How people we support spend time in their gardens!

Throwing pool parties, creating art and decorations, and growing fruits and vegetables are just some of the ways people we support keep active in their gardens.

Across the country, Lifeways runs 1,500 supported living and residential services for the almost 5,000 people we support.

And most of these services offer outdoor space, including gardens, where many people we support enjoy spending time.

Now the sunshine’s finally arrived – and during Garden Wildlife Week 2021 – here are some highlights of how we’ve been having fun in our gardens!

Decorations!

Bruce, who lives at our supported living service in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire has been adding some quotes and decorations to the garden. The garden really is becoming everyone’s happy place!

Pool party!

With the lovely weather we’ve been having, the people we support and the team at our supported living service in Burscough, Lancashire decided to throw a pool party.

Together, partygoers enjoyed sun, swimming, sandwiches, and even sangria!

Growing fruits and vegetables!

Matty, who lives at our supported living service in Liverpool, Merseyside has been planting tomatoes and strawberries. Matty finds watering them to be the best bit!

Artwork!

At our supported living service in Bolton, Lancashire, people we support and the team decided to get creative and paint the fences and walls in the garden to make it a happier place to be.

The murals look fab!

Why being outdoors is so important:

Spending time outdoors is good for your mental health and overall wellbeing, as decades of research confirms.

You’ll especially feel the benefits if you’re in a natural space like a garden, park, or forest.

And even better: just sitting outdoors for about 15 minutes a day gives a measurable increase to your wellbeing, according to Exeter University research.

So while the weather’s good, make sure to take a few moments to enjoy the sunshine, look at the grass, trees and plants, and hear the birds sing!

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is a team of 11,000 support professionals who work across the UK to support close to 5,000 adults living with complex and diverse needs.

Our 1,500 supported living and residential services support adults whose needs include learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions. 

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