Summer fun at our supported living service in Ipswich, Suffolk
Our supported living service in Ipswich provides support and accommodation for people with autism, learning disabilities and other complex needs.
Service Manager Shayne Mills also likes to make sure life at the service provides plenty of good times and great memories for the people that live and work there including family members and friends of the people they support.
Recently, everyone who works and lives at the service put a lot of love and work into refreshing and redesigning their garden, they couldn’t wait to show it off and have a summer garden party – inviting people who live and work in other services nearby, friends and family, and colleagues from our Central Support Team to come and join in the fun.
After getting decked out in flower garlands and face paint, everyone got together for a good old-fashioned Punch and Judy show that made us feel very summery. Everyone had a great time playing classic fairground games like the Coconut Shy and Ball in the bucket. The people we support that live at the service all got stuck in decorating, hanging up bunting, getting dressed up and starting games for everyone to enjoy.
Support worker Beth was cooking up a storm at the BBQ, handing out delicious burgers and hot dogs before there was a special visit from a local ice cream maker with an amazing homemade ice cream bar.
Service Manager, Shayne, put on his bartending hat and kept everyone cool with his amazing tiki-themed cocktails served in carved pineapples. He said, “Today was so much fun – everyone worked so hard to get everything together, but it was so worth it to see everyone getting together and enjoying the sun.”
The day ended on a bittersweet note – after everyone was well and truly partied out, everyone presented flowers to Support Worker Esther as it was her last day at work before her retirement. And what a last day!
Support Worker Angie said, “It’s been a beautiful day – old and young, everyone just gathering in one place and enjoying time with one another.”