Duckling project extended at Belong Macclesfield with regular visits
A wellness project at a Macclesfield care village has been extended, in-part thanks to it being a rousing success.
Belong Macclesfield, of Kennedy Avenue, Upton Priory, recently had five ducklings hatch within one of their 24-hour care households.
The little duckies brought seasonal cheer to the residents and staff that make up the award-winning dementia care village.
The lil' birds waddled around Belong, interacting with people of all-ages, sharing spring joy.
When the ducklings outgrew their pool at the care village, it was agreed that they would move to a Macclesfield farm.
However, the family member of a resident, who adopted the ducklings to allow them to enjoy nature, did so with the promise that the adorable animals would return every so often to pay a visit.
The project was co-ordinated by household team leader Laura Barsted, with the goal of creating opportunities for residents to support the animals, provide care and love to their new companions.
Macclesfield Nub News met up with Laura, and her five feathered friends, for a chat about the project's success.
"The idea came about as a relative told me about her grandchild's school doing it, and we all felt it would be a fantastic way to mark the start of spring in the village", said Laura.
"The residents loved sitting and watching them hatch. Some found it difficult at the beginning, because it is quite a small egg and they couldn't really understand with their dementia and their eyesight.
"One resident sat there for hours, and had her breakfast and dinner with a duckling. We had to persuade her to head back to the room because she'd been sat so long with them for so long!
"Once they had hatched, the residents got so much joy from the five ducklings. They had a paddling pool, and we put paper all over the floor so they could explore everywhere. We even took them into a team meeting.
"And with it being done over the Easter holidays, so many children came and loved the ducks too, which was great for the residents as well to have the community all interact and connect over the ducks."
Uniting and bringing the community to Belong is a key goal for new Belong General Manager Cheryl Davies. Cheryl is proud of Laura for her achievements on delivering it.
"The introduction of the ducks was absolutely outstanding and loved by everyone", said Cheryl.
"Every single person loved it, and has missed them since they moved out, so they are very happy they are coming back for day trips.
"Laura has some fantastic creative ideas, she has brought some love and vibrancy into the village, which is what we want here."
Despite heading to a permanent home on a rural Macclesfield farm on April 10, the ducks have just made their first day visit, returning to meet and greet residents and employees at Belong, the place of their birth.
"I loved seeing the duck's progress, and as well as everyone else, this project has brought me so much personal joy," revealed Laura.
"One resident, who we would not normally get much response from, but the conversation that came from seeing the ducks was great, I have never seen her smile so much.
"She would never have a to-and-fro conversation with you. Then the ducks came along, she was asking so many questions.
"It has gone so well, I would love to do it again next year.
"I love working for Belong, I love their values, and the model of Belong, the fact it is so community-oriented. That is why I have been here for six years.
"It doesn't feel like you are coming to work here, it feels like a second home. It is like a being part of a family here, and we are delighted to welcome these ducks into the Belong family."
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