Future Directions CIC

FUTURE DIRECTIONS SHORTLISTED FOR THREE
NATIONAL AWARDS

Future Directions CIC is in the running for three awards at the Care Talk National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards for 2025. Check out our latest blog post!

https://futuredirectionscic.co.uk/future-directions-shortlisted-for-three-national-awards/

On Sunday, our soft toy dream team Terry and Freddie spent the day with Christina, Terry, and Harrison (who we support in Chadderton). They went to Cockfields Farm with personal assistant Lily, Wendy, and Seye. For most of the day it was raining, but it didnt stop them from having a great time.
They all went on tractor rides around the farm, cuddled and fed animals, and enjoyed having ice cream. What a fun day out!🚜🐸🐢🐖🐓🐏

🌟Volunteers Week 2025 - Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers!🌟

At Future Directions CIC, we are so proud to celebrate the amazing contributions our volunteers make every day. 🙌

Meet Scott, one of our inspiring volunteers at River Beal
Café and Community Hub
Scott joined us as a Volunteer Café Assistant in 2024 with the aim of building his confidence, learning new skills, and continuing to grow his passion for cooking.

💬"I found doing the food preparation therapeutic and relaxing. I have started doing the Level 3 Food Hygiene which I am proud of." - Scott

With support from our team, Scott has not only enrolled on a Level 3 Food Hygiene in Catering course, but he's also developed his skills in customer service, working the till, and re-building confidence from his previous role as a chef.

Scott's journey is a shining example of how volunteering can transform lives and open up new opportunities.💙

👏Thank you to Scott and all of our fantastic volunteers who bring dedication, passion, and heart to everything they do. You truly make a difference.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there is no Stronger Together Community Choir and Open Mic Session at River Beal Café and Community Hub this afternoon. Our next session at the same venue is on the 17th June 2025.

As this week is , we shall be sharing some posts between now and the 8th June which celebrate our volunteers (some of which from our River Beal Café) and the joys of volunteering itself.

Just before the Bank Holiday Weekend, Rebecca (who we support in Milnrow) went to Chorlton Water Park with Lesley, her personal assistant. Lesley brought her doggies over, as Rebecca loves animals and she loves dog walks.🐶

🌟 I'm delighted to be speaking at the LaingBuisson Events Social Care Summit 2025! 🌟

As Managing Director of Future Directions CIC, I'll be speaking at a powerful session as part of Stream C:
Adult Specialist Care, titled "What We Learn From a Crisis and How It Can Strengthen Care."

I'm especially honoured to be interviewing Yvonne Hall, who will be sharing her perspective as a parent. Yvonne is an exceptional speaker whose insights into what truly defines good vs bad social care are deeply moving and thought-provoking. Her lived experience sheds light on the real impact of care — and the critical factors that make all the difference.

This is a conversation you won't want to miss. It will be a chance to listen, reflect, and take away real lessons on how we can all do better in social care.

Call For Evidence 🔈
The Government Wants Your Views on the Autism Act 2009!

The House of Lords Committee has launched a Call for Evidence on the Autism Act 2009 where you (autistic people, parents/carers, friends and family, professional working with autistic people) can share your views.

The Committee wants to understand how well the Autism Act is working so it can make practical recommendations about what the Government should do next.

Today we had a drop in at Marle House for people we support to share their views about what's working and what needs to happen to improve the lives for all autistic people. We've had some great discussions and have been busy collating this feedback to share with the government.

Further information is available here - https:// committees.parliament.uk/.../call-for-evidence.../

Try Something NEW with Skylight Circus Arts! +

The Friends For Life Group are holding FREE taster circus sessions as part of 'Do Something New' on 17

📅5th June, 2025 1:00 PM (Must arrive by 12:45pm)
Skylight Circus Arts, St Chads Fold, Sparrow Hill,
Rochdale, OL16 1QT

Whether you're spinning plates, flying high in the silks, or just want to meet new people and have a laugh - there's something for everyone!

Fun, accessible, and open to all Limited spaces available - booking essential!

📞Book your place with Jayne:
📱07577 852 197

The Skylight Circus building is fully accessible with a private car park, accessible bathrooms with a hoist for those that need it.

For people arriving by public transport we are about a 10/15 minute work from both Rochdale Bus & Metrolink Station and Rochdale Railway Station.

Two days to go till Fun Time Friday brings us thirty minutes of pure joy LIVE from Stanley Grange
Community Association.

Join our Music Man Kevin with Stugle plus some of the people we support in Lancashire, Stanley Grange, and a little further afield. There will be the usual mix of dad jokes, dad dancing and daft costumes.

You can tune in live this Friday at 1.30 pm or watch Fun Time Friday #204 in your own time on our page. If you want to be in this week's show, please arrive at Stanley Grange Community Hall for 12.30 pm.

We can't wait to see you on Friday!🎸🎼🎹🎉

Julie, who we support at Stanley Grange Community Association, organised a coffee morning for Dementia UK. With help from her personal assistant, Julie was really proud of this bake sale and raised £207.50.💷👍🏻

Julie would like to thank everyone who helped raised this amount, which is going to a good cause.👏👏👏

Last Friday, Emma, who we support in Altham, went to Lancaster with her personal assistant Katie. They went to Williamson Park, noted for the Ashton Memorial, They saw butterflies and meerkats and had a great time.