Posted on

Gardening Club: Planting Progress at Milldale Walk

This week, the team headed to our Milldale Walk allotment full of energy and ready to get stuck in. With tools packed by DLE, AW, and PH, the group got to work as soon as they arrived.

Two men in the poly tunnel at the allotment. One of them is scooping some compost from a tub.

DLE and PH focused on preparing the beds, while AW joined in planting four new rows of potatoes. AB and AW also made great progress with weeding, helping to keep the plot tidy and well cared for.

A second picture of two men in the poly tunnel at the allotment. One of them is scooping some compost from a tub.
A man sat inside on a chair next to a shelf of seedlings.

In the polytunnel, TG and John sowed foxglove seeds and watered the growing plants. Despite the heat, the team worked efficiently and with real focus.

A view of the allotment - a large bed freshly dug
Two men inside at Enablement Care. One is holding a spray bottle by the indoor seedlings.

Back at Enablement Care, lunch was enjoyed together, with AB helping to set the table. The day wrapped up with TG and John tending to the micro garden, where signs of the next harvest are already appearing.

Although we missed a few familiar faces this week, the group pulled together and made great progress.

If you are looking for engaging, supportive outdoor activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Gardening Club provides hands-on sessions that build skills, confidence, and connection.

Contact us to find out more.

Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
Close up of rhubarb seedlings.
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
Close up of Brussels seedlings
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
a hand spraying seedlings indoors
Lots of seed trays on the floor at the allotment.
A number of seedlings in 3 trays
A number of seedlings in 4 trays
A man spraying seedlings
A man holding seedlings in a tray
Posted on

Gardening Club Update: Sunshine, Teamwork, and Growing Success

A gardening club member on the allotment leaning on his spade.

With the sun shining and spring in full swing, it was the perfect day for a Gardening Club.

A view over the allotment and a freshly dig bed.
A man standing at the side of a large raised allotment bed.

The team made fantastic progress at the allotment. In the polytunnel, DK, TG, and Lisa worked together to care for our flower seedlings, focusing on marigolds which we are growing for our summer fayre in July. The polytunnel is already full of colour and promise, and it is exciting to see how quickly everything is developing.

3 gardening club members in the polytunnel at the allotment.

The tomato plants are thriving and have now been moved into larger pots. Meanwhile, our other seedlings are showing strong signs of growth, a real reward for the care and attention they have been given.

Out on the main plot, PH prepared the soil for another batch of potatoes. AW and DLE took on the physically demanding job of breaking up the compacted ground, and after plenty of hard work, they successfully planted a new row of parsnips and swedes. Support worker Lee was on hand throughout the morning, assisting with digging, watering, and making sure the team stayed on track.

A man leaning on his fork at the allotment

After a productive few hours outdoors, we returned to Enablement Care for a well-earned and delicious lunch.

A man inside, stood next to some shelving with small gardening tools on it

In the afternoon, our focus shifted to the ATTFE College “Grow Together” project. With several residents taking part, Lee guided the group through the process of measuring out seeds, filling compost pots, and planting carefully and thoughtfully. It was a fantastic way to end the day, combining education, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

Enablement Care resident sat in her wheelchair next to a recently potted-up planter.

By the end of the session, everyone felt that special kind of tiredness that comes from a good day’s work. There was a real sense of achievement across the group.

Thank you to Lisa and Lee for their support and guidance in making the day run smoothly.

If you are a professional looking for meaningful activities that support individuals with additional needs, our Gardening Club offers hands-on experiences that build confidence, skills, and wellbeing.

Get in touch to find out more about how to get involved.

Posted on

Gardening club on the warmest day of the year (so far)

Two men in the poly tunnel holding seedling trays
A man watering the base of the wig-wams
Radish seedlings beginning to poke through the ground there is a label towards the back of the picture that says radish
Rows of trays of seeds in the poly tunnel
A woman at the Allotment with a watering can she is watering the corn on the ground
Two men in the poly tunnel holding seedling trays
A woman sat on a pile of pallets. She is smiling at the camera.
Lots of seedling trays on the poly Tunnel ground
Lots of seeds in trays and seedlings on the floor
A man holding a seedling tray by a handle he looks happy
Two men stood in front of a poly tunnel frame with garden forks they have dug over the bed behind them
A woman sat down on the Earth taking a rest there is another woman behind her by some pallets
Another shot of wig-wams ready for beans
A small bean shoot growing next to a bamboo pole
Rows of corn in the ground
Bamboo pole set out into wigwam shapes ready for beans to be planted
A man holding a wooden block he is smiling and looks very happy
A corn seedling in some top soil

With the warmest day of the year so far, this week’s Gardening Club was a brilliant mix of fresh air, teamwork, and meaningful progress on our allotment plot.

The morning began at Enablement Care, where the group carefully checked on the seedlings growing on our windowsills. After watering and preparing a few plants for relocation, we loaded up the minibus with tools, seeds, and enthusiasm for the day ahead.

