Turnstone Support hosted its biggest ever event for adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs. The successful Fun Day, at Windsor Ascot Maidenhead District Sports Association for the Disabled (WAMDSAD) in Maidenhead, was free to all local service users, their families and carers, irrespective of who provides their support.
Over 300 people enjoyed the free activities and entertainment provided by Turnstone Support, part of Radian. The service users from all over Berkshire and Buckinghamshire particularly appreciated the football coaching sessions which, due to popular demand, were run every half an hour by professional coaches from Reading FC.
Other popular activities included 'Splat the rat', face painting and handmade jewellery stalls, balloon headwear and, of course, the free BBQ. The atmosphere was kept lively with music and the compere helped to encourage the dancing, which continued all afternoon.
The highlight of the day, however, was undoubtedly the "It's a knockout!" competition where over 60 service users split into four teams to compete over different rounds of inflatable fun. Each participant received a free t-shirt and medal and a real spirit of teamwork was displayed throughout the games.
The event encouraged activity, exercise and cooperation; offering the service users an opportunity to socialise with others from across the counties and those with different support providers.
Alan Dale, Chair of the Service Users' Forum, said "I really enjoyed the Fun Day. Everything about it was great. The weather was really nice and so was the food. I also enjoyed calling out the raffle numbers."
Sean King, Regional Manager, Turnstone Support said, "The weather was kind and It was fabulous to see how well supported this event was, there were approximately 300 people with learning disabilities, plus staff from across East Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. It was really nice that people who are supported by other organisations were able to attend, and enjoy and participate in the activities."
Turnstone details
Turnstone Support is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting adults in Southern and Central England with individual needs. Turnstone provides care and support services for people with learning disability, autism and mental health needs.
At the start of 2007 Turnstone Support joined forces with Swaythling, Drum and Windsor Housing Associations to form Radian.
The decision by four established organisations to form a group structure was made in order to gain collective advantage that would put them in a strong position to tackle the need for affordable housing and high level care across the south of England.
Collectively Radian owns and manages around 18,500 affordable homes in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Sussex, and Wiltshire.
Turnstone Support and Drum's Care Attendant Scheme provide care and support to 470 people.
