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Building Skills and Confidence Through Cooking at The Hub

A man in a grey hoodie and camouflage cap prepares sausages at a table. A grater, orange, and silicone cupcake cases are laid out beside him.

At CET’s community Hub, sessions are designed to promote independence, confidence and real-life skills through hands-on, inclusive activities. On 28 May, our service users once again demonstrated the power of purposeful teamwork in the kitchen.

The day’s menu featured a hearty sausage ragu, adapted from a BBC Good Food recipe, followed by homemade chocolate orange cupcakes. From the moment the session began, our participants took initiative with minimal support, showing growing confidence and self-reliance.

Two of our service users led the main course preparation, managing tasks like chopping onions, frying ingredients and cooking sausages. Meanwhile, a second group focused on baking, measuring ingredients and preparing cupcake batter with precision. One participant took on the responsibility of making chocolate icing, while another carefully decorated the cupcakes with chocolate orange segments.

The atmosphere throughout was lively and positive. The kitchen remained tidy as participants worked together to manage the space safely and efficiently. Once the cooking was complete, everyone sat down together to share the meal – a valuable moment of community and connection.

This session highlights the kind of structured, supportive environment CET offers, where adults with additional needs can thrive through practical skill-building. Activities like cooking not only support learning but also boost social confidence, problem-solving and emotional wellbeing.

If you support individuals who could benefit from this kind of nurturing, skills-based environment, please get in touch to learn more about our sessions at the Hub.

A man wearing a blue fleece and black cap stirs onions and greens in a frying pan on the hob. Ingredients including herbs and seasoning are visible on the worktop beside him
A woman in a patterned shirt is using a whisk to mix chocolate cake batter in a large plastic bowl on a table.
A man in a blue fleece and black cap is pouring flour into a mixing bowl. Sugar packets and other baking ingredients are visible nearby.
A man in a grey hoodie and camouflage cap prepares sausages at a table. A grater, orange, and silicone cupcake cases are laid out beside him.
A woman in glasses and a striped top grates orange zest into a bowl at a table set up with baking tools and ingredients.
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Scenic Walk to the Lord Nelson Monument near Birchover

At Community Enablement Team, our outdoor sessions are about more than just getting fresh air. They are carefully designed to support physical health, emotional wellbeing and social development for adults with additional needs. A recent walk to the Lord Nelson Monument near Birchover offered the perfect opportunity to see these benefits in action.

A view from below of rocky cliffs covered in green ferns, with the Lord Nelson Monument just visible at the top under a grey sky.
A close-up view of the rocky outcrop beneath the Lord Nelson Monument, with lush green ferns in the foreground.
A wide view across the Derbyshire countryside from the top of the hill, with fields and trees stretching into the misty distance.
A closer view of the Lord Nelson Monument standing on a rocky platform, surrounded by rugged terrain and heather.
The Lord Nelson Monument seen through leafy green branches, partially obscured by surrounding rocks.
A woman stands smiling beside a large weathered rock formation, holding a water bottle, on grassy terrain.
Two people, dressed warmly, stand at the base of the Lord Nelson Monument with rolling hills behind them.
A wide shot showing a grassy track leading up to large rock formations, with a few people visible near the rocks.
Three people stand on a large flat rock at the summit, with the Lord Nelson Monument and a panoramic countryside view behind them.
A woman stands smiling in front of the path leading toward the distinctive rock formations at the top of the hill, surrounded by green shrubs and ferns.

Despite the changeable weather, the group embraced the two-mile walk with enthusiasm. Laughter and conversation filled the minibus on the way, setting a positive tone from the outset. The route gently ascended through the Derbyshire countryside, becoming more challenging as we approached the final stretch.

Participants demonstrated real determination as they tackled the uneven terrain. Mutual encouragement and patience were key, with everyone supporting one another through the steeper sections. At the summit, the reward was a breathtaking view and the sight of the historic monument and carved stones marking Nelson’s ships: Victory, Defiance and Royal Sovereign.

As the rain picked up, the group found shelter beneath a natural rocky overhang, where they shared a packed lunch prepared by our in-house cook at Enablement Care. It was a simple moment, but one that encapsulated the ethos of our outings – shared experiences, mutual support and confidence-building in a safe environment.

After lunch and a few photos, the group made a careful descent, again demonstrating excellent teamwork. While a little tired on return, participants shared a strong sense of achievement and pride.

These experiences support mobility, resilience and social connection, offering meaningful outcomes in a natural setting. To find out more about our supported walks and how they could benefit someone you work with, please get in touch.

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Gardening Club – Rain Showers and Rhubarb Harvests!

A close-up of a man proudly showing the wooden steam train he built, smiling at the camera with tools on the bench beside him.

At Gardening Club this week, the weather kept us on our toes. A few sudden showers rolled in, but they didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. If anything, we welcomed the rain – the allotment plants certainly needed it. Between the bursts of drizzle, the team cracked on with their usual energy, and when it poured, there was a cheerful scramble to the polytunnel, which quickly became a cosy hub of activity.

Six freshly harvested rhubarb stalks with red and green colouring laid out on a rough concrete surface.
A smiling man in gloves holds up a handmade wooden steam train project while sitting at a rustic wooden workbench.
A wide view of young vegetable and flower plants growing in pots arranged on wooden pallets outdoors near a polytunnel.
A group of four Gardening Club participants stand smiling in front of green hedging near the allotment gate.
A man inside a polytunnel stands at a table filled with soil and trays, concentrating on a planting task.
A woman in a mint green hoodie repots plants in a polytunnel, using gloved hands to handle small pots and compost.
A close-up of a man proudly showing the wooden steam train he built, smiling at the camera with tools on the bench beside him.

