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🌟 Supporting Mental Health Over Christmas 💚🎅

A warm and inviting Christmas-themed illustration featuring a cozy living room. A lit Christmas tree with glowing fairy lights stands in the corner, adding festive cheer. A comfortable armchair draped with a blanket sits nearby, with a steaming cup of tea and a book titled "Self-Care" resting on a small wooden table. In the background, a window reveals a peaceful snowy night. The scene radiates warmth, comfort, and holiday spirit, emphasizing calm and relaxation.

Here are a few tips on supporting our own mental health and looking out for friends and neighbours:

Self-Care Tips:

💆‍♀️ Take time to relax and do what you enjoy – even small moments matter.
🧘‍♂️ Keep routines where possible and get outside for fresh air.
🍽️ Eat well and stay hydrated – it’s easy to forget during festive celebrations.
💬 Talk about your feelings – reach out to someone you trust.

How to Check In on Others:

👋 Pop by to say hello or give them a quick call.
☕ Invite them for a cuppa and a chat.
🎁 A thoughtful gesture, like a card or small gift, can make a big impact.
🌟 Encourage them to seek support if they’re struggling – help is available.

UK Mental Health Charities:

If you or someone you know needs professional support, here are some organisations that can help:

Mind: 💙 https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans: 📞 116 123 | 🌐 https://www.samaritans.org

Rethink Mental Illness: 🌟 https://www.rethink.org

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 🚶‍♂️ https://www.thecalmzone.net

Shout (24/7 crisis text line): 📱 Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 | 🌐 https://giveusashout.org

The Silver Line (support for older people): ☎️ 0800 470 8090 | 🌐 https://www.thesilverline.org.uk

This Christmas, let’s show kindness, compassion, and care – because nobody should feel alone. 💚✨

#MentalHealthMatters #KindnessAtChristmas #CommunitySupport

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A Walk Around Chatsworth House Grounds

Recently our walking club enjoyed a three-mile walk around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House. The route included a steep climb to the Tower via uneven steps, which proved challenging for some. While the fitter among us reached the top with ease, others took it at a more relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery. The views from the top made the effort worthwhile.

An older woman with glasses and short grey hair sits at an outdoor café table, holding a pastry in one hand. In front of her is a festive takeaway cup with a reindeer design. Behind her, stone arches are decorated with twinkling lights, and people can be seen walking through the area.
A wide-angle shot of an older woman with glasses and a green padded coat standing in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. The area is surrounded by woodland with moss-covered rocks, trees, and a forest path leading further into the scene.
A group of four people pose near a sign reading "House & Garden Entrances" at Chatsworth House. The group consists of an older woman in a green coat, a woman in a grey coat and yellow t-shirt, a man in a red beanie and blue jacket, and another man in a brown coat holding a small device. The background features parked cars and the rolling hills of Chatsworth.
A man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket sits at an outdoor café table, smiling with his eyes closed. Behind him, a festive wire Christmas tree lit with golden lights stands in front of a stone building. Other people are seen walking around the market area.
Three people stand near the "House & Garden Entrances" sign at Chatsworth House. From left to right: an older woman in a green coat and glasses, a man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket, and a man in a brown coat holding a small device. Behind them are parked cars, a stone building, and rolling hills.

At the Tower, we discovered a painted hidden rock on top of a brick shed, marked #NorthumberlandRock. We’ll rehide it during another walk to continue the fun for others.

The walk took us along peaceful footpaths and past waterfalls before looping back to our starting point. We ended the morning with coffee and cake at the café—a satisfying finish to a lovely outing.

Great company and good weather made for a memorable day. Until next time!

If you’d like to join Walking Club, please speak to your Community Support Worker or give us a call on 01623 397750.

An older woman with glasses and a green padded coat stands in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. Above her, a person with an orange backpack and jeans stands triumphantly on the rock, smiling. The surrounding area is filled with trees and moss.
Two men stand on a grassy verge beside a road near Chatsworth House. One man wears a red beanie and a blue checkered jacket, while the other wears a brown coat and navy beanie, holding a small device. A sign reading "House & Garden Entrances" stands nearby, with cars and buildings in the background.
Four people pose in front of the Chatsworth House grounds. The group includes an older woman in a green coat, a woman in a grey coat and yellow t-shirt, a man in a red beanie and blue checkered jacket, and another man in a brown coat holding a small device. The sign behind them points toward the House & Garden entrances.
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A Festive Success at This Year’s Christmas Fair!

