Bristol Care Home Residents Brew Beer in Wellbeing Initiative

Residents of care homes have sampled a beer produced using hops they cultivated, an activity aimed at enhancing their wellbeing. These Bristol-based residents tended to the crops grown in their care home gardens, which were subsequently transformed into a pale ale named Backyard Bounty. This beer is scheduled for release in local pubs. The initiative, known as the Hoppiness Project, received funding from the University of Bristol. It forms part of a broader research effort focused on enhancing the quality of life for older individuals. Sylvia Crowther, a participant in the project, described the crop harvesting process as “marvellous” and expressed enjoyment in engaging in a novel activity. The initiative’s goal was to “empower and stimulate” residents afflicted with progressive illnesses. Participants acquired knowledge in gardening and brewing, culminating in a tasting of their product at the Left Handed Giant brewery. Establishments selling the beer will also receive specially designed beer mats, produced through the project, intended to increase awareness of dementia. Andrew Turner, another individual involved in the Hoppiness Project, commented: “It’s nice to spread the word about brewing, I think. It is a science.” Lucy Lock, the activities coordinator at Beaufort Grange Care Home, stated: “Quite a few residents who wouldn’t want to join in on many activities had come down and really enjoyed it.” She added: “We had one lady who couldn’t see, so being around the people, smelling the hops and tasting the beer had her smiling and everything.” Karen Gray, a researcher at the University of Bristol, observed: “A lot of research, related to dementia particularly, is very medical in focus.” She continued: “It’s quite often about finding a drug that’s going to prevent or cure dementia. But a lot of researchers, myself included, would like there to be more focus on how people can live well.” Guy Manchester, the project manager, indicated that the residents considered the experience rewarding. He remarked: “It’s incredible how it latches into people’s memories and brings things out.” He further noted: “It might be the smell, or rubbing your hands through compost. It’s a good therapeutic tool all round.”