Our Summer of Fun!
Brand new in 2025, the ‘Summer of Fun’ grant helps services to hold an activity or event which gives the people they support the opportunity to try something that they have never done before – whether it’s a silent disco, a painting party, or something else entirely!
The grant could fund anything needed to make a fantastic event, from venue hire, to the purchase of equipment, food or transport.
Applicants could apply for a grant of up to £300. Those with ideas for larger-scale events across a wider area could apply for a ‘Grand Prize’ grant of up to £800.
Let’s see how everyone used their grant!
Tameside – Sports Day
After a super successful event last year, services in Tameside were back again with their fantastic sports day.
People from our services in and around the Tameside area gathered together to take part in a fun-filled day of games.
Individual activities were spread across the park, with everyone being given a score bag and coloured counters which correspond to points as they played each game in the hopes of winning either first, second, or third prize. Games ranged from bean bag toss, skittle throwing, egg and spoon race, football and a classic game of Connect Four.
Mark, a person we support, said, “I really enjoyed playing football and I look forward to having a go at the Skittles game.” Lauren, another person we support, said, “I liked playing Connect Four, I am good at it.”
Everyone had an amazing day, well done everyone!
Stockport – Beach Party
Two of our Extra Care services came together for a fun-filled beach party — in Stockport! As everyone arrived, Service Manager Katie and Senior Support Worker Gertrude welcomed them with flower garlands and a pair of silly glasses. The lounge was beautifully decorated with inflatable palm trees and beach-themed backdrops where people could take photos.
Lorna came with her children and grandson. Her son surprised everyone by arriving in a Victorian beach outfit! Ada’s daughter and great-granddaughter also joined, along with other family members. They all sat down to a classic seaside lunch of fish and chips, with ice cream for dessert. During lunch, Danny shared fond memories of growing up in Ireland and enjoying fish and chips.
After lunch, there was a raffle where Michelle won first prize and chose a big cuddly toy, which she kindly gifted to Ada’s little great-granddaughter.
The fun continued with a few lively rounds of Bingo, hosted by staff member Ellie, followed by games in the garden. The outdoor space was vibrant and colourful, with gazebos and giant beach games set up, including Connect 4, inflatable bowling, hook-a-duck, a sandpit for sandcastle building, badminton, and even a piñata! Gerrard and Katie built sandcastles together while Gertrude and Gerrard enjoyed a game of giant Jenga.
It was a fantastic day full of laughter and summer spirit, and all without leaving the city!
Wythenshawe – Remembering Linda
Linda was a “kind, empathetic, and funny” person who sadly passed away earlier this year. She will be deeply missed – Linda touched many people’s lives both within and outside our service where she lived in Wythenshawe.
With their Summer of Fun grant, staff and people we support threw a party in the lounge to celebrate Linda’s life. The day of the party was what would have been Linda’s 78th birthday, so it was important that the room was decorated to her taste with Miss Piggy teddies on the sofas and Muppets artwork on the walls.
“Linda would have loved this party, especially the confetti in the balloons,” said Marie. “She was a great character. She always used to ask me if today was ‘my day.’ She was really funny and lovely. I like to help the staff out sometimes, so I drew some Miss Piggy pictures to decorate the room. Linda loved Miss Piggy.”
Support Worker Lisa prepared a huge spread of food which everyone found delicious. After lunch, everyone enjoyed colouring in some Muppets templates while sharing memories of Linda.
“What I remember about Linda is how many questions she asked. She’d ask, ‘Who’s your sister? Have you got a pet?’” smiled Support Worker David. “Wherever she went, people knew her. She talked to everyone. She loved going to the disco and dancing with Miss Piggy.”
“She would say, ‘Dance with Miss Piggy for me,’” laughed Lisa.
It was a very special afternoon, full of fond memories, food, music, and friendship. The fact that everyone turned up showed just how much Linda was loved and how much everyone at the service cares for each other.
Rest in peace, Linda, you will be missed.
Calderdale & Kirklees – Sports Day
The wettest day of July didn’t stop the fun at the sports day in Halifax, where services from Calderdale and Kirklees came together for an afternoon of indoor games! Everyone had a great time competing for medals.
With equipment purchased through their Summer of Fun Grant, participants enjoyed basketball, a creative twist on the egg-and-spoon race (where they passed the egg and spoon), and even ducked under an inflatable limbo!
After a fantastic lunch spread, an awards ceremony celebrated the day’s winners. Adam went home with more than one certificate, while a proud Judith took silver in the egg-and-spoon race. Everyone looked the part too – Kerri looked fabulous in her pelican glasses!
The day wrapped up with a well-earned ice lolly, and everyone headed home tired but happy.
