Mental Health Awareness Week at Amica Care
Last week we navigated through Mental Health Awareness Week, a vital annual initiative that shines a spotlight on the importance of good mental wellbeing, something we prioritise and foster throughout our beautiful family here at Amica Care. Running from the 12th to 18th May, this year’s theme was community, something we hold dear all year round.
The power of unity and togetherness is profound, and this week is a wonderful reminder of the significance of connection and support in all aspects of life. Strong communities provide a crucial sense of belonging, safety, purpose, love and importantly – care, all of which contribute to emotional resilience and overall wellbeing. From creating safe spaces, engaging activities, and community events to encouraging staff wellbeing and mental health resources, we constantly emphasise the prominence of good mental wellbeing. This last week in particular showed that, as our amazing homes showed their commitment to Mental Health Awareness with some heartwarming initiatives!
At Exmouth House, Mental Health Awareness Week was filled with moments of relaxation, connection and pure enjoyment. From thoughtful gestures to rejuvenating activities, everyone came together to celebrate wellbeing in joyous fashion. The week kicked off with a scrumptious box of Quality Street chocolates that were left out for our hardworking team, a very well-deserved treat.
The usual outdoor walks and peaceful afternoons in the garden were a reoccurring theme during the week. We were blessed with gleaming sunshine, as James, our brilliant Mental Health First Aider, and Rochelle, made the most of it. Vitamin D, fresh air and quality family time was provided in abundance, as our incredible residents and staff relished in the golden sun. Much-appreciated time in the garden was enjoyed, as the warm weather, company, and vibrant, aromatic flowers created a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for such an important period in our calendar.
The impressive Exmouth House Spa was in full swing, offering a range of luxurious treatment to all, such as foot soaks, massages, facials and hairdressing. This oasis of tranquillity provided a soothing experience, allowing our residents to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved pampering. As always, thrilling entertainment and stimulating activities were on the agenda. Physical activity plays a crucial role in mental health, and the enthralling afternoon exercise class that took place last week embodied the spirit of good wellbeing. Movement, music and smiles were a constant factor, as the infectious essence of joy and energy filled the room, providing a glorious experience.
Last week, we were also welcomed by a special visit from the remarkable Clare, who treated everyone to a fantastic musical performance. We would like to give her a huge thank you! Engaging the brain, body and emotions, music along with movement plays a powerful role in supporting mental health, helping to reduce stress whilst promoting joy and connection. When the final notes came to an end, they were met with a loving applause while excitement brewed for the afternoon ahead. Following the musical serenade, everyone enjoyed a delicious ice cream accompanied by a blissful stroll in the Devon sunshine, the perfect way to end an already superb day!
Our devoted team at Signature House in Dorchester had an equally delightful week, highlighting the significance of maintaining good mental health with some touching (and inventive) endeavours. Our wonderful Mental Health First Aider, Kate, alongside the work of our exceptional community, ensured it was a week to remember! Beginning with a charming trip to the familiar Brewery Square, we were treated to the sight of some classic cars on display, adding a twist of nostalgia and excitement. The sparkling vintage vehicles ignited conversations and memories, setting an upbeat tone for following trip to the stunning Borough Gardens. With the sun shining bright and the garden’s serene beauty glowing proudly, smiles appeared life, right and centre. It was certainly the perfect start to Mental Health Awareness Week!
In a heartwarming gesture, delicious doughnuts were left out in the staff room for our hard-working team to enjoy. This small indulgence carried out a big reminder, to take care of your mind like you take care of others, and to enjoy a well-deserved break. The recently created, Summer Staff Room, provides the ideal location for a soothing timeout, and is a testament to the flourishing creative minds throughout our community, as well as the astounding generosity we receive. We would like to give a massive thank you to the friends and relatives who have recently donated to our staff fund, as without you it would not have been possible to create such a beautiful outdoor space for the team to enjoy.
Complete with comfortable seating and refreshing beverages, the Summer Staff Room offers our team a peaceful retreat, where they can relax and recharge. Both our residents and staff were absolutely thrilled with this imaginative initiative! It is safe to say it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Mental Health Awareness week, showcasing community, creativity, the power of the outdoors, and the simple yet vital act of self-care.
Our team at The Orchards highlighted this significant week with a delightful moment of recognition and care. Alongside Mental Health First Aider, Joy, our team and residents show unwavering support, love and care on a constant basis. What better way to say thank you than with a delectable array of treats?
An irresistible spread featuring everything from yummy brownies and lollipops to the ever-popular Curly Wurlys was available to enjoy, as well as some loving tips on maintaining good mental wellbeing. Each snack was a more than just a sweet surprise, it was a reminder that amongst all the hard work, taking a moment to relax and take care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as everything else you do.
Our amazing community at The Orchards, parallel to our Amica Care family as a whole, deserve a round of heartfelt applause and recognition for their admirable dedication. Through engaging activities and moments of relaxing reflection, we ensured that everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a calming yet uplifting week, in addition to making the most of the gorgeous weather!
Our passionate team at Support Office celebrated Mental Health Week in an innovative style, with a Virtual Coffee Morning. Our Independent Living Managers joined for the ride, creating a warm atmosphere as faces began to appear on screens. Hosted online via the trusty Microsoft Teams, we gathered for a great start to the day, as friendly conversations and smiley faces filled the video call.
As the famous saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun – and that certainly applies in this situation. The 30 minutes felt like 5, as everyone enjoyed a much needed catch up during such a significant week in our calendar. Overflowing with positivity, it was immediately decided that the Virtual Coffee Morning will now be a monthly occurrence! With hybrid working being a big part of our lives, and everyone living in various locations, it is rare that we are all in the office at the same time. Consequently, it was splendid for the Virtual Coffee Morning to be organised, offering a space where we can all gather at once.
We would like to give a huge thank you to everyone in our community at Amica Care for everything you do. Your kindness and efforts truly make a difference, and it is incredible to see the unity and togetherness displayed not only during Mental Health Awareness Week, but all year round.
