Feathered friends cause egg-citement
A group of new arrivals at Housing 21’s Winton Court in Winlaton, Tyne & Wear are causing a bit of a flap. Seven chickens have moved into the extra care scheme for older people, thanks to Equal Arts, a charity which sets up creative projects with older people.
The Winton Chicks, as they are known, have arrived following a successful application for funding from the Big Lottery Fund by Equal Arts who have also helped establish the relative and residents group The Artful Codgers of Winton Court. The residents selected seven hens, including some rare breeds. They gave them all names and also chose the chicken house and run, which has been placed alongside the lounge window for all to see.
Commenting on the hens’ arrival, Winton Court resident Joan Gardener (aged 76) said: “I have really been looking forward to learning something new.” Her neighbour, 86 year old Dorothy Bowman added: “I didn’t have a clue about chickens until this project started and now everyone at the court is so excited.”
Equal Arts has 25 years experience in helping older people participate in high quality arts activity. They will take responsibility for the hens for the first 18 months and ensure good practice in animal welfare, care staff training, activities for resident’s and involvement of the wider community
Douglas Hunter, director - programme at Equal Arts said: “HenPower has been such a success at Winton Court that we’re looking to involve a further four courts across Gateshead in the New Year. It’s a great opportunity for particularly older men to get involved, as well as providing a talking point for family and visiting friends”.
Carole Bertram, Housing 21 court manager added: “A lot of the tenants had hens when they were younger so have experience of looking after them. We have had positive reactions from residents, their families and their friends and this project has grown and become very popular. Everyone is excited about the arrival of the Winton Chicks.”
ENDS
Photograph: Winton Court resident, Dorothy Bowman, is pictured with one of the hens.
For further media information, please contact Wendy Gornicki, PR & Information Officer, Housing 21 on 0370 192 4338 or email wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk
Housing 21’s mission is to promote independence and choice for older people through quality care, health and housing services. It provides around 130,000 hours of care each week and manages around 19,000 sheltered and extra care apartments, providing services to more than 31,000 service users.
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