At the allotment, D.E. was ready and waiting. He and A.W. took on the job of preparing the ground for our pea plants – digging over the soil and constructing a wigwam-style support from canes. It was a detailed task, but they stayed focused and completed it with pride.

Lisa tackled one of the most challenging spots on the plot, clearing stubborn thistles and nettles before planting out a section of corn on the cob – a brilliant addition to our growing selection of crops.

In the polytunnel, T.G. and D.K., with support from Louise, planted marigolds and aubrieta. D.K. even found wood for a personal project he’s working on – a wooden train. Meanwhile, A.B. focused on hand-weeding and general upkeep, helping to keep the space tidy and functional. She later helped gather tools and took responsibility for securing the site before we left.

Back at Enablement Care, the group enjoyed a well-earned lunch of cottage pie or pizza, followed by apple crumble and custard. With great conversation and a final round of watering in the afternoon, the day closed on a positive note.

These sessions are about more than gardening – they provide purpose, routine, and the chance to connect with others through shared activity. The allotment is evolving into a productive, welcoming space, and our participants are at the heart of its progress.

If you’re a professional looking for purposeful, supported activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Gardening Club could be a great fit.

Get in touch to find out more about our therapeutic horticulture sessions and how we can work with your service users.

Posted on

A busy March day at the allotment

It was a glorious day for gardening, with blue skies and warm spring sunshine, the perfect weather for getting stuck into some hard work at the allotment. The team included AW, AB, DaE, P, TG, and DK, with support from Anthony, Lisa, and Louise.

veg growing in a bed

We began by gathering tools, with AW and P taking the lead on loading them into the minibus. Once at the allotment, everyone quickly got to work. P focused on weeding to make space for more potatoes, while AB and DaE prepared the soil and planted two rows of carrots and one row of swedes. AB also kept the plot neat and tidy throughout the day with additional weeding.

soil with plant labels

Later on, AB and AW teamed up to collect plastic waste and tidy up the site, while DaE continued planting. Over in the polytunnel, DK and Lisa were busy sowing seeds for cucumbers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, marigolds, and a few flowers with names tricky enough to need pronunciation guides! The warm tunnel is ideal for germination, so we’re hopeful for a healthy crop.

Seed tray with seedlings starting.

In the afternoon, the group came together to discuss the plot’s plans, what to plant next and how to maximise the space. With tools packed and everything cleared up, we headed back to Enablement Care.

soil in a seed tray with seedlings starting to show

Back on site, the last task was unloading and returning tools before everyone sat down for a well-earned lunch. AB helped set the table, and the group enjoyed pizza, pies, and Coca-Cola, with sponge and custard to finish.

It was a brilliant day of productivity, socialising, and teamwork. A highlight was seeing AB receive a well-deserved shoutout on Facebook and a certificate from our manager, April Parker, in recognition of her volunteering. It was a proud moment and a great confidence boost for her!

Two gardening club members

A big thank you to Lisa and Louise for their continued support, and to everyone who contributed to such a positive and productive day. The allotment is looking better than ever, and we’re excited to see what we can grow next.

The allotment club group of participants

Posted on

Let’s Talk: Breaking the Silence on Time to Talk Day

🗓️ Thursday, 6th February 2025 is Time to Talk Day, a national awareness campaign encouraging open conversations about mental health. Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with the Co-op, Time to Talk Day is all about making space for conversation and reminding people that talking really can change lives.

At CCT Community Enablement Team Ltd, we believe that talking is powerful, and having a supportive space to share your thoughts, worries, and joys can improve well-being. This year, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to check in on a friend, join a conversation, or come along to one of our friendly community sessions.

Why Talking About Mental Health Matters

We all have mental health, just like we have physical health. But too often, people feel afraid to talk about their struggles. 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem each year, yet stigma and silence still prevent many from reaching out.

Time to Talk Day is an opportunity to change that. Conversations – whether big or small – help break the stigma, provide support, and remind people they’re not alone. You don’t have to be an expert; simply listening can make a real difference.

✨ The key message? The more we talk, the more we break down barriers.

Finding Support Through Our Community Groups

Sometimes, starting a conversation feels easier when you’re doing something together. That’s why we offer supportive, social activities where you can connect with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

🪴 🌱 Gardening Club (Mondays) – Nature is a great stress reliever. Join us for a chat while planting, pruning, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Free to attend – and lunch at Enablement Care is just £1.50 after the session!

🚶‍♂️ Tuesday Walking Club – Walking side by side can make talking feel more natural. Join us for a friendly walk from 10:15 AM – 2:00 PM, open to all. Fresh air, good company, and gentle movement – what’s not to love?

👩‍🍳 🍳 Cooking Club (Wednesdays) – Sharing food brings people together. Learn new skills, enjoy a warm meal, and make new connections at The Community Hub (£3 per session).

How You Can Take Part in Time to Talk Day

💬 Start a Conversation – Ask a friend or family member how they’re doing. A simple “How have you been?” can mean so much.

☕ Make Time for a Cuppa & a Chat – Grab a tea or coffee with someone and check in on them.

