mental health - Radis Home Care

Jul 08

Pony Visit Brings Joy to Residents at Cherry Orchard House

By Radis BLOG

Residents at Cherry Orchard House in Pershore were delighted by an unusual but very welcome visitor – a miniature therapy pony. The four-legged guest brought smiles and laughter to residents living with dementia and limited mobility.

The visit was organised by the care team at Cherry Orchard House, an extra-care housing scheme managed by Radis Community Care in partnership with Rooftop Housing Group. The service provides independent living for older people, with flexible personal care and support available around the clock.

Kimberley Rouse, Service Manager at Cherry Orchard House, said: “The residents loved it. Many were thanking us for arranging it and asking if we can organise more in the future. It brought many residents down who don’t usually come out, and some really came out of their shells. It was a great day.”

Therapy ponies are increasingly recognised for their positive effects on elderly people. The gentle presence of a pony can help reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mood, and stimulate memory recall through sensory engagement.

The visit was made possible thanks to K L Pony Therapy, a specialist provider based in North Yorkshire that brings gentle, trained miniature horses to care homes, schools, and community settings across the country. Their sessions are designed to promote emotional well-being and spark moments of connection through therapeutic interaction.

Katy Smith, Owner of K L Pony Therapy, said: “I felt the visit was very special for the people we met, because of the conversations it sparked, the memories it brought back, and the sense of togetherness. The laughter and smiles just made the visit. We have 12 miniature horses, each with their own personality, and they all bring something special to the visits we do. Any worries or anxiety seem to just fade away. We travel up and down the country to bring the magic of pony therapy.”

This visit was one of many regular and varied activities hosted at Cherry Orchard House. Weekly sessions include bowling, darts, knit and natter groups, art workshops, bingo, and coffee mornings. These events are resident-led and designed to encourage social interaction, combat loneliness, and support emotional well-being.

Cherry Orchard House comprises 52 one- and two-bedroom flats and a bungalow, all refurbished to a high standard. On-site amenities include a café, lounge, guest rooms, and peaceful communal gardens.

This joyful pony visit is just one example of how Radis Community Care brings warmth, independence, and community spirit to those living in its care. To find out more about Cherry Orchard House or the wider services provided by Radis Community Care, please call 0330 100 8150.

Feb 06

The importance of talking to combat mental health and loneliness

By Radis BLOG

Time to Talk Day is the UK’s largest mental health conversation, ran by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op.

Sometimes, a conversation is all it takes. And, this Time to Talk Day, as a leading care provider, the entire team at Radis Community Care continue to encourage the people we support to start a conversation so that they don’t suffer in silence.

In many cases, conversations about mental health can be hard but it doesn’t always have to be that way. We are firm believers in making things interactive and engaging so that conversations happen naturally, authentically and are a little less daunting for all involved.

For some of our residents, they may not have any friends or family members close by, therefore rely on the time and company of our carers.

Just last year, Radis Community Care opened a brand new day centre, providing a safe space for members of the local community, and specifically for those that are vulnerable, lonely or living with the likes of dementia, enabling them to come together and socialise.

Alison Faulkner, activities coordinator at Radis’ John Chapman Day Centre based in Swaffham, Norfolk, explains the importance of connecting with those who need support.

“Talking is crucial, and we’re keen to do all we can to encourage conversations and help the local community to reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness – they never have to be alone and we are always on hand to help with this.

“Whether people want to come for a cup of tea and a chat, or to get in involved with our weekly activities and make friends, our day centre has something to offer everyone.”

Alison has recently joined the team which is based at the Old Maltings Extra Care Service and offering a friendly and professional service to those aged over 55, the John Chapman Day Centre is a social hub for the local community.

From hosting knit and natter clubs, music and movement classes, quizzes, bingo and a breakfast club, Radis Community Care hosts its fun and engaging activities all year round – to ensure the conversation continues far beyond just one day.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. So, here’s a checklist provided by Radis Community Care on how to check in with your loved ones and start a conversation about mental health.

1. Check in with them

Ask how they’re doing – how they’re really doing. And if you feel the need, ask twice. Use open-ended questions to get more than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and subtly encourage those conversations.

2. Put the kettle on

It might sound cliché, and we know that it doesn’t actually fix anything, but sometimes all people want or need is a cup of a tea, a slice of cake and a bit of company. In this case, it’s about much more than a cup of tea, but what goes with it – the conversation that follows, being put at ease and having that bit of comfort.

3. Read between the lines

Some people aren’t big talkers, so look out for some other signs that they may be struggling. Are they quieter than usual, do they seem withdrawn or distant? Look out for physical symptoms, too. This can include lack of appetite, insomnia and restlessness.

4. Offer reassurance

Not everybody will want to talk – but in these instances, it is perhaps even more important to offer reassurance. Let them know you’re there for them, leave a leaflet for them to read through, and reassure them that they aren’t alone.

5. Listen

When somebody opens up to you, or begins to start those important conversations about mental health and loneliness, ensure that you really listen. And importantly, take the time to react appropriately.

At Radis, we believe it is crucial for the people we support to feel relaxed, comfortable and at home with our carers. And by getting involved in our various activities, this allows people to switch off and this is when the conversations can really start.

Many of our clients utilise our services to combat loneliness, and often, when you think of a carer, you think of them taking care of a person’s physical health. But quite often, carers are a lifeline to those battling with mental health issues and loneliness, too.

For support or further information on Time to Talk Day, visit: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/.

For more information on Radis Community Care and the services on offer, please visit: www.radis.co.uk.