Community Enablement Team Archives - Community Enablement Team

23/04/202520/05/2025

Teamwork and Growth at Gardening Club

Person holding bamboo cane next to netted pea frame – A man in a black puffer jacket and grey joggers works on securing a bamboo cane to a green netting structure in the allotment.

Seedlings in trays – A variety of young vegetable and flower seedlings growing in labelled pots and trays inside a polytunnel.

The latest session of our Gardening Club at the allotment was full of energy, purpose, and collaboration, with just a touch of uncertainty in the weather. With rain in the air, the team wasted no time unloading the minibus and getting stuck in.

DLE took charge of earthing up the potatoes, carefully clearing weeds and shaping the rows to keep the area tidy and productive. His work gave the patch a real sense of structure – a noticeable transformation in just one session.

Meanwhile, AW built a bamboo cane frame beside the peas and planted out our broad bean seedlings, which had been started on the windowsill at Enablement Care. It was a satisfying milestone, marking another plot coming to life.

In the polytunnel, AB and TG, supported by Lee, focused on repotting flower seedlings into larger pots. Each plant was handled with care and precision, using just the right amount of compost to give them room to grow.

As always, time flew by. The group packed away with impressive teamwork – tools cleaned, waste collected, and everything loaded back into the minibus smoothly. A final sweep of the site by AW and AB ensured nothing was left behind.

Back at Enablement Care, the day ended with a shared meal – chicken casserole followed by fruit cobbler. A well-earned treat that rounded off the session with warmth and community.

Special thanks to everyone for your efforts – and to Lee for stepping in while Lisa was away (rest assured, Lisa, your onions are thriving!).

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about our Gardening Club and how we support individuals with additional needs through outdoor and therapeutic activity.

23/04/202520/05/2025

Walking Club Explores Rufford Park

Walking Club recently enjoyed a peaceful stroll around Rufford Abbey Country Park – a welcome dose of fresh air, movement, and good company.

A woman in a pink gilet smiling at the camera while walking through the woods, with another walker behind her holding a water bottle.

With the sun shining after a rainy spell, the group took to the lakeside paths at a gentler pace than usual, allowing everyone to soak in the sights and sounds of the park. Birds chirped overhead, squirrels darted through the trees, and there was plenty of relaxed conversation and laughter along the way.

The route was carefully chosen to suit a range of mobility needs, making the walk accessible and enjoyable for all. Activities like this are not only beneficial for physical health but also help reduce anxiety and boost mood through time spent in nature and meaningful social interaction.

Halfway through the walk, the group stopped at a quiet spot beside the lake to enjoy a packed lunch, kindly prepared by Janet at Enablement Care. The moment was calm and reflective – watching the ducks on the water while enjoying sandwiches and snacks outdoors.

VK, always full of energy, opted for a slightly longer walk with support, completing an extra loop before rejoining the group near the mill. Her enthusiasm is a great example of how we aim to meet individual needs within group activities.

Everyone returned to the minibus feeling relaxed and uplifted – a gentle reminder of how small moments in nature can have a big impact.

Please get in touch if you’d like more information about our sessions and how we support individuals with additional needs through active and inclusive outings.

19/04/202520/05/2025

Easter Disco Brings Spring Cheer to The Towers

Service user smiling and holding a prize and paper bag during the Easter Disco, with party lights in the background.

The Easter Disco at The Towers was a lively and inclusive evening. It offered residents and service users a chance to socialise, celebrate, and enjoy a range of activities in a supportive environment.

Stormtrooper standing beside a group of friends seated around a table with drinks and snacks at the Easter Disco.

The event welcomed GN, our newest group member, who immediately joined in the fun and even won the raffle – a brilliant way to start her journey with us. From the beginning, the room was filled with music, laughter, and excitement, as Easter-themed games offered plenty of chances to win chocolate prizes and get involved.

Service user dancing in a dimly lit room with other guests visible in the background.

DE led the way on the dancefloor, bringing her usual energy to crowd favourites like the “Hokey Cokey” and the “Birdie Dance.” DK entertained everyone with a confident lip-sync performance, while AW sparked a spontaneous conga line when “The Loco-Motion” started playing. Others, like KC, preferred to relax at the tables, enjoying refreshments and conversation.

Stormtrooper posing with a smiling woman wearing a lanyard at the event.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when MF arrived dressed as a Stormtrooper – a surprise that brought big smiles and plenty of photo opportunities.

These events aren’t just fun – they play a valuable role in supporting wellbeing, promoting social interaction, and offering varied ways for individuals with additional needs to engage on their own terms. Whether through music, movement, humour, or conversation, everyone had the chance to take part in a way that suited them.

Person dressed in a full Stormtrooper costume standing indoors at the event.

Huge thanks go to Abbie, Sara, Cayton, and Tracy for their support throughout the evening and for helping create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Our next themed event will be a summer Beach Party – flip-flops optional, good vibes guaranteed.

Please get in touch if you’d like more information about our sessions and how we support individuals with additional needs through meaningful and inclusive activities.

