In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents at a Sutton Coldfield care home have partnered with a local nursery for a hands-on DIY initiative designed to safeguard traditional skills for the future.
Building Bridges and Bird Boxes
The project took place at Care UK’s Bishops Manor on Jockey Road, where older adults rolled up their sleeves alongside children from Little Ripley Day Nursery. The collaborative effort, part of Care UK’s ‘Fixer Uppers’ programme, saw the group build and paint bird boxes to be placed in the care home's garden.
One resident, Jeanette Underhill, shared her delight at the experience. "It was lovely having the little children visit," she said. "They were so well-behaved and had lovely manners, and we all enjoyed making the bird boxes together. It reminded me of when my own were little. It’s nice to make something by hand that will be enjoyed in our garden."
More Than Just a DIY Project
Launched in the approach to International Repair Day, the ‘Fixer Uppers’ initiative has a dual purpose. It aims to revive traditional repair skills – from fixing furniture to mending clothes – and celebrate the invaluable knowledge older generations possess.
Thomas Bampfield, Home Manager at Bishops Manor, emphasised the project's broader impact. “Residents here have a wealth of skills and life experiences, and this has been a wonderful opportunity for them to share their knowledge with the younger generation,” he said. “There’s a real sense of pride and purpose that comes from creating something with your hands. We’re also really excited to be supporting our local wildlife and look forward to seeing a host of friendly birds in our garden.”
A Sustainable Future in Mind
The activity was overseen by the home’s dedicated sustainability champion, reflecting Care UK’s commitment to embedding environmentally conscious practices. These champions work to identify opportunities for greener operations, from reducing waste to encouraging biodiversity in care home gardens.
Bampfield extended his gratitude, stating, “A big thank you to Little Ripley Day Nursery for joining us – it’s been a real pleasure working together!” This intergenerational project not only created new habitats for local birds but also forged meaningful connections between the youngest and oldest members of the Sutton Coldfield community.
