James Place Adult Daycare - Basingstoke

We've been working with the incredible Barefoot Barns for two wonderful years.

They recently visited all three of our locations, bringing along some adorable goats and alpacas for our members to interact with. 🐐🦙

Engaging with animals has incredible benefits for our members' wellbeing, including:

✅ Stress Reduction: Spending time with animals can lower anxiety and promote relaxation.
✅ Mood Boost: Interacting with friendly animals brings joy and enhances mood.
✅Encourages Social Interaction: These activities allow members to connect with the animals.

We strongly believe that well-being activities like this should be a part of life for all of our members. Next on our list is a relaxing massage session for members at Eastleigh and Basingstoke, continuing our commitment to enhancing the well-being of our members through diverse and enriching activities.

Stay tuned for more updates on our wellbeing initiatives.

Reviews like this make our day. We work hard to ensure every member's needs are identified and catered for every day.

Our members absolutely love spending time in the garden, nurturing and growing a variety of plants.

Gardening is not just a hobby; it’s a wonderful way for our members to connect with nature, develop new skills, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of tending to plants.

Check out these vibrant images from our gardens:

🌻Sunflowers: The sunny flowers take care and dedication to grow to their full potential; we can't wait to see them touch the sky.
🥗Lush Lettuce: Our members are also growing healthy, fresh lettuce, adding a touch of green to our gardens and soon to our meals!
💐Colourful Flower Boxes: Bright and beautiful flower boxes are a sight to behold, showcasing the creativity and dedication of our gardening enthusiasts.
Gardening offers numerous benefits:

Boosts Mental Health: The act of gardening is known to reduce stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect.
Encourages Physical Activity: Planting, weeding, and watering are great ways to stay active and healthy.
Enhances Social Interaction: Working together in the garden fosters teamwork and builds a sense of community.

We are so proud of our members' hard work and passion for their gardening projects.

There's no denying that the newly elected Labour government has many challenges ahead; we are hopeful that adult social care will be on its agenda early on.

We must address the longstanding challenges in adult social care, especially for adults with disabilities. The legacy of uneven funding and rising demand has left many councils struggling to provide essential services.

Here are some key areas we feel the government should prioritise:

Sustainable Funding: Secure long-term funding to ensure councils meet the growing demand for adult social care without resorting to drastic cuts or increased charges.

Workforce Support: Implement comprehensive support for the social care workforce, including fair wages, proper training, and mental health resources to prevent burnout and ensure high-quality care.

Integrated Care Systems: Promote greater integration between health and social care services to streamline support and reduce gaps in care, especially for those with complex needs.

Accessibility and Inclusion: Ensure that all social care policies are inclusive, prioritising the needs of adults with disabilities to foster a society where everyone can live with dignity and independence.

Transparent and Accountable Policies: Enhance transparency in funding allocation and service provision to ensure that resources are used effectively and equitably.

Together, we can advocate for a future where adult social care is robust, inclusive, and capable of meeting the needs of our most vulnerable populations.

Let this powerful message inspire us at the start of our week. Whatever challenges or goals you face, remember that with the right mindset and determination, possibilities are endless.

Embrace the week with the belief that you can overcome obstacles and turn your aspirations into reality. Let's make the 'impossible' possible together! 💪🌟

🎢 What a fantastic day out at Paultons Park for the members of James' Place! Our recent trip to this fun theme park was filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

Days like these remind us of the joy of adventure and the importance of shared experiences in strengthening our community.

A big thank you to the staff at Paultons Park for making our visit so welcoming and accessible for all our members. We're already looking forward to our next adventure!

🌟 June Round-Up 🌟

June was packed with exciting activities and outings across all our James' Place locations! Our members have been making the most of the summer vibes, from sunny beach trips to vibrant nights at a local nightclub.

We also stepped back in time with D-Day celebrations, honouring history with great enthusiasm and respect. Adding to the fun, we had a delightful visit from a petting zoo, where members got up close with some adorable animals, creating smiles and cherished moments.

Each location had its own unique set of adventures, and we can't wait to share all the fun and learning experiences with you.

To find out more about what each location and our members got up to last month, click the links below:

📍 Andover - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/07/01/june-at-james-place-andover/

📍 Basingstoke - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/07/01/june-at-james-place-basingstoke/

📍 Eastleigh - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/07/03/june-at-james-place-eastleigh/

Stay tuned and follow along as we continue to explore, learn, and grow together.

Last month members at James' Place Basingstoke embarked on a cycling trip at Eastleigh Pavilion. It was a day filled with excitement, laughter, and new experiences!

