Mental Health Awareness Week at Oakland Care

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Oakland Care homes have been finding simple, thoughtful and often fun ways to support one another. What’s been most lovely to see is that there hasn’t been one single way to do it. Each home has made it its own, and that’s what’s made it feel so genuine.

What our homes have been up to

At Beechwood Grove, the team started the week by thinking beyond their own walls, donating a uniform to the Beachy Head Chaplaincy Service. Back at the home, they celebrated their reception team with flowers, cake, a gift card, and a chance to step away for coffee while managers covered the desk. There have also been fruit and smoothie drops, and today the team came together wearing green, with massages available to help everyone relax.

At Hyllden Heights, there’s been a real mix of creativity and kindness. Staff have enjoyed a fruit trolley, a wellbeing QR check-in and even a treasure hunt. One of the highlights has been their return of the “Ninja Wellbeing” event for night staff, where the team quietly set up mocktails and cakes to surprise colleagues on shift. It’s those unexpected touches that really stay with people.

Over at Elmbrook Court, things have taken a calmer pace with a nature walk, giving people space to get outside and reset. The team also marked a green day with a joy trolley full of snacks and motivational wristbands, and they’re looking forward to a bingo evening later in the week.

Woodland Grove has brought a bit of humour to things with some light-hearted tree-hugging, and has hosted a relaxed coffee-and-cake catch-up, creating space for simple conversations.

At Lambwood Heights, the focus has been on comfort and calm. A tea-and-biscuits trolley made its way around the home, alongside hand massages and even a sound bath experience, giving staff a chance to properly switch off, even if just for a short while.

Osbern Manor created a peaceful space for their team with a dedicated serenity room filled with thoughtful touches, as well as offering hand massages to help people unwind.

At Harpenden Springs, it’s been all about connection. A simple mood check-in on Telegram has helped people share how they’re feeling, alongside lots of hugs and encouragement between colleagues.

Hastings Court kept things refreshing and practical with fresh juices and wellbeing journals for staff, offering something both immediate and longer lasting.

And at Birchwood Heights, the team came together for a brilliant staff BBQ, with Head Chef Luke at the helm, who is also one of their wellbeing champions. Like many of our homes, they also wore green to show support.

Why it matters

What stands out from this week isn’t any single activity. It’s the intention behind them. A cup of coffee together, a quiet check-in, a surprise treat during a night shift, these are the moments that build a culture where people feel supported.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a great reminder, but the care our teams show each other is something that continues every day.

A moment to watch

One of the highlights has to be the video from Hyllden Heights that captures their night team celebration. It’s a great example of the effort that goes on behind the scenes to make sure every colleague feels included, no matter their shift.

And there’s more to come

The week isn’t over yet, with more activities still planned across our homes. But already, it’s clear that it’s been a week full of thoughtfulness, energy and genuine care, exactly what Mental Health Awareness Week should be about.

To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week, visit: Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation