PEOPLE living in a North Yorkshire extra care scheme are "egg-static” about a new initiative designed to promote health and wellbeing and social inclusion
The newest residents at the Broadacres-owned Kirkwood Hall in Leyburn are not humans, but five chickens called Hetty, Bella, Trixie, Marge and Gillian.
The chickens have been introduced to encourage social interaction among residents, but also to get the wider community involved.
A group, known as the Kirkwood HenFriends Association, has been set up to raise funds for chicken-related activities and establish links with local people, schools and groups.
Chairwoman Karin Sedgwick said: “This initiative is more than just about petting the chickens, although interaction with animals is proven to be very therapeutic for older people.
“The residents involved in the project have also taken responsibility for feeding the chickens, cleaning the chicken house and ensuring they are healthy.
A group called ChickenChat also meets every Monday. The project was made possible thanks to a donation of £300 from Broadacres and £900 from Stronger Communities.
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