Care Home Residents Sow the Seeds of Kindness Thanks to Community Project

During National Gardening Week, Brentwood Care Centre residents put their gardening expertise and green fingers to work, sowing seeds of kindness thanks to the latest initiative by the, ‘United In-Kind Movement.

The Nursing, Dementia and Residential home in Larchwood Gardens is passionate about their strong links with their local community and supporting such initiatives, “We are really proud of the strong connections we have within the Brentwood Community and we love making new friends and being involved in such wonderful projects like these.” Sommer Turner, Brentwood Care Centre’s Client Relations Manager.

The physical and mental health benefits from gardening are well documented, both are known to have positive impact. Planting a seed and watching it grow into something beautiful can be a welcomed distraction from some of life’s challenges.

Residents and the team at the home were really excited to receive their growing kits which contained a planting container, compost and seeds. Joan, one of the Residents said “this has been so lovely, it really has! I’ve been able to reminisce about my garden which has brought back so many memories.”

Karis Galiano, the United In-Kind Coach for Brentwood spoke about the movement and their latest initiative ‘Sewing Seeds of kindness’, “The United In-Kind movement was set up by the charity RCCE (Rural Community Council of Essex).  Our aim is to get people across Essex working together to reconnect with their neighbours, and communities to help overcome loneliness and social isolation.

This current random act of kindness initiative has seen over 200 buckets (which were kindly gifted by a local company) being transformed into Plant & Grow kits and distributed to people who may benefit. We would like to give special thanks to everyone involved in this project and for the funding by the Essex Coronavirus recovery and response programme.”

Vita one of the Residents at the home involved in the project said “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the planting; it is one of my favourite hobbies and this allowed me to continue what I love doing most.”

Brentwood Care Centre’s General Manager Torie Pollard, shared her thoughts on the positive impact gardening has had on the physical and mental health of the residents, especially during the pandemic, “Providing time outside in the fresh air and nurturing seeds into fully fledged blooms is an activity that brings colour and positivity to all those involved. The garden here at Brentwood Care Centre is transforming into a hive of activity this spring as nature continues to stimulate our senses and we have been delighted to receive the ‘seeds of kindness’ kits and share them with those in our care, providing further inspiration and wellbeing.”