Santa Claus interacting with attendees at a lively Christmas celebration, with festive decorations, including a bulletin board and holiday posters, in the background.

What a fantastic turnout we had at this year’s Christmas Fayre! A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event – you made it truly special.

We’d also like to give a big shoutout to Santa and his naughty elves for bringing some festive cheer (and a few giggles!). Of course, none of it would have been possible without the wonderful people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it all happen – thank you for your dedication and effort.

A special highlight this year was seeing some of our service users getting involved with their own stalls. They sold some incredible handmade items, including cakes, book Christmas trees, and adorable hedgehogs. It was wonderful to see their creativity and hard work shining through.

The day was a team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who contributed. Thank you all for making this year’s fair such a success – here’s to even more fun next year!

A bustling room with Christmas stalls and visitors browsing items. A woman in a Santa hat stands in the foreground, while others are engaged in conversation and shopping.
A table featuring handmade crafts, including folded book Christmas trees and hedgehogs with Santa hats, alongside a variety of festive cupcakes and treats.
A smiling woman wearing a Santa hat and a shimmering silver top, posing for the camera in a festive setting.
A display table with festive mugs, tumblers, and gift items, surrounded by Christmas decorations, including red tinsel hanging on the wall.
Santa Claus and elves entertaining a group of people in a festive room filled with holiday decorations and a television in the background.
An elf in a green costume dancing with a smiling older woman in a cosy room decorated with holiday-themed crafts and posters.
A cheerful elderly woman sitting in a chair, smiling at the camera while others in the room enjoy a festive gathering.
A room filled with people engaged in a holiday party, with some seated and others dancing. Festive hats, drinks, and snacks are visible on the tables.
Santa Claus interacting with attendees at a lively Christmas celebration, with festive decorations, including a bulletin board and holiday posters, in the background.
A group of people sitting in a cosy room near a large window decorated with festive ornaments. One person in a colourful Christmas jumper and Santa hat is sipping from a can, while others, wrapped in blankets, enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Tables in front of them hold cups, sweets, and small snacks.
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Wednesday Cooking at the Hub 🍴

This week’s Wednesday cooking session at the hub was a hit! On the menu: delicious meatballs and a mouthwatering sticky toffee pudding for dessert. 😋

Cayton and Louise brought their energy and expertise, making the session both fun and informative. Everyone had a great time preparing (and eating!) the tasty dishes.

It’s always a joy to see the community coming together to cook, learn, and share a meal. We can’t wait to see what’s on the menu next week! 🧑‍🍳✨

Stay tuned for more foodie fun!

Two individuals cooking together at a table. One person stirs a pan of sautéed vegetables, while the other prepares a pan of tomato sauce. A serene forest-themed wall decoration is visible in the background.
A woman carefully pouring milk into a mixing bowl while preparing a dish. She wears gloves for hygiene, and a festive room with winter decorations is visible in the background.
Two women shaping meatballs on cutting boards at a table. Ingredients such as ground beef and pasta are visible nearby, and the background features a green leafy wallpaper.
Two individuals working together to cook. One is flipping meatballs in a pan while the other stirs tomato sauce. The cooking takes place on a round table, and a peaceful forest scene decorates the wall.
A casserole dish filled with a hearty mix of vegetables, meatballs, and tomato sauce, topped generously with grated cheese, ready for baking.
A plate of food featuring penne pasta served with meatballs in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce, topped with melted cheese.
A group of people enjoying their meals in a cosy room with frosted winter-themed decorations on the windows and a small decorated Christmas tree in the background.
Two individuals sitting on a couch enjoying their plates of food in a warmly decorated room. A small Christmas tree and winter-themed window decorations add to the festive atmosphere.
A wider view of a group of individuals seated in a relaxed, festive setting, eating together. The room features a Christmas tree and frosted window decorations.
A similar scene to the previous image, showing a group of people gathered in a festive room with Christmas decorations and enjoying their meals together.
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Gardening Club Update: Fresh Carrots and Progress!

Three Gardening Club members working on the allotment, using garden forks to dig and turn over the soil, under a clear blue sky.

Last week, members of the Gardening Club worked together to dig over most of the allotment. There’s a real sense of achievement in seeing all the progress we’ve made, and it’s wonderful to share that feeling as a group.

