‘we are witnessing the largest extinction event on earth since the dinosaurs. Insects are dying out up to 8 faster than larger animals and 41% of insect species face extinction.’
After hearing this, both homes were keen to do what they could to help with the conservation of insects. So in the coming weeks, they will be building a bug hotel, where insects can live undisturbed and build habitats for themselves. Before they do this, they are joining a call with Gary White who is a keen conservationist, the get some more information and tips for building their ‘bug hub’.
Everyone is looking forward to learning more about conservation, building their own bug hubs and reaping the positive benefits it provides to their wellbeing. If this project is successful, homes across the region will also take part and each build their own bug hotels.