Bowersdale Resource Day Centre News Update

November was a relaxing month at the BRC. We have had the pleasure of welcoming in a holistic therapist called Geraldine who visits us every Wednesday afternoon. Geraldine has many years of experience within her field and has been teaching us breathing exercises, gentle chair exercises, mindfulness, meditation and relaxation.

Every session Geraldine introduces something new such as Himalayan singing bowls, chakra cleansing, tapping therapy and best of all Geraldine incorporates music therapy into all of her sessions. Service users have been enjoying choosing their favourite songs when doing gentle exercises helping the mind and body together!

Geraldine has been fantastic at ensuring everyone can participate regardless of their needs or mobility. These sessions have been very popular and feedback has been really positive from service users and staff.

December has been a very festive month at the BRC, with lots of different events that service users and staff have really enjoyed.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Manchester Christmas markets trip didn’t go ahead, but instead service users and staff took a trip into Liverpool City Centre and enjoyed the Christmas markets there. Service users enjoyed food and drinks and the Christmassy atmosphere at the markets.

Saturaday 3^rd December  the BRC teamed up with Friends of the Bowersdale Park and hosted their very own Christmas markets in the centre.  Small local businesses had stalls that included some beautiful handmade jewellery, Christmas themed decorations, festive food and activity tables. Food and drink was also available to purchase and most importantly, there was a free grotto with Father Christmas who gave out presents to the children who came to visit him. The day was a success and the BRC and Friends of the Bowersdale give thanks to all who came and supported the day.  This event raised an amazing £123 for the Bowersdale Resource Centre.

Due to the problems with the heating in the BRC, the Christmas party which was planned for the 16^th of December had to be cancelled. This was a decision that wasn’t made lightly due to all the plans that had already been put in place and excitement from service users. Staff came to the decision that moving the party to January once our heating has been fixed would be much more enjoyable for service users because no one wants to party with frost bite! Staff at the BRC will be in contact with the new party arrangements for Jan.

Fortunately,  Christmas dinner went ahead at the BRC on the 23^rd with our usual layout being moved from the hall into the drop in itself. It was a bit of a squeeze but everyone had a fantastic day and enjoyed their dinner. Service users were given a choice of 4 different meats with all the trimmings, with soup and a roll for starters and trifle or xmas pudding for desert.  The day was a success and it was very special to enjoy it with the service users, who can sadly be quite isolated this time of year. A massive thank you to one of our support workers Mark, who’s mum makes amazing an Christmas cake which she donates to the centre every year. This year we were lucky enough to receive 2! Mickey and Michael were the fortunate service users who managed to take home the cake.

We wish everyone the very best for 2023 and look forward to more exciting events in the new year.