Even better, we harvested some fresh carrots – perfect to add to our winter meals. These moments spent tending to the soil, sharing stories, and enjoying the harvest make Gardening Club so special.

A view of the allotment with two Gardening Club members working in the background, surrounded by dug-over soil and wooden pallets.

It’s all about preparing for next year while enjoying the fruits (or veggies!) of our labour!

If you’d like to join us, please call 01623 397750 or speak to your Community Support Worker.

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A Short Walk Around Matlock

Members of Walking Club enjoyed a leisurely day out in Matlock, which turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation and festivity!

An informational sign for the Lover’s Walk trail, detailing the history and layout of the scenic route explored by the CET Walking Club

The crisp November air was invigorating as the group set off on a short walk around Matlock. Scenic surroundings always have a way of lifting spirits! With the last autumn leaves clinging to the trees and a hint of winter in the air, it was a gentle reminder that Christmas is just around the corner.

Two CET Walking Club members pause during the Lover’s Walk, framed by the tranquil riverside path and charming buildings in the background.

Exploring Matlock Garden Centre’s Christmas Display

After the walk, we headed to Matlock Garden Centre – a must-visit at this time of year. Their Christmas display was nothing short of magical. From twinkling lights and glittering ornaments to beautifully themed decorations, it was a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own decorations or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, this place never disappoints.

A wider view of Jubilee Bridge in Matlock, showcasing the picturesque architecture and a Walking Club member in the distance enjoying the scenery.
A CET Walking Club member standing at the centre of Jubilee Bridge in Matlock, surrounded by scenic winter trees and historic streetlamps, waving joyfully.

Coffee and Cake in the Café

To round off the outing, the group went to the garden centre’s café for a well-deserved coffee and cake. The café was cosy and welcoming, with the hum of happy chatter and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

A cheerful CET Walking Club member seated inside the cosy café at Matlock Garden Centre, wearing a warm winter coat and smiling warmly at the camera.

Why You Should Join Us Next Time

Matlock and its surrounding gems have so much to offer, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll, a little shopping, or just some quality time over coffee and cake, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day. If you haven’t joined Walking Club, why not make the next trip your first? It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, explore local areas, and enjoy new experiences.

Please call 01623 397750 for more information or speak to your Community Support Worker.

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🎄 Advent Calendar Go Live at CCT Community Enablement Team LTD! 🎄

A festive Christmas-themed illustration featuring a colorful spinning wheel without any text, surrounded by sparkling holiday decorations such as tinsel, baubles, and fairy lights. The background is plain and neutral, allowing the vibrant wheel and decorations to take centre stage and evoke a cheerful holiday atmosphere.

The festive season is upon us, and here at CCT Community Enablement Team LTD, we’re embracing the Christmas spirit like never before! This year, we’re introducing a brand-new festive initiative that will bring fun to all our staff – our Advent Calendar Go Live!

What Is the Advent Calendar Go Live?

Starting on the 1st day of Advent, we’ll be going live on Facebook every day at 11:30 am for a special Christmas surprise. Using a spin-the-wheel format, we’ll randomly select two staff members daily to receive a gift. It’s our way of showing appreciation for our team’s amazing work all year round.

How Does It Work?

Daily Live Stream: Tune in to our social media at 11:30 am every day to watch the wheel spin live.

Spin the Wheel: The wheel will feature the names of all staff members. Each day, two names will be randomly selected to win a gift.

Reduced Names Each Day: As the days progress, the wheel will have fewer names, building anticipation for who will win next!

Exciting Prizes: Gifts range from hampers to car breakdown kits, ensuring something for everyone.

How to Join the Fun

We encourage all staff to follow our Facebook page to stay updated and participate in the fun. A Planday announcement will be sent out soon with all the details, so make sure to check it out and mark your calendars!

Whether you win a prize or cheer on your colleagues, we hope this Advent Calendar Go Live brings a little extra magic to your December. 🎁✨

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Making Christmas Stockings at the Community Hub

We had a fantastic crafting session where everyone got into the festive spirit! Two of our service users proudly displayed their handmade Christmas stockings, which they lovingly created during our crafting workshop. Each stocking was unique, filled with creativity and cheer, perfect for adding a personal touch!

Two service users and their Christmas Stocking Crafts