Out on the beds, DLE was quick to get started, continuing his determined mission to clear the weeds. His consistency is making a real difference week by week. Meanwhile, Lee and TG gave the salad beds a good tidy, harvesting a few lettuces for CP to take home. It’s brilliant to see the beds coming together so well, with neat rows of lettuce and the first signs of radishes poking through.

Inside the polytunnel, CP and DK worked with Louise on watering, repotting and ongoing planting tasks. CP focused on flowering plants, while DK turned his attention to woodwork – adding a chimney to his handmade steam train. It’s shaping up beautifully and proving that Gardening Club isn’t just about plants – it’s about creativity, problem-solving and practical skills too. As DK said: “If we find a problem, we work around it” – a motto we’ll be borrowing.

There was also a lovely moment harvesting fresh rhubarb, which we sent straight back to the Enablement Care kitchen. We’re hopeful it becomes rhubarb crumble soon – we know at least one resident will be thrilled.

As always, we ended the session with a good team clean-up, a quick photo and a well-earned lunch back at Enablement Care. Sausage and mash followed by apple crumble never tasted so good.

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Teamwork and Tasty Results in Our Intermediate Cooking Session

The woman in red pours creamy dressing over a bowl of shredded vegetables to finish off a homemade coleslaw in a bright kitchen space.

This week’s intermediate cooking session at CET was a brilliant display of teamwork, growing skills and shared achievement. Under the guidance of Cayton and Louise, the group worked together to prepare a full homemade meal from scratch – crispy chicken nuggets, seasoned sweet potato fries, crunchy coleslaw and a traditional trifle for dessert.

A woman in a yellow jumper finely slices cabbage on a chopping board at a table, concentrating on preparing ingredients for coleslaw.
A man in a blue fleece and black cap carefully chops a red onion on a white chopping board during a group cooking session.
The same woman in a yellow jumper uses a knife to cut raw chicken breast on a red chopping board while wearing disposable gloves.
A man in a camouflage cap pipes icing onto freshly baked cupcakes in colourful cases, smiling as he decorates them.
A woman in a red top and glasses cuts raw chicken breasts on a green chopping board with focus and care.
A woman in an orange jumper sweeps beneath a table with a long-handled dustpan brush, helping tidy up after cooking.
The same woman in red peels fresh carrots with a vegetable peeler beside a window decorated with colourful bunting.
A woman in orange concentrates as she slices red onion on a white chopping board while another participant looks on supportively.
The woman in red pours creamy dressing over a bowl of shredded vegetables to finish off a homemade coleslaw in a bright kitchen space.

Each participant took on a different task, contributing to the meal with enthusiasm and care. Whether slicing strawberries, chopping onions or mixing ingredients, every role was approached with focus and cooperation. One group member began the session tackling onion chopping before switching to help with cleaning duties – a great example of flexibility and understanding that every contribution matters.

The chicken nuggets were prepared using both shallow frying and air frying techniques, giving the group a chance to explore healthier cooking options. Meanwhile, the sweet potatoes were carefully cut and seasoned, and the coleslaw brought together beautifully with fresh, crunchy ingredients.

Elsewhere in the kitchen, one of our confident bakers got started on cupcakes for an upcoming VE Day celebration, working independently and showing how far his skills have come. Another participant helped prepare the trifle, and judging by the empty bowls and second helpings, it was a definite hit.

These sessions give individuals the chance to practise cooking techniques, explore food safely and build confidence in a supportive setting. The progress we see each week is a reflection of the calm encouragement and structure we offer.

To find out more about our life skills sessions and how they can support someone you work with, please get in touch on 01623 397750.

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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.
Group gardening with netting frame – A group of people work together to plant out seedlings and build a netted support frame using bamboo canes.
Planting peas under netting – A man crouches to plant seedlings beneath a netting frame while others look on and assist.
Close-up of broad bean seedlings – Broad bean seedlings in biodegradable pots labelled with a white plant tag.
Man potting compost into plant pots – A man fills black plastic pots with compost from a green bucket inside a polytunnel.
Three men working together by stacked pallets – Three men prepare planting areas and discuss next steps beside a stack of wooden pallets in the allotment.
Freshly earthed-up potato beds – Neat ridges of soil formed into rows for growing potatoes, with bamboo markers at each end.
Team building netting around frame – A support worker and two men add netting to a bamboo structure to support broad bean plants.
Watering seedlings indoors – A man sprays a tray of young seedlings using a red spray bottle on a shelf unit indoors, with an Easter egg box visible nearby.

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.

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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.
A small group walking along a forest path surrounded by tall trees and greenery.
Three members of the group sitting on a bench in the woods, taking a break from their walk.
A man smiling and holding his rucksack while seated on a bench surrounded by trees.
The walking group posing for a photo near a signpost at Rufford Abbey, smiling after their walk.
Group of walkers making their way down a leafy path, passing a large moss-covered tree trunk.
A woman walking alone on a shaded woodland path, holding a bottle of water.

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.

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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.

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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.
Close-up of a white Easter bonnet decorated with three handmade grey felt bunny faces with ears and button eyes.
A woman proudly holding up a bright yellow Easter card featuring a bunny illustration and the words “Happy Easter.”
A wide shot of the full group working on crafts together at a long table. The room is decorated with Easter-themed bunting and natural light pours in from the windows.
A smiling woman holding up a beaded Easter egg keyring she has just finished crafting.
Close-up of a pastel green Easter bonnet decorated with bright yellow pom-pom chicks and additional pom-poms arranged in the centre.

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.

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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.

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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.