How Lifeways supports hobbies, meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences

At Lifeways, we strive to create environments which allow individuals to thrive - empowering them to lead happy, fulfilling and more independent lives. 

We always ensure that our support is tailored to each individual - learning and understanding their daily life, routines and schedules, as well as getting to know their favourite activities, hobbies and personal goals.

What are meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences?

Meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences enhance an individual's quality of life, providing a deep sense of fulfilment, joy, and purpose. They can encompass a diverse, wide range of pursuits, and are tailored to the abilities and interests of each person - promoting inclusion, empowerment and a sense of achievement.

This could include daily activities such as cooking a nutritious meal or making the bed, or activities such as gardening, painting or music.

Individuals might enjoy fun days out, such as trips to the seaside or shopping, and the opportunity to engage with local day centres and community groups.

Craig, who lives in a Lifeways supported living service has increased his confidence with the help of his support worker, Lee. Now, he enjoys local day trips, goes to the local youth club and quiz nights at his local pub.

“We went together on the train to the seaside and had an amazing day out cycling and fishing,” says Lee.

Craig has also started doing some voluntary work, helping out on the radio station at the local college. “The list of new things he’s tackling seems endless,” says Sandra.

The benefits of meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences in supported living and residential care

At Lifeways, we tailor activities and experiences to each individual, focusing on their unique talents and preferences and ensuring a holistic approach to their wellbeing.

Life-enriching experiences are not only important for mental wellbeing and personal development, but also in creating a positive environment which takes into consideration an individual’s passions and interests.

The benefits of meaningful activities and life-enriching experiences can include:

• a sense of purpose and meaning to a person's life
• structure or routine to an individual’s day; 
• acquiring new skills
• a sense of identity
• social interaction and increased social networks
• improved wellbeing

In our supported living and residential services, our dedicated staff ensure that each individual has the opportunity to do the things that they love.

Ryan moved into our Ox Close supported living service, after living at home became a struggle. He felt ready to move on and build his own life, and has settled well at the service, quickly becoming more independent.

“He is being supported to partake in meaningful activities, everyday tasks such as household chores, and he is currently planning his first holiday with us,” says Georgia, Ox Close’s Registered Manager.

A key part of person-centred support is to inspire and motivate personal growth, and nurture it. Experiences and meaningful activities are crucial for enhancing an individual’s quality of life, fostering independence, enabling them to express emotions and connect with others. 

Encouraging individuals to take part in activities can take time, and it’s important that they are given the opportunity to grow into new experiences as and when they feel ready.

Award-winning support

The team at our Lancashire supported living service, Square Lane, have recently won the Care Home Activity Coordinator Award - North West, at the Great British Care Awards for their needs-led and varied programme for people who receive support. 

The support workers joined forces with the ladies they support in order to create a hive of activity and a welcoming, happy home.

With day trips and holidays included, the support team have worked in tandem to build a varied and imaginative activity programme.

Recent outings include visits to the zoo, Disney on Ice, afternoon tea at The Hilton, local festivals, dog shows, musical firework championships, and Madame Tussaud's, as well as the Emmerdale and Coronation Street tours.

When they're not busy out and about, there's plenty of indoor activities too. Joanne, Louise, and Sheila have developed a wide range of home events from tailored exercise programmes to themed evenings. 

How can Lifeways help?

At Lifeways, we support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities and mental health conditions, and therefore it’s important that activities and experiences are always tailored to the interests, needs and abilities of individuals.

Whether it’s 24-7 support or just a few hours a week, our support plans are always bespoke. Read our blog about supported living vs residential care to see which might be the most suited for your loved one, or start the search to find support near you.