We believe everyone should be able to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. Thanks to the amazing support from Community Cycles (Concord, NH) our members who are less physically able didn't miss out on the joy of cycling. Their specialist-made bikes made the adventure accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

A huge thank you to Cycle4all for facilitating this wonderful day out and helping us provide these enriching experiences for our members. 🙌

You can find out more about Cycles4all here: https://paviliononthepark.org/activities-clubs/cycles4all/

🌟 A Parent's Perspective🌟

We are incredibly touched and proud to share a heartfelt testimonial from the mother of one of our cherished members.

This wonderful feedback motivates us to keep creating an environment where all our members feel valued and understood. It's a testament to the dedication of our staff and the positive impact of engaging in meaningful activities that truly celebrate each individual's skills.

🎾🍓 Serving up a Birthday Treat 🎂

Just in time for tennis season, check out this stunning birthday berry tower crafted by one of our talented members to celebrate his birthday.

It's making us all hungry.

Happy Monday! 🌟 Let’s start the week with a simple yet powerful choice: 'Choose life, choose happiness, and make someone smile.' 🌈

Embrace each day with positivity and look for ways to spread joy and kindness wherever you go. A smile can light up someone’s day!

Today, as part of Learning Disability Week, we reflect on the theme of inclusion with the poignant question, 'Do You Include Me?' We spotlight the critical importance of ensuring that people with learning disabilities are fully integrated and included in all aspects of society.

Inclusion means more than just physical presence. It means actively inviting and valuing individuals with learning disabilities in our schools, workplaces, and social activities. It means creating environments where everyone can participate fully and be embraced for their unique contributions.

📊 Startling Statistics:

📊 Only 26.7% of adults with a learning disability are employed - yet 86% of unemployed people with a learning disability want a paid job.
📊 1 in 3 people with a learning disability spend less than one hour outside their home on a typical Saturday.
📊 Over 2,000 people with a learning disability and/or autistic individuals are currently in mental health hospitals, often due to a lack of community support and appropriate care alternatives.

These figures remind us of the barriers that still exist and underscore the urgency of our mission to foster true inclusion.

At James' Place, we are committed to challenging these statistics by ensuring our members feel included, valued, and supported in everything they do. But change doesn’t stop with us—it needs a community effort.

📢 This Learning Disability Week, let's all ask ourselves: 'Do I include?' Let's be the change that embraces diversity, enhances accessibility, and promotes equality. Join us in making inclusion a reality for everyone, every day.

Recently, our Andover members had an unforgettable experience meeting some adorable furry friends—alpacas and goats, brought to us by Barefoot Barns! The excitement was palpable as our members got up close and personal with these gentle and curious creatures.

Spending time with animals is not just fun; it's also incredibly therapeutic. Our members enjoyed petting and learning about these wonderful animals, which brought smiles, laughter, and lots of joy to everyone involved.

A huge thank you to Barefoot Barns for making this special day possible and for providing such a unique and heartwarming experience. It's days like these that truly enrich our community and create lasting memories.

Master chefs in the making 👨‍🍳🤤
Today the members worked incredibly hard as a team to create a delicious ‘Indian Potato Pie’ as part of our Nationalities and Cultures Week. It was great to see a variety of life skills such as chopping and peeling being used 😄💙

We are thrilled to invite you to our very first Open Day at our Basingstoke location! Come along on Saturday, 13th July, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM to find out more about what we do.

🌟 What’s Happening?

Meet the Team: Get to know the wonderful people who make James' Place a special community.
Tour Our Facility: Take a guided tour and see where all our activities and magic happen!
Enjoy Refreshments and Cake: Treat yourself to delicious refreshments and homemade cake while you mingle.

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about what we do, our values, and how we support our members with additional needs. Whether you're interested in joining us, know someone who might be, or simply want to learn more about our services, we would love to see you there!

Please share this with friends and family to help spread the word about who we are and give others the chance to check us out.

🌟 Happy Father's Day! 🌟

To all the dads at James' Place and beyond: thank you for the love, guidance, and joy you bring into our lives. May your day be filled with laughter, love, and the appreciation you so richly deserve.

Happy Father’s Day!
To all the men out there that care, support, and look after their loved ones.💙
Also to the women out there that do both roles🫶

Our First Open Day! 🎉
We are delighted to be holding an open day on Saturday 13th July from 10:30am until 1:30pm. Please share so that we can spread the news of who we are and give others the opportunity to check us out 😄💙

The most fantastic feeling being able to get started in our James’ Place allotment. A lot of work to be done, but we are incredibly proud of our members for getting stuck in and being as excited as we are to developing our gardening skills 🪴😆

📊 Unveiling the Realities: Insights from the 'No Choice But to Care' Report 📊

This Carers Week 2024, a compelling new report titled 'No Choice But to Care' sheds light on the often unseen challenges faced by unpaid carers across the UK. Here are some crucial findings:

A staggering 62% of current and former unpaid carers report that they had no choice but to assume their caregiving roles due to the lack of available care options. This represents about 10 million individuals who are stepping up in times of need.

