They are called Nugget, Daisy and Pepper, and every morning there are people waiting to let them out, feed them, change their water and collect their eggs.

It sounds like an ordinary backyard routine.

But this chicken coop sits inside Dhulwa Mental Health Unit, and the people caring for the three hens are consumers receiving mental health care.

For occupational therapist Stephanie Lagerlow, some of the most important changes have been small ones. Those who earlier kept to themselves are coming outside to see the chickens, volunteering to help or simply starting a conversation.

“It’s a wonderful moment seeing someone who may have been withdrawn, voluntarily come outside to check on the chickens,” the Dhulwa team said.

“Those small moments of initiative and connection can be very significant in this environment.”

The project began in December last year after conversations with consumers about their lives before coming to Dhulwa.

Some remembered keeping chickens in their own backyards. That sparked the idea of bringing a little of that ordinary life into the unit.

Almost a year later, the chickens have become part of the daily routine.

Usually two or three consumers take part each day. In the morning, they let Nugget, Daisy and Pepper out of their coop, check they are healthy, feed them, change their water, clean the area and collect their eggs.

The names belong to the consumers too.

Staff and consumers suggested names and voted, with Nugget, Daisy and Pepper emerging as the favourites.

But Ms Lagerlow said the value of the project went beyond having something enjoyable to do.

Much of the treatment offered in a mental health unit is necessarily structured. Dhulwa has psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, exercise physiologists and art therapists, along with therapeutic and group programs.

The chickens offer something different.

“I think the biggest thing is that it provides a more casual-style intervention within a forensic mental health unit,” Ms Lagerlow said.

Instead of asking someone to join a group and talk about what they are experiencing, the conversation can begin while feeding a chicken or collecting an egg.

Ms Lagerlow said she had noticed more laughter and a different kind of connection between consumers and staff.

There is also responsibility. “I think it’s just about having the opportunity to keep busy and look after something else that’s not just themselves,” Ms Lagerlow said.

The experiment at Dhulwa comes as new national data released at the start of mental health awareness month points to a much broader problem. Australians increasingly feel they are losing connection with one another.

Research found 64 per cent of people believe Australians are becoming more disconnected, while only 21 per cent feel very connected to their friends, family, neighbours or community.

Almost one in five which is 19 per cent said they felt disconnected from others.

The survey also found 64 per cent believed connection and a sense of belonging had a positive impact on their mental health, while 57 per cent said feeling included and part of something bigger helped them cope during stressful periods.

Mental Health Australia CEO Carolyn Nikoloski described it as a growing “connection gap”.

“People understand the importance of connection and community, yet many feel like we’re drifting further apart,” she said.

“That’s concerning, because connection is an important protective factor for our mental health and wellbeing.”

At Dhulwa, that connection can begin with something as unremarkable as watching three chickens wander around outside.

The project is not intended to replace formal therapy. It sits alongside the unit’s existing programs, giving consumers another reason to leave their rooms, spend time outdoors and interact with other people without having to sit down for a formal therapeutic session.

“The project has reinforced how powerful seemingly simple, everyday activities can be,” the Dhulwa team said.