Plenty of conversation, laughter and an unforgettable Michael Jackson performance made for a memorable afternoon as new colleagues, existing team members and people we support gathered for a special celebration at our Community Services in Southampton.
The event was organised to mark the arrival of new colleagues and the people we support who had recently joined Swanton Community Services, with an afternoon packed with activities, entertainment and plenty to enjoy.
Reflecting on the day, Registered Manager Kelly Foster said: “The welcome party was a wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together to celebrate. It was important to create a fun and inclusive environment where new and existing colleagues and the people we support could get to know one another and simply enjoy spending time together.
“It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved and enjoying each other's company – a lovely way to welcome everyone to Swanton Community Services.”
One of the standout moments came when one of the people we support took to the dance floor for a Michael Jackson performance, complete with his iconic hat and glove. Cheered on by the room, he had people clapping and singing along from start to finish, proudly declaring throughout the day that it had been “the best day ever.”
Divisional Director Danni, who attended the celebration, said: “It was great to spend time with the people we support and our colleagues in Southampton and see first-hand what the team had organised. The care and enthusiasm that had gone into the event was clear to see. A big thank you to everyone involved for making it such an enjoyable occasion.”
There was lots more happening throughout the afternoon, with life-size games, arts and crafts and a raffle giving people lots of opportunities to get involved. The relaxed setting also gave people time to chat and spend time together between activities.
Kelly said: “A lot of planning went into making the event a success, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped organise and run the day. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves was the best reward for all the planning and preparation.”
Looking back on the event, Kelly added: “The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic. There was a real sense of excitement and togetherness from the moment people arrived. We hope everyone left feeling valued, welcomed and looking forward to everything that’s still to come.”
A big thank you to everyone who helped make the celebration happen and contributed to such an enjoyable event. From organising the activities and entertainment to making sure everything ran smoothly on the day, the team’s efforts helped make it a real success and a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
