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Walking Club Visits Brierley Park : A Refreshing Local Stroll

A large, partially frozen lake reflecting the winter sky, surrounded by bare trees, with ducks floating on the unfrozen water in the distance.
A green sign reading "Welcome to Brierley Forest Park" stands against a backdrop of tall, leafless trees under a clear blue sky.

Recently Walking Club took us on a scenic stroll around the beautiful Brierley Park. With fresh air, good company, and a chance to stretch our legs, it was the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors while staying active.

A smiling woman in a grey coat stands in a grassy area surrounded by wooden and stone sculptures, including a large carved seed and a tree trunk with an embedded relief carving.

As we walked through the park, we took in the peaceful surroundings, spotting wildlife and appreciating the changing seasons. The gentle pace made it accessible for everyone, and the opportunity to chat along the way made it a lovely social experience too.

Three people, dressed warmly in jackets and hoodies, pose together for a selfie during their walk along a scenic countryside path, with hedgerows and trees in the background.

Walking is a fantastic way to boost both physical and mental well-being, and our regular meet-ups offer a great chance to connect with others while exploring the local area. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, meet new people, or simply enjoy nature, we’d love to have you join us on our next walk!

A close-up selfie of two people smiling outdoors, with a well-trodden walking path and trees in the background.

📍 Come along next time! See you there! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

#BrierleyPark #WalkingClub #StayActive #CommunityWalks #HealthyLiving

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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

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A Tasty Wednesday: Cooking Up Cottage Pie & Lemon Sponge

Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two individuals cooking together.
Two individuals cooking together.

We recently had a fantastic cooking session at the hub as everyone came together to cook up a hearty meal of cottage pie, followed by a delicious lemon sponge with custard. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.

A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.
A person wearing glasses chopping red onions on a white chopping board, focused on their task.

Everyone was thrilled with how their dishes turned out, and there was a great sense of achievement as they sat down to enjoy the meal together. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about building confidence, learning new skills, and creating something to be proud of.

Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.
Smiling individual peeling a carrot into a bowl while standing at a table with a chopping board.

To make it even better, everyone now has their own recipe folders, allowing them to recreate these dishes at home. Cooking is a great way to develop independence and bring people together, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu next!

A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.
A man wearing a beanie carefully chopping a red onion on a decorative wooden chopping board.

If you’d like to join our Wednesday cooking sessions, please call 01623 397750 or email info@challengect.co.uk.

Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
Close-up of minced meat and vegetables being stirred in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
A glass dish filled with cottage pie, featuring a layer of mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Close-up of a dessert plate featuring a slice of lemon sponge cake generously topped with custard.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
Two people preparing potatoes at a table.
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Tuesday Walking Club – Attenborough Nature Reserve

This week, our Walking Club ventured to the beautiful Attenborough Nature Reserve, where members enjoyed a stroll among the stunning scenery. The reserve, renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque views, provided the perfect backdrop for much-needed outdoor time and connection with nature.

A reflective image of a church steeple, houses, and trees in a calm body of water, framed by winter trees.
A reflective image of a church steeple, houses, and trees in a calm body of water framed by winter trees.
A woman standing in a car park on a cloudy day, smiling warmly at the camera. Rows of parked cars and bare trees are visible in the background.
A woman standing in a car park on a cloudy day, smiling warmly at the camera. Rows of parked cars and bare trees are visible in the background.
A man wearing wellies and a winter coat standing in a puddle on a muddy path, smiling at the camera with binoculars around his neck.
A man wearing wellies and a winter coat standing in a puddle on a muddy path, smiling at the camera with binoculars around his neck.

The walk was a mix of leisure and exploration, with members stopping to admire the serene lakes, wooded trails, and local birdlife. It was a chance to unwind, catch up, and enjoy being outdoors with the group.

A group of walkers, dressed warmly, strolling along a wooded path on a cloudy winter day.
A group of walkers, dressed warmly, strolling along a wooded path on a cloudy winter day.
A group of four walkers posing on a green bridge, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
A group of four walkers posing on a green bridge, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
A serene view of a river with trees and a distant industrial building under a cloudy sky.
A serene view of a river with trees and a distant industrial building under a cloudy sky.

One of the day’s highlights was the creative photography by our very own Cayton, whose eye for detail added a unique touch to the outing. A particularly striking image showcasing a phone capturing a moment on the trail! These photos remind us to pause and appreciate the little details of our surroundings. Well done, Cayton!

A close-up shot of a phone screen displaying a portrait photo of a man in wellies and a winter coat, with a blurry background of trees.
A close-up shot of a phone screen displaying a portrait photo of a man in wellies and a winter coat, with a blurry background of trees.
A man and a woman standing on a bridge, smiling at the camera, with a view of the water and trees in the background.
A man and a woman are standing on a bridge, smiling at the camera, with a view of the water and trees in the background.

As the walk concluded, members reflected on the importance of staying active and connected, even during the colder months. Attenborough Nature Reserve, with its peaceful paths and breathtaking views, proved once again why it’s a favourite destination for the Walking Club.

A man pointing something out to a woman on a wooded walking path during the walk.
A man pointing something out to a woman on a wooded walking path during the walk.
A woman standing on a bridge overlooking a calm river, smiling at the camera with trees and an industrial building visible in the distance.
A woman standing on a bridge overlooking a calm river, smiling at the camera with trees and an industrial building visible in the distance.
A close-up of a plate with a toasted sandwich, accompanied by fresh salad and coleslaw, served on a tray in a café setting.
A close-up of a plate with a toasted sandwich, accompanied by fresh salad and coleslaw, served on a tray in a café setting.
A woman in a black jacket with a camera around her neck, standing near a tree.
A woman in a black jacket with a camera around her neck, standing near a tree.
A man and woman sitting on a bench in a natural setting, both smiling at the camera. The man is holding binoculars, and the woman has a camera around her neck.
A man and woman sitting on a bench in a natural setting, both smiling at the camera. The man is holding binoculars, and the woman has a camera around her neck.

