On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as the UK marked International Men’s Day with quiet acts of kindness, Care UK revealed how its Wishing Tree initiative turned quiet dreams into unforgettable moments for elderly men in care homes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. At Foxland Grange in Wolverhampton, 94-year-old Dennis soared above the Severn Valley Railway in a helicopter, his daughter beside him. At Kentford Manor in Newmarket, 85-year-old David, once a farmer since age 12, returned to the soil—literally—feeding goats and lambs at Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm. These weren’t just outings. They were lifelines.
More Than a Tree: A Symbol of Dignity
The Care UK Wishing Tree isn’t decorative. It’s a quiet revolution. Each autumn, residents write their wishes on cards and hang them on a real tree in the common room. Some want to hear their favorite song played live. Others dream of holding a grandchild again. A few, like Dennis and David, long to reconnect with the parts of themselves that care homes often inadvertently bury under routines and medical schedules. The staff don’t just fulfill these requests—they treat them like sacred obligations."We’ve seen men who haven’t spoken in months light up when we tell them their wish is possible," said one care coordinator at Oakfield Croft in Sale, Greater Manchester, where a resident recently watched his beloved Manchester United play in a private screening. "It’s not about the cost. It’s about the recognition. These men spent their lives building things—families, businesses, communities. Now, we’re helping them remember who they were before they became patients."
Why This Matters: The Silent Crisis Among Men
The timing is no accident. International Men’s Day, organized in the UK by the Association for Male Health and Wellbeing, carries the theme "Supporting Men and Boys" this year. Behind the slogan lies a grim reality: men account for nearly 75% of all suicides in the UK, with those over 65 among the highest-risk groups. Life expectancy for men lags behind women by nearly four years. Many elderly men in care homes live with loneliness, shame, or the belief that their worth has faded."The Wishing Tree doesn’t just grant wishes—it interrupts isolation," said Dr. Eleanor Myles, a geriatric psychologist at the University of Birmingham. "When a man is allowed to be a pilot, a farmer, a fan, a father again—even for an afternoon—it reactivates identity. That’s therapy no pill can replicate."
Wishes That Reach Beyond the Individual
The initiative’s ripple effects are profound. At Foxland Grange, Dennis’s helicopter ride was filmed by staff and shared with other residents. Suddenly, others started asking: "Can I go to the seaside?" "Can I see my old army uniform again?" One man, who hadn’t left his room in six months, requested a visit from his childhood friend—a wish granted within weeks. The emotional domino effect was immediate.At Kentford Manor, David’s farm visit brought his daughter to tears. "He hadn’t talked about his childhood in decades," she said. "But when he saw those pigs, he started telling me stories about feeding them with his dad. I hadn’t heard those stories since I was a girl."
The Bigger Picture: Person-Centered Care in Action
Care UK says its vision is "to give residents fulfilling and active lives." The Wishing Tree is how they operationalize that. Unlike generic activity calendars, this program is tailored, personal, and often spontaneous. Staff don’t wait for annual events—they act when a spark appears. A resident mentions he used to box? A local gym donates a session. Someone longs to fly? A pilot volunteer steps forward. The initiative has expanded to over 120 care homes nationwide."It’s not about grand gestures," said a Care UK spokesperson in their November 18, 2025 press release. "It’s about saying, ‘You still matter.’ That’s the heart of person-centered care."
What’s Next? A Movement, Not Just a Program
Care UK plans to document every wish granted in 2025 and publish a report next spring, hoping to inspire other care providers. The Men and Boys Coalition, which endorsed the day with the slogan "Caring for men—cares for everyone," has already begun partnering with local councils to fund similar programs in public housing and veteran centers.Meanwhile, the Wishing Tree keeps growing. This week, a 91-year-old former teacher in Glasgow wished to read a story to a classroom. Staff arranged it. The children clapped. He cried. And for the first time in years, he didn’t feel like an old man.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Wishing Tree initiative help reduce male suicide risk?
By restoring dignity and purpose, the Wishing Tree combats the isolation and worthlessness that often fuel suicidal thoughts in elderly men. Studies show that even one meaningful, personalized experience can significantly improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. For men who feel forgotten, being asked what they want—and then having it granted—is a powerful affirmation of their value.
Who funds these wishes, and are they expensive?
Most wishes are fulfilled through community donations, staff time, and partnerships with local businesses. A helicopter ride might cost £300, but many wishes—like a home-cooked meal from a loved one or a visit from a childhood friend—cost nothing. Care UK allocates a small annual budget, but the real resource is compassion. Over 80% of wishes are fulfilled with zero additional funding.
Are women included in the Wishing Tree program?
While the initiative launched alongside International Men’s Day to address male-specific isolation, women residents can also submit wishes. However, the program’s focus remains on men’s mental health, given the disproportionately high suicide rates and lower help-seeking behavior among men. The goal is targeted intervention, not exclusion.
What happens if a wish can’t be granted?
Staff never say no outright. If a wish is impossible—say, a deceased loved one can’t return—they find a meaningful alternative. A resident who wished to see his late wife one last time was given a photo album and a recording of her voice reading their favorite poem. The intention isn’t to fulfill fantasy, but to honor emotion.
How can the public support the Wishing Tree?
Donations can be made directly through Care UK’s website, or individuals can volunteer as wish-granters—whether it’s driving a resident to a football match, playing an instrument, or sharing a skill like woodworking. Local businesses are also encouraged to donate experiences: a free haircut, a museum pass, or a ride in a vintage car. Small acts create big memories.
Is this program unique to Care UK?
No—but Care UK’s scale and documentation are unusual. Similar initiatives exist in smaller care homes, often called "Dream Trees" or "Bucket List Projects." What sets Care UK apart is its national rollout, staff training, and public reporting. They’ve turned a heartfelt idea into a replicable model for person-centered elder care.