February Round-Up – Creativity, Community & Big Achievements

February has been another fantastic month across Independence Support, filled with creativity, community spirit, personal milestones and inspiring achievements. Across our supported living services, clients and colleagues have embraced new opportunities, strengthened connections and continued building confidence and independence.

Here’s a look at what February brought across ISL.

Mersey Gardens – Creativity, Celebration & Making Memories

Mersey Gardens have had a brilliantly busy month.

Client KN kicked things off by proudly creating a play dough model of herself sitting in her yellow car — and her smile says it all. Creative activities like this are a wonderful way to build confidence and self-expression.

The service celebrated Chinese New Year by crafting a colourful dragon using painted and decorated paper plates, and Pancake Day brought plenty of laughter as clients flipped their own pancakes and added delicious toppings.

A particularly special addition this month has been the introduction of memory scrapbooks. KN has been excited to share her progress, filling her scrapbook with favourite visits and treasured memories. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on experiences and support emotional wellbeing.

There were also lovely days out to Chester — complete with a Subway lunch — and a trip to Parkgate to enjoy ice cream while watching the sunset together.

Chapel & Morley – Arts, Crafts & Self-Expression

Arts and crafts continue to thrive across Chapel and Morley services.

From handmade birthday and occasion cards (with spelling practice included!) to pipe cleaner flowers, worry worms, sensory toys, poems, Scrabble artwork and recycled décor pieces, creativity has been flowing. Many projects were made using recycled materials within service, combining sustainability with skill-building.

Arts and crafts club remains one of the most popular activities — a brilliant outlet for confidence, creativity and connection.

Rapid Response – Growing the Team & Inspiring Future Talent

Rapid Response welcomed two new crisis workers this month — welcome Stu and Elle!

Head of Rapid Response Mercedes and Deputy Paul also attended a recruitment event at Edge Hill University. Mercedes delivered a talk within a psychology lecture, and the team hosted a stand in the Law and Psychology building, connecting with students interested in gaining valuable first-hand mental health crisis experience.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the impact of community-based mental health support and inspire the next generation of professionals.

Crewe – Advice, Awareness & Pancake Day Fun

Crewecial hosted two valuable pop-up sessions at their communal space — a Sexual Health advice session with Axess and a PCSO support and advice visit. Both sessions provided accessible guidance in a comfortable environment.

They also celebrated Pancake Day in style by creating an impressive pancake tower inspired by Big Ben!

Middlewich – Music, Wellbeing & Recovery

Middlewich welcomed CGL (Change Grow Live) to speak with clients about overcoming addiction and working towards better health and wellbeing — an informative and empowering session.

Client KB has been leading a weekly music group, teaching clients and colleagues how to write lyrics, build beats and record songs. The first release, a rap titled “Cooking in the Kitchen”, was created alongside fellow client TT. They even filmed a fun music video with support from ISL’s Media and Communications Manager and service staff — a fantastic example of confidence and creative development within supported living.

York – Karaoke, Community & Football

Despite the winter weather, York has kept spirits high.

Clients and staff enjoyed a lively karaoke session full of laughter, and “POTland Supper” brought residents and outreach clients together to share a meal, including a delicious Brazilian black bean vegan stew.

As part of York Residents Week, clients toured the York City Football Club stadium and are now planning to attend a match in March.

Hillcrest – Valentine’s Spirit

Hillcrest embraced Valentine’s Day with a beautifully crafted cherry heart bunting display made from coloured card — a cheerful and creative addition to the service.

Morley – Gratitude, Cooking & Crafts

Morley has had a particularly creative and heartwarming month.

Clients created chevron bracelets (with perfectly timed pink and red tones!), and arts and crafts sessions continue to see fantastic engagement.

A standout moment was client JW creating a personalised staff recognition book, writing a poem for each member of the Morley team to mark her one-year milestone in service. A truly thoughtful and meaningful gesture.

“Tasty Tuesdays” delivered a warming vegan three-bean chilli, and Pancake Day brought plenty of laughter with a “Flip Flip Hooray” contest as clients and colleagues attempted to flip pancakes – with mixed success!

Sandbach – Big Goals & Sweet Treats

Deputy Manager Wes is supporting Shaugn as he prepares for an exciting trip to Rome. As he hasn’t flown for several years, this is a significant personal milestone – and he’s handling it brilliantly.

Sandbach also created a variety of impressive Pancake Day designs, including fruity “five-a-day” pancakes by client SN, an “Easter Mess” by Kirsty and an Easter Bunny creation by Wes.

Rathmell – Creativity & Kindness

Ruth proudly showcased her colouring skills in her Hello Kitty colouring book, demonstrating patience and creativity.

The service also enjoyed a day out in York, spending quality time together.

There were some wonderful gestures of appreciation too — a handmade Valentine’s card for Deputy Manager Keeley, and a heartfelt thank-you card from Kevin to Laura in recognition of her ongoing support. Moments like these highlight the positive relationships within our supported living community.

Chester Supported Living – Puppies & Perseverance

Chester had some seriously adorable news this month — client LH welcomed a beautiful new puppy named Matilda, and her dog Prince has officially been promoted to big brother!

We also want to celebrate Mo, who took part in his charity boxing event in Liverpool, raising an incredible £1,100 for Live Cheshire. While it wasn’t a win this time, he showed determination, resilience and true motivation — even while fasting for Ramadan. An achievement to be incredibly proud of.

Burton Upon Trent – Preparing for Opening

Our Burton service is set to open in March, and the team has already hit the ground running with First Aid and Medication training held at Burton Albion. We’re excited to see this new service begin supporting people in the community very soon.

The Great British Icons Walk – Training & Fundraising Underway

Dave and Coach Sean have been hard at work preparing for their 71-mile walk in support of The Frank Bruno Foundation at the end of March.

They’ve already raised an amazing £1,410, and the training miles are building up as they get ready to take on the challenge.

Another Month of Progress & Positivity

From creative crafts and music production to personal goals, community events and fundraising achievements, February has been filled with inspiring moments across Independence Support.

Every activity, milestone and gesture — big or small — reflects what supported living is all about: building confidence, encouraging independence and creating strong, caring communities.

We can’t wait to see what March brings.