18/04/202506/05/2025

Creative Expression and Community Spirit: Easter Crafts at Enablement Care

Participants seated at a long table in a cosy room, focused on crafting Easter bonnets and cards. Decorative bunting and soft lighting add to the warm atmosphere.

Craft sessions at Enablement Care are always full of imagination and energy, and a recent Easter-themed afternoon was no exception. Led by Michaela, with support from volunteer AB, the group got stuck into a lively, hands-on session filled with colour and creativity.

Participants enthusiastically created Easter bonnets, each with its own unique flair. From fluffy chicks and floppy-eared bunnies to sparkling eggs and even handmade carrots, the results were joyful, expressive, and a brilliant reflection of everyone’s individuality.

The session was about more than just making something fun – it encouraged confidence, teamwork, and pride in personal achievement. Once the bonnets were finished and set aside to dry, many participants turned their attention to crafting Easter cards, each one carefully made and full of personality.

These sessions are a great example of how creative activity can support social inclusion, communication, and wellbeing. As always, the group worked together to tidy up – a lovely display of shared responsibility and community spirit.

For more information about our craft sessions and inclusive activities, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

16/04/202506/05/2025

Cooking Up Confidence at The Hub

Three women gather around a table preparing ingredients, including meatballs and packaging. One woman chops on a red board while the others assist, set against a green leafy wallpaper background.

A man stirs pasta in a saucepan on a portable hob while cooking in a community kitchen. Two additional pans are on the table with ingredients nearby, including olive oil, herbs, and a grater.

The Community Enablement Team’s kitchen sessions are a fantastic way for individuals to build life skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. In this session, participants prepared a hearty sausage pasta bake followed by chocolate caramel flapjacks – a rewarding mix of teamwork and tasty outcomes.

AW and DLE took the lead on the recipe, showing real confidence in the kitchen. DE kept hygiene standards high, ensuring everything was clean and tidy. MS supported with the clear-up, and AB helped coordinate the group, making sure the session ran smoothly from start to finish.

As always, the focus wasn’t just on cooking – it was on developing independence, confidence and collaboration. And the delicious results were the perfect end to a fulfilling session.

For more information about our supported life skills sessions, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

16/04/202506/05/2025

Walking Club Visits Padley GorgeExploring Padley Gorge: Connection, Confidence and Curiosity on the Trail

Three individuals from CET’s Walking Club standing on a wide footpath at Padley Gorge, surrounded by rolling moorland and hills under a lightly clouded sky.

A participant walking alone along a wide woodland path lined with dense green rhododendron bushes, carrying a camera.

Community Enablement Team’s Walking Club recently ventured through the serene woodlands and stream-fed valleys of Padley Gorge in the Peak District, offering a rich opportunity for supported individuals to experience nature, independence and social connection.

This four-mile circular walk provided the perfect blend of gentle physical activity and sensory engagement. Under blue skies and ideal walking conditions, participants immersed themselves in one of Derbyshire’s most picturesque landscapes. With sturdy boots and high spirits, the group navigated the terrain with ease, soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

Two participants in the car park after the walk – one checking a phone with a camera around his neck, the other smiling toward the camera.

Three Walking Club members standing outside the National Trust Welcome Centre at Longshaw, smiling and ready to explore.

One individual, RR, embraced a leadership role with enthusiasm, confidently taking control of the camera and documenting the day’s highlights. With minimal prompting, he captured a series of meaningful moments – from a playful splash in the stream in his wellies, to shared laughter with peers such as DLE. These experiences reflect the development of communication skills, autonomy, and confidence within a supportive setting.

A participant sitting in the open side doorway of a CET minibus, removing wellies after the walk, holding a shopping bag.

A peaceful woodland lunch offered time for reflection and shared stories, set to a soundtrack of birdsong and the rustling of leaves. Nature provided endless fascination – from spotting the animated movements of Northern Hairy Wood Ants to observing a curious standoff between two Devil’s Coach Horse beetles.

An information board and map for visitors at Longshaw Estate, detailing walking routes and points of interest in the surrounding area.

The feedback from the group was unanimous – the combination of calm weather, captivating scenery and positive social interaction made for a memorable experience, with many keen to return in the future.

A commemorative plaque describing the history of the Peak District as England’s first National Park and the efforts to preserve Longshaw Estate.

This kind of session highlights how guided outdoor activities can play a powerful role in enhancing mental wellbeing, social confidence and environmental awareness for individuals with additional needs. The natural world continues to offer a uniquely inclusive space for growth, enjoyment and connection.

For more information about our Walking Club and other inclusive activities, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

15/04/202523/04/2025

Gardening Club: Planting Progress at Milldale Walk

This week, the team headed to our Milldale Walk allotment full of energy and ready to get stuck in. With tools packed by DLE, AW, and PH, the group got to work as soon as they arrived.

Two men in the poly tunnel at the allotment. One of them is scooping some compost from a tub.

DLE and PH focused on preparing the beds, while AW joined in planting four new rows of potatoes. AB and AW also made great progress with weeding, helping to keep the plot tidy and well cared for.

A man sat inside on a chair next to a shelf of seedlings.

In the polytunnel, TG and John sowed foxglove seeds and watered the growing plants. Despite the heat, the team worked efficiently and with real focus.

