April has been a wonderfully busy and exciting month at James’ Place Adult Daycare Basingstoke, filled with seasonal celebrations, creativity, themed activities, and plenty of smiles along the way.
We began the month by embracing all things Easter. Members got involved in a variety of Easter-themed activities, including some fantastic baking sessions where we created a range of delicious treats to enjoy together.
There was also lots of creativity on display as everyone designed and made our Easter bonnets for our competition, alongside a range of colourful crafts. It really brought the Easter spirit to life.
Throughout the month, we also enjoyed a range of fun and engaging themed weeks. Our Ocean Week was a big hit, with members creating all sorts of sea creatures using different materials and techniques. This led to a beautiful under-the-sea window display that everyone could enjoy, showcasing all their hard work and creativity.
We also stepped into a world of imagination during our Alice in Wonderland theme, where members made their own fantastic Mad Hatter hats, each one unique and full of personality. It was lovely to see everyone getting creative and embracing the fun of the theme.
Another highlight was our Decades Week, where we celebrated different eras through music, themed activities, and creative displays. Members helped create themed boards inspired by each decade, and we finished the week with a trip to Andover’s Decades Party. This was a fantastic event where everyone enjoyed the music, atmosphere, and chance to celebrate together.
As the weather has started to improve, we’ve been making the most of getting outdoors. Members have been busy planting seeds ready for our allotment, taking pride in preparing for the months ahead. We’ve also planted some beautiful, bright flowers outside, helping to create a welcoming and cheerful environment for everyone. We’re all really looking forward to watching everything grow and develop over time.
A very special highlight this month has been visits from Katie’s guinea pig, Ziggy.
These visits have been a big hit with many of our members, offering calming, therapeutic moments and lots of joy. It’s always lovely to see the positive impact that animals can have.
Our “cook your own lunch” sessions continue to be a favourite, and this month we prepared kebab skewers, chips, and salad, followed by a delicious Eton mess for pudding. These sessions are a great way for members to build confidence, develop independence, and enjoy the rewards of cooking and eating together.
April has also been packed with a variety of trips out in the community. We visited Alice Holt Forest on a couple of occasions, where members took part in activities such as disc golf, explored the giant marble run, and followed the Gruffalo trail. We also enjoyed a trip to Mottisfont for their Easter trail, which was a lovely way to combine being outdoors with seasonal fun.
In addition, we visited the museum to explore the fascinating bee exhibit, helping us learn more about the importance of bees and the role they play in our environment. Another highlight was our visit to Bassy’s Barn, which offers 1:1 SEND-friendly sessions in a calm and supportive setting—this was a really enjoyable and meaningful experience for those who attended.To top it all off, we made the most of the sunshine with a fun-filled trip to Eastrop, where everyone enjoyed a splash and some time relaxing outdoors.
Overall, April has been a month full of laughter, creativity, learning, and connection. It’s been wonderful to see everyone getting involved, trying new things, and making the most of every opportunity. We’re excited to carry this energy into May and see what new experiences it brings!