hens as therapy

rehabilitation & responsibility

how hens are helping humans get a fresh start

“The hens have provided an excellent opportunity to promote wellbeing with our residents...”

Jonathan Cutter

The Rosemead Project’s story illustrates beautifully why we are about to launch a two year Hens As Therapy programme which will explore and expand on all the ways in which our clever and wonderful hens can help us

Started 30 years ago the Rosemead Project, based in Southend-on-Sea, helps ex-offenders and homeless people get back on their feet by offering the opportunity of a fresh start.

The project provides a short term place to stay and social/group responsibilities to help support the transition to independence. Rosemead’s staff help residents address drug, alcohol, or mental health issues and provides living skills through the Home Achievement Programme. It also offers help in obtaining an ID, registering for medical care and re-engaging with family or friends if possible.

Assistance with job seeking and voluntary efforts to improve resident’s future livelihoods is also offered.

In 2014, Rosemead approached the local police commissioner with plans to build a garden. The proposal was successful and staff and residents set about building a large poly tunnel and a pond, eventually planting a garden and growing vegetables.

During the garden’s development a neighbour offered Rosemead her hens. The hens were gratefully accepted and it quickly became clear how beneficial they were to the residents.

Speaking with Jonathan Cutter, a staff support worker at Rosemead,

he says, “The hens have become an excellent opportunity to promote wellbeing with the residents, many of whom face challenges; the biggest of which is keeping them occupied and away from drugs, alcohol or committing crimes to feed their habits.

He continues, “The hens are incredibly engaging so they’re great in getting residents out and into the garden, mucking out and of course cooking the eggs. Many of them have never been up close to a hen before, so this has opened up a new experience in their lives.”

In 2019, Rosemead decided they were ready to expand their flock so they contacted the BHWT to find out about adopting ex-caged hens.

Rosemead adopted four hens who they named Agnes, Hennifer, Sybil and Marge and responsibilities were assigned to the residents, from letting the hens out in the morning, to bringing them in at night and making sure the coop was clean. This ongoing daily routine teaches responsibility. Jonathan tells us that occasionally a resident will spend their own money on the hens, buying them mealworms and treats, instead of it going toward less wholesome activities.

Jonathan recounts “We have seen residents digging up the garden looking for worms and bugs for the hens.”

Since the hens arrival residents spend much more time outdoors, which improves their daily life.

Jonathan continues, “Having the hens around has had a massive

impact! Every hen has such a unique personality, they put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Having hens has also increased productivity in other areas as staff have found increased activity in the communal kitchen, due to cooking eggs. Jonathan tells us “because the eggs are so delicious we now use them as currency. One egg equals 20 minutes helping around campus or in the garden.”

Love Thy Neighbour

Another bonus is how the hens have positively impacted the relationship between Rosemead and its surrounding neighbours.

Because of the sensitive nature of the Project and its location within a residential neighbourhood, there has sometimes been friction between Rosemead and their neighbours. With issues such as anti-social behaviour being sometimes unavoidable, it is important that there is an empathetic understanding with neighbours.

Adopting hens has improved the sometimes fraught residential relationships as Rosemead’s residents have been able to give their hens’ eggs to locals as a gesture of goodwill.

With this positive neighbourhood outreach if an issue arises then a collaborative, solution-based conversation can be had, rather than heated ones that have sometimes happened in the past.

And there are cases where the relationship-building has been such a positive one that neighbours have got involved with Rosemead too.

One elderly neighbour gave Rosemead her plants for the garden in return for eggs, and eventually she adopted two hens for herself; her flock has now increased to four!

Hens and Humans in Lockdown

Lockdown has been hard for some of the residents, affecting their mental health and limiting the social interaction they desperately need. Luckily having the hens in the garden is a big help.

Jonathan tells us, “the sound of hens clucking is a connection to the outdoors and nature. Plus the noise the hens make is exceptionally comforting.

I’d like to think that in a small way the chickens have given us a sense of normality at Rosemead.

Unfortunately, since mid-December the hens have been locked in the poly tunnel due to the DEFRA Avian Flu housing order. This means residents are unable to visit with them, but hopefully those restrictions will be lifted soon, and we will all be back to normal as they are a vital part of our resident’s wellbeing.”

Overall, the introduction of keeping hens has proven to be a huge benefit at Rosemead. It has taught the residents how to be responsible, respectful and improved the relationships with our neighbours.

“We believe caring for an animal, such as a hen, is an invaluable resource for improving wellbeing. Interacting with these hens, has made such a huge difference.”