Branching out for International Happiness Day

St Mary’s care home is honouring International Happiness Day with a happiness tree, created in partnership with the local primary school in Holbrook.  

International Happiness Day is celebrated annually on 20 March and promotes the importance of happiness to humanity. This year, the theme is ‘Build Back Happier’ and focuses on the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Residents came up with the idea for the happiness tree as they felt a tree symbolises happiness by evoking feelings of change, rebirth and spring. The care team invited pupils from Holbrook Primary School on The Street to take part in the project by colouring cut-outs of their hands and writing what makes them happy inside. Residents then worked together to assemble and design the happiness tree. 

Mrs Clubb, Foundation Class Teacher at Holbrook Primary School, said:

The children really enjoyed creating their happiness handprints for St Mary's care home. Knowing that they were going to help create something to bring happiness to the people who live there was significant for them.

It’s wonderful for the children to have the opportunity to do something to support those in our local area. We’re excited to continue to build relationships with the residents of St Mary's care home.

While creating the happiness tree, residents also reflected on the things that make them happy. Common responses included flowers, friendship, animals, family and chocolate.  

Dorothy Snell, resident of St Mary’s, said:

I’ve loved being able to see what makes the school children happy and it’s great to see we have many in common, such as friendship and family.

St Mary’s care home’s involvement with the local community is rooted in the strong connections they have developed over the years. The home has worked with the local primary school on many projects from book writing to gardening. They’ve also collaborated with Ipswich High School who choreographed a dance performance based on residents’ stories of their younger days and have plans to work together on a project together for Remembrance Day.  

Kristy Smith, Manager of St Mary’s, said:

Creating the happiness tree has been a great way to connect with the local school children while also giving residents the opportunity to discuss the things that bring them happiness. 

Activities like these are fantastic for encouraging residents’ creativity and wellbeing while also creating strong bonds with each other and the wider community. It’s been wonderful to hear everyone reminisce and share what brings a smile to their faces.

For more information on St Mary’s care home click here.