📲 Reach Out – If meeting in person isn’t possible, send a message or give someone a call.

🏡 Join Us! – Our clubs are a great way to chat, meet new people, and get involved in the community.

💙 This Time to Talk Day, let’s work together to make mental health conversations part of everyday life. A simple chat could change someone’s day – or even their life.

📩 Want to join one of our community groups? We’d love to welcome you!
📧 Email info@challengect.co.uk or call 01623 397750 for more details.

🔗 For more information on Time to Talk Day, visit:
www.time-to-change.org.uk

Posted on

2025 Gardening Club: A Green Adventure Awaits!

Are you a gardening enthusiast or curious to give it a try? Our Gardening Club is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, we invite you to join us and cultivate community, wellness, and growth through the joys of gardening.

Promotional banner for CCT Community Enablement Team's Monday Gardening Club. The text reads 'Monday Gardening Club - Now Open to All!' in bold orange letters on a gradient blue-to-green background. Logos for CCT Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care are displayed at the bottom.
Promotional banner for CCT Community Enablement Team’s Monday Gardening Club. The text reads ‘Monday Gardening Club – Now Open to All!’ in bold orange letters on a gradient blue-to-green background. Logos for CCT Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care are displayed at the bottom.

When and Where

  • Every Monday
    • Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    • Location (January): Either Enablement Care or the Community Hub.
    • Location (February onwards): Our beautiful allotment off Milldale Walk, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 2DJ.

What to Expect

The Gardening Club is more than just planting seeds; it’s about:

  • Learning gardening skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
  • Connecting with others in your local community who share your interests.
  • Spending time outdoors, which is great for both your mental and physical health.

Cost

  • Attendance: Completely free!
  • Optional Lunch at Enablement Care: Just £1.50 per meal.

Open to All

This year, we’re excited to announce that the Gardening Club is now open to the wider public! Everyone is welcome to join us in making the most of this rewarding and therapeutic activity.

Get in Touch

For more information or to join the group:

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! Whether you’re joining us for January sessions at Enablement Care or gearing up to dig into the allotment come February, we can’t wait to see you there.

Let’s grow together – literally! 🌱

Posted on

Monday Gardening Club: Winter Work and Future Plans

Three individuals working outdoors in a garden area during winter. The ground is covered with patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. One person is holding a pickaxe, another is holding a spade, and the third is holding a garden fork. A brick wall and wooden fence form the background.

As we step into the winter months, the pace of gardening shifts. This week, our Monday Gardening Club focused on tackling tasks we couldn’t get around to during the bustling summer season. From tidying up to cleaning the tools and space, it’s the perfect time to give everything a fresh start before spring rolls around.

A similar scene showing three individuals in a garden area on a snowy winter day. The ground features patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. The group is equipped with gardening tools, including a pickaxe, spade, and fork, while standing near a brick wall and wooden fence.
A similar scene showing three individuals in a garden area on a snowy winter day. The ground features patches of snow, gravel, and dirt. The group is equipped with gardening tools, including a pickaxe, spade, and fork, while standing near a brick wall and wooden fence.

Winter is also ideal for planning. Together, we began mapping out what crops to grow and deciding where they’ll go in our plots. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities for the upcoming growing season, and we’re already envisioning the flourishing gardens of the future!

For the next few weeks, our club will most likely be working from Enablement Care and The Community Hub. These sessions will continue through January and help us prepare for the more active outdoor season starting in February. Whether organising seeds, thinking of new ideas, or simply enjoying the camaraderie, there’s plenty to look forward to in our winter sessions.

Here’s to a productive winter and a blooming year ahead! 🌱

Posted on

🌟 Exciting News for 2025! 🌟

2025

We’ve got a fantastic line-up of activities planned for the new year, including:

🌿 Gardening Club – Get your hands dirty and grow something amazing!
🚶‍♂️ Walking Club – Explore the outdoors and stay active with friends.
🏠 Life Skills at the Community Hub – Learn something new and build confidence!

…and so much more to look forward to! 🎉

Keep an eye on our website for updates and details coming soon. Let’s make 2025 a year full of growth, fun, and connection! 🌟

Please get in touch if you’d like to join us!!

#CommunityActivities #GetInvolved #Exciting2025 #Gardening #Walking #LifeSkills

Posted on

Gardening Club Update: Fresh Carrots and Progress!

Three Gardening Club members working on the allotment, using garden forks to dig and turn over the soil, under a clear blue sky.

Last week, members of the Gardening Club worked together to dig over most of the allotment. There’s a real sense of achievement in seeing all the progress we’ve made, and it’s wonderful to share that feeling as a group.

Even better, we harvested some fresh carrots – perfect to add to our winter meals. These moments spent tending to the soil, sharing stories, and enjoying the harvest make Gardening Club so special.

A view of the allotment with two Gardening Club members working in the background, surrounded by dug-over soil and wooden pallets.

It’s all about preparing for next year while enjoying the fruits (or veggies!) of our labour!

If you’d like to join us, please call 01623 397750 or speak to your Community Support Worker.