August Round Up: Creativity, Community and Summer Adventures

August has been another busy month across Independence Support, with clients and colleagues making the most of the summer through creative activities, days out, community events and plenty of time spent together.

From growing and cooking vegetables to conquering anxieties, celebrating milestones and getting involved in local communities, it’s been brilliant to see the achievements and experiences taking place across our supported living services.

Here are some of our August highlights.

Middlewich

Creativity took centre stage in Middlewich this month, as clients and colleagues had the opportunity to learn the art of flower arranging with the help of one of our clients, who has trained in floristry.

The finished arrangements looked fantastic, and it proved to be a relaxing and unique activity for everyone involved. The team are now planning to create a larger arrangement to submit to our upcoming art show, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they create!

The warmer weather has also meant plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with several communal barbecues taking place. Clients and colleagues from nearby Sandbach have joined in too, creating a great opportunity for people from both services to spend time together.

Sandbach

The hard work of the Sandbach gardening team is beginning to pay off!

Earlier in the year, local businesses kindly donated vegetable plants, which clients have been nurturing and caring for. This month they harvested some fantastic produce, including some impressively large tomatoes and peppers.

Client FE then put the home-grown vegetables to good use, turning them into a delicious chilli con carne which received some very positive reviews from the team.

There really is something special about eating food you have grown yourself!

Tranmere

Tranmere clients have been making the most of the summer, including a visit to a local festival with plenty of fun and unusual activities to enjoy. And, of course, no summer day out would be complete without an ice cream!

There was also a special celebration this month as Deputy Manager Asisat marked one year with Independence Support. Asisat has made a fantastic contribution over the past 12 months, and we’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of the team. Congratulations on your first anniversary, Asisat!

Outreach client Vincent also enjoyed a brilliant day out with Support Worker Justyna. Together they prepared a three-course dinner, including soup for starters, fish fingers, roast potatoes and broccoli for the main course, followed by an ice cream sundae for dessert.

They also found time for some fun at the arcades, enjoying the many games on offer.

On another day, Justyna supported clients to enjoy lunch in Shrewsbury before taking a cruise along the River Severn. For two of the clients, this was a particularly significant achievement, as they had worked incredibly hard to manage and overcome their anxiety. It was wonderful to see their hard work rewarded with a fantastic day out.

Blackpool

There was a special birthday celebration in Blackpool this month, as client Tia woke up to residents and colleagues singing to her and presenting her with birthday cards.

The celebrations continued with a delicious chocolate birthday cake — a lovely way to start her special day!

Clients have also been enjoying spending time together in the communal areas and office, with games proving particularly popular. Connect 4 has been a firm favourite!

York

There were some fantastic milestones to celebrate in York this month.

Support Worker Debbi celebrated five years with Independence Support. Debbi is a much-valued member of the team, and we’re incredibly grateful for her commitment and everything she has contributed over the past five years. Congratulations, Debbi!

Clients have also been enjoying some friendly competition with a Jenga night in the communal. Judging by the very wobbly tower — and the slightly concerned faces around it — it looks like things got tense!

Client Ed has been making the most of his time away from university by exploring the local area independently. During one outing, he climbed to the top of York Minster, where he was even able to spot the service from above.

It’s a fantastic example of making the most of the opportunities available in the local community, while exploring such a beautiful and historic part of York.

Clients also enjoyed a trip to The Deep in Hull, the award-winning public aquarium. They had a brilliant time exploring the exhibits and learning more about marine life.

Rathmell

Rathmell got creative this month while preparing for the eclipse.

Following some important awareness around eclipse safety and the dangers of looking directly at the sun, staff and clients made their own viewing device using an Amazon box and aluminium foil.

The homemade device worked brilliantly and provided a fun, practical way to learn about the eclipse safely.

Support Worker Leela has also been busy organising ‘Leela’s Walkers’, who enjoyed a walk to Temple Newsam in early August.

The group walked from the service and particularly enjoyed exploring the rose garden before stopping at the café for a well-earned break.

