One of the UK’s leading adult social care providers has been named as a finalist in two prestigious award ceremonies.
Community Integrated Care, which employs 5000 frontline support workers across England and Scotland, has been nominated for “excellence in looking after adults with physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems in a supported living setting” in the Lang Buisson Awards, an annual celebration of businesses that set new standards of excellence within their sectors.
The second nomination for a Business Initiative Award comes from trade magazine Caring Times and recognises the charity’s incredibly popular ‘What to Do” web portal which connects the 3000 people supported across the organisation via an innovative web portal that entertains, educates and informs.
What-to-do.co.uk was originally established during lockdown to combat the isolation that many of the people supported were inevitably experiencing, but has gone on to become a mainstay of the Community Integrated Care social calendar.
The site offers incredible daily activities as well as a growing library of educational and fun resources to benefit carers and the people they support in activities as varied as the arts, recycling, exercising and cooking.
It has also been a hub for special events where participants have met their heroes – including WWE wrestlers, rappers, and football and rugby league stars. The platform also offers a range of free, expert led sessions – cookery with the Head Chef of Portsmouth FC; chair based exercise and dance classes with Leeds Rhinos, Yoga – in partnership with Versus Arthritis, PE and Games with rugby league stars Ted and James Chapelhow; the Creativity Club with the leading arts and reminiscence charity Age-Exchange; and a now legendary Saturday night disco with octogenarian DJ, DJ Ged.
Even the stars of Strictly Come Dancing have graced the What-to-do portal with impromptu ballroom classes for participants.
Oliver Thomason, an active member of the What-to-Do community, said: “I love What To Do! It’s given me the chance to enjoy and learn so many new things. It has been amazing to try exciting activities for the first time, like Yoga. It’s really helped me in my home life too, because I’ve learned great things like how to make my own delicious meals.”
John Hughes, the Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, discover new skills, have fun, and connect with others. This is at the heart of What To Do.”
“Partnering with high profile sports teams such as the Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Portsmouth FC and celebrities, from WWE Superstars to Strictly Come Dancing stars, we’re creating world-class disability accessible sessions and experiences, accessible and adaptable to suit any person who accesses care and support.”
The winners of the awards will be announced at ceremonies in London throughout November.
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