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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Friday Beginner’s Cooking Session

A plate of scrambled eggs on toasted sourdough bread. The scrambled eggs are fluffy, golden, and slightly creamy, garnished with finely chopped chives and a sprinkle of black pepper. The dish sits on a rustic wooden table with soft, natural lighting.

🍳 Join Our Beginner’s Cooking Session 🍽️

Scrambled Egg on Toast

Want to gain confidence in the kitchen? Come along to our Beginner’s Cooking Session on Fridays from 12:30 – 14:45! This friendly, hands-on session is open to all service users and is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills and enjoy cooking in a supportive environment.

👨‍🍳 Led by Cayton
📅 Friday, 12:30 – 14:45
📍 The Community Hub, 8 Brook St, Sutton In Ashfield
🎟️ Open to all service users
FREE SESSION!

No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Let’s build confidence in the kitchen together. 🍽️✨

Please note, timings may vary, please call 01623 397750 to confirm for the session you are attending.

Becca’s Life Skills Academy on YouTube

Due to Coronavirus, Becca, our Specialist Provision Lead hasn’t been able to get out and about as she normally would. For the past couple of months, Becca has been creating a brilliant and easy to understand collection of life skill video’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a_GhyZmWjg

Becca’s Life Skills Academy can help with doing things around the house, cooking, cleaning, managing money, understanding our feelings and much more.

Email becca.oseman@challengect.co.uk if you would like to be added to the mailing list for the Life Skills Academy!

You can find Becca’s Life Skills Academy on the CCT Community Enablement Team YouTube channel here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XlyF6fT9JQ