A view of the allotment - a large bed freshly dug

Two men inside at Enablement Care. One is holding a spray bottle by the indoor seedlings.

Back at Enablement Care, lunch was enjoyed together, with AB helping to set the table. The day wrapped up with TG and John tending to the micro garden, where signs of the next harvest are already appearing.

Although we missed a few familiar faces this week, the group pulled together and made great progress.

If you are looking for engaging, supportive outdoor activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Gardening Club provides hands-on sessions that build skills, confidence, and connection.

Contact us to find out more.

Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.

13/04/202523/04/2025

Walking Club: Exploring Flash and Three Shires Head

Recently, Walking Club explored the stunning Flash and Three Shires Head Circular route. With clear skies and beautiful views, the group tackled a mix of terrain including stiles, streams, stepping stones, and a fair amount of mud.

A woman stood on rocks in a shallow stream

Along the way, we enjoyed some unexpected moments, from meeting a friendly dog to spotting alpacas watching us from a nearby field. We paused halfway by the stream to rest and take in the peaceful surroundings.

A man stood on rocks in a shallow stream

Thank you to Cayton for leading the group and keeping everyone safe and supported throughout the walk.

a view of two pathways, one leading down and one leading up.

These sessions offer more than exercise. They promote wellbeing, confidence, and connection with nature in a supportive environment.

If you support individuals with additional needs and are looking for structured, meaningful outdoor activities, get in touch to learn more about CET’s Walking Club.

12/04/202523/04/2025

Wednesday Cooking Club: A Classic British Fry-Up with an Easter Twist

This week at Wednesday Cooking Club, our group took on a much-loved British classic, led by the capable hands of Cayton and Louise. The session was a lively mix of hands-on cooking, teamwork, and a few sweet surprises.

On the menu was a hearty fry-up, complete with crispy bacon, perfectly fried eggs, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and golden hash browns. While hash browns may not be part of a traditional British breakfast, they were a welcome addition and much enjoyed by the group.

A lady standing next to a toaster and a loaf of bread

Instead of a typical dessert, we embraced the Easter spirit with homemade Easter cookies. Packed with milk and white chocolate chips and chocolate eggs, these sweet treats were a big hit. The first batch may have spent a little too long in the oven, but they still went down well. Special mention goes to DLE, whose batch was baked to perfection. His cookies looked fantastic and tasted even better.

After everyone had enjoyed their meals, the group worked together to clean up. Washing pots, drying up, and tidying the kitchen became part of the shared experience, rounding off the session with a real sense of teamwork and achievement.

A woman is cooking bacon in a frying pan. A man next to her is cooking black pudding in a frying pan.

A huge thank you to Cayton and Louise for another successful and enjoyable session. These activities not only build practical life skills but also offer valuable opportunities for connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen.

Two women, smiling and looking at the camera whilst stirring pans of food.

If you are a professional seeking engaging, supportive group activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Cooking Club offers structured sessions that build independence, skills, and self-esteem in a welcoming environment.

Get in touch to learn more about how to refer someone to our services.

A plate of 'fry-up' breakfast, eggs, sausage, tomatoes, bacon, mushrooms and hash browns.

11/04/202523/04/2025

Gardening Club Update: Sunshine, Teamwork, and Growing Success

A gardening club member on the allotment leaning on his spade.

With the sun shining and spring in full swing, it was the perfect day for a Gardening Club.

A view over the allotment and a freshly dig bed.

A man standing at the side of a large raised allotment bed.

The team made fantastic progress at the allotment. In the polytunnel, DK, TG, and Lisa worked together to care for our flower seedlings, focusing on marigolds which we are growing for our summer fayre in July. The polytunnel is already full of colour and promise, and it is exciting to see how quickly everything is developing.

3 gardening club members in the polytunnel at the allotment.

The tomato plants are thriving and have now been moved into larger pots. Meanwhile, our other seedlings are showing strong signs of growth, a real reward for the care and attention they have been given.

Out on the main plot, PH prepared the soil for another batch of potatoes. AW and DLE took on the physically demanding job of breaking up the compacted ground, and after plenty of hard work, they successfully planted a new row of parsnips and swedes. Support worker Lee was on hand throughout the morning, assisting with digging, watering, and making sure the team stayed on track.

A man leaning on his fork at the allotment

After a productive few hours outdoors, we returned to Enablement Care for a well-earned and delicious lunch.

A man inside, stood next to some shelving with small gardening tools on it

In the afternoon, our focus shifted to the ATTFE College “Grow Together” project. With several residents taking part, Lee guided the group through the process of measuring out seeds, filling compost pots, and planting carefully and thoughtfully. It was a fantastic way to end the day, combining education, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Enablement Care resident sat in her wheelchair next to a recently potted-up planter.

By the end of the session, everyone felt that special kind of tiredness that comes from a good day’s work. There was a real sense of achievement across the group.

Thank you to Lisa and Lee for their support and guidance in making the day run smoothly.

If you are a professional looking for meaningful activities that support individuals with additional needs, our Gardening Club offers hands-on experiences that build confidence, skills, and wellbeing.

Get in touch to find out more about how to get involved.