News
December at The Meath is a truly magical time!
Lots of the people we support have been busy with Christmas preparations, enjoying festive trips out and special activities at the Skills Centre, The Hive and in our local community. As we are bursting with festive news of great times enjoyed together at home, around The Meath and on trips out, here’s a round up of the most fabulous festivities enjoyed by the wonderful people we support on the run up to Christmas!
Preparing For Christmas - with Support from our Residential Service Teams
Within our residential services, many of the people we support have enjoyed being enabled to prepare for Christmas with things such as Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, planning trips out and cosy nights in, decorating their Christmas tree and baking some seasonal treats.
After completing their Christmas preparations, lots of the people we support were pleased to see Santa when he took the time to visit them in their homes.
It was lovely to see so many residents chatting to Santa and let him know what they are hoping to receive on Christmas day. Wish list items include colouring books, slippers, chocolate and new headphones!
As well as polite requests for gifts, lots of the people we support were keen to pass on their best wishes to Santa, his family and reindeer.
“Hello Father Christmas, I knew you would come!” Philippa
Seasonal Fun at The Hive- our onsite Cafe
Santa also stopped off at The Hive to read his favourite story to some of the people we support, while they enjoyed milk and cookies. Santa’s reading of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ was a magical time, and the homemade snowflake cookies went down a treat.
The Hive team of staff and volunteers also hosted a festive Swiss themed Supper club which saw many of the people people we support enjoying a traditional festive Swiss meal of pork fillet wellington followed by Swiss recipe hot chocolate and a homemade Christmas jam cookie. As always, the social interaction was just as important as the food and guests learnt lots about Swiss Christmas traditions by taking part in a fun and interactive quiz.
A Fun Packed Skills Centre Christmas Activity Week!
Meanwhile the Skills Centre team have been delivering a joyously festive and varied week long programme of Christmas themed activities and events. Highlights include singing and dancing along to guest singer Becky Lane, a Christmas visit from Percy the donkey, Christmas Bingo, Card making, and a wonderful Christmas Carol Service at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Godalming.
“Delivering impactful skills led sessions all year around is a privilege, but organising special events and activities on the run up to Christmas is extra special. It’s the perfect time to champion socialisation, creativity and joy! The team at the Skills Centre and I are delighted to offer such a great range of seasonal activities.” Catherine Agca, Skills Centre Manager
Singer Becky Lane lifted Christmas spirits with a great set of festive favourites.
Our friendly regular visiting donkey Percy made a special Christmas visit to The Meath. Will seemed proud to help lead Percy to the Skills Centre for his visit.
On Wednesday 17th December, The Skills Centre team were proud to welcome all from The Meath community to a very special Meath Carol Service at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Godalming.
The Meath Choir Performed a gloriously festive set of uplifting songs and had the congregation joining in with Makaton signing. Meath residents Andrew and Regan kindly gave wonderful readings, with Simon, Vicar leading our bespoke, inclusive service.
After the joyful Carol Service, guests enjoyed a mince pie mingle.
The Skills Centre Christmas activity week concludes with a Christmas quiz, Ukulele singalong session and a visit from Father Christmas in the Skills Centre’s beautiful candy land corner – which is adorned with lots of lovely creations made by the people we support in sessions.
Well done and thank you to our fantastic staff and volunteers for enabling the people we support to enjoy such a wonderful Christmas time! We are also extremely grateful to our supporters who make such magical events and opportunities possible for the people we support, by attending our events and donating towards our non statutory services.
All at The Meath would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year
