January Round-Up – Wellbeing, Community & New Beginnings

The new year has started with fantastic energy across our services. January has been filled with wellbeing initiatives, creative activities, skill-building and meaningful moments that highlight the power of community-based supported living. Here’s a look at what our clients and colleagues have been up to.

Middlewich – A Month Dedicated to Physical Wellbeing

Middlewich placed a huge focus on health and fitness this month, helping clients build positive routines for the year ahead.

The month began with client Adam enjoying a refreshing wellbeing walk around Shakerley Mere alongside Deputy Manager Saul. Clients KB and KG then kicked off the new year with a fun bowling trip, combining movement with plenty of laughter.

Coach Sean later joined the service for a series of activities, including a wellbeing walk, cooking lamb kebabs and a gym session where client KB certainly put him to the test on the weights! The momentum didn’t stop there – clients came together for a fantastic local football practice that is now set to become a regular event.

We’re also delighted to share that four clients are now signed up to the gym and attending regularly with their support team, demonstrating a strong commitment to healthier lifestyles and greater independence.

Middlewich – Adam’s Incredible Tiki Bar Project

Adam has also been hard at work on something very special – building a brilliant tiki bar entirely from scratch. Even more impressive? This is his first ever woodworking project!

The creativity, patience and dedication he has shown throughout the process have been inspiring to see. We’ll be sharing a full blog with the finished result this summer, but for now you can watch Adam’s walkthrough video above for an exciting preview.

The ISL Potato Challenge – Creativity Across Our Services

This month we launched a fun and engaging “Potato Challenge” on our new internal communications platform, encouraging services to create a dish – or something completely unexpected – using the humble potato.

The entries were nothing short of incredible.

From Tranmere’s rich dauphinoise potatoes to Stoke’s perfectly crispy hasselbacks created with Coach Sean, the challenge showcased fantastic cooking skills. Alsager truly thought outside the box with three potato sculptures named Larry, Bruno and Eddy!

Client ML at Rathmell introduced colleagues to latkes – a traditional Jewish potato pancake – earning a well-deserved 10/10. Meanwhile, Sandbach client SN teamed up with support worker Eve to prepare a delicious pesto gnocchi.

Chester Supported Living impressed us with a multicultural selection that earned them the winning spot in our end-of-month poll, while Leeds Morley proved creativity knows no limits by making tasty patatas bravas despite not having a communal kitchen.

Other highlights included homemade potato smileys in Leeds Morley, a beautifully presented sweet potato soup (with chips made from the skins!) by Middlewich client ADA and support worker Lara, and Victoria Court’s homemade chip shop sandwich served in freshly baked soda bread.

The challenge also celebrated global comfort foods, from Indian aloo pakora and Nepali aloo chop to classic French potato gratin – a reminder that food is a powerful way to explore culture, build skills and bring people together.

York – Sweet Treats and Friendly Competition

York hosted a fantastic cake decorating evening, with client Cameron creating some truly beautiful designs. The service also continues to enjoy their regular Saturday games night, where UNO brings plenty of competitive spirit!

They’re currently on the lookout to expand their games collection with Monopoly and Frustration – so watch this space.

Alsager – Cooking, Music and Connection

It’s been a lively month in Alsager, filled with engaging group activities. Clients prepared delicious meals in cooking group, including a fresh crab pasta salad and a wholesome chicken dinner packed with nutritious ingredients.

Bingo brought excitement (and chocolate prizes!), with congratulations going to CR for calling the winning full house.

The service also launched the first of many music groups with volunteer Mia, complete with tambourines, maracas and cymbals. Clients sang along to their favourite songs and made plenty of joyful noise – with plans already underway to form a band and perform at the service this summer.

In another touching moment, clients welcomed back the organiser of their weekly therapy dog sessions after a period of illness, presenting her with flowers and a handmade card to wish her well. A lovely example of the kindness that runs through our ISL community.

The Great British Icons Walk Returns

Following the incredible success of last year’s fundraising challenge – which covered 99 miles, achieved over 226,000 steps and raised £3,342 for local charity partners – David Young and Coach Sean are preparing for their next adventure.

From 23rd-27th March, they will walk 71 miles across five days, starting at Wembley Stadium – where Frank Bruno won his world title – and finishing at the Frank Bruno Foundation in Northampton.

Be sure to visit our news page for full details and donation information.

Hillcrest – A Meal Made With Kindness

Client MC showed wonderful generosity this month by purchasing ingredients and cooking a curry for everyone at the service. The photos say it all – smiling faces and full plates. A brilliant example of community spirit in action.

Leeds Morley – Winter Warmers

Client ML teamed up with colleague Mary to cook a delicious bolognese – the perfect comforting meal for the colder season and a great way to continue developing independent living skills.

Bolton – A New Furry Friend

One Bolton client started the year with an adorable new companion – a fluffy grey kitten! Name ideas currently include Storm, Smokey and Sooty, and we can’t wait to hear which one is chosen.

Pets can bring enormous emotional benefits, offering comfort, companionship and routine.

Training – Building Life-Saving Skills

Colleagues from multiple services came together in Crewe for two excellent First Aid training sessions. The days were filled with hands-on learning, essential life-saving techniques and fantastic participation from everyone involved.

Investing in training ensures our teams feel confident, prepared and ready to provide the highest standard of support.

A Strong Start to the Year

From fitness goals and creative cooking to music, learning and acts of kindness, January has been a great reminder of what supported living is all about – empowering people to grow in confidence, develop independence and feel part of a thriving community.

We’re incredibly proud of our clients and colleagues for starting the year with such positivity.

If January is anything to go by, 2026 is set to be a fantastic year at Independence Support.