A greener way of doing things has to work for the people we support. That was the idea behind our second Active Prospects Green Week, which brought us all together.
Each day offered a way to take part, from reusing what we already have to caring for nature and switching off equipment we didn’t need, to save energy. The week gave us practical examples of environmental action in supported living and residential care. It also showed how much can happen when people share ideas and do things together.
At our head office, colleagues swapped items they no longer needed. At one of our homes, a wardrobe and chest of drawers were given a new look instead of being taken to the tip. One person we support shared a habit that already works for him: taking a reusable bag on his weekly shopping trip. It saves him money, carries his groceries easily and reduces waste. He told his team that it feels good to know a small choice can make a difference.
Other teams spent time outdoors. Putting up a birdbox in their garden, while people at our Brighton service chose bulbs to plant for spring. Teams walked, watered plants and made plans for their outdoor spaces.
Power-Down Hour brought another benefit into focus. Teams switched off equipment they did not need for an hour. Some colleagues held a meeting outside, away from lights and laptops. At one home, people used the time to sit together and play cards.
For us, the lesson is that sustainability in care starts with people. Reusing furniture, spending time outdoors or changing an energy habit should fit the choices and routines of the people we support.
We are looking at adding a monthly Power-Down Hour to our office calendar, giving colleagues regular time away from screens and, where possible, outside together. We will listen to what people enjoyed during Green Week and support the habits they want to continue.
We now want to turn the best of those shared moments into small changes and lasting habits.
