Southern Housing Group celebrated the success of several Isle of Wight residents and customers during its fourth annual Supported Involvement Day (SID).
Nearly 100 residents, service users and Care and Supporting Independence (CASI) staff gathered at Rookley Country Park on Wednesday 7 December for the all day Christmas event.
Themed around “Inclusion”, the morning featured presentations by people with learning disabilities, including an update from the Monday Group about their gardening project.
Since June the group, which was formed in 2008, has been producing and selling vegetables on a half acre site at Quarr Abbey which was donated by monks. Group members are responsible for the site maintenance with proceeds from future vegetable sales split with the Abbey.
Residents from the Group’s young people supported schemes in Ryde and Newport talked about various projects they have been involved with before all residents participated in objective setting.
Group Income Recovery Officer, Paul New, informed guests about the current and future changes to the benefit system with community organisations Bodster Equine, LINks and People Matter representatives holding meet and greet sessions over lunch.
An award ceremony topped off the afternoon with nominations coming from both staff and residents. A three person judging panel, including local resident panel chairwoman Barbara Clews-Cartwright, chose the finalists with a winner selected across each of the six categories. Winners were presented with their awards by Group Chief Executive Tom Dacey.
CASI support manager Naomi Somerville said the awards recognised positive differences the residents had made to their peers and wider community.
“The day is a chance to celebrate improvements in our care and support services on the Island as well as gain feedback from residents and supported customers. We appreciated the support LINks, People Matter and Bodster Equine gave on the day and surprise guest Tippy the horse was popular with both residents and staff!”
Local band “Cornerstone” got everyone on the dance floor before an early visit from “Santa” provided the day’s fun finale.
Award winners
- Positive contribution to scheme activities – Misty Wallace
- Positive contribution to your community – Joint winners: Bill Collins and Rob Turner
- Individual Achievement – Adam Marsh
- Scheme award for promoting continuous service improvements – Staff and residents at 54 St Johns
- Resident-led community forum/social group award - Anne Brown
- Special "Make a difference award" – Abbie West-Long