Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Easter Fun at Enablement Care

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.

A woman seated comfortably in an armchair, smiling and wearing a sweatshirt with the word "FRIENDS" repeated in colourful text.
A person in an Easter Bunny costume handing out chocolate eggs to residents seated outside, assisted by a smiling volunteer.
A woman wearing a bright blue hat decorated with daisies, smiling widely in a red coat and blue jumper.
Two women in wheelchairs sitting side by side in the sun, wearing bright Easter hats – one blue and one yellow.
Residents and staff gathered in the care home courtyard, taking part in games and watching the Easter celebrations.
A woman in a wheelchair indoors, smiling warmly while seated at a table.
The Easter Bunny standing at the doorway with a basket of eggs, as residents sit nearby ready to take part.
The care home courtyard filled with residents enjoying the sunshine and watching the Easter Bunny hand out treats.
A group of residents playing bingo around a table outside, smiling and chatting, with a staff member speaking into a microphone in the background.
Posted on

Baking Hot Cross Buns: A Hands-On Easter Session at The Hub

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.

A man standing at a sink, drying dishes with a tea towel during a cooking session.
A woman in a wheelchair wearing an apron, sitting at a table with a tray of five unbaked hot cross buns.
A close-up of freshly baked hot cross buns on a tray, golden brown with visible crosses.
A woman in a wheelchair and a support worker greasing a baking tray together, with prepared dough balls on the table.

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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 second picture of two men in the poly tunnel at the allotment. One of them is scooping some compost from a tub.
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.
Close up of rhubarb seedlings.
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
Close up of Brussels seedlings
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
a hand spraying seedlings indoors
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
A number of seedlings in 3 trays
A number of seedlings in 4 trays
A man spraying seedlings
A man holding seedlings in a tray
Posted on

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
Posted on

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.