A Birthday Surprise

This week started with a big birthday surprise for Jon, Thanks to the work of Richard (Support Worker) Jon was able to spend the morning with a local paramedic (Kevin), exploring the local area and gaining an understand of the role of a paramedic.

As you can see by the photographs Jon was very excited and happy with this surprise so much so that he wishes to share this moment and his new jacket which was given to Jon as a gift from Kevin.

**Watch this space as Jon's Emergency Service exploration will continue**

A football team in the making

A Football Team in the Making

In conjunction with Wiltshire F.A, we have begun to explore the possibilities of starting up our own football team here at The Willows.

The Exalon Titans, although still in its formative stages, is already beginning to take shape, and will hopefully be playing in the 'Ability Counts' league next season.

Instrumental in the work already done, has been one of our service users, Sheriff, who has designed a badge and kit (as above), as well as enthusiastically looking for community sponsorship for the team.

Having a hand in the future

Having a hand in the future

On the 19th February, One of our service users, Jamie, was involved in helping Trowbridge college to choose the social workers of the future.

Asked to be part of a three person panel, Jamie was supported by one of our support workers, Kerry, to interview prospective social worker candidates for future courses at Trowbridge college. Jamie appeared to enjoy the experience, and it is hoped that he will be able to continue his association with the college over the coming months. 

Food, glorious food.

Food, Glorious Food

As from the beginning of 2014, we have introduced some new regular monthly activities to our schedule, which all revolve around the wonderful world of food.

In January, and every month onwards, each service user now goes out with their key-worker for a meal at a place of their choosing. This provides the perfect opportunity for the guys to catch up and have a chat in a relaxed environment, and of course into the bargain try out the various local delicacies.

Also, as from January, we have reintroduced the monthly takeaway in the house. This appears to have gone down a treat, not only with the service users in the house, but also the staff on duty that day! So far, the choices have been pizza and chinese, so we eagerly await this months choice.

The eye of the tiger

Once a year, The Exalon management are released into the wild for some festive fun, and this year there was much merriment and mirth had by all. It's certainly good to see that even those at the highest echelons know how to let their hair down before being returned to their cages for the year!

Christmas time, merriment and wine

3 cars, 7 miles, 9 days to Christmas, 14 people, 28 courses.... 1 happy house.

Yesterday was Christmas meal day for all the service users and staff at The Willows. This year we descended on the Hungry Horse in Yarnbrook, for a slap up two course meal and drinks.

Colin, Ian, Katharine, Kurt, Jon, Grazina, Justin, and Dougie were joined by 6 members of our staff team to enjoy a festive afternoon to begin our Christmas in earnest.

As you can see, a fun time was had by all, and everyone returned back to the house in the best of spirits.

A life of Safari

Over the past week, there have been two house trips to the safari on the Longleat Estate. Colin, Katharine and Jamie all sampled the various antics on show from the monkeys, as well as seeing lions, wolves, and camels.