Sunflower Challenge

The #RCSunflowerChallenge is being promoted by the NSFT Recovery College to encourage members of the community to pledge a wellbeing commitment for summer and will be officially launched at the Suffolk Show. By taking a pack of seeds and making a pledge it is hoped that a real difference can be made as the sunflowers are sown, grown and cultivated. The seeds can start to be sown from late March.

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 their wellbeing/mental health.

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/share with others. Some may choose to host their own mini competitions using their pack of seeds with family members/friends/colleagues or simply add colour/life to where they live/work practising mindfulness.  

The sunflower challenge is open to all including staff. Staff may wish to accept the challenge as a team/ward and involve service users, maybe brightening up a communal area. The challenge is very low cost for participants as the sunflower is adaptable, can be grown in re-used yoghurt/fruit pots before planted out in the ground/repurposed bucket/container for those with limited space.    

Pledges can be made on Facebook at NSFTrecoverycollege and on X @NSFT_RecoveryC

We would welcome updates to know how participants have got on with their sunflowers and pledges.

Let's make where we live and work more colourful and pledge changes for 2025!

Email recoveryonline@nsft.nhs.uk for more information.

Sowing instructions (Link to RSPB): How to Grow Sunflowers from Seeds in Pots and In the Garden