Kathryn Roberts, Deputy Manager with the Penrose Farm team shares her experience of some of the colourful energy and creativity of her colleagues supporting five adults with autism and learning disabilities through three lockdowns.
Cast your mind back.
Nope a little further.
OK. Prior to Covid the people we support at Penrose did some of the most amazing things. From exploring Cornwall, to partying at Butlins on a 90’s weekend, even visiting Disneyland Paris. There is never a lack of fun or adventure here! The people we support are always on the go.
When lockdown 1.0 hit we had to make some changes but this didn't stop the Penrose team! If we couldn't go to the fun, it would simply have to come to us. We are very blessed to have a strong and very talented team who are never short of ideas. Team member Jess B is the QUEEN of all things fun.
The team set about ensuring there was always plenty to do. We got a massive paddling pool, some giant outdoor games, and had parties and BBQs in our garden. We are so blessed to live right by the coast, so we were able to go on some incredible walks along the coast and surrounding areas.
Then came a little breather, allowing us to enjoy a little more of Cornwall's quiet spots and take in the last of the sun. Back to Fish and Chip Fridays by the Cornish coast.
Then lockdown 2.0 rolled around. Having had a really good first lockdown the staff continued to make some amazing plans and it became party central. We had ‘Cornish Day’ making pasties and eating cream teas. We had 80’s disco. Cowboy Day and Wig Day to name but a few. The people we support all adapted really well and continued to have the best time. Not only did this keep the people we support in good spirits, but also the whole team. The mood at Penrose is never anything but happy. This is down to the incredible support and ideas of all involved.
Then came Christmas. It was a strange one for everyone. Sadly the people we support were unable to see their families. Naturally the team rallied around and made it the best day! From an amazing roast (thanks Hannah!) to gifts, games, Christmas films and naturally lots of treats! Everyone had a brilliant day and it was smiles all round. Not long after Christmas came yet another, stricter lockdown.
Not a problem for Penrose team. Jess set to work planning an amazing New Year’s ‘through the ages’ party. Once again there was more fun than you could shake a stick at! An incredible buffet, fancy dress, singing, dancing and funny pictures, all topped off with a film. Naturally after all the fun we all had a New Year's Day roast dinner. Start as you mean to go on! - The Penrose team does the BEST roast dinners.
Lockdown 3.0 with new restrictions and expected length meant everyone had to get their thinking caps back on. They did not disappoint! One of the people we support is researching some of his favourite animals, making books about his learning; the first was on dolphins. He really enjoyed this and it is a brilliant read.
And the best idea yet? An online choir. This enabled people to virtually meet with friends and have a jolly good sing-song. We started week one and there was a good turnout, everyone sang their hearts out, and there were so many smiles and laughs. We initially had two songs, Bob Marley - Three Little Birds and Queen’s ‘I want to break free’. Everyone had so much fun we sang a bonus song Peter Andre’s ‘Mysterious Girl’ The dance moves from everyone were incredible. Following the success of this we have 4 songs planned for our next one and hope to have an even bigger turnout next time.
Pandemic life is different. It's what you make it.
When lockdown 1.0 hit we had to make some changes but this didn't stop the Penrose team! If we couldn't go to the fun, it would simply have to come to us. We are very blessed to have a strong and very talented team who are never short of ideas. Team member Jess B is the QUEEN of all things fun.
The team set about ensuring there was always plenty to do. We got a massive paddling pool, some giant outdoor games, and had parties and BBQs in our garden. We are so blessed to live right by the coast, so we were able to go on some incredible walks along the coast and surrounding areas.
Then came a little breather, allowing us to enjoy a little more of Cornwall's quiet spots and take in the last of the sun. Back to Fish and Chip Fridays by the Cornish coast.
Then lockdown 2.0 rolled around. Having had a really good first lockdown the staff continued to make some amazing plans and it became party central. We had ‘Cornish Day’ making pasties and eating cream teas. We had 80’s disco. Cowboy Day and Wig Day to name but a few. The people we support all adapted really well and continued to have the best time. Not only did this keep the people we support in good spirits, but also the whole team. The mood at Penrose is never anything but happy. This is down to the incredible support and ideas of all involved.
Then came Christmas. It was a strange one for everyone. Sadly the people we support were unable to see their families. Naturally the team rallied around and made it the best day! From an amazing roast (thanks Hannah!) to gifts, games, Christmas films and naturally lots of treats! Everyone had a brilliant day and it was smiles all round. Not long after Christmas came yet another, stricter lockdown.
Not a problem for Penrose team. Jess set to work planning an amazing New Year’s ‘through the ages’ party. Once again there was more fun than you could shake a stick at! An incredible buffet, fancy dress, singing, dancing and funny pictures, all topped off with a film. Naturally after all the fun we all had a New Year's Day roast dinner. Start as you mean to go on! - The Penrose team does the BEST roast dinners.
Lockdown 3.0 with new restrictions and expected length meant everyone had to get their thinking caps back on. They did not disappoint! One of the people we support is researching some of his favourite animals, making books about his learning; the first was on dolphins. He really enjoyed this and it is a brilliant read.
And the best idea yet? An online choir. This enabled people to virtually meet with friends and have a jolly good sing-song. We started week one and there was a good turnout, everyone sang their hearts out, and there were so many smiles and laughs. We initially had two songs, Bob Marley - Three Little Birds and Queen’s ‘I want to break free’. Everyone had so much fun we sang a bonus song Peter Andre’s ‘Mysterious Girl’ The dance moves from everyone were incredible. Following the success of this we have 4 songs planned for our next one and hope to have an even bigger turnout next time.
Pandemic life is different. It's what you make it.
The Penrose team are intent on making it a non-stop party!
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