Wellbeing Event Brings Together Residents from Bedford’s Supported Living Schemes
At Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS), creating positive experiences for residents is at the heart of our social value work. As part of our partnership with the LiLAC Consortium, we recently sponsored a petting zoo event at Bedford Place, welcoming residents from Waterloo Court and Iveson Wood Rise Supported Living schemes for a unique wellbeing session.
The aim of the event was to provide a safe, calm and engaging environment for vulnerable adults with learning disabilities to come together, build confidence, and try something new. Residents had the chance to meet a variety of animals, including a snake, rat, rabbit, gecko, giant African snail, and millipede, with many overcoming initial nerves to take part. The relaxed setting encouraged interaction, conversation and shared experiences across the three communities.
Donna Shaw, Senior Social Value Officer, Morgan Sindall Property Services, said: “Supporting a calm and welcoming space for residents to come together to gain new experiences is important. Using animals as the medium proved a huge success in bringing residents together. Interacting with animals provides a calm and reassuring setting that can help adults with learning disabilities develop confidence, reduce anxiety and enhance their overall wellbeing.”
Vanessa Butcher, Operations Director, Aspire Community Benefit Society, said: “Our customers at the Bedford supported living service thoroughly enjoyed the visit from the travelling zoo, describing it as exciting to interact with such a variety of animals. It was wonderful to see everyone so engaged and willing to try something new. Events like this truly bring people together, spark conversation and build confidence in a supportive environment. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the photos we shared captured the joy of the day. Thank you to MSPS for helping make this possible.”
The session sparked conversation, laughter and shared moments of achievement, strengthening relationships across the Supported Living schemes.
Andy Fenton, Project Manager, Morgan Sindall Property Services added: “The petting zoo created a space where people could connect, feel safe and experience something different from their routine. It was great to see residents overcome their fears, build confidence and encourage positive social interaction.”
Through initiatives like this, we continue to work alongside the LiLAC Consortium to deliver meaningful social value, supporting healthier, more connected communities in Bedford Place.
For more information, please email Communications@morgansindall.com
