Halloween is the perfect excuse to add a little seasonal joy into your service not just with decorations and costumes, but through moments that bring people together.
At its heart, social care is about connection, compassion, and community. This time of year gives us a wonderful opportunity to nurture those values through shared experiences that boost wellbeing, encourage creativity, and support healthy living.
That’s why we’ve created Pumpkin Fun for Body and Mind – a simple, adaptable activity designed especially for those in social care. It’s a fun, purposeful way to celebrate the season with the people you support and your colleagues.
Warming Pumpkin Soup for Shared Wellbeing
Food has a special way of bringing people together – it stirs memories, sparks conversation, and creates a sense of belonging. If possible, cooking together can be a deeply sensory and social experience, offering structure, purpose, and pride for those you support.
Our Pumpkin Soup Recipe is easy, inclusive, and full of natural goodness – the perfect autumn activity to encourage connection and nourishment.
- Roast the pumpkin or squash first: This helps retain more nutrients, boosts antioxidants, and enhances the natural flavour and texture.
- Ideal for flu season: Use fresh chicken or vegetable stock (or a low-salt cube if needed). Add fresh ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper — all known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties to help fight off seasonal colds.
- Add coconut milk: A gentle source of vitamins and minerals. Its natural fats help the body absorb curcumin (from turmeric) and contain MCTs – healthy fats that provide energy and support brain function.
Warm, nourishing, and comforting – this simple soup supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing during the colder months.
Turn Leftovers into Creative Keepsakes
Once the soup’s been enjoyed, keep the creativity flowing by using every part of the pumpkin. These simple, sensory crafts are ideal for residents living with dementia or Alzheimer’s — offering calm, focus, and a gentle sense of achievement.
- Paint pumpkin seeds to create tactile art or bright collages — a great way to engage the senses and fine motor skills.
- Transform hollowed pumpkins into battery-powered tea-light holders, mini planters, or table centrepieces — soothing, repetitive activities that promote “rest and digest” responses.
- Try pumpkin painting instead of carving: The motion of painting can be peaceful and grounding, and familiar seasonal activities often help trigger positive memories and reminiscence.
- Make a bird feeder and hang it outdoors — a simple gesture that connects your service with the wider community and encourages time spent in nature.
These creative, low-pressure activities foster conversation, sensory stimulation, and gentle engagement — valuable for supporting cognitive health and emotional wellbeing throughout the autumn season.
Please check for any allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements before preparing and serving. Adapt ingredients as needed to meet individual preferences and nutritional needs. Insequa bears no responsibility for any adverse outcomes related to the preparation or consumption of this recipe.
Download the “Pumpkin Fun for Body and Mind” recipe and craft poster
Why It Matters
Activities like this do more than fill an afternoon they evidence the kind of quality, person-centred care the CQC looks for.
They show that your service values the emotional and physical wellbeing of those you support by:
- Encouraging social connection and inclusion.
- Supporting mental wellbeing through sensory engagement and creativity.
- Promoting healthy living with nutritious, seasonal food.
- Reflecting a well-led culture where staff initiative and innovation are encouraged.
Whether it’s a small home, supported living setting, or large residential service, these shared moments of creativity and togetherness demonstrate care that goes beyond the basics the kind that builds community and belonging.
This Halloween, take time to celebrate those moments. Celebrate the spirit of care, community, and connection.
Download your “Pumpkin Fun for Body and Mind” recipe and craft poster and bring a little warmth and wellbeing to your service this season.
