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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.

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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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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 farmyard scene with Friesian cows
A few looking down into Woodland Brecken and walking club members in the distance
A few of a field
Walking club member stood in front of green hills wearing a blue jumper
Walking club members following a path
two people sat in some bracken
daffodils
walking club group on a small lane
close up of green leaves and a small yellow flower
a woman sat on a stone wall
A man standing in a field looking at the camera
Purple flowers
Scenery and hills
A smiling woman in a pink jumper stands on a stone staircase surrounded by greenery and bare branches. The sky is blue with light clouds, and a silver metal post is visible on the left.
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 man in outdoor clothing and wellies stands beside a green road sign reading "Jetting Street." He is holding binoculars and smiling, with leafless trees and ivy-covered trunks in the background.
A man in wellies stands in a large puddle on a muddy farm track, surrounded by tyre marks. Rolling green hills and patchy clouds stretch into the distance under a dramatic sky.
A man and woman stand smiling at a rural road junction beneath road signs for “Stoney Lane,” “Littlemoor,” and a 30 mph speed limit. Behind them is a grassy verge, leafless trees, and cloudy skies.
A woodland path winds uphill through bare trees on a late winter or early spring day. In the foreground, a blue Derbyshire County Council sign reads "Ashover Rock - The Fabrick" and "Local Nature Reserve."
A man in wellies and a rain jacket stands smiling by a metal farm gate, holding binoculars. Behind him, a group of black and white cows stands near a rustic barn with a corrugated metal roof, under a cloudy sky.
Two people walking uphill through a patch of bracken and heather in a woodland area. One is supporting the other as they climb, surrounded by bare trees and early spring vegetation.

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!

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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.

veg growing in a bed

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.

soil with plant labels

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.

Seed tray with seedlings starting.

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!

Two gardening club members

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

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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
Maf with a meerkat sitting on her lap

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

Maf's first experience 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!

Maf holding 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. 

Maf with an alpaca there is an fence between them
Maf reaching her arm over a gate to touch the top of a cow's head
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Walking Club Visits Brierley Park : A Refreshing Local Stroll

A large, partially frozen lake reflecting the winter sky, surrounded by bare trees, with ducks floating on the unfrozen water in the distance.
A green sign reading "Welcome to Brierley Forest Park" stands against a backdrop of tall, leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

Recently Walking Club took us on a scenic stroll around the beautiful Brierley Park. With fresh air, good company, and a chance to stretch our legs, it was the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying active.

A smiling woman in a grey coat stands in a grassy area surrounded by wooden and stone sculptures, including a large carved seed and a tree trunk with an embedded relief carving.

As we walked through the park, we took in the peaceful surroundings, spotting wildlife and appreciating the changing seasons. The gentle pace made it accessible for everyone, and the opportunity to chat along the way made it a lovely social experience too.

Three people, dressed warmly in jackets and hoodies, pose together for a selfie during their walk along a scenic countryside path, with hedgerows and trees in the background.

Walking is a fantastic way to boost both physical and mental well-being, and our regular meet-ups offer a great chance to connect with others while exploring the local area. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, meet new people, or simply enjoy nature, we’d love to have you join us on our next walk!

A close-up selfie of two people smiling outdoors, with a well-trodden walking path and trees in the background.

📍 Come along next time! See you there! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

#BrierleyPark #WalkingClub #StayActive #CommunityWalks #HealthyLiving