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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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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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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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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 stirring food in a mixing bowl
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.

Two men stood around a table, there are saucepans on the heat on the table. One of the men is chopping mushrooms
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.

tomatoes in a saucepan
mushrooms in a frying pan
beans in a saucepan

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.
A baked good with mini-eggs
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Gardening club on the warmest day of the year (so far)

Two men in the poly tunnel holding seedling trays
A man watering the base of the wig-wams
Radish seedlings beginning to poke through the ground there is a label towards the back of the picture that says radish
Rows of trays of seeds in the poly tunnel
A woman at the Allotment with a watering can she is watering the corn on the ground
Two men in the poly tunnel holding seedling trays
A woman sat on a pile of pallets. She is smiling at the camera.
Lots of seedling trays on the poly Tunnel ground
Lots of seeds in trays and seedlings on the floor
A man holding a seedling tray by a handle he looks happy
Two men stood in front of a poly tunnel frame with garden forks they have dug over the bed behind them
A woman sat down on the Earth taking a rest there is another woman behind her by some pallets
Another shot of wig-wams ready for beans
A small bean shoot growing next to a bamboo pole
Rows of corn in the ground
Bamboo pole set out into wigwam shapes ready for beans to be planted
A man holding a wooden block he is smiling and looks very happy
A corn seedling in some top soil

With the warmest day of the year so far, this week’s Gardening Club was a brilliant mix of fresh air, teamwork, and meaningful progress on our allotment plot.

The morning began at Enablement Care, where the group carefully checked on the seedlings growing on our windowsills. After watering and preparing a few plants for relocation, we loaded up the minibus with tools, seeds, and enthusiasm for the day ahead.

At the allotment, D.E. was ready and waiting. He and A.W. took on the job of preparing the ground for our pea plants – digging over the soil and constructing a wigwam-style support from canes. It was a detailed task, but they stayed focused and completed it with pride.

Lisa tackled one of the most challenging spots on the plot, clearing stubborn thistles and nettles before planting out a section of corn on the cob – a brilliant addition to our growing selection of crops.

In the polytunnel, T.G. and D.K., with support from Louise, planted marigolds and aubrieta. D.K. even found wood for a personal project he’s working on – a wooden train. Meanwhile, A.B. focused on hand-weeding and general upkeep, helping to keep the space tidy and functional. She later helped gather tools and took responsibility for securing the site before we left.

Back at Enablement Care, the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch of cottage pie or pizza, followed by apple crumble and custard. With great conversation and a final round of watering in the afternoon, the day closed on a positive note.

These sessions are about more than gardening – they provide purpose, routine, and the chance to connect with others through shared activity. The allotment is evolving into a productive, welcoming space, and our participants are at the heart of its progress.

If you’re a professional looking for purposeful, supported activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Gardening Club could be a great fit.

Get in touch to find out more about our therapeutic horticulture sessions and how we can work with your service users.

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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.

Two women dancing together at a disco

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.

A man and a woman dancing at a disco

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.

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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.

Scones ready for the oven
A man and a woman sat at a table preparing scones with cream and jam

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 woman peeling boiled eggs
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.

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Let’s Talk: Breaking the Silence on Time to Talk Day

🗓️ 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.

Why Talking About Mental Health Matters

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.

Finding Support Through Our Community Groups

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).

How You Can Take Part in Time to Talk Day

💬 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

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A Tasty Wednesday: Cooking Up Cottage Pie & Lemon Sponge

Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two individuals cooking together.
Two individuals cooking together.

We recently had a fantastic cooking session at the hub as everyone came together to cook up a hearty meal of cottage pie, followed by a delicious lemon sponge with custard. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.

A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.
A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.

Everyone was thrilled with how their dishes turned out, and there was a great sense of achievement as they sat down to enjoy the meal together. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and creating something to be proud of.

Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.
Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.

To make it even better, everyone now has their own recipe folders, allowing them to recreate these dishes at home. Cooking is a great way to develop independence and bring people together, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu next!

A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.
A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.

If you’d like to join our Wednesday cooking sessions, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.