community enablement team Archives - Community Enablement Team

15/04/202523/04/2025

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 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.

13/04/202523/04/2025

Walking Club: Exploring Flash and Three Shires Head

Recently, Walking Club explored the stunning Flash and Three Shires Head Circular route. With clear skies and beautiful views, the group tackled a mix of terrain including stiles, streams, stepping stones, and a fair amount of mud.

A woman stood on rocks in a shallow stream

Along the way, we enjoyed some unexpected moments, from meeting a friendly dog to spotting alpacas watching us from a nearby field. We paused halfway by the stream to rest and take in the peaceful surroundings.

A man stood on rocks in a shallow stream

Thank you to Cayton for leading the group and keeping everyone safe and supported throughout the walk.

a view of two pathways, one leading down and one leading up.

These sessions offer more than exercise. They promote wellbeing, confidence, and connection with nature in a supportive environment.

If you support individuals with additional needs and are looking for structured, meaningful outdoor activities, get in touch to learn more about CET’s Walking Club.

12/04/202523/04/2025

Wednesday Cooking Club: A Classic British Fry-Up with an Easter Twist

This week at Wednesday Cooking Club, our group took on a much-loved British classic, led by the capable hands of Cayton and Louise. The session was a lively mix of hands-on cooking, teamwork, and a few sweet surprises.

On the menu was a hearty fry-up, complete with crispy bacon, perfectly fried eggs, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and golden hash browns. While hash browns may not be part of a traditional British breakfast, they were a welcome addition and much enjoyed by the group.

A lady standing next to a toaster and a loaf of bread

Instead of a typical dessert, we embraced the Easter spirit with homemade Easter cookies. Packed with milk and white chocolate chips and chocolate eggs, these sweet treats were a big hit. The first batch may have spent a little too long in the oven, but they still went down well. Special mention goes to DLE, whose batch was baked to perfection. His cookies looked fantastic and tasted even better.

After everyone had enjoyed their meals, the group worked together to clean up. Washing pots, drying up, and tidying the kitchen became part of the shared experience, rounding off the session with a real sense of teamwork and achievement.

A woman is cooking bacon in a frying pan. A man next to her is cooking black pudding in a frying pan.

A huge thank you to Cayton and Louise for another successful and enjoyable session. These activities not only build practical life skills but also offer valuable opportunities for connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen.

Two women, smiling and looking at the camera whilst stirring pans of food.

If you are a professional seeking engaging, supportive group activities for individuals with additional needs, CET’s Cooking Club offers structured sessions that build independence, skills, and self-esteem in a welcoming environment.

Get in touch to learn more about how to refer someone to our services.

A plate of 'fry-up' breakfast, eggs, sausage, tomatoes, bacon, mushrooms and hash browns.

26/03/202522/04/2025

Cooking at the Hub and Birthday Celebrations!

A man and a woman sat at a table preparing scones with cream and jam

This week at The Hub, we stepped away from our usual dinner and dessert routine to celebrate a special occasion: AW’s birthday, with a classic afternoon tea. Led by Cayton and Louise, the group prepared a delicious spread that included homemade fruit scones (topped generously with jam and clotted cream), air-fryer scotch eggs, and a selection of sandwiches.

The kitchen was full of energy and teamwork. DaE took charge of the scones, AB handled egg prep, and AW, DE, and J assembled sandwiches for everyone. Despite a slight hiccup with the eggs (and a postponed Victoria sponge), a shop-bought chocolate cake saved the day – because every good party needs cake!

A chocolate birthday cake with white chocolate curls on top and six lit candles

The Hub was decorated, candles were lit, and the group sang Happy Birthday as AW opened his card. It was a lovely celebration and a great example of how shared activities can build confidence and social skills.

Man leaning over a birthday cake ready to blow out the candles

If you’re a professional working with individuals who have additional needs, and you’re looking for meaningful, engaging activities like this for your clients, get in touch. Our team at Community Enablement Team offers supportive sessions that are as fun as they are empowering.

Contact us to find out more about what we offer.

24/03/202514/04/2025

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

17/02/202517/02/2025

🚶‍♂️ A Recent Wander Around Sutton Lawn 🌿

The same two women are walking arm in arm through an open park. They smile while strolling along a wide pathway lined with grass, trees, and distant houses.

Cayton recently enjoyed a relaxing walk around Sutton Lawn with two of our lovely service users. A great way to get some fresh air, chat, and appreciate nature! 🍃✨

📸 Check out the photos!

A woman with light skin and silver hair, wearing a grey coat, smiles while walking outdoors in a park. The wind blows her hair, and she is surrounded by trees and an old stone wall.

The woman in the grey coat stands on a grassy field, smiling with the wind in her hair. In the background, a row of red-brick houses and a football pitch are visible.

