This summer, the Swanton Community Services Bournemouth team took their ‘Wicked Wednesday’ to the seaside for a beach party full of laughter, games, and good food.
Samantha Thompson, Scheme Manager, explained: “The idea came from wanting to do something different and make the most of the summer — and what better way than to hit the beach? With plenty of games and activities planned, the goal was to create an event everyone could enjoy together in the fresh air.”
And the games didn’t disappoint! From beach volleyball and bean bag toss to the hilarious “hoop pants” challenge — where players wriggled about while others tried to throw balls into hoops sewn onto their outfit — there was no shortage of fun. Catch the flamingo with hoops was another crowd favourite, with lots of smiles and cheers all around.
One of the highlights was seeing people from different services coming together, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company. Even some who had been unsure about attending at first said afterwards how glad they were to have joined. Everyone tucked into delicious chip shop suppers ordