Community Outings Programmes

Purpose of Community Outings

The Community Outings Programme at DETREE Community Heart Hub Day Centre is designed to promote independence, social inclusion, confidence, physical wellbeing, life skills, and enjoyment, through safe, planned, and supported engagement within the local community.

1. Park & Outdoor Activities

Regular Outings

  • Nature and wellbeing walks
  • Picnics and outdoor social lunches
  • Group exercise and movement sessions
  • Gardening projects and planting activities
  • Nature observation (e.g. birdwatching)
  • Outdoor photography
  • Mindfulness, relaxation, and wellbeing sessions

 

Seasonal Activities

  • Spring flower and nature walks
  • Summer sports, games, and activity days
  • Autumn nature collection and creative projects
  • Winter wellbeing and gentle outdoor walks

 

Outcomes Supported:
Physical health, emotional wellbeing, social interaction, sensory engagement, and connection with nature.

2. Shopping & Life Skills Trips

Essential Skills

  • Grocery shopping and meal planning
  • Budgeting and money awareness
  • Reading labels and making informed choices
  • Ordering food and paying at tills
  • Public transport practice
  • Time awareness and planning skills

Community Locations

  • Supermarkets and Local markets
  • Charity shops
  • Pharmacies
  • Post office 
  • Libraries

 

Outcomes Supported: 
Independence, confidence, decision-making, community participation, and practical daily living skills.

3. Local Attractions & Cultural Visits

  • Museums and galleries
  • Historical landmarks
  • Zoos and aquariums
  • Cinemas and theatres
  • Community centres
  • Faith and cultural centres

 

Outcomes Supported:
Learning, cultural awareness, inclusion, social participation, and enjoyment.

4. Community Engagement & Participation

  • Volunteering in local community projects
  • Visits to care homes and community groups
  • Attendance at local events and festivals
  • Supporting local businesses
  • Participation in local clubs and groups
  • Intergenerational activities and programmes

 

Outcomes Supported:
Belonging, purpose, social connection, confidence, and meaningful community involvement.

5. Learning Through Outings

  • Road and pedestrian safety awareness
  • Travel training and navigation skills
  • Communication and social interaction practice
  • Problem-solving in real-world situations
  • Confidence-building challenges

 

Outcomes Supported: 
Safety awareness, communication skills, resilience, independence, and self-belief.

6. Social & Leisure Outings

  • Café and social meet-ups
  • Restaurant lunches
  • Bowling trips
  • Swimming sessions
  • Mini golf and leisure centre visits
  • Ice cream outings and seaside trips

 

Outcomes Supported: 
Enjoyment, wellbeing, friendship-building, and positive social experiences.

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7. Personalised Choice-Based Outings

Individuals are actively involved in decision-making, including:

  • Choosing destinations
  • Selecting activities
  • Deciding frequency of outings
  • Choosing who they attend with

 

This approach promotes choice, control, dignity, and autonomy, in line with CQC expectations.

Safety & Support Framework

All community outings are delivered in accordance with robust safety and governance arrangements, including:

 

✔ Individual and group risk assessments

✔ Trained staff and volunteers

✔ Individual support plans and agreed outcomes

✔ Clear emergency procedures

✔ Consent, choice, and capacity considerations

✔ Ongoing monitoring and review