27/12/202420/12/2024

🌟 Exciting News for 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

26/12/202420/12/2024

Walking Club’s Year in Review: 2024 Adventures 🎉🚶‍♂️🌿

As we reflect on 2024, our Walking Club has enjoyed numerous memorable adventures. Here’s a look back at some of our highlights:

🌧️ April: Embracing Nature’s Beauty

Out and About with Walking Club: We embarked on a five-mile circular journey, combining parts of the Trans Pennine Trail and the Cuckoo Way. Despite intermittent showers, our spirits remained high, and we concluded our trek with coffee and cake at the Hollinwood Hub Cafe. ☕🍰

🌺 June: A Day at Newstead Abbey

The Latest from Walking Club – Thanks to Cayton and Louise! We enjoyed a leisurely day at Newstead Abbey, soaking in vibrant colours and rich history. The day ended with delightful treats at the teashop, making it a 10/10 experience. 🌳✨

🌳 August: Exploring Pleasley Vale

Walking Club – Pleasley Vale: Our walk took us around Pleasley Vale and its historic mills. We enjoyed the shade of overhanging trees and shared stories of the area’s rich history, concluding with a visit to the Mansfield Wildlife Centre. 🏞️🐾

🏔️ September: Conquering Peaks

Tuesday Walking Club Conquers Mam Tor!! We reached the summit of Mam Tor, enjoying panoramic views of the Peak District. The clear skies and gentle breeze made this challenging hike a favourite among members. 🌤️

Walking Club Adventure: Exploring Elvaston Castle: We ventured to the grounds of Elvaston Castle, exploring its rich history and sprawling woodlands, making it a perfect spot for our adventure. 🏰🌿

🍂 October: Historical Walks and Nature’s Splendour

Tuesday Walking Club – Stanton Moor: Our group enjoyed a 2.5-mile walk through farmland to Stanton Moor, spotting local wildlife and taking in stunning panoramas, including the Nine Ladies stone circle. 🌄🐦

Walking Club Visits Vicar Water Country Park: A pleasant 2.5-mile walk around Vicar Water Country Park, exploring various trails and concluding with refreshments at Rumbles Café. 🌳☕

🍁 November: Scenic Trails and Friendly Encounters

A Day Out with Walking Club: Exploring Tansley Knoll, Matlock: We explored Tansley Knoll in Matlock, enjoying historic mills, scenic waterfalls, and friendly animals, ending the day at a local garden centre. 🐾🏞️

🎄 December: Festive Spirit

Belper Walk with Walking Club: We explored the town of Belper, known for its rich industrial heritage and picturesque surroundings, including a fun stop at a larger-than-life statue of Mr Potato Head. 🎅🛤️

As we look forward to 2025, we invite more members to join our Walking Club. Whether you’re seeking physical well-being, mental health benefits, or social interaction, our club offers a supportive and enriching experience tailored to all abilities. Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures! 🚶‍♂️💚✨

Call us on 01623 397750

18/12/202418/12/2024

A Walk Around Chatsworth House Grounds

Recently our walking club enjoyed a three-mile walk around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth House. The route included a steep climb to the Tower via uneven steps, which proved challenging for some. While the fitter among us reached the top with ease, others took it at a more relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery. The views from the top made the effort worthwhile.

An older woman with glasses and short grey hair sits at an outdoor café table, holding a pastry in one hand. In front of her is a festive takeaway cup with a reindeer design. Behind her, stone arches are decorated with twinkling lights, and people can be seen walking through the area.

A wide-angle shot of an older woman with glasses and a green padded coat standing in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. The area is surrounded by woodland with moss-covered rocks, trees, and a forest path leading further into the scene.

At the Tower, we discovered a painted hidden rock on top of a brick shed, marked #NorthumberlandRock. We’ll rehide it during another walk to continue the fun for others.

The walk took us along peaceful footpaths and past waterfalls before looping back to our starting point. We ended the morning with coffee and cake at the café—a satisfying finish to a lovely outing.

Great company and good weather made for a memorable day. Until next time!

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

An older woman with glasses and a green padded coat stands in front of a rock formation with small waterfalls. Above her, a person with an orange backpack and jeans stands triumphantly on the rock, smiling. The surrounding area is filled with trees and moss.

Two men stand on a grassy verge beside a road near Chatsworth House. One man wears a red beanie and a blue checkered jacket, while the other wears a brown coat and navy beanie, holding a small device. A sign reading "House & Garden Entrances" stands nearby, with cars and buildings in the background.

02/12/202402/12/2024

A Festive Success at This Year’s Christmas Fair!

Santa Claus interacting with attendees at a lively Christmas celebration, with festive decorations, including a bulletin board and holiday posters, in the background.

What a fantastic turnout we had at this year’s Christmas Fayre! A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event – you made it truly special.

We’d also like to give a big shoutout to Santa and his naughty elves for bringing some festive cheer (and a few giggles!). Of course, none of it would have been possible without the wonderful people who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it all happen – thank you for your dedication and effort.

A special highlight this year was seeing some of our service users getting involved with their own stalls. They sold some incredible handmade items, including cakes, book Christmas trees, and adorable hedgehogs. It was wonderful to see their creativity and hard work shining through.

The day was a team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who contributed. Thank you all for making this year’s fair such a success – here’s to even more fun next year!