Thank you to everyone who joined, and a big thanks to Cayton for the brilliant photography.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next walk!

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Tuesday Walking Club – Carsington Water

Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.

Our Tuesday Walking Club kicked off the year with a steady and enjoyable walk along Carsington Water Dam. The crisp air and stunning views made it a wonderful day to reconnect with nature and each other.

This year, we’re excited to introduce something new to our walks – a dedicated camera to capture our adventures! Each week, a different member will take a turn behind the lens, experimenting with their own unique style and perspective. Once everyone gets the hang of the camera, we’re looking forward to seeing the variety of creative photos that will document our journeys.

For our first outing, Raymond was our photographer. He captured some fantastic shots (see below). It’s a great way to add a little extra creativity to our walks and to preserve the memories we make together.

After the walk, we ended the day on a cosy note in the café, enjoying coffee and our packed lunches. It was the perfect way to wrap up a successful first outing.

Here’s to many more wonderful walks this year with the Tuesday Walking Club!

Raymonds photographs…

A person standing behind a wooden post, holding a camera, with Carsington Water and sailboats visible in the distance.
A person standing behind a wooden post, holding a camera, with Carsington Water and sailboats visible in the distance.
A moss-covered wooden post with a green sign marking "11 km," situated on a grassy path.
A moss-covered wooden post with a green sign marking “11 km,” situated on a grassy path.
Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.
Several sailboats moored along the edge of Carsington Water, surrounded by rocky terrain and grassy fields, with the horizon framed by hills and clouds.
A wooden signpost showing directions to the Millfields car park, Visitor Centre, Dam Trail, and Sailing Club, with trees and a pathway in the background.
A wooden signpost showing directions to the Millfields car park, Visitor Centre, Dam Trail, and Sailing Club, with trees and a pathway in the background.
A person wearing a cream-coloured jacket standing on a grassy field with a pathway, wooden bench, and trees in the background, under a bright sky.
A person wearing a cream-coloured jacket standing on a grassy field with a pathway, wooden bench, and trees in the background, under a bright sky.
The draw-off tower situated in the reservoir with cloudy skies and surrounding hills, captured from the grassy edge
The draw-off tower situated in the reservoir with cloudy skies and surrounding hills, captured from the grassy edge
Two dark-coloured birds (likely coots) swimming peacefully on the calm surface of Carsington Water, with soft ripples around them.
Two dark-coloured birds (likely coots) swimming peacefully on the calm surface of Carsington Water, with soft ripples around them.
Three people standing on a pathway near the water with a clear blue sky. One is wearing a cream coat, another in a green fleece with a hat, and the third in a dark jacket and beanie, all smiling on a sunny day.
Three people standing on a pathway near the water with a clear blue sky. One is wearing a cream coat, another in a green fleece with a hat, and the third in a dark jacket and beanie, all smiling on a sunny day.

Other pictures taken by Cayton…

A view of leafless trees with the bright winter sun peeking through the branches and a clear blue sky in the background.
A view of leafless trees with the bright winter sun peeking through the branches and a clear blue sky in the background.
A woman wearing a cream coat and glasses, smiling warmly, standing on a paved path with trees and a grassy field behind her.
A woman wearing a cream coat and glasses, smiling warmly, standing on a paved path with trees and a grassy field behind her.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat with his arm around a smiling woman in a black coat, standing on a pathway with trees in the background.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat with his arm around a smiling woman in a black coat, standing on a pathway with trees in the background.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat walking along a muddy forest path with bare trees on either side.
A man in a green fleece and purple hat walking along a muddy forest path with bare trees on either side.
Two men, one in a green fleece and one in a brown coat, walking on a gravel pathway with a grassy field and boats visible in the distance.
Two men, one in a green fleece and one in a brown coat, walking on a gravel pathway with a grassy field and boats visible in the distance.
A man in a brown coat and blue hat giving a double thumbs up, standing in front of a pay station and trees with the reservoir in the background.
A man in a brown coat and blue hat giving a double thumbs up, standing in front of a pay station and trees with the reservoir in the background.
A group of four people in winter coats, smiling and standing close together on a hilltop with a countryside view behind them.
A group of four people in winter coats, smiling and standing close together on a hilltop with a countryside view behind them.
A man in a black coat and hat standing on a grassy field near the edge of the reservoir with hills and a blue sky in the distance.
A man in a black coat and hat standing on a grassy field near the edge of the reservoir with hills and a blue sky in the distance.
Two women, one in a cream coat and glasses, the other in a black coat, standing close together with the reservoir and hills in the background.
Two women, one in a cream coat and glasses, the other in a black coat, standing close together with the reservoir and hills in the background.
A tranquil view of Carsington Water with still water, grassy hills, and a partly cloudy sky.
A tranquil view of Carsington Water with still water, grassy hills, and a partly cloudy sky.

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Christmas Jumper Day Success! 🎄

A group of residents and staff from the Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care posing together in festive Christmas jumpers. The group is gathered in a warmly decorated room with a Christmas tree and holiday decor in the background, radiating holiday cheer.

Community Enablement Team and Enablement Care staff and residents entered into the festive spirit in December by participating in Christmas Jumper Day. Everyone looked fantastic in their cosy jumpers!

We’re thrilled to share that we raised £32, which has been donated to Save the Children. This contribution will help support the incredible work they do for children in need worldwide. Thank you to everyone who joined in and made this day so special!

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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! 🌱

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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! 🌱