We’re very excited to say that we’re working with Sweet Circus, the non-profit community circus organisation based in Eastbourne.
Sweet Circus believes passionately in…
“… the ability of circus to improve the physical, mental and social health of the community. Circus is for Every Body and we strive to be as inclusive as possible.”
Every week our residents travel to their hall to take part in therapeutic circus play sessions – and for many, it’s a highlight of their week.
It’s a great opportunity for our residents to get together, meet new friends from other homes, and enjoy each other’s company… and such fun!
It’s a balancing act!
Sweet Circus offers a wonderful variety of balance equipment – from blocks to discs – designed to help our residents improve their balance and coordination. The equipment is brilliantly colourful, providing great visual stimulation and engagement. Balancing on the beams also encourages concentration and focus… and the sense of achievement when reaching the end is fantastic to see!
The discs are a real test of balance… but our team is always close by, ready with a steadying hand and plenty of encouragement!
Aerial Swings
Aerial swings are soft and supportive and can be a wonderful sensory experience for individuals with autism. The gentle rocking and rhythmic motion help to develop core strength, balance and coordination.
But the aerial swing is more than just fun – it can be wonderfully calming too. Many people with autism find swinging a great way to unwind, feel grounded, and simply enjoy the moment, as you can see Michael and Sammy doing…
💪 Trapeze Fun! 💪
Great for balance and upper-body strength, the trapeze offers a motion-filled adventure for our residents. Gripping and lifting their own body weight helps strengthen arms, hands, and core, while also improving balance and coordination. It’s challenging, fun, and incredibly rewarding!
Mastering the Art of Juggle and Spin!
Juggling isn’t just about coordination, although it does test that ability! Learning to juggle engages both left and right sides of the brain, so good exercise for not only the mind, but also the body, as the hormones released when juggling and generally being active help to reduce stress.
And, when you work together it promotes teamwork and cooperation.
The spinning plates are very soft and flexible, so they won’t shatter or break… and if they fall off the stick, they don’t hurt! They also have the added advantage of being very ‘grippy’ so don’t slide so easily.
The Sweet Circus team really challenges our residents, helping them to develop hand-eye coordination with a variety of unusual and fun equipment – like Stephen’s target practice, tossing bean bags into multi coloured bowler hats! 😊🎩
Blocks and Stacks!
Developing hand-eye coordination still further, are the juggling building blocks – it’s quite an art creating a tower, involving both balance and patience. And, then taking it even further, making a line of blocks together, as Stephen and Harrison are doing. That’s one of the things that makes Sweet Circus so great for our residents, they are always encouraging them to go one step further.
Our residents can’t wait for their weekly visits to Sweet Circus! The team is so friendly and supportive and gives so much time to ensure every individual get the most out of each session… but most of all, that they truly enjoy their time there.
Thank you Sweet Circus ❤️