Resident Voices: The Heart of Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Week has been a celebration of connection and wellbeing at Pegasus Homes, and the voices of our residents are truly inspiring. We've heard heartwarming accounts of the joy and support found in their diverse, resident-led activities. From passions for photography to social gatherings like gents' dinners and games clubs. These initiatives are clearly valued touchpoints, powerfully demonstrating the positive influence of community on mental health, regardless of age.

The Therapeutic Power of Photography

Video: Phil, resident at Wooburn Bales shares how Photography helps his mental wellbeing.

At Pegasus Homes, residents actively build connections that nurture their mental wellbeing, often blossoming into shared clubs and groups. For Phil, a resident of Wooburn Bales, his lifelong passion for photography became a vital anchor, especially after the profound losses of his wife and later his partner. Immersing himself in the peaceful beauty of nature through his lens offered him a sense of peace and solace. Now, Phil is channeling this personal sanctuary into a budding Photography Club. Eager to share his expertise and the therapeutic power of photography, he is actively encouraging fellow  residents to explore their creativity and find mutual support through shared enjoyment of Photography. As Phil eloquently puts it, "I was once told, Photography is a window to your soul, I believe it. It’s great for your mental wellbeing."

Combining his love for the outdoors and photography, Phil and his golden retriever are familiar sights on the local trails, often covering 5-6 miles daily looking for the best shots. A routine he values for maintaining his fitness and activity levels, as well as for discovering opportune photo spots.

“I was once told, Photography is a window to your soul, I believe it. It’s great for your mental wellbeing”.

Dinner with Friends

Mental Health Awareness Week shone a light on the vital role connection plays in our wellbeing at every age. The Chapelwood Gent's Dinner Club brings this to life. Throughout the week, we learnt more about the strength of community bonds, and this group offers a heartwarming example of how connecting with others can enrich lives. Each month, these gentlemen gather not just for good food, but for something even more nourishing: genuine companionship, filled with shared laughter, quiet support, and the simple pleasure of good company.

The Success of Games Club

The positive impact of Games Club is evident in the experiences of residents like Wendy, who, despite her preference for independent time, has discovered a newfound sociability that has significantly enhanced her mental health since moving to Atlantic Rise, Cornwall. This inherent sense of community also empowers resident-led initiatives. Wendy's creation of a Monday games club is an example of this, providing a platform for shared enjoyment and strengthening bonds in a way that could be challenging to achieve without this built-in community.

“It is difficult to say what we like most. We enjoy getting together and being sociable. It exercises the brain and improves our reaction speeds which helps in everyday life too.  Perhaps it is the camaraderie and having fun that we enjoy the most”.  

Cheers to Connection

The Jesmond Pub Group - what began organically in 2020, thanks to resident David, has blossomed into a vital weekly ritual at the local pub, fostering genuine camaraderie and the often unsung power of male friendship. As resident Mike explains, “We talk about everything... it’s just so important for us as men to have an outlet for these conversations.” A member of the group emphasises the group's self-driven origins: “We didn’t form the group because we felt forced or prompted to,” another member of the group says, “it wasn’t something that was a suggested initiative - David formed the group off his own back and it’s grown ever since then. It feels more organic that it is something that’s developed of its own accord and I think that’s why it is so successful. None of the men who live here are forced to join - we have new ‘members’ join us all the time but equally for some of the men it’s not for them and that’s fine. We want it to be something that everyone chooses to do, not that they feel forced to.”

"We talk about everything from football to politics. It's just so important for us men living in this community to have the outlet for these conversations and debates".

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We know that feeling connected, safe, and included within a community can enhance wellbeing. That's why our Pegasus Homes communities are designed to be vibrant hubs of activity, with a whole host of events to get involved in, or just space for a neighbourly hello in the communal lounge.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we shared some practical ways to prioritise mental health, from the simplicity of connecting with a friend over coffee to establishing healthy sleep habits, empowering you to feel your best.