Sunflower challenge to promote mental health services
Support and education sessions for mental health look set to bloom under a spring challenge.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s (NSFT) Recovery College has launched a sunflower challenge and will be using this to promote awareness of what they offer, including at Suffolk and Norfolk shows this year.
Participants are encouraged to make a pledge and grow the sunflowers as a motivation/reminder of their pledge, whilst bringing colour and joy to their lives. A pledge could include connecting with friends and family more often, embracing wellbeing walks or learning new skills that improve wellbeing and mental health.
Recovery College manager Ash Moorcroft said: “Sunflowers have been chosen as they are symbolic of warmth, hope and optimism. The act of tending and nurturing the sunflower will be therapeutic for some and provide a sense of achievement, a reason to connect and share with others. Some may choose to host their own mini competitions using their pack of seeds with family members, friends and colleagues or simply add colour and life to where they live or work.”
The challenge is open to all and is low-cost. “The sunflower is adaptable,” said Ash. “It can be grown in re-used yoghurt or fruit pots before planted out in the ground or a repurposed bucket or container for those with limited space.
“The challenge has already gained traction and generate inquiries, particularly on social media (#RCsunflowerchallenge) which is where we are reaching the younger demographic/cohort or those who are not generally active in the physical community.”
Chief patient experience officer and deputy chief executive Cath Byford said the challenge was a lovely way to spread the word about what Recovery College can offer.
“It’s a chance for people to connect with others in a shared goal of hope and support. Sunflowers embody those feelings and add some sunshine to life, even on what can be dark days,” she said.
In March, the team attended the West Suffolk Health Festival’s first ever event, engaging with hundreds of young people and the wider community. “We are aware as a college that mental health does not discriminate and, therefore, we need to be represented at all types of events,” said Ash.
Recovery College offers free educational courses for individuals aged 16-plus in Norfolk and Suffolk, including those facing challenges, supporters, and professionals. It complements, but does not replace, clinical support, allowing individuals to choose courses and learn at their own pace.
The team has recently been focusing on how its deliver services to the traditionally difficult to reach populations of Norfolk and Suffolk. Recently it received funding in a joint application with Change, Grow, Live (CGL) via Norfolk County Council to recruit a peer tutor specialising in substance misuse to offer further services.
Recovery College will also be rotating five core courses across the localities to ensure everyone has a chance to sign up. These are:
· Understanding and managing anxiety
· Goal setting for recovery
· Understanding personality disorder
· Safety planning
· Exploring emotions
“Data shows an improvement in wellbeing after attendance of three courses and these five core courses should appeal to a wide enough audience to enable that,” said Ash. “They can then be complemented by our online offering and other courses throughout the year, such as building confidence or our ‘living well with (X condition)’ series.”
The team has been working with Suffolk libraries on livestreaming courses and is the early stages of discussions to expand this to Norfolk. Ash is also launching drop-in enrolment, engagement and support sessions across Norfolk starting in autumn/winter 2025.
To receive a packet of seeds, collect them at one of the Recovery College events. Email recoveryonline@nsft.nhs.uk to find out more.
Sunflower challenge p.zip [zip] 16MB