Aldingbourne News
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During Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to individuals supported by our Queens Square project, who shared valuable insights into their personal experiences and the activities that contribute to their mental well-being. Nurturing mental health is a delicate balance between finding joy in everyday pleasures and engaging in meaningful connections with the world around us.
For Michael, the calming effect of nature plays a significant role in his mental well-being. Spending time outdoors, watching the sea and birds in flight, instils a sense of serenity. He says, "I always feel better after a walk in the fresh air." Although sometimes he needs to push himself to venture outside, the beauty of the natural world never fails to uplift his spirits. Wesley likes staying active through long walks and engaging in new experiences - this is key to getting a good night's sleep and a positive mindset. He says, "I get excited when I'm seeing or doing something new or different; I like knowing that something good is happening soon." Eating his favourite foods also makes him happy; he shared, "I always smile when I'm eating a treat!" Brian finds comfort and support in his work colleagues and the caring staff at Queen Square. Their understanding and compassion lift his spirits during challenging times. Helping others and feeling valued contribute to his self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Furthermore, anticipating planned holidays adds an extra layer of excitement! These heartfelt narratives from some of the individuals at Queens Square illuminate the significance of simple pleasures in nurturing mental health. The ability to find solace in nature, relish favourite foods, engage in physical activities, seek new experiences, build connections, and take pride in meaningful work all contribute to a balanced and fulfilled life. May we all discover our sources of joy and pleasure as we navigate the journey of nurturing our mental well-being. Written by Lizzie Williams This Mental Health Awareness Week, we explore the captivating world of cold-water swimming through one of our exceptional employees, Louise Chambers. She has practised in various countries across the globe, as it has become a powerful tool for nurturing her mental well-being. Today, she shares how she takes responsibility for herself, keeps safe in the water, and all its benefits to the body and mind!
First things first; personal safety! Louise recognises the risk and tells us how she never ventures alone, always ensuring she has a trusted companion present, even if they remain on the shore. Other factors she always considers include tide schedules, weather conditions, suitable entry and exit points, and water quality checking using the 'Surfers Against Sewage' App. Nobody wants a stinky swim! With each step towards the water, Louise is mindful of her body's response to the cold, particularly in the coldest months. While the initial moments may present discomfort, she overcomes this stress reaction as she acclimates to the temperature and carefully manages her time in the water. Louise equips herself with essential gear, such as a swimsuit suitable for year-round swimming or a wetsuit for added buoyancy and prolonged immersion. Neoprene gloves and boots offer protection from the cold's grip on her hands and feet. To enhance visibility, Louise dons a brightly coloured t-shirt and relies on a tow float, providing extra buoyancy. She ensures her head stays warm with a swimming hat or a cosy woolly hat, while a waterproof pouch safeguards her phone. Cold water swimming goes beyond physical exercise - it serves as a powerful source of mental well-being. Louise shares, "I feel alive and free!" The sea awakens a profound sense of freedom, flooding her system with serotonin (the "feel-good" hormone) and endorphins, uplifting her spirits and evoking a sense of achievement. There are buckets of benefits that Louise has embraced; it acts as a potent stress reliever, providing respite from worrisome thoughts and allowing her to fully embrace the present moment whilst easing inflammation, aches and pains. Through solace, empowerment, and renewed vitality, Louise shares her story as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of self-care during this critical week of awareness. Written by Lizzie Williams Hello and welcome to our April Newsletter. We have lots of fun things for you to enjoy and would like to thank all of our supporters that make a big difference to the local Portsmouth Community.
We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer, such as free tickets to events and improving your CV, please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults in Portsmouth make new friends. Our Easter Eggcitement was a cracking success! For two weeks, we welcomed families from near and far to the Aldingbourne Country Centre for a basket full of springtime fun.
There was something for everyone! From the popular BounceAbout with bouncy castles of all shapes and a visit from Toms Talking Reptiles to the soaring Birds of Prey Take Flight, we welcomed two NEW events to our stacked schedule - Springtopia (an augmented reality experience) and Wildflower Bombing! We made a splash with our Foam Parteeee, and of course, no Easter would be complete without an Easter egg hunt. However, this year's hunt came with a twist, as we witnessed the unexpected arrival of large Knucker Dragon eggs in our Woodland Walk! Knucker Dragons are legendary creatures that live in bodies of water, historically known to the Sussex area. If, like us, you're wondering, will these eggs hatch? We'll have to wait and see! Natasha Berwick shared her wonderful experience: "We had the best day, my eldest is autistic, and I'm always looking for inclusive places to take him and not feel out of place or judged. Aldingbourne was just perfect for us; it was inclusive, had adorable animals that my children loved cuddling and wonderful little play areas where I could sit and watch them play. I honestly can't wait to go back!" At Aldingbourne, nothing gives us more joy than seeing families and friends come together and enjoy each other's company on a 'Great Day Out'. Thanks to everyone who visited us and made each day so special. We also want to thank our incredible teams at ACC, whose hard work and dedication ensured that these holidays were not only fun and exciting but also safe and memorable. Next stop: May Half Term! Written by Lizzie Williams Aldingbourne Country Centre recently partnered with Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital to host a bug hotel-building workshop. Alex, an education officer from Brent Lodge, led the activity, showing the people we support how to construct bug hotels using many different natural materials, which are plentiful here at the Country Centre grounds.
