Debbie Brackstone, Countywide Day Opportunities Manager will be swimming Ullswater both ways which is a total of 14 miles hopefully in a time of 9 hours. She is doing this to raise money for the Complex Needs Service Comforts Fund. Ullswater is the second longest lake in the Lake District, the views are inspiring, and this is a lake not swum as often as Windermere. Due to the high mountain range around south-westerly end (Patterdale) and along the shores of the lake, the water temperature can be a little cooler and a little choppier in the water due to the wind being funnelled down the valley.
Our comforts fund raises funds for the sole benefit of our customers with a learning disability. The fund provides our customers with a more personal & sensory experience when attending the service.
For example each year we have a gardening competition between all 6 units across Staffordshire in which our customers are involved.
They plant flowers and seeds and have an array of sensory stimulation from the soil, gravel, sand & water. They see their plants and flowers grow and we have a prize for the tallest sunflower :-)
We purchase sensory equipment such as stimulating lights, books and music.
We have sensory spaces such as an underwater themed room and a garden room.
Our customers also love to cook and enjoy making cakes, drinks and lots of other delicious foods.
Our customers enjoy the experience of sensory stories where our staff tell stories using all the senses i.e. touch, sound, smell & taste.
Our staff are experienced and dedicated to the service and our customers and strive to provide our customers with the best sensory experience possible.