The impact of caring has significantly affected carers' lives, with notable negative effects reported on mental health (63%), physical health (53%), employment opportunities (48%), and financial stability (47%).

Those who felt they had no choice in becoming carers, along with women and individuals aged 45-54, experience the most severe impacts.

Additionally, 73% of the public believe that unpaid carers deserve greater support from the government, especially in terms of financial assistance and investments in social care.

These statistics highlight a critical gap in our social care system and underscore the urgent need for change. Unpaid carers are the backbone of care in our communities, yet the personal costs are immense.

It's time for action. As we reflect on these findings during Carers Week, let’s advocate for policies that provide the necessary support to those who give so much of themselves to care for others. Let’s work towards a future where no one has to choose between their health, their career, and caring for loved ones.

Share this post to raise awareness and join the conversation on how we can better support our carers. They deserve our help, our respect, and our commitment to improving their lives.

Read more here: https://www.carersweek.org/about-carers-week/latest-news/posts-folder/2024-1/june/no-choice-but-to-care-report-launches/

This week is Carers Week, the theme this year is 'Putting Carers on the Map,' recognising the invaluable contributions of carers across the UK.

At James' Place, we understand that many parents, family members, and friends of our members play this essential role, dedicating their time and energy to caring for loved ones and wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you! You're incredible! 💓

Carers are the unsung heroes in our communities, often working tirelessly behind the scenes. This week, we aim to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear, increasing their visibility not just within our communities but also among politicians and employers.

By raising awareness about the challenges unpaid carers face, we hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of their work and, importantly, help them access the support they truly deserve.

Spread the word, and let's make sure every carer knows they are seen, appreciated, and supported.

At James' Place, our dedicated team strives every day to create a supportive and nurturing environment for our members. It’s always heartwarming to know that our efforts are making a positive impact.

Thank you for your trust and recommendation! We're committed to continuing our work with passion and care. 💖

Today we celebrated the 1960’s by theming our day around the first rocket that landed on the moon and bringing out our inner ‘hippy’!
We made some tie-dye clothes, funky lava lamps, rocket models and rocket launchers😆🚀
This post is part 2…

Last week, we received a fantastic addition to our library - symbol books of classic stories! These aren't just any books; they are symbolised classics, featuring adapted, illustrated, and accessible editions of some of the world's greatest stories, complete with symbols alongside the text to support reading.

This innovative approach opens up a world of literature to everyone, making it possible for all our members, regardless of reading ability, to enjoy and engage with these iconic tales. These books ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore these timeless stories in a new and inclusive way.

We are so excited to dive into these classics with our members and discover the magic of literature together.

Yesterday we celebrated ‘World Bicycle Day’ with a cycle session at The Pavilion On The Park!☺️

The members certainly enjoyed the accessible bikes and the gorgeous scenery, we will definitely visit again!🚲
Thank you Cycles4all for a fabulous afternoon😁💙

No matter the challenges ahead, a single positive thought can set the tone, transforming obstacles into opportunities. Let’s carry this energy into our week, spread positivity, and watch as it uplifts not only our spirits but those around us too.

What positive thought will you focus on today? Share it with us and let’s inspire a wave of positivity together! 💫

Good Morning!
We will be doing some tie dye projects this month so if anyone has any spare plain white tops please can you send them in. Thank you ☺️

Our Andover location turned into a vibrant art studio as members transformed the playground into a colourful canvas with their chalk creations. Each drawing represents the unique individuals and values that make up our James' Place family.

This artistic endeavour was more than just fun; it was a demonstration of teamwork and a range of skills in action. From motor skills and coordination to visual perception, creativity, and imagination, our members showcased their incredible abilities and worked together to create something unique and special.

Swipe to see the beautiful chalk drawings that brightened our playground and our hearts.

We're so proud of what our members accomplished together—it's a perfect example of how creativity can bring people together.

Yesterday we visited The Café Project for some lunch and let me tell you… we weren’t disappointed!
What a lovely welcoming place that serves the most delicious affordable lunches😋🤩
We definitely will be going again🌺

This month has been a vibrant showcase of activities at our Andover, Basingstoke, and Eastleigh locations! From farm visits that brought us closer to nature to community clean-ups that demonstrated our commitment to the environment, our members have had a busy and fulfilling month. 🌿🚮

In the kitchen, the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, while outdoors, our members soaked up the sunshine on lovely walks. We've also journeyed culturally, diving into the rich traditions of the Caribbean, and tapped into our creative spirits with beautiful chalk drawings that transformed one of our playgrounds into a canvas of colour.

