Our residents filled every one of August’s 31 days with activities and adventures, it was a busy month, as you’ll see!..
At Home
August was a time for celebrations at Jemini…
Matthew received an award on leaving college – Student of the Year for his group at St Piers School and College.
Here are just a few words from his glowing award certificate:
“Matthew is now able to express his wants and needs more effectively he often constructs longer sentences to articulate what he wants during sessions or recalls activities and songs from earlier in the week.
Overall, Matthew has shown outstanding progress this year. His ability to overcome personal challenges and continue to thrive academically is truly inspirational.”
Very well-done Matthew, we’re all so proud of you and your achievements, both academic and personal 
… August was also a special time for Stephen – it was his birthday! He decided to open his presents first before heading out for lunch. He caught the bus into town and made his way straight to Pizza Hut in Eastbourne – one of his favourite places. Stephen loves it there because it gives him the chance to be independent: helping himself to drinks from the tap, choosing and serving his own pizza, and creating his own dessert. His favourite treat? His very own ice cream special, complete with sauces and sprinkles!
Birthdays can sometimes be challenging for individuals with autism, as the extra attention can feel overwhelming and changes in routine can be unsettling. That’s why we always support our residents to celebrate in the way that feels right for them – and if someone chooses not to celebrate at all, that’s absolutely fine too.
First order of the day… opening presents, then off to lunch – pizza time!
Adam made the most of the sunny weather by spending time in the garden, where he picked a beautiful red rose and placed it in the living room for everyone to enjoy – thank you Adam❤️
Our gardens are important sensory spaces. Their scents, textures and colours offer strong sensory appeal, which is why every one of our residential homes has its own garden. These spaces provide year-round visual stimulation and allow our residents a quiet area where they can sit and chill, watching the bees and butterflies.
Although it was a sunny month, there were a few wetter days, and, when it’s raining outside, the driest place to be is inside, having fun! Matthew chose to hoover downstairs at Jemini Place, with Prejesh’s assistance 🙂
Noise can be challenging for adults with autism, but with consistent support, positive steps can be made, as you can see in this extract from Matthew’s Student of the Year Award Certificate ❤️
“He is becoming more adept at self-regulating his emotions, particularly concerning noise levels in the classroom. This year, we have noticed significant progress in how he copes with this compared to previous years.”
Out & About
Ellie made a trip to McDonald’s this month for a Happy Meal – her favourite, nuggets and a hot chocolate… and the added bonus of a special Squishmallows hat – I wonder if she found her Halley the Axolotl!
Meanwhile, during our weekly visit to Sweet Circus in Eastbourne, Stephen created his own sensory circuit. It was so good, a youth group used it later that afternoon. Well done Stephen – we’re so proud of your creativity and progress.
Read all about our residents’ trips to Sweet Circus
Park Adventures
Making the most of the last of the sunny days, Ellie went to the park with Obi – she loves being outdoors and going on adventures, as you’ll see in our Blog, where you can read about her latest trips to Hastings Aquarium, Raystede Animal Sanctuary, Sovereign Harbour and the seaside. Ellie embraces life with a smile on her face, spreading joy wherever she goes 😊
Matthew spent his time in the park practising his balancing skills, both on the rope bridge and then on the spring balance beam, where he walked across unaided – well done Matthew 
Stephen rounded off the month with a great visit to Boom Battle Bar in Eastbourne, where he played crazier golf, bar pool and shuffleboard!.. he certainly had a jam-packed day – you can read all about it here.
And so ends another month at Jemini, full of treasured memories – what will September bring?