With over 47 different services, we couldn’t start telling you how they’ve all been getting ready for Christmas. But we have compiled our favourite stories from the past month – from surprise visits to decorations, events and carolling. Our staff have been busy coming up with all sorts of activities for our young people and adults to keep them entertained and bring some magic to their schools, colleges, day centres and homes. Have a look below!
Baubles, glitter and lights
Our little elves have been hard at work spreading joy and cheer! Take a peek at the magical Christmas trees decorated by the talented hands of the staff and young people at some of our residential homes and community hubs.
Santa’s Grotto, parties and challenges at Bridge College
Over the last weeks staff and students celebrated the festive season in style: with a jumper day, Christmas dinner, challenges, games and more. Some festive highlights:
- Shout out to Claire and Zena for getting into the Christmas spirit and dressing up in their best festive dresses
- Huge thank you to the amazing Ruby Slippers for performing their incredible pantomime for our students: ‘Dick Whittington’.
- Thank you to Age UK for having us over at the Day Centre in Openshaw. Our learners raised funds for the centre and spent some time helping out and meeting the clients. They took cakes, biscuits, and games and donated a karaoke machine which the clients loved!
- Earlier in November students went to St Peter’s Hall in Ancoats to join in with the Hallé ensemble where they were able to listen to popular, classical music in a relaxed and informal way.
- Santa and his elves came to the college and saw each student individually. Santa’s Grotto was a special Christmassy sensory experience for our students, bringing the North Pole to Manchester!
Santa and the elves came on bikes
Roughley’s Christmas Toy Run was a roaring success! Hot on their heels, or possibly wheels, in this case, the fantastic friendly fleet of local bikers visited us yesterday, dressed as Father Christmas and his helpers. A yearly tradition by now, they set off on a ride from Stockport to our Cheadle campus to drop off toys for our Christmas toy appeal.
Carolling at John Lewis
A tradition by now, our young carollers from Inscape House School have joined our dedicated team of volunteers and fundraisers to spread some Christmas cheer and raise money for our services at John Lewis Cheadle!
Students love their music classes and particularly love performing. We were joined by parents, customers and John Lewis staff as we cheered on the young musicians.
Nighttime adventures at Dunham Massey
Masses of twinkling lights and giant glowing deers welcomed our young residents from Woodlands at Dunham Massey’s iconic Christmas experience. Whilst wandering through a laser garden with colour-changing orbs and a giant twinkling tunnel, the young enthusiasts got to meet cheery Santa Claus and even share their Christmas wishes with him. Our residents left the magical Dunham Massey with a huge smile on their faces, bringing festive memories back home.
Advice for parents and carers
While the winter holidays can be a great time to relax and recharge, they can also bring challenges for children and young people with special needs and their families.
Often, the lack of familiarity, structure and routine, normally created by the school day, and the changes resulting from Christmas approaching can create anxiety, leading to differences in behaviour that may be difficult to manage for the young person and those around them.
Our expert Therapy and Specialist Support team have put together a handy bank of tips for making life easier for parents, carers and young people during the break.
A cheery College Christmas
Together Trust staff based at Bolton College have been embracing the spirit of Christmas with fun activities this month.
From sprucing up the workspace with festive decorations and donning their most colourful and whimsical holiday sweaters, to promoting good mental health and self-care with wellbeing gift bags and an advent calendar.
At Bolton College, the Together Trust supports over 50 students with physical, social, medical and learning needs. Our team of 28 staff enable students to access education while meeting their social and medical needs. We support students in the classroom and are available if they struggle or need to leave.
