June Round-Up: Wellbeing, Community & Successes Across ISL

June has been another fantastic month across Independence Support, with our supported living services embracing the sunshine, strengthening community connections and celebrating personal achievements. From wellbeing walks and gardening projects to baking groups, mindfulness sessions and creative activities, our clients and colleagues have continued to build confidence, independence and meaningful friendships.

Here’s a look at what our services have been up to this month.

Tranmere: Days Out, Creativity and Acts of Kindness

Tranmere clients made the most of June with plenty of adventures and opportunities to connect with nature, culture and each other.

Kamilliah and support worker Justyna enjoyed a wonderful day exploring unusual plants and tropical fish at a local garden centre before heading to Liverpool to watch comedian Richard Ayoade perform live.

Aimee showed incredible compassion by suggesting a visit to her friend JF in hospital, bringing chocolates and an activity book to brighten their day.

Clients also enjoyed visits to Lady Lever Art Gallery, Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, local parks, arcades, bowling alleys and a Labrador Retriever show, where Colin was delighted to meet plenty of friendly four-legged visitors.

One particularly memorable day saw clients complete the Gruffalo Trail with support workers Anna and Justyna. Anna shared yoga poses and breathing techniques from her Indian heritage, helping everyone unwind and focus on wellbeing in the beautiful outdoors.

Morley: Creativity, Culture and Appreciation

Morley kicked off June with a cultural cooking session, creating delicious Tex-Mex fajitas together.

The service was also the first to submit its contribution to ISL’s collaborative bunting project, showcasing favourite activities and community spirit through colourful designs. Clients enjoyed the process so much that they created additional in-house bunting featuring their own unique artwork.

A touching moment came when clients gifted a beautiful poem and artwork to Service Manager Megan, expressing just how much she has supported them throughout their journeys. It was a heartfelt reminder of the powerful relationships built within our services.

York: Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing New Experiences

Clients in York have shown remarkable courage and creativity this month.

After initially feeling anxious about attending, a client successfully joined a nature-based wellbeing programme through charity partner St Nicks. She faced her fears of travelling by bus, meeting new people and trying something completely new, leaving the experience feeling proud, relaxed and empowered.

The following week, the same client created a beautiful handmade card for her mum using nature-inspired colours and textures, featuring two cheerful bumble bees and a flower.

Meanwhile, wonderful memories resurfaced from Harrogate Flower Show, where Mitch and Bethany enjoyed exploring spectacular floral displays alongside colleague Joe.

Rathmell: Reflection, Walking and Community Spirit

Colleague Leela launched a new walking group, bringing together clients from Rathmell and other Leeds services to support physical and mental wellbeing.

The service also introduced an enhanced reflection and chill-out corner, providing a therapeutic space for relaxation and mindfulness.

Clients and colleagues worked together to brighten the garden with handmade decorations, including colourful flowers, inspirational signs and even a dinosaur display that has become a firm favourite.

Support worker Leela also accompanied Callum on a fishing trip. While Leela may have looked slightly nervous holding the catch, her willingness to step outside her comfort zone perfectly demonstrated the lengths our teams go to in supporting clients’ passions.

June also marked Deputy Manager Keeley’s five-year anniversary with ISL. Her dedication, compassion and leadership continue to make a lasting difference across the service.

Sandbach: Growing Success

Sandbach’s gardening efforts are beginning to pay off, with tomato plants thriving and a summer harvest now firmly in sight.

Client SN enjoyed a traditional Sunday roast at his restaurant of choice, accompanied by colleagues, complete with what may have been one of the biggest Yorkshire puddings ever seen!

Macclesfield: Community Gardening in Full Bloom

Macclesfield received generous donations of plants and soil from Prestbury Garden Centre, helping launch an exciting new community gardening initiative.

Client EW has been actively involved, from collecting plants and baking delicious golden sponge cakes to enjoying lunches in the sunshine and staying connected with loved ones.

Even torrential rain couldn’t dampen spirits during the service’s planned barbecue. Support worker Andre simply moved operations indoors, creating a fantastic feast in the communal kitchen, accompanied by music, laughter and good company.

