Posted on

Gardening Club Update: Transforming the Landscape with Team Effort!

Two individuals, bundled up in warm clothing, are seen working together to fill a large garden bag with fallen autumn leaves. They stand on a grassy area, with leaves scattered around, in front of a light-colored building.
A man in a dark jacket pulls a green garden trolley, while a woman in a grey hoodie holds a shovel, standing in a paved area. There are some mugs and a bottle on a nearby table, with autumn-colored bushes in the background.

We recently had an incredibly productive day for our Gardening Club! Armed with rakes and determination, our team came together to clear the autumn leaves from the driveway at Enablement Care. The transformation was spectacular—what a difference it made! The once leaf-covered driveway now looks neat and welcoming, and everyone at Enablement has expressed how much they appreciate the fresh new look.

A clean and clear driveway with an even surface, framed by stone walls and greenery. The autumn sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene, showing a neat space free of leaves.

After the hard work, we were rewarded with a delicious, hearty meal. We gathered around for some well-earned rest, enjoying a homemade meatloaf followed by a chocolate orange trifle for dessert! It was lovely to sit down together, sharing stories and laughs.

A section of the driveway near the Enablement Care building, with the building's sign visible on the wall. The driveway is clear of debris, showcasing a well-maintained outdoor space.

With the day’s work behind us and our energy restored, we packed up our tools and headed home, feeling a wonderful sense of accomplishment. We left tired but happy, knowing we’d made a positive difference at Enablement Care Thank you to everyone who helped out —your hard work truly shines!

Three people posing for a photo outdoors, holding a large, partially filled garden bag. They are standing on a cleared driveway with a stone wall and greenery behind them, dressed in casual outdoor clothing for cooler weather.
A close-up of a garden bed along the edge of the driveway, with visible tree roots, small plants, and a few colorful flowers. The surrounding area appears clean and well-tended, with a stone wall and some tall plants in the background.
Posted on

The Community Hub – Delicious food and a great opportunity to develop social skills!

The Community Hub – Cooking Session: Last week’s cooking session was led by Cayton, with Abbie and Catherine assisting. We had a full house as everyone got involved in making chicken korma and Eton mess for dessert. The session ran smoothly, with everyone contributing to the cooking, washing, and drying of the dishes. We also focused on improving our chopping skills and meal presentation.

It was a fantastic experience, with delicious food and a great opportunity to develop social skills. The group had such a good time that they’ve already decided on the menu for next time: pie and chips with banana cake for dessert. Excellent work, everyone! It’s wonderful to see the progress and achievements being made.

Posted on

Walking Club – Pleasley Vale


Last week’s walk took us around Pleasley Vale and its historic mills. The weather was beautiful, albeit a bit warm. We began at Meden Square and followed the river, walking downstream. The shade provided by the overhanging trees made the journey quite comfortable, and before long, we arrived at Pleasley Mills, a site rich in history. It wasn’t long before stories of ghosts started circulating among us.

We continued along the winding road, passing the old Vale village, and eventually reached the Mansfield Wildlife Centre, where we took a much-needed break for refreshments and enjoyed our packed lunches. The wildlife was a delight to see, although a cheeky raven tried to muscle in on our picnic. By this point, we had covered about two miles.

With the temperature rising, it made sense for two of us to fetch the minibus and car to collect the rest of our group from the centre and head home. All in all, it was a relaxing and informative walk, enjoyed by everyone.

If you’d like to join us next time, please call 01623 397750.

Posted on

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is an annual event in the UK that aims to foster conversations about mental health. The week serves as a pivotal time to discuss, destigmatise, and develop an understanding of mental health issues.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental health concerns everyone, from young children to adults, and encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The way we think, feel, and behave in daily life is intricately linked to our mental health. Yet, despite its importance, mental health often carries a stigma that prevents many from seeking help.

Mental Health Awareness Week is vital because it:

Raises Awareness: It helps to break down societal stigmas and encourages open conversations about mental health.

Promotes Education: The week is an opportunity to spread knowledge about mental health issues and the available support systems.

Encourages Support: By highlighting resources and sharing stories, the week fosters a supportive community for those affected by mental health issues.

Steps to Support Your Mental Health

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, here are some small, practical steps you can take to improve and maintain your mental health:

  1. Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a significant booster for mental health. It releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. Even a short walk can increase your mental alertness, energy, and positive mood.
  2. Balanced Diet: What you eat can affect your brain chemistry and, consequently, your mood and mental health. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains can help stabilise your mood and energy levels.
  3. Adequate Sleep: Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial for both your physical and mental health. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment in your bedroom.
  4. Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you maintain a moment-by-moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. Meditation helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and enhances overall well-being.
  5. Social Connections: Socialising is not just about fun; it’s vital for mental health. Connecting with friends and family can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and strengthen your sense of belonging and self-worth.
  6. Professional Help: Seeking help from a professional is a sign of strength, not a weakness. If you’re struggling, therapists, counsellors, and psychologists can provide support in managing your mental health. Mention your worries to your GP.

Encouraging Others

While taking care of your mental health, encourage others to do the same. Share what you learn about mental health, offer a listening ear to friends and family, and promote mental health resources in your community.

Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that mental health is as important as physical health. It’s a time to reflect on our mental well-being and take active steps towards maintaining or improving it. Let’s use this week to educate ourselves and others and make lasting changes that will benefit our overall health and happiness. Let’s talk, listen, and promote healthier lives together.

You can find out more from the Mental Health Foundation by clicking here.