原文链接:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/elder/11750459/Lonely-elderly-given-hens-to-keep-them-company.html?onwardjourney=584162_v1
Lonely elderly given hens to keep them company
Dubbed 'hensioners' a group of isolated elderly people in London have been given hens to look after
BySarah Knapton20 July 2015 ? 9:41am
Lonely elderly people are being given hens to look after to stop them feeling lonely and isolated.
The
project, which is backed by David Cameron and Boris Johnson, has
launched in London for the first time following a successful pilot in
the North East.
Dubbed
HenPower, the scheme was dreamed up by creative ageing charity Equal
Arts to tackle social isolation, reduce depression and improve people’s
wellbeing.
And
it is also being used to help patients suffering dementia. Staff in
care homes have reported a reduction in the use of anti-psychotic
medication where hens are in use.
“HenPower
is an innovative way to help tackle loneliness and enhance the lives of
older Londoners,” said London Mayor Mr Johnson.
“The
capital’s older population is growing and it’s great that Londoners
will now have the opportunity to take part in this valuable scheme.”
The first schemes in the capital have been launched by Notting Hill Housing.
Among
those taking part in the London project is 80-year-old Ruth Xavier. She
said: “I used to keep hens when I was younger and had to prepare their
breakfast each morning before I went to school.
“I
like the project a lot. I am down there in my wheelchair in the morning
letting the hens out and there last thing at night to see they’ve gone
to bed.
“It’s
good to have a different focus, people have been bringing their
children in to see the hens and residents come and sit outside to watch
them. I’m enjoying the creative activities, it is something different to
do.”
There
are 700 pensioners currently looking after hens in 20 care homes in the
North East and the charity has been given Lottery funding to roll it
out country-wide.
David Cameron said: “Alan and his fellow ‘hensioners’ have developed a unique way to support care home residents.
“The quirky HenPower project has a serious impact, reducing the depression and loneliness that residents can sometimes feel.”
Wendy
Wilson, extra care manager at 60 Penfold Street, one of the first to
embark on the project said: “Residents have really embraced the idea of
HenPower and the creative sessions.
“It
gives us the opportunity for stimulating activities to engage people
using our dementia unit, day service users and tenants. We are looking
forward to the benefits and fun the project can bring to those
involved.”
Lynn
Lewis, director of Notting Hill Pathways, said: “We are delighted to be
taking part in HenPower and proud to be the first extra care schemes in
London working with Equal Arts on the project. It will really help
connect our residents through a shared interest and creative
activities.”