Fun, friendship and community spirit were at the heart of a sports day organised by Essential Care and Support.
Not only was it a fun and all-inclusive day for everyone involved, the event also provided a great opportunity for people from different local services in the North East to connect, make new friendships and celebrate together as one community.
More than 40 people from supported living and outreach services took part, with support colleagues and families also joining the fun and games.
The people we support at Essential Care and Support played an important role in shaping the event, sharing their views on which games they wanted to take part in.
Their suggestions informed the activity list, ensuring the event reflected their interests and preferences.
The day was packed with fun and inclusive activities, including an egg and spoon race, relay race, bean bag race, bowling, granny pants game, obstacle course, colleague relay race and musical statues.
There were plenty of memorable moments throughout the day.
Katie, Service Manager, Essential Care and Support, said: “One highlight was watching participants hold onto their eggs and spoons with determination as they raced to be first back, while the granny pants game had everyone laughing as people embraced the fun and cheered each other on.”
Colleagues joined in too, with a colleague relay race adding to the friendly competition and helping create an atmosphere full of encouragement and shared enjoyment.
With families also attending to cheer on their loved ones, many commented how much they enjoyed seeing everyone together, sharing laughter and taking part in the activities.
The people we support shared lots of fantastic feedback, with many saying how much they enjoyed the activities and the chance to meet others from different services.
Kathleen said “it has been a spiffin’ day!” and was smiling throughout the activities.
Anne and Gillian said they “really enjoyed the day and getting to meet others.”
Alex said he had “a lot of fun” and especially enjoyed wearing the granny pants and catching the inflatable balls, which had everyone laughing.
Caranne said she “really enjoyed getting to meet all the services and people we support” and added that she loves her support.
Anthony said he “really enjoyed the bean bag race.”
Daniel said he “has had a lovely day.”
Brandon said he “had a great time and enjoyed participating and getting to meet others.”
Elizabeth and Claire said they “had a lot of fun.”
Neil said he “enjoyed seeing all the other people to knows from day placements and a huge well done to the staff”
“It was a fantastic, uplifting day that showcased teamwork, inclusion, and shared enjoyment across all services. The event brought everyone together, strengthened relationships, and created lasting memories. The enthusiasm from both colleagues and the people we support made the day a huge success, and the positive feedback shows just how valuable these events are for building confidence, connection, and community.”
Essential Care and Support supports people to live independently in their own home. It also provides an outreach service, which is usually the final step in a person’s care pathway and involves a reduced package of support.
Essential Care and Support operates across County Durham, Sunderland, and North Tyneside.
If you would like to speak to our friendly referrals admin team, call us on 0333 305 0880 or email referrals@nationalcaregroup.com.
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
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