Member Article

Blooming marvellous competition win for Hull care home

Green fingered residents and care home staff have been awarded for their impressive garden makeovers.

Creative care home Raleigh Court, based in Hull, has been awarded first prize out of dozens of entries in the annual Hica in Bloom garden makeover competition.

The Hica in Bloom competition is used to support residents who are older people, those suffering from dementia and those with learning difficulties by involving them in active projects, encouraging them to voice their opinion, make decisions, be creative, and enjoy the outdoors while also encouraging new achievements.

The winning team at Raleigh Court designed and hand made an impressive ‘all weather’ garden feature which can be used for all occasions year round. The garden includes a handmade comfortable hut for residents, new flower beds and a BBQ.

The new feature adds to a mini golf course complete with bright colours, flags, potted plants and a wind mill, which won joint first prize during last year’s competition.

Raleigh Court manager, Katie Daysley, said: “We are delighted to have won first place for the second year in a row. Like the other participants, staff, residents and families spent all summer making our project. We would also like to say a special thank you to our handyman Steve Jones who put a lot of effort into the garden.

“The competition encourages residents and staff involvement, so we ask everyone what they want to create, they help us design, make things and do the planting and gardening.

“Hica in Bloom really helps to ease the symptoms of dementia by giving residents something positive to concentrate on. We have noticed a change in behaviour throughout the project, residents with dementia have been very content and calm whilst helping. It really is much more than a competition to everyone involved.”

Winners and runners up were given their trophies and accolades at the company’s 25th anniversary Shine Ball, which brings together hundreds of staff and residents every year to celebrate their achievements.

Penni Brown, chief executive of Hica Group said: “The Hica in Bloom competition is always a fantastic event. Each home really shows their enthusiasm and creativity and staff do their very best to design and develop an enjoyable space for residents. We would like to say a big congratulations to Raleigh Court for coming first for two years in a row.

“The Hica in Bloom competition is one of our main events every year. It lasts all summer and there is always a tremendous amount of effort that is put into the entries every year.

“The calibre of entries this year was fantastic, creating not only beautiful gardens but also sensory areas and interactive activities which support the needs of our residents.”

The Hica Group, which runs 20 care homes and two retirement villages, introduced the Hica in Bloom competition three years ago, and has seen the event grow each year. Participating homes are given a £250 donation from the care operators Shine Fund, and are encouraged to fundraise to collect more money to spend on their garden project.

Hica in Bloom finalists also included Albemarle, which is located in Hedon, Woodlands, based in Driffield, and Isaac Robinson Court, Hull.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .