April Round-Up – Spring, Growth & Community

Before we dive into this month’s highlights, April also saw lots of fun across our services as we celebrated Easter together. From creative crafts and seasonal activities to our ISL Easter Bonnet Competition, clients and colleagues got fully involved and showcased some fantastic designs. There’s a a full round-up of all the Easter celebrations in a separate blog – read it here!

April has brought a real sense of energy across Independence Support (ISL), with our services embracing the brighter days through outdoor activities, creative projects and meaningful moments of connection. From gardening and wellbeing to personal achievements and community events, it’s been a month full of growth and positivity.

Here’s what our services have been up to this April.

York – Awareness, Achievement & Football Moments

York marked World Autism Awareness Month with a thoughtful display at the front of the service, celebrating individuality with the message “Always Unique, Totally Interesting, Sometimes Mysterious.”

It’s also been an exciting month for football fans, with clients attending a York City home match and celebrating a 2–1 win. One standout moment saw Rachael meet York City defender Mark Kitching — a full-circle experience after previously enjoying a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.

Stoke – Friendly Competition

At Stoke, clients DG and PH enjoyed a competitive (and intense!) game of chess in the new communal space — a great way to socialise, relax and spend time together.

Sandbach – Gardening & Community Spirit

Sandbach has been buzzing with activity as the team works to transform their outdoor space. Thanks to the creativity of staff member Imogen and generous donations from local businesses, including Waitrose in Sandbach, the garden is coming to life.

Clients have also launched a sunflower growing competition, and AH enjoyed a visit to the annual Sandbach Transport Festival, exploring vintage vehicles and even spotting a Spitfire.

Leeds Chapel – Connection & Wellbeing

Leeds Chapel clients have been enjoying their weekly coffee club — a simple but meaningful way to connect, chat and unwind together.

Clients have also been making the most of the spring weather with walks, fresh air and great company.

Tranmere – Active Days & Creative Projects

It’s been a vibrant month in Tranmere, with clients enjoying a wide range of activities.

From visits to family (including meeting adorable ducklings!) to a 14,000-step day at Chester Zoo, there’s been a strong focus on wellbeing and staying active. Clients have also enjoyed days out, concerts and themed events, embracing new experiences and building confidence.

Creativity has been shining through too, with gardening projects underway and a beautiful handmade patchwork quilt completed by client Clara — a fantastic achievement showcasing patience and skill.

Chester Supported Living – Healthy Goals & Creative Spaces

At Chester, client JH has been working towards healthier lifestyle goals, building confidence in the kitchen and preparing nutritious meals as part of his journey.

The service has also been transformed thanks to the incredible work of support worker Lena, who has been hand-painting the communal lounge to create a brighter, more uplifting space. Her creativity and dedication are already making a lasting impact, with more exciting designs to come.

Leeds Rathmell & East – Socialising & Skill Building

Clients from Rathmell and Cross Green came together for a Sunday roast and garden games, enjoying time outdoors with activities like badminton, Connect 4 and more.

There have also been exciting trips out, including a seaside visit to Bridlington, as well as creative indoor activities such as photography sessions and arts projects.

A highlight this month was client EMA’s beautiful floral artwork, with each flower representing values such as care, hope, dignity and peace.

Clients also took part in a photography session to learn new skills and enjoyed a fun orienteering challenge at Temple Newsam, followed by well-earned treats and a shared meal together in the sunshine.

Alsager – Sunshine & Social Activities

Alsager made the most of the warmer weather with their first BBQ of the season, complete with games, football and great company.

They’ve also hosted a VR experience afternoon, weekly breakfast clubs and a sunflower growing competition, alongside days out and friendly pool matches – keeping the service full of energy and connection.

Leeds Morley – Food, Creativity & Community

Leeds Morley hosted a lively Italian afternoon, bringing clients together over food, laughter and plenty of bolognese — a great way to build cooking skills and enjoy time together.

Clients also got creative in the kitchen making artisan sausage rolls — so good they might just give Greggs a run for its money! Even the vegetarian options were a big hit and quickly snapped up. Safe to say they went down a treat… although the communal may have been left a little on the crumbly side afterwards!

Rapid Response – Support & Special Moments

Rapid Response have continued their vital work supporting patients, while still creating meaningful moments along the way.

A highlight this month included a peaceful walk around Rudyard Lake with an outreach client, bringing back special memories and creating new ones. The team have also continued supporting rehabilitation work with positivity and care.

Leeds East – Cooking & Connection

Clients have been enjoying shared cooking experiences, including a homemade chicken korma night complete with naan breads, poppadom’s and mango chutney — a fantastic way to build independence and enjoy social time together.

Crewe – Creativity & Confidence

Crewecial’s arts and crafts sessions continue to thrive, with clients enjoying everything from knitting and bracelet making to creating plush toys.

A proud moment this month saw client Samual attend a job interview for a role refurbishing computers — a big step forward and a brilliant achievement.

Leeds Pudsey – Spring Gardening

With spring in full swing, Leeds Pudsey’s gardening group is back, with clients planting seeds and preparing their vegetable patches for the months ahead.

Spring Into Action

April has been a month of growth in every sense – from gardens beginning to bloom to clients developing new skills, building confidence and creating lasting memories.

Across Independence Support, it’s been inspiring to see the continued focus on wellbeing, independence and community.

We’re excited to see what the next month brings.