The clients split into two teams to design and build their bug hotels in our woodland walk and on the farm. Their creativity and imagination shone through as one group jokingly said they were creating a more budget-friendly hotel. The other group said theirs was a more high-end, luxurious establishment. The discussion about the needs of different bugs and small animals was fascinating, with each group providing different materials for different types of insects to live in. There was a home for every bug! Alex expressed her pleasure on the day, saying, "I'm delighted to help the Trust build their bug hotels for their woodland and farm areas. As well as pollinating our flowers and benefitting our flora, insects are a vital food source for our local wildlife, which is why bug hotels are so important for conservation. Many creatures benefit from a thriving insect population, from hedgehogs to badgers and birds to shrews. The more insects we have, the more wildlife we'll have!" The project's success was evident from the enthusiasm of the people we support, who had a great time. Alex looks forward to inviting members of the Trust to the hospital to see how they help wildlife in need and explore potential collaborations for the future. The Aldingbourne Trust provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities or autism to live meaningful and fulfilled lives and to contribute positively to their communities. We take pride in working collaboratively with all key local and national organisations, like Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital, to improve opportunities and care services for adults with learning disabilities or autism. To learn more about what we do at the Trust, please visit our website www.aldingbournetrust.org Written by Lizzie Williams In this Newsletter, we will be looking back at recent Gig Buddy events, sharing local news and activities, and letting you know about our future events which all of our Gig Buddies are welcome to come along to.
We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer, such as free tickets to events and improving your CV, please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults in Portsmouth make new friends. Aldingbourne Trust joins the global celebration of the #IWD2023 campaign #EmbraceEquity, which aims to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough and why true inclusion and belonging require equitable action!
What's the difference between equality and equity, you ask? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Equality refers to treating everyone the same and providing equal opportunities. However, this approach assumes that everyone starts from the same place and has the exact same needs, which isn't true and demonstrates that more than 'equal opportunities' is needed. In contrast, equity ensures everyone has what they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point. It acknowledges that some people face additional barriers and need extra support to overcome them. With equity, we can truly reach equality! We recognize that women and other marginalized groups face additional barriers and challenges that require equitable action to overcome. Our diverse workforce reflects our passion for social justice and commitment to equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender identity or expression. Only by working together can we create a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. Not just today but every day, give equity a warm embrace! Each of us has a responsibility to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion. How will you embrace equity? Written by Lizzie Williams It was a week in February like we had never experienced before. We're calling it a 'week of dreams!' that saw us welcome over 3000 visitors to a Great Day Out in record-breaking style.
Families across the region flocked to the Country Centre to make the most of the holiday break, with planned activities to enjoy every single day. From our 'Meet and Greet' and goat grooming sessions with our farm animals, indoor cinema, aRTie the Aldingbourne Express, and a special members-only 'Stargazing Event'. One such visitor was Kelly Tormey, who had not long become an annual member of the Trust, "After recently moving to the area, we had heard some fantastic things about Aldingbourne Trust & it exceeded our expectations, so much so that we became members after our first visit." Kelly was full of praise for the staff at the Trust, who went above and beyond to ensure that her family had a wonderful time. "Every staff member we came into contact with was so friendly and helpful, from the reception staff, to the cafe, the farm team, to the lovely man that organises the guinea pig snuggles! (My son's favourite experience that he hasn't stopped speaking about or watching the video of since we left). There is such a great selection of activities to keep you endlessly entertained!" Kelly exclaimed. "We're going to be making some of the best childhood memories here, I can tell!" We are thrilled to hear such positive feedback from our visitors and are already looking forward to our 'Easter Eggcitement' events. If you haven't yet visited Aldingbourne Country Centre, why not join us for an Easter FULL of fun this April? And don't forget, every penny you spend goes directly to helping us support adults in our community with learning disabilities and/or autism. Thank YOU for making a difference! Written by Lizzie Williams Hello and welcome to Gig Buddies January Newsletter!
In this Newsletter, we will be looking at Gig Buddies events for you to get involved with, as well as sharing local news and activities to keep you entertained, including our Laser Quest and Pool events for February and a look at what we have been doing recently. We are also looking to recruit more Volunteers, so if you would like to become part of the Gig Buddies community and share the many benefits of being a Volunteer (such as free tickets to events and discounted gym membership), please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help adults who have a learning disability and/or Autism in Portsmouth make new friends. |
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