Each activity not only provided fun and learning but also strengthened our bonds as a community. We're excited to share more about each location's unique adventures. Click the links to dive into detailed updates from

Andover - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/05/29/may-at-james-place-andover/

Basingstoke - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/05/29/may-at-james-place-basingstoke/

Eastleigh - https://jp-adultdaycare.com/2024/05/29/may-at-james-place-eastleigh/

We are thrilled to announce that all our Managers, Team Leaders and Deputy Team Leaders, including those who have recently joined or been promoted at James' Place, have successfully completed the Managing Induction Standards training provided by Skills for Care. This achievement marks a significant step in our commitment to leadership excellence and high-quality care.

The Managing Induction Standards are designed to equip new, aspiring, and existing managers with the necessary skills to excel in their roles. These standards are crucial for:

✅ Aspiring Managers: To prepare for future leadership roles by understanding what is expected and to enhance their potential in securing management positions.
✅ New Managers: To gauge their development, assess areas for improvement, and adapt swiftly to their new roles.
✅ Existing Managers: To benchmark and continuously improve their practices, especially if their roles have evolved over time.

Why is this important? Effective leadership is vital for the success of any organisation, particularly in social care. These standards help ensure our leaders are well-prepared to foster a person-centred approach, ensuring that every individual we support is at the heart of our care decisions.

Skills for Care has meticulously updated these standards to reflect the latest sector priorities and challenges, ensuring our managers are equipped to lead with confidence, support their teams effectively, and drive positive change.

This training not only supports our managers' personal growth but also enhances the overall quality of care we provide. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on our teams and the communities we serve.

Please join us in congratulating our managers on this fantastic achievement!

What a way to spend a Friday before bank holiday weekend!!😆🦙🐐
Thank you so much to Barefoot Barns for bringing along Alpacas and goats for our members to enjoy and engage with☺️
We can’t wait to see you all again next time!😁

How can we ensure that adult social care policies reflect the diversity in our society and are inclusive and equitable, particularly for groups such as those with disabilities, ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community?

As we strive to improve our adult social care system, it's vital that we consider the unique needs of all individuals. Inclusivity and equity should be at the heart of our policies to ensure everyone receives the care and respect they deserve.

👉 Let's discuss ways to make this a reality. How can we advocate for more inclusive policies? What changes are needed to better support marginalised communities within the care system? Share your experiences, ideas, and solutions!

Together, we can build a fairer and more compassionate care system for everyone. 💪

Recently, our talented members whipped up some delicious jam tarts, and we couldn't be prouder of their teamwork and culinary skills! Not only did they help each other throughout the baking process, but they also brilliantly used Makaton signs to communicate and remember all the ingredients needed for their tasty creations.

Moments like these show that cooking can be more than just preparing food; it’s about learning, sharing, and growing together. Our members continue to impress us with their ability to apply new skills, from kitchen safety to effective communication using Makaton.

We're excited to see what they'll cook up next and how they'll continue to support and inspire each other in the kitchen and beyond.

Happy Camping! 🏕️
Yesterday, the members enjoyed being out in nature at The Look Out Discovery Centre and making their very own den. We also set up camp back at the barn, and enjoyed some delicious hot dogs in the tent. 🌭😁

MONDAY FUNDAY😆
It’s always a fun vibrant day here at James’ Place, especially today with the warmer weather🌞💜

At James' Place, we're committed to providing a living wage and ensuring our valued team members receive benefits that truly make a difference. That's why we're thrilled to announce our new partnership with YuLife, a game-changing lifestyle benefits platform designed to support and reward our staff for living their best lives.

YuLife goes beyond traditional insurance by offering rewards and benefits that promote well-being and a healthy lifestyle. Here’s what our team can look forward to:

YuCoins: Earn rewards by participating in wellness activities that can be exchanged for vouchers at popular stores like Amazon and ASOS.
Wellness App: Access to a comprehensive wellness app that includes everything from meditation to physical workouts, supporting both mental and physical health.
Smart Health: 24/7 access to doctors, mental health support, and nutritional guidance.

We believe in supporting our team, not just in their careers but in their overall well-being. By integrating YuLife into our benefits package, we're taking another step forward in ensuring our team members can thrive both inside and outside of work.

This week, despite the ever changing weather, we have enjoyed being outside trying new things!
We have enjoyed a trip to Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, new walks and of course a cheeky water fight😆