Grimsby Celebrates 10 Years
Many staff and the people we support still remember the day their service in Grimsby opened its doors 10 years ago. For their anniversary party, people from seven different services in and around Grimsby dressed up in beach-themed clothing to celebrate the achievements since that day.
The garden was decorated with bright balloons and beach backdrops where people could pose for photos with a helium pineapple balloon! After everyone had had the opportunity to eat a hot dog and try a homemade mocktail, Holly, a person we support, sang some songs on karaoke including “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, which got everyone on their feet again and clapping along.
Some residents had taken the time to write speeches to show how much the service meant to them. Holly stepped up to the microphone and said, “I would just like to say a big thank you to managers for arranging this lovely party. I would also like to say how much I enjoy living at this service. I really get on well with all the tenants. Adam and Sharna have looked after everybody very well and the support from all the staff is amazing. We would like to welcome our new manager, Beth.”
Jodie also made a speech and said, “My name is Jodie and I’ve lived here since it first opened 10 years ago. Creative Support have always supported me. Thank you for my 10 happy years.”
Other people we support in Grimsby have known each other for many years, and wanted to reflect on their history together in their speeches. Angie, a resident at this service, said, “Here are all my best friends in the world. I’ve known Paddy for 40 years!”
There were also people from the wider community, such as Local Community Police Officers Mike and Steph. They have dropped in regularly since the service opened and have developed a strong connection with the people who live there. To the delight of the people we support, Mike and Steph had brought spare uniforms for people to try on!
North East Lincolnshire local ward councillor Steve Holland dropped by in a Hawaiian shirt. He said: “It was great to be able to be at the tenth anniversary and see the whole community having a brilliant time.”
Senior Support Worker Sharna and Support Coordinator Adam Woadden organised the event, fundraising with raffles and a tombola. They had the idea to commemorate the date with a 10-year anniversary book where attendees wrote some beautiful comments. It summed up just what a huge impact this service has had on the staff, the people who live there, and their families and friends:
“Congratulations! Keep changing people’s lives!”
“To all the staff and amazing residents – Happy 10 years! Here’s to the next 10.”
“An amazing 10 years, can’t wait to see what the next 10 bring.”
“What a fantastic 10 years. It’s amazing to see such a beautiful community we have at Creative Support. I’ve had such a welcome from you all.”
“Happy 10 years. Glad to be a part of this team.”
“Thank you for the invite to your beautiful 10 year celebration party. 10 years – Wow! I hope you have a wonderful day.”
“I’ve been living here for seven years and this place means a lot to me. I love living here. Let’s celebrate.”
The day ended with an outdoors disco. Everyone was embracing and wishing each other happiness for the next ten years at the service, a special place to many.
