Standard Investments Aberdeen apprentices in hen resettlement initiative

Hens will be flocking to Simeon Care for the Elderly in Aberdeen’s West End where they have a purpose-built hen house to move into.

Not only will the hens provide an interest for older people who live at the care home but they will earn their keep by providing eggs and helping with pest control.

The apprentices have been involved in setting up the new coop and enclosure, and working to improve the grounds of the home for the benefit of the older people who reside there.

Keith Nunn, manager of Simeon Care for the Elderly, explained that the home had a small coop with space for just a few hens but wanted to be able to extend this to provide happy homes for more poultry.

He said: “Volunteers are a vital part of our service and the apprentices are doing a great job. The chicken coop will be like a care home for retired hens rescued from battery farms and they reward us with eggs and some pest control, keeping the slugs at bay

“The apprentices are helping with providing materials and the construction of the new coop and enclosure and it’s been great having their hands-on help to get it painted, prepared and moved into position all ready for the arrival of the hens.

“Our residents have been taking a keen interest in the project and are looking forward to seeing thehens move in.”

Apprentice Gemma Binnie said that with an ageing population, the apprentices were keen to show young people supporting projects that impact on older people and their surroundings while learning new skills and gaining a greater understanding of old age care.

Gemma explained: “We decided to turn our attention to Simeon Care, Camphill, who provide a care home facility for the elderly, some of whom suffer from dementia. Some of us have loved ones who have been affected by this disease and it is becoming much more common now, so it’s more important to support. The nurses and carers work to provide the best quality of life they can for the residents through their care and various activities. To support them, we’re renovating their garden to include a chicken coop which will allow for six to eight hens in the grounds of the care home.”

The four-strong group – Gemma and colleagues Leanne Eden, Matt Wilson and Megan Chalk – are also spending time at another Camphill project, at Camphill School Aberdeen. Its Nature Nurture sessions provide disadvantaged young people with a place to relax and forget about their worries and stress through play in a natural environment. The apprentices are attending some of these sessions, joining the children for an afternoon full of recreation, creativity in the woods with wildlife.

To support both projects, the apprentices have launched a fundraising drive, and in the next month will be holding a Bake-Off sale, selling bacon rolls, having a sponsored leg wax, raffle and auction.

Lisa Sutherland, graduate programme advisor (Human Resources) at Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “Our apprentices are never reluctant to roll up their sleeves and get down to some hard work, and this latest initiative supports the young, the old and even our feathered friends too. I’m sure colleagues will rally round by supporting the various fundraising efforts that the apprentices have planned for the next few weeks and we wish them every success in reaching their £3,000 target by the end of October.”