The care team and residents at Little Bramingham Farm, had an ‘Egg-stremely’ Hoppy time, welcoming over 180 members of their local community to the care home’s annual Easter event. “Our annual Easter fun, community event didn’t disappoint, it was an ‘Eggs-traordinary’ afternoon,” said Emma Lawrance, Little Bramingham Farm’s Registered Manager. “Not only was The Easter Bunny hopping around, playing and laughing with everyone, but we were also visited by the ‘Fur-bulous’ Ark Farm mobile zoo who brought a great group of friendly animals to meet the residents and our visitors.”
Little Bramingham Farm’s Easter Hunt had a special twist. The children went looking for White Rabbits which were numbered from one to eleven. Once they had found all their 11 Rabbits, they discovered a secret letter on each one which spelt out Happy Easter and they then went to visit The Easter Bunny to collect their chocolate egg.
“The Easter Bunny definitely got lots of ‘Eggs-ercise’ during the event,” added Karen Charity, the Activities Coordinator at Little Bramingham Farm. “He not only arranged a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt and was hopping around, just for the ‘Fur’ of it with ‘Hoppiness’ giving out the delicious eggs to all the children – he was ‘Hare-larious’.
The Easter animals were also a great attraction at the community event. “Ark Farm specialises in ensuring they bring a variety of friendly animals into care homes, and many other settings, to deliver real, hands-on fun and tactile experiences,” added Emma. “The team was amazing and tailored the visiting animals to meet our needs and the Easter Petting Zoo was a huge success which everyone enjoyed, especially the residents.”
“We had Guinea Pigs, baby Skinny Pigs, a Gecko, Tortoise, Rabbits, small Chickens and a Chinchilla, but the most popular animals, which received lots of strokes, cuddles and petting, were the Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and the pretty Chinchilla. Watching the residents and children interact, connect with and enjoy the natural and affectionate time with the animals was wonderful.”
“I really enjoyed and liked seeing everyone in the community come together,” said Resident, Margaret Thompson, who made Little Bramingham Farm her home in October 2024. “The animals were great, especially the large, cuddly Rabbit called Jackie. I’d also never seen a Gecko before, I must admit, I was rather intrigued by it.”
“There are many benefits to older people of spending time and interacting with animals. For example, as Rabbits are generally quiet, very soft and small, they provide a unique sensory experience,” continued Karen. “The simple pleasure of stroking a Rabbit and the repetitive motion of touching its soft fur lowers Cortisol levels and blood pressure, whilst increasing Oxytocin. So, basically, spending time with the Rabbits, lowered the stress hormone and increased the love hormone.”
“Older people also find the experience relaxing and soothing, and the Rabbits also had a hidden superpower,” added Emma. “They are Social Superheroes as they sparked many chats and conversations between the residents, our visitors and the care team as well.”
Along with an ‘A-Bun-Dance’ of Easter eggs, Susie’s Tea Room, which is situated in Little Bramingham Farm’s beautiful gardens, was also open for everyone to enjoy ‘Egg-spertly’ made tasty Easter treats and refreshments.
“The fun and inclusive Hoppy Easter community event was an ‘Egg-cellent’ afternoon which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The Easter Bunny was ‘Egg-hausted’ at the end of the day, but he has promised he’ll be back next year as he loves our annual ‘Easter-tastic’ event, catching up with the residents and meeting members of our local community,” concluded Emma.
Find out more about Little Bramingham Farm care home by calling 01582 582 433 or emailing [email protected].