The community gardening project continues to gather momentum, with hopes of enjoying home-grown vegetables later this year.

Crewecial: Mindfulness, Baking and Creativity

Crewecial’s baking group produced some impressive creations this month, including blueberry cheesecake, lemon cake and chocolate chip cupcakes.

The Crisis Café also hosted a mindful meditation evening, where clients explored various relaxation techniques and discussed what works best for different people. Everyone left feeling calmer, more informed and equipped with new strategies to support their wellbeing.

Meanwhile, Saturday arts and crafts sessions remain as popular as ever, with one client creating an incredible gem-art portrait of an adorable puppy.

Crewe: Summer Fun and Big Smiles

Clients and colleagues at Crewe embraced the arrival of summer by making beautiful flower crowns ahead of the Summer Solstice.

During one particularly hot afternoon, a spontaneous water fight broke out in the car park, creating plenty of laughter, smiles and a welcome way to cool down.

Stoke: Football Fever, Gardening and Fundraising

Excitement was high in Stoke as clients followed the World Cup, helping update match trackers and celebrating every result together.

The service’s vegetable garden is flourishing thanks to months of dedication, with early signs of produce beginning to appear.

Perhaps the biggest achievement came during the Moonlight Walk for Dougie Mac. Staff and one determined client completed a ten-mile challenge late into the evening, raising an incredible £423.75, with one client alone securing £95 through sponsorship.

Gildersome: Baking, Community and Healthy Choices

Hillcrest embraced community spirit throughout June.

Clients enjoyed a Saturday bake-off filled with cupcakes, cookies and mindful moments together. Gardening groups have also continued to flourish in the beautiful weather.

Deputy Grace and client SM enjoyed a trip to the cinema to watch Masters of the Universe, while the local Scarecrow Festival provided another opportunity for connection, with Hillcrest proudly displaying their own “Haystack” creation inspired by an ISL team member.

The service also celebrated Carol’s 57th birthday with a wonderful garden party featuring a barbecue, music and plenty of laughter.

A particularly impactful wellbeing initiative saw clients measure the sugar content of popular drinks, helping raise awareness around healthier lifestyle choices and encouraging thoughtful conversations about nutrition.

Chapel: Services Supporting Services

Support worker Shalini and client MS enjoyed a sunny day trip to York, where clients and colleagues from the York service welcomed them and acted as local tour guides.

It was a brilliant example of the community spirit that exists across ISL services and the friendships that continue to grow beyond geographical boundaries.

Alsager: Football, Biscuits and a Taste of Musical History

Alsager kicked off England’s opening World Cup match in style, creating delicious St George’s flag biscuits complete with red icing crosses. The celebrations were made even sweeter by England securing the win.

A highlight of the month was a fantastic day trip to Liverpool with Deputy Manager Lizzie. Clients explored the iconic Albert Dock, visited museums and walked down the world-famous Mathew Street, soaking up the city’s rich musical history. The group even stepped inside the legendary Cavern Club, where The Beatles famously played one of their earliest performances on 9th February 1961. It was a brilliant opportunity to experience local culture, history and enjoy a memorable day out together.

Chester: Wellbeing Through Conversation

Chester hosted a relaxed Wellbeing Brew & Chat session at St Mark’s House, bringing clients together over tea, coffee, doughnuts and cookies.

Discussions ranged from fishing and football to anxiety and ideas for future group outings, demonstrating the importance of creating spaces where people feel comfortable connecting and sharing.

Burton: First Summer Barbecue at the New Service

Burton held its very first summer barbecue since opening, bringing clients and colleagues together to celebrate the season.

Client EM took charge of the grill with support from Leonie as sous chef, creating a fantastic atmosphere filled with good food and even better company.

Looking Ahead to Summer

June has been a month defined by growth, resilience and togetherness. Across ISL, clients have embraced new opportunities, strengthened friendships, developed skills and continued working towards greater independence and wellbeing.

Whether through gardening projects, mindfulness sessions, community events or simple acts of kindness, these moments remind us that meaningful support is built on connection, confidence and shared experiences.

We can’t wait to see what July brings!