A refurbishment project at a Hertfordshire care home is highlighting the impact estates improvement projects can have on the wellbeing of residents and staff.

The work at Southwell Court care home in Melbourn, near Royston, has created a new activities room and garden room area for residents to enjoy all year round.

Keeping residents’ minds and bodies active has always been a high priority for the team at the Black Swan Care Group home in Hinkins Close.

So, when the team was reviewing how best to improve those aspects of life at the home, two areas were identified as ripe for development.

Previously, the home had a dedicated cinema room, but residents said they preferred to watch movies in the larger living room, so the cinema room had become less used.

It has now been converted into a dedicated crafts and activities area with large murals and neat storage areas for different arts and crafts.

Additionally, residents at the home have always enjoyed a love for growing plants, vegetables and flowers, which have been displayed around the home and in the large gardens at the home.

Now an area of the home previously used as a small reading lounge has been converted into a garden room, with access to a private courtyard where residents can plant, potter, and propagate.

Lisa King, home manager, said: “We’re really pleased with our fantastic new additions at the home – the activities room and the garden room.

“The old cinema and library room were lovely spaces for residents to use, but we’ve listened to what they’ve told us about how they want to use these areas of the home differently.

“So, with the fantastic ideas and practicality of Susan, one of our domestic assistants, and Jai, who does a bit of everything at the home – care, maintenance, and domestic duties – we’ve created an incredible place for them to enjoy their passions.

“In the garden room, we’ve created a potting table, storage cabinets, murals on the walls, and a display area for indoor plants.

“Patio doors lead out onto the enclosed private courtyard, which is a really-peaceful, inspiring place where residents can nurture their plants and flowers.

“It’s already blooming with creativity and it’s so lovely to see residents pottering about, planting, watering, and seeing their plants and seeds grow.

“We can’t wait for the colourful blooms to display in the summer.”

Environmental sustainability has been at the heart of the transformation.

Most of the items of furniture and materials used in the new spaces were upcycled from existing items within the home or sourced locally from the surrounding community – reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices.

Looking ahead, the home will be introducing more projects where residents can get hands-on with nature, including bug houses, hedgehog hotels, and other creative activities designed to enhance biodiversity and keep the garden at the home thriving as a sustainable and welcoming space for wildlife.