On 13 September residents from Cabrini House in Orpington enjoyed a night under canvas
There was much excitement at Cabrini House in Orpington, when the residents found out that they would have the opportunity to spend the night camping in the garden. The residents, who all have learning disabilities, helped the team to put up five tents and prepare the food and snacks for the night outside.
Claire Morlham, Manager at Cabrini House, said, “All our Cabrini residents joined in preparing for the camping adventure in some way, whether it was spectating, pumping air beds up, banging in tent pegs, securing guide ropes, or spending the night in the tents.
“The highlights of the evening included lots of laughter, toasting marshmallows over an open fire, and getting a takeaway from the local fish and chip shop.
“The whole event had been highly anticipated, and the residents were so excited when the weather forecast was for dry weather, and we could finally camp out. Although we should have known not to trust the forecast as at 4.30am we were treated to a very heavy downpour. But nothing dampened our spirits, and it was lovely to see the residents so excited and animated and they all asked if they could camp out all week.”
When the residents were asked about their adventure, Paul said, “Fish and chips taste better when you are outside camping. Can we do it again next year?” and Natalie said, “I enjoyed sitting with my friends in the garden.”
Cabrini is a residential home for adults with learning disabilities run by the charity Diagrama who invest time in every resident, to build trust and unlock hidden potential, igniting a renewed sense of hope and ambition to live life to its full potential. The camping adventure was just one of a calendar of events that the residents can enjoy
To find out more about Diagrama visit www.diagramafoundation.org.uk
About The Diagrama Foundation
Diagrama is a charity which supports vulnerable people through residential care, adoption and fostering across the southeast of England. The foundation has three small care homes for adults with learning disabilities, a 48-bed care home for elderly with nursing and dementia needs, three homes for vulnerable young people and a Supported Living Service.
Many vulnerable people live a joyless existence without hope and without a true identity or understanding of what is possible to achieve in life.
Diagrama know that when someone has time and belief invested in them they come alive, because that investment has made them feel valued and worthy.
By making the effort to discover the real individual within you can build trust and unlock their hidden potential, igniting a renewed sense of hope and ambition for their life otherwise lost.
Diagrama’s dedicated team provides person-centred, solution-focused services for vulnerable children and adults, because everyone deserves the chance to live their best life possible.
