SOCIAL care services in Warrington enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime celebration with Strictly Come Dancing and US theatre stars, and some of the UK’s most loved sporting organisations.
The national social care charity Community Integrated Care, which is one of the leading social care providers locally, hosted The Best Day Possible, a world-first digital festival for people who access and provide social care services. Delivered on their www.What-To-Do.co.uk platform, an award recognised website that offers free accessible activities every day, the festival saw people who access care and support locally enjoy a packed day with VIP experiences.
Held to celebrate the charity’s 34th birthday, Community Integrated Care’s festival included a dance masterclass with Strictly legend Vincent Simone, activity sessions with Manchester City in the Community and Warrington Wolves Foundation, a virtual styling session with make-up artist to the stars, Clare Pinkey, and even an exclusive performance from New York City by award-winning US theatre star, Morgan Kirner.
There was also a cookery session courtesy of Portsmouth FC’s Pompey in the Community, mocktail making with Zest Mixology, and masterclasses with the leading social care arts charity Age Exchange. The day was capped off with a packed virtual disco hosted by the charities resident host, DJ Ged, which drew together hundreds of people for a unique virtual party.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships at Community Integrated Care, says: “Community Integrated Care Is a leading social care charity across teh region, so we were delighted to welcome so many local people – and hundreds of others from across the UK – to enjoy what was a phenomenal event. From mocktails to make-up, Strictly to Broadway, this festival offered something for everyone and was a celebration fitting of an incredible charity.
We hope that this festival helps highlight the exciting free opportunities that people can benefit from on www.What-To-Do.co.uk. This free website gives people who access care and support a host of incredible free accessible live experiences every day, led by leading experts. This platform has helped to change many lives, tackling isolation and giving people exciting new experiences. What To Do is a vibrant, fun and friendly community, and we hope to have inspired many more people to join in the fun.”
Andrew Brady of the Warrington Wolves Foundation said: “Community Integrated Care are a key partner of our charity, so we were thrilled to play a lead role in the Best Day Possible festival and celebrate their anniversary. It was an unforgettable experience to see so many people, not only in Warrington but also across the UK, getting active and having fun with our team. The www.What-To-Do.co.uk website is a brilliant platform and we are excited to support more sessions in the future.”
Oliver Thomason, who is an active member of the www.What-To-Do.co.uk community, says: “The Best Day Possible festival was brilliant. It was very special that stars took so much time to do so many great sessions.
“What To Do has 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. I’d love to see many more people benefit from this exciting website.”
Celebrity Makeup artist, Clare Pinkney said: “It was a joy to have so many people and their carers learning how to use makeup to feel confident, special and empowered. It means a lot to be able to share what I do and help people who wouldn’t have had access to makeup skills be included, excited and enriched. Make up can be such a positive influence on how we feel and it’s exciting that through online sessions with Community Integrated Care, people and their careers across the UK can access these skills.”
Community Integrated Care is one of the UK’s largest social care charities – supporting thousands of people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex care needs, mental health concerns and dementia.
What To Do was created in response to the loneliness and isolation that many disabled people can experience, which had been exacerbated by the pandemic. By offering accessible, adaptable and aspirational activities, as well as a host of special experiences – with recent guest appearances from the likes of Manchester City Co-Captain, Ilkay Gundogan and WWE Superstar, Ashton Smith – the site aims to give people a positive answer if they ever find themselves asking ‘What To Do’?
Since its launch in 2021, it has supported many profound outcomes for people who access the site – including enabling people to cook independently and form new friendships.
