Feathered friends move into Essex care home as residents celebrate cash pot of £10,000 for a year of creativity.

Our inspirational project tackling loneliness among older people and those living with dementia has moved into a care setting in Harlow.

We've teamed up with Tye Green Lodge to bring its award-winning HenPower project to residents and staff.

Residents in their 80s and 90s at the Quantum Care-run venue have spent the past few weeks getting to know their feathered neighbours and taking part in weekly creative sessions.

Led by Equal Arts’ HenPower Associate Sarah Bracey, the group have been creating fabric bunting, wooden tiles for the garden pergola and taking part in singing and dancing with children from William Martin Junior School.

It’s been a busy time for residents who, alongside looking after their new neighbours, have been planning the creative activities they’d like to explore with professional artists and local schoolchildren.

The 12-month project, entitled Tye Green’s Tasty Tasters, aims to bring people together and help build strong relationships across the community.

It’s been made possible after funding of £10,000 from National Lottery’s Awards for All fund.

Karen Olizzi, interim home manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity that will bring great benefits to residents throughout the year.

“The hens living here have made a huge difference to life at Tye Green Lodge. Staff and residents are spending more time outdoors enjoying hens, there’s a real energy.

“This is supported by the creative activities we have each week. Pupils from the local school are joining us and learning alongside the residents. It’s a win win situation for us all.”

Douglas Hunter, Equal Arts co-director, added: “Residents at Tye Green Lodge join the thousands across the UK who benefit from HenPower and the creative opportunities it brings. It’s fantastic to welcome them to the HenPower community.

“HenPower provides people living in care with a role and responsibility. It builds relationships and harnesses people’s imagination and interests to empower themselves.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with HenPower in the Essex area can ring 0191 477 5775 or email information@equal arts.org.uk