🍁 We feel that autumn is a season of comfort and connection…
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn reminds us of the importance of warmth, routine, and reflection. This beautiful season offers a chance to create cosy moments, support emotional wellbeing, and celebrate the beauty of change — both in nature and in life.
Enrichment News
Last month some of our clients and carers had a wonderful afternoon on the Thames Sailability boat trip, leaving from Walton on Thames, followed by coffee and cake. We will be arranging more boating trips next year and we are open to ideas of other places you would like to visit in a small group, such as RHS Wisley Garden, Brooklands Museum, petting farms and parks, cafes etc.
Please let Jane know if you are interested in any outings or if you would like her to visit (and Molly can come too, if you love dogs) to talk about your interests and bring or swap games, puzzles and workbooks to do together as the nights draw in.
October 2025 Awareness Campaigns
🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Promotes early detection and support.
Support: www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer and www.breastcancernow.org
🚭 Stoptober A national campaign to help people quit smoking.
Support: www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking
❤️ National Cholesterol Month Encourages heart health and cholesterol checks. Support: www.heartuk.org.uk
🧠 World Mental Health Day (10th October) Awareness of mental health issues
Support: www.mind.org.uk and www.samaritans.org
🌸 World Menopause Day (18th October) Awareness and education around menopause.
Support: www.menopausematters.co.uk and www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause
Thank you to all those who sent in photographs of the first signs of autumn, it’s wonderful for you all to be involved and we love looking at all your photos so please do keep sending them in throughout the year.
A few ideas of how to make simple autumnal changes to your meals…
🍎 Apple & Cinnamon Porridge – a gentle, warming breakfast
Ingredients: oats, milk, grated apple, cinnamon, honey
Instructions: Simmer all ingredients until creamy. Sweeten to taste.
🧀 Cheesy Leek & Potato Bake – Comfort food that’s soft and satisfying
Ingredients: sliced potatoes, leeks, cream, cheddar, thyme
Instructions: Layer, season, bake at 180°C for 40 mins.
🍐 Spiced Pear Compote – Perfect for topping porridge or toast
Ingredients: pears, brown sugar, ginger, water
Instructions: Simmer until soft and syrupy.
🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bites -A treat for carers and clients alike
Ingredients: oats, peanut butter, cocoa powder, honey
Instructions: Mix, roll into balls, chill for 30 mins.
Ten-minute Trivia– we hope you enjoy doing this quiz together
1. Which UK mammal begins storing food and preparing for hibernation in autumn?
2. Which type of fungi is commonly found in UK woodlands during autumn and is known for its red cap with white spots?
3. What is the name of the seasonal phenomenon when deer compete for mates in autumn?
4. Which UK tree produces acorns in autumn?
5. Which insect species often swarms in UK homes during autumn seeking warmth?
6. Which UK bird of prey is more visible in open fields during autumn, hunting small mammals?
7. What is the name of the seasonal colour change in leaves due to reduced chlorophyll?
8. Which UK amphibian may be seen crossing roads in autumn as it seeks winter shelter?
9. Which UK tree species turns a golden yellow in autumn and is often planted in parks?
10. Which seasonal fruit is commonly foraged in UK hedgerows during early autumn?
Answers
- Hedgehog – They prepare for hibernation by building fat reserves and finding shelter.
- Fly agaric – Iconic red-and-white fungi, toxic but visually striking.
- Rut – The deer mating season, marked by vocalizations and antler clashes.
- Oak – Produces acorns, a key food source for wildlife.
- Cluster fly – Often invades homes seeking warmth.
- Kestrel – Known for hovering while hunting small mammals in open fields.
- Senescence – The biological process behind leaf colour change and drop.
- Toad – Common toads migrate to hibernation sites in autumn.
- Beech – Turns golden yellow and is popular in UK parks.
- Blackberry – Ripens in early autumn and is widely foraged.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our Autumn newsletter.
Thank you all for being part of our wonderful Arbour Care community.
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