Community Hub Archives - Community Enablement Team

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.

01/04/202522/04/2025

Walking Club: Exploring Dovedale’s Stepping Stones

A walking club member sat on the grass eating her packed lunch.

This week, our Walking Club headed out on a special adventure to the beautiful Dovedale valley. With bright, fresh weather and just a hint of breeze, conditions were perfect for exploring this iconic Peak District location.

The group tackled the well-known stepping stones and completed a scenic circular route of around 2.5 miles. The walk included rocky paths and gentle inclines, providing a healthy challenge and a sense of achievement for everyone involved.

At the top of the hill, the group was rewarded with breathtaking views, the kind of peaceful, grounding moment that makes every step worthwhile. We took a break here for lunch, soaking in the scenery and recharging before heading back down.

Along the return route, we spotted sheep and newborn lambs grazing in the spring sunshine – a lovely bonus to an already memorable walk. Back at the car park, the group enjoyed a well-deserved treat of coffees and giant cookies before heading home.

The minibus journey was filled with conversation, laughter, and a few well-earned naps, a sign of a day well spent. A big thank you to Cayton for leading another fantastic session.

CET’s Walking Club isn’t just about getting outdoors – it’s about building confidence, supporting physical wellbeing, and enjoying shared experiences in a supportive environment. Our walks are tailored to suit different abilities, with staff on hand to ensure everyone feels safe and included.

If you’re a professional supporting individuals with additional needs and are interested in how our Walking Club can benefit your clients, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us to find out more about our community activities and referral process.

28/03/202522/04/2025

Music, Dance and Connection at The Towers Disco

A man at a disco with lights behind him looking at the camera

Thursday evening at The Towers on Botany Avenue was another fantastic night for Community Enablement Team. Full of music, dancing, and shared laughter, the event highlighted how inclusive social activities can bring joy and connection to individuals with additional needs.

VW stole the spotlight, proudly receiving the Best Disco Dancer certificate, while DK kept the energy high on the dance floor, leading singalongs with his microphone. AB supported the group beautifully, encouraging everyone to join in and feel included.

A woman standing in a disco with a best dancer certificate

A special moment came as the group sang “Happy Birthday” to AW – his smile said it all. Across the evening, everyone found their place, from catching up with friends and family to simply enjoying the atmosphere with a snack or a drink in hand.

These regular events aren’t just fun – they’re part of how CET supports confidence, independence, and social wellbeing in a relaxed, supportive setting.

A woman looking into the camera and smiling she looks very happy

Thank you to our team: Catherine, Cayton-Lee, and Tracy, for helping make the night a success.

A man and a woman looking at a best disco dancer certificate

If you support individuals with additional needs and would like to know more about what CET offers, please get in touch.

26/03/202522/04/2025

Cooking at the Hub and Birthday Celebrations!

A man and a woman sat at a table preparing scones with cream and jam

This week at The Hub, we stepped away from our usual dinner and dessert routine to celebrate a special occasion: AW’s birthday, with a classic afternoon tea. Led by Cayton and Louise, the group prepared a delicious spread that included homemade fruit scones (topped generously with jam and clotted cream), air-fryer scotch eggs, and a selection of sandwiches.

The kitchen was full of energy and teamwork. DaE took charge of the scones, AB handled egg prep, and AW, DE, and J assembled sandwiches for everyone. Despite a slight hiccup with the eggs (and a postponed Victoria sponge), a shop-bought chocolate cake saved the day – because every good party needs cake!

A chocolate birthday cake with white chocolate curls on top and six lit candles

The Hub was decorated, candles were lit, and the group sang Happy Birthday as AW opened his card. It was a lovely celebration and a great example of how shared activities can build confidence and social skills.

Man leaning over a birthday cake ready to blow out the candles

If you’re a professional working with individuals who have additional needs, and you’re looking for meaningful, engaging activities like this for your clients, get in touch. Our team at Community Enablement Team offers supportive sessions that are as fun as they are empowering.

Contact us to find out more about what we offer.

25/03/202514/04/2025

Walking Club and the Ashover, Littlemoor & Milltown Circular Walk

Four walkers stand smiling on a grassy hilltop surrounded by heather under a cloudy sky. The group appears cheerful and relaxed, with expansive countryside views stretching out behind them.

A few looking down into Woodland Brecken and walking club members in the distance

Today’s walking group enjoyed another fantastic outing, with smiles all round and plenty of stunning photos capturing the day. If you’d like to know more about what the CCT Community Enablement Team offers, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

After a night of rain, we weren’t sure what the weather would bring, but Mother Nature was kind. The sun made an appearance, temperatures rose, and it felt more like late spring than mid-March. DE even had to take her coat off, and staying hydrated became essential, every last drop of water was gone by the end!

