Seven individuals who use the services of Space Inclusive, a Mansfield Woodhouse-based support provider for people with autism and learning disabilities, have enjoyed a 10-week programme of mental and physical activities every Monday at the college’s Derby Road campus.
The variety of activities and challenges were planned and delivered by Kadi-Rose Townsend and Reanna Davies, who are now studying the sports coach qualification while working as sports coach apprentices at the college.
The duo devised a detailed programme of events designed to supplement the work undertaken at Space Inclusive, where the group, aged in their thirties, have their individual needs supported through skills for employment and help with supported or independent living and social interaction.
The activities, which began in January, included improving fundamental skills through sports concentrating on running, jumping, throwing and catching. These sessions were designed to help encourage concentration, co-ordination, problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
Healthy eating and wellbeing were also given a focus, helping the participants to understand what a well-balanced diet looks like. Information about the different food groups and nutrition was studied through a board game, designed to give them confidence when preparing a meal.
A pizza making afternoon saw everyone create their own pizza with toppings to take home. This task was enjoyed in the college’s recently refurbished kitchen for young adults, who learn life skills and study progression into adult life programmes.
Different problem-solving games helped the group to assert their communication and teamwork skills. The task of crossing an imaginary river was posed, which asked teams to use a range of equipment to get their teammates from one side of the ‘river’ to the other without touching the floor.
A blindfolded obstacle course helped to build listening, speaking and problem-solving techniques, while trusting the partner to guide them around the course.
Sport coach apprentice Reanna Davies, 20, said: “Kadi and I thought it would be great to include a student-led session to give them the opportunity to plan and deliver a session of their choice. We had a lot of confidence that the group would come up with some amazing plans, and that's exactly what they did!
“My group really enjoyed the ’messy bunkers’ game we did when learning about World War 1, so they decided to plan their session using that as guidance. They took what they enjoyed from the game and transformed it into their very own. It was so rewarding to see how confident and independent they were when planning their session.
“This really highlighted to me how beneficial the programme has been to the group. Seeing them do their thing and absolutely smashing it was such a proud moment for me!”
The final session held at the end of March brought everyone’s skills together in a fun aerobic ball drumming session. This lively activity saw everyone use an air-filled exercise ball as a drum, with polystyrene drumsticks to beat the ball with. Dancing along to music everyone was able to drum in time to the beat.
This was followed by a certificate of achievement presentation where Kadi-Rose and Reanna thanked everyone for their interaction and positivity over the past ten weeks.
Kadi-Rose, 18, said: “It’s been truly inspiring to watch the growth and increasing confidence within the group over the course of the programme. It has been amazing to see how well they worked together and complement and encourage each other.
“I believe the programme we delivered was not only beneficial to them physically, but it has given them opportunities to socialise and hopefully gain some new knowledge and ways to help them live independently. Our sessions aimed to accommodate new learning opportunities, develop on other skills they’re interested in and the chance to take part in physical activity.”
Zoe Smith, site manager at Space Inclusive in Mansfield Woodhouse, said: “Our clients have said how much they’ve enjoyed their time at the college and would like to do it again.
“Our staff said it was nice to see everyone getting involved, working with each other, and watch their confidence blossom over the 10 weeks. One client got involved when he normally wouldn't and another, who struggles socially, led his own class and he really enjoyed it.
“Everyone has gained much more confidence with exercising and working on their cognitive skills.”