We had a fantastic Easter celebration at Enablement Care Sutton in Ashfield, complete with sunshine, smiles, and a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny!
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special.
Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about our sessions and seasonal events.
Our recent Basic Cooking Session at The Hub embraced the spirit of Easter with a timeless favourite – hot cross buns. Led by Cayton, with support from John and Anthony, the session welcomed regular participants RR and DD, along with newcomer GN, who joined just in time for one of the season’s most rewarding activities.
The group began with refreshments and a moment to settle in. RR confidently made his own tea, GN opted for orange cordial, and everyone prepared for baking with handwashing and aprons at the ready.
From weighing out ingredients to mixing and kneading the dough, participants were fully hands-on throughout. The sensory experience of working with flour, yeast, and spices provided both fun and therapeutic value – even if a few aprons ended up dusted in white. These sessions not only build practical life skills but also support motor coordination, confidence, and teamwork.
DD took the lead in shaping the dough into even buns, while others carefully piped on the traditional crosses before they went into the oven. While the buns baked, RR jumped in to help with the washing up, showing initiative and a real sense of shared responsibility.
The highlight of the session was, of course, the moment the buns emerged from the oven – golden brown, aromatic, and finished with a honey glaze. GN helped with the final step, glazing each bun to perfection before the group enjoyed a well-earned taste test.
This kind of session combines practical skills with social interaction, offering participants a chance to engage in meaningful activity in a relaxed, supportive setting.
Thank you to Cayton, John, and all involved for creating another warm, welcoming, and memorable experience.
Please get in touch if you’d like more information about our sessions and how we support individuals with additional needs through engaging, hands-on activities.
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.
Gardening Club at Enablement Care in Sutton-in-Ashfield was a hive of activity recently! Led by the ever-enthusiastic Lisa, our team got to work planting cheerful daffodils and winter pansies, adding a splash of colour to the borders and raised beds. The bamboo also got a much-needed trim – cut back and set aside for recycling (or maybe for a future craft project, who knows?).
Meanwhile, over on the windowsills, our freshly potted vegetable seeds are settling in nicely, watered and basking in the winter sunshine. Fingers crossed for a bumper crop!
After a busy morning in the garden, we all sat down together for a homemade lunch, giving everyone a chance to relax, chat, and build confidence in a friendly, welcoming setting. Sharing a meal is just as important as tending to the plants – it helps nurture social skills and brings the group closer together.
To add a creative touch, Lisa got residents involved in painting plant pots, gearing up for the much-anticipated Sunflower Competition. With bright colours and artistic flair, we’re all set to grow some towering, prize-worthy sunflowers – watch this space!
It was a fantastic day all around, and we’re already looking forward to another green-fingered session next week!
A Recent Wander Around Sutton Lawn 
Cayton recently enjoyed a relaxing walk around Sutton Lawn with two of our lovely service users. A great way to get some fresh air, chat, and appreciate nature! 
Check out the photos!
Thursday, 6th February 2025 is Time to Talk Day, a national awareness campaign encouraging open conversations about mental health. Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op, Time to Talk Day is all about making space for conversation and reminding people that talking really can change lives.At CCT Community Enablement Team Ltd, we believe that talking is powerful, and having a supportive space to share your thoughts, worries, and joys can improve well-being. This year, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to check in on a friend, join a conversation, or come along to one of our friendly community sessions.
We all have mental health, just like we have physical health. But too often, people feel afraid to talk about their struggles. 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year, yet stigma and silence still prevent many from reaching out.
Time to Talk Day is an opportunity to change that. Conversations – whether big or small – help break the stigma, provide support, and remind people they’re not alone. You don’t have to be an expert; simply listening can make a real difference.
The key message? The more we talk, the more we break down barriers.
Sometimes, starting a conversation feels easier when you’re doing something together. That’s why we offer supportive, social activities where you can connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Gardening Club (Mondays) – Nature is a great stress reliever. Join us for a chat while planting, pruning, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Free to attend – and lunch at Enablement Care is just £1.50 after the session!
Tuesday Walking Club – Walking side by side can make talking feel more natural. Join us for a friendly walk from 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM, open to all. Fresh air, good company, and gentle movement – what’s not to love?
Cooking Club (Wednesdays) – Sharing food brings people together. Learn new skills, enjoy a warm meal, and make new connections at The Community Hub (£3 per session).
Start a Conversation – Ask a friend or family member how they’re doing. A simple “How have you been?” can mean so much.
Make Time for a Cuppa & a Chat – Grab a tea or coffee with someone and check in on them.
Reach Out – If meeting in person isn’t possible, send a message or give someone a call.
Join Us! – Our clubs are a great way to chat, meet new people, and get involved in the community.
This Time to Talk Day, let’s work together to make mental health conversations part of everyday life. A simple chat could change someone’s day – or even their life.
Want to join one of our community groups? We’d love to welcome you!
Email info@challengect.co.uk or call 01623 397750 for more details.
For more information on Time to Talk Day, visit:
www.time-to-change.org.uk
Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care staff and residents entered into the festive spirit in December by participating in Christmas Jumper Day. Everyone looked fantastic in their cosy jumpers!
We’re thrilled to share that we raised £32, which has been donated to Save the Children. This contribution will help support the incredible work they do for children in need worldwide. Thank you to everyone who joined in and made this day so special!
Are you a gardening enthusiast or curious to give it a try? Our Gardening Club is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, we invite you to join us and cultivate community, wellness, and growth through the joys of gardening.
The Gardening Club is more than just planting seeds; it’s about:
This year, we’re excited to announce that the Gardening Club is now open to the wider public! Everyone is welcome to join us in making the most of this rewarding and therapeutic activity.
For more information or to join the group:
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! Whether you’re joining us for January sessions at Enablement Care or gearing up to dig into the allotment come February, we can’t wait to see you there.
Let’s grow together – literally!