With Cayton and Anthony leading, today’s team – AW, DaE, RR, MS, and DE – took on the Ashover, Littlemoor & Milltown Circular Walk. This scenic route winds through some of Derbyshire’s most beautiful countryside. From ancient woodlands and rolling fields to quiet country lanes and panoramic views, it offered the perfect mix of challenge and reward.

We passed by Ashover, a historic village with roots going back to the Domesday Book of 1086. It even features in Sir Walter Scott’s novel Peveril of the Peak. Once a centre for lead mining, the area still carries traces of its industrial past hidden among the hills.

The group highlights:

AW and DaE walked side by side, keeping a steady pace and motivating each other throughout.
RR embraced the role of official explorer, stopping often to soak in the surroundings – occasionally needing a gentle nudge to catch up!
MS tackled the route with determination, taking well-deserved rests when needed.
DE adjusted quickly to the warm weather and was the first to ditch her coat and enjoy the sunshine.

We snapped plenty of photos along the way – with scenery like this, it would’ve been a shame not to! Towards the end of the walk, we found a peaceful picnic spot, perfect for enjoying packed lunches and chatting about the morning’s adventure.

By the time we returned to the minibus, everyone was tired but uplifted, refreshed by fresh air, great company, and the satisfaction of a walk well done. The route offered not just exercise and views, but a real sense of connection – to nature, to history, and to each other.

A big thank you goes to Cayton for organising such a thoughtful and enjoyable route. We’re already looking forward to the next walk!

24/03/202514/04/2025

A busy March day at the allotment

It was a glorious day for gardening, with blue skies and warm spring sunshine, the perfect weather for getting stuck into some hard work at the allotment. The team included AW, AB, DaE, P, TG, and DK, with support from Anthony, Lisa, and Louise.

We began by gathering tools, with AW and P taking the lead on loading them into the minibus. Once at the allotment, everyone quickly got to work. P focused on weeding to make space for more potatoes, while AB and DaE prepared the soil and planted two rows of carrots and one row of swedes. AB also kept the plot neat and tidy throughout the day with additional weeding.

Later on, AB and AW teamed up to collect plastic waste and tidy up the site, while DaE continued planting. Over in the polytunnel, DK and Lisa were busy sowing seeds for cucumbers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, marigolds, and a few flowers with names tricky enough to need pronunciation guides! The warm tunnel is ideal for germination, so we’re hopeful for a healthy crop.

In the afternoon, the group came together to discuss the plot’s plans, what to plant next and how to maximise the space. With tools packed and everything cleared up, we headed back to Enablement Care.

soil in a seed tray with seedlings starting to show

Back on site, the last task was unloading and returning tools before everyone sat down for a well-earned lunch. AB helped set the table, and the group enjoyed pizza, pies, and Coca-Cola, with sponge and custard to finish.

It was a brilliant day of productivity, socialising, and teamwork. A highlight was seeing AB receive a well-deserved shoutout on Facebook and a certificate from our manager, April Parker, in recognition of her volunteering. It was a proud moment and a great confidence boost for her!

A big thank you to Lisa and Louise for their continued support, and to everyone who contributed to such a positive and productive day. The allotment is looking better than ever, and we’re excited to see what we can grow next.

The allotment club group of participants

24/03/202524/03/2025

Service User Post: Bucket List Blog by Maf

A few more things off my bucket list, I went to Willow Farm today, with Catherine, my support worker.

Maf and her community support worker Catherine at Willow farm.

We had booked a meerkat enclosure experience and whilst waiting we looked around this small lovely farm.

Maf with a meerkat in the background at Willow farm

Maf with a meerkat on her lap taking food from a plastic cup

I came across the reptiles.

I have never held a snake and got the opportunity to do this today.

This is a female corn snake aged 15 years old.

Maf holding a corn snake with a tank in the background

This was also my first time holding a gecko

The main event was sitting in the enclosure with the meerkats and having a talk on them by a lady called Jo, we got to feed them and they sat on our knees and on Catherine’s shoulder. This experience was even more than I expected as not just reptiles and meerkat I got to meet a skunk! Called stinky!

Another picture of Maf holding a skunk called stinky

I had such a lovely day, getting to meet the animals, and the staff were really friendly, if you haven’t been to Willow Farm I would recommend it.