The residents were all very excited to be able to return to Uppertunity. Uppertunity is a registered community interest company working with individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health barriers in Dundee. They focus on an individual’s strengths and aspirations and work with them to realise their potential. They offer short programmes, classes, workshops, skill development programmes and meaningful volunteering roles.
Some of the residents have taken a particular interest in the baking, sewing, art, woodwork and gardening sessions which have all now restarted. All of the sessions were a hit – they had a great time and were pleased to be out and about again. They are really looking forward to making this a regular trip.
Jacob has also been working with his fellow activity co-ordinators at the other Cygnet services in Dundee to set up a ‘buddy’ system. This allows the residents to meet up with fellow peers from other homes who have similar interests or sensory needs, to participate in large group activities and hopefully find some new friendships along the way.
There appears to be a few individuals who are keen on bowling, so up next for the ‘buddy’ system will be a weekly bowling league. Promoting healthy exercise and some friendly competition, Jacob hopes to invite all Scottish services to take part – so listen up everyone, may be time to polish off your bowling shoes!
As much as the residents are enjoying getting out and about again, the team wanted to ensure that they also keep their regular in-house activities interesting. So they decided to set up an around the world monthly theme. Using the world map poster, every resident gets a chance to choose a country as the following month’s theme. Once decided, themed parties, decorations and activities are arranged for that particular country along with a themed ‘fake-away’ night to go with the celebrations.