Sunflower Challenge to boost mental health blossoms into second year
A campaign supporting mental health has blossomed into its second year.
Last spring, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Recovery College encouraged people to grow sunflowers to raise awareness of the support and education sessions it offers, whilst making a pledge to improve their wellbeing and mental health.
The Sunflower Challenge was a blooming success last year with 6,000 packets of seeds handed out to NSFT staff, service users and local communities. Inpatients on wards also got to take part and grew sunflowers as part of activities.
Now, and to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Month, people are being challenged to get on their gardening gloves again and grow some sunflowers.
Recovery College Manager, Ash Moorcroft, said: “We were overwhelmed with the success of last year’s campaign. Thousands of sunflowers were grown across Norfolk and Suffolk. That’s thousands of pledges from people looking to do something to improve their mental health and wellbeing. These pledges were anything from connecting with friends and family more often, taking part in wellbeing walks, or learning a new creative skill. For some it was the first time they had grown a plant from seed and really gained a sense of achievement. The sunflowers started conversations with neighbours; people they may not have previously spoken with and brightened up streets across Norfolk and Suffolk.
“Sunflowers symbolise warmth, hope and optimism. The act of tending and nurturing a sunflower can be therapeutic for some and provides a reason for time outdoors. It also offers a reason to connect with others, with some people choosing to have sunflower growing competitions with family and friends.”
The challenge is open and accessible to all, and is low-cost. Ash added: “The sunflower is adaptable. It can be grown in re-used yoghurt or fruit pots before planted out in the ground, or in a repurposed bucket or container for those with limited space.”
Chief Patient Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Cath Byford said the challenge has been a lovely way to spread the word about what Recovery College can offer: “It was wonderful to see so many photos of the sunflowers last year. The challenge gives people the chance to connect with others in a shared goal of hope and support. Sunflowers embody those feelings and add some sunshine to life, even on what can be dark days.”
Recovery College offers free educational courses for individuals aged 16-plus in Norfolk and Suffolk, for people experiencing mental health challenges, their supporters, and professionals. It is open to anyone and complements clinical support, allowing individuals to choose courses and learn at their own pace either in person or online.
To receive a packet of seeds, collect them at one of the Recovery College events or courses, or email Recovery.College@nsft.nhs.uk
For more information about the Recovery College, visit their website www.nsft.nhs.uk/recovery-college.