Fun at Home…
Stephen has a new pottery wheel and is busy creating a dish 😊
Pottery is more than just a creative activity – it encourages concentration, helping to develop focus and patience over time. As Stephen works with the clay, he’s also strengthening his sensory-motor skills. Using his hands and fingers to shape and mould the material allows him to see how different movements produce unique textures and forms. And on top of all that, Stephen ends up with something real – a finished piece that’s entirely his own.
Out & About…
First stop, the barbers!
Getting your haircut can be distressing for some adults with autism due to sensory sensitivities. The noise of the clippers, the sensation of scissors, itchy hair, too tight capes, sitting still… it’s a lot to deal with.
And then there’s the fear of the unknown, what’s going to happen? Is it going to hurt?..
That’s why we work up to visits, explaining with visual images what’s going to happen. We also arrange to go at quieter times of the day and use sensory tools such as fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones…
However, having an understanding and caring barber or hairdresser, is essential to the whole experience… and, as you can see, Sammy is relaxed and looking forward to seeing his new sharp haircut!
A visit to Aspens
Sammy paid another visit to the sensory room at Aspens in Pembury… and this time he took Michael with him.
The room is designed as a flexible, multi-sensory space that can be adapted to individual needs using a combination of equipment to provide both physical and sensory stimulation, including lights and sound. It’s one of our residents’ favourite spaces to relax and explore.
Shooting hoops and knocking down pins!
Busy times for Michael and Stephen! Michael couldn’t resist shooting some hoops before heading into tenpin bowling, while Stephen made a beeline for the alley to get a few bowls in 😊
Bowling is a popular activity for a lot of our residents, providing hours of fun… and development. You can read all about our residents’ trips to the alley in our blog and discover how it enriches their lives.
Someone had a birthday!
And that someone was Sammy – he chose to sit in the living room to open his presents. At Jemini, we celebrate in whatever way suits each individual. Whether that means staggering the present-giving or not opening any at all, that’s absolutely fine too. I wonder what’s in the bag, Sammy?..
… well Sammy opened some great treats… a diffuser and some oils for his room… along with bath bombs from Lush – one even smelled just like a cup of blackcurrant squash!
To round off his day, he went to Dolci on Eastbourne waterfront. Our residents often pay the marina a visit – you can read all about their trips to Sovereign Harbour… but this time, Sammy’s focus was firmly on birthday pancakes!
Dolci is a real treat of a place, with so many naughty options to choose from – crepes, waffles, sundaes, shakes… even the names of the dishes make your mouth water!.. Cookie Crumble, Kinder Good, Honeycombe Heaven, Mint Madness…
Sammy finally opted for Strawbella – fresh strawberry slices, creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with chocolate hazlenut sauce! Good choice Sammy!
Team News…
While our residents have been keeping busy this month, our team has too 😊
They recently attended shift leader training at Bushy Wood Activity Centre, continuing to build their skills and knowledge. Ongoing learning and development are a vital part of what we do at Jemini, helping us provide the highest level of safety, wellbeing, and support for our residents.
We’re looking forward to seeing where our residents head this March as the weather starts to brighten up 😊