12 October 2009
Residents and customers aged 18 to 80 enjoyed a host of activities arranged by South Wight Housing Association (SWHA) on Tuesday 6 October.
Residents from Ryde, Newport, Cowes, Shanklin, Sandown, Lake and Ventnor took part in a Supported Involvement Day, which was held at Ainsworth Court and West Wight Sports Centre in Freshwater. Residents took their pick from a range of activities, including cooking, armchair aerobics, cricket, tea dancing and modern dance.
SWHA’s Care & Support Services along with organisations, such as Communities and Local Government’s Supporting People, Isle of Wight College and the Choice Based Lettings service, presented to residents about the past and future of supported services.
Representatives of SWHA’s Young People services, Mental Health schemes, Learning Disability services, Sheltered and Older Persons’ services were also present to talk about the support they offer to residents.
Care & Support Services Manager, Naomi Somerville, said:
“The Supported Involvement Day was a real pleasure for everyone involved. Events such as this allow sheltered and supported residents to take part in activities they may otherwise not be able to enjoy. The event was a great opportunity for staff and residents to get to know one another better.
When it comes to providing excellent care for our residents, SWHA can be proud of what it has achieved. This year our Learning Disability care service received three star ‘excellent’ grading from the Care Quality Commission and our Support services obtained the highest level of achievement from Communities and Local Government’s Supporting People programme.”
Kirsty Gardner, who lives at young people’s scheme in Newport, said:
"I really enjoyed myself yesterday. Everyone made me feel so welcome and it was great to get to know others from all the different schemes."
South Wight Housing association is part of Southern Housing Group, one of southern England’s largest housing associations. To find out more about the Group go to www.shgroup.org.uk