confidence building Archives - Community Enablement Team

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.

A participant walking alone along a wide woodland path lined with dense green rhododendron bushes, carrying a camera.

Community Enablement Team’s Walking Club recently ventured through the serene woodlands and stream-fed valleys of Padley Gorge in the Peak District, offering a rich opportunity for supported individuals to experience nature, independence and social connection.

This four-mile circular walk provided the perfect blend of gentle physical activity and sensory engagement. Under blue skies and ideal walking conditions, participants immersed themselves in one of Derbyshire’s most picturesque landscapes. With sturdy boots and high spirits, the group navigated the terrain with ease, soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.

Two participants in the car park after the walk – one checking a phone with a camera around his neck, the other smiling toward the camera.

Three Walking Club members standing outside the National Trust Welcome Centre at Longshaw, smiling and ready to explore.

One individual, RR, embraced a leadership role with enthusiasm, confidently taking control of the camera and documenting the day’s highlights. With minimal prompting, he captured a series of meaningful moments – from a playful splash in the stream in his wellies, to shared laughter with peers such as DLE. These experiences reflect the development of communication skills, autonomy, and confidence within a supportive setting.

A participant sitting in the open side doorway of a CET minibus, removing wellies after the walk, holding a shopping bag.

A peaceful woodland lunch offered time for reflection and shared stories, set to a soundtrack of birdsong and the rustling of leaves. Nature provided endless fascination – from spotting the animated movements of Northern Hairy Wood Ants to observing a curious standoff between two Devil’s Coach Horse beetles.

An information board and map for visitors at Longshaw Estate, detailing walking routes and points of interest in the surrounding area.

The feedback from the group was unanimous – the combination of calm weather, captivating scenery and positive social interaction made for a memorable experience, with many keen to return in the future.

A commemorative plaque describing the history of the Peak District as England’s first National Park and the efforts to preserve Longshaw Estate.

This kind of session highlights how guided outdoor activities can play a powerful role in enhancing mental wellbeing, social confidence and environmental awareness for individuals with additional needs. The natural world continues to offer a uniquely inclusive space for growth, enjoyment and connection.

For more information about our Walking Club and other inclusive activities, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

Tag: confidence building

Cooking Up Confidence at The Hub