Cross Green

There was plenty of baking happening at Cross Green this month, with clients spending a Sunday making individual apple crumbles.

The team came up with a clever idea by using individual disposable baking tins, meaning everyone could make their own crumble to take back to their flat and enjoy later — or simply add custard and tuck in together in the communal area!

Stoke

The Stoke team have continued to see the rewards of their gardening efforts, with client DG carefully looking after the vegetable garden throughout the summer.

After regularly watering the plants and checking on them each day, DG harvested a handful of fantastic potatoes. They were sliced up and sautéed with butter, with DG giving them an excellent review.

His verdict? “The veg garden is the best thing to happen here.”

There are also four pumpkins growing nicely, which should hopefully be ready just in time for Halloween.

The team have even planted vegetables for their Christmas dinner, ready to be harvested in December. We’re expecting this year’s Christmas dinner to taste even better knowing that clients and colleagues have helped grow the vegetables themselves!

While clearing the garden beds, the team also checked on the composting material underneath. Leaves, twigs and recycled Amazon boxes had been added to help build up the soil, and they’re now breaking down nicely.

The team spotted plenty of garden millipedes and woodlice — part of the garden’s natural ‘clean-up crew’. It was a great opportunity to talk about the important role these creatures play in breaking down organic material and supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Stoke also marked National Photography Day with a photography bingo activity. Client PH took part and had a fantastic time learning more about photography, particularly as they had never taken photographs on their phone before.

The resulting photographs of pets, swans, ducks and nature were beautiful, and it was brilliant to see PH trying something new.

The service also held a fantastic fundraising fun day in support of Dougie Mac Hospice. Read all about it here!

Hillcrest

Hillcrest clients have also been enjoying the rewards of their gardening efforts, digging up a fantastic haul of potatoes from their garden.

The potatoes came in all shapes and sizes and are now ready to be turned into some tasty dishes. The service also has its first pumpkin growing nicely, which has already got clients and colleagues excited for Halloween!

There was also an opportunity to explore ways of supporting clients to achieve their driving ambitions.

Managers Matthew and Grace spent an afternoon at the William Merritt Centre in Leeds, a centre that supports vulnerable adults with learning to drive and accessing mobility aids.

They were able to speak with one of the instructors about the support available, and Grace even had the opportunity to drive one of the adapted cars.

It was really useful to learn more about the options available for clients who want to learn to drive, including the support that can be provided with their theory test.

The team are now in the process of arranging a client’s first driving lesson — an exciting next step towards greater independence.

Alsager

Alsager had a very special milestone to celebrate this month, as client Cathy marked five years of sobriety.

The milestone was celebrated in the communal area with balloons, cakes and a sparkling number five candle.

Congratulations to Cathy on this huge achievement. What a fantastic milestone!

Bolton

Bolton clients have been enjoying plenty of relaxed community time together, spending time in the communal area over tea, biscuits and games.

These simple moments are a great way for clients to get out of their flats, spend time with others and enjoy some much-needed social time together.

Crewe

Our Crewe Supported Living team brought clients together for a fantastic fun day in August, filled with music, food and plenty of laughter.

Clients enjoyed a BBQ, sang along to music and helped with a tombola, with many generously donating items to support the fundraiser. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the opportunity to throw wet sponges at Deputy Manager Sarah and Acting Service Manager Richie — a popular activity that raised the most donations of the day!

Even Fudge, our Hot Weather Mascot, was on hand to lend his support.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity, £95 was raised for Chance Changing Lives, helping to support a great local cause.

A huge well done to the Crewe team and everyone who got involved in making the day such a success!

Looking Back on August

August has been full of moments that demonstrate the importance of community, connection and independence in supported living.

Whether it’s growing vegetables, learning a new skill, trying something for the first time, enjoying a day out, celebrating a personal milestone or simply sitting down together for tea and a game, these everyday experiences can make a real difference.

A huge well done to all of our clients and colleagues for another fantastic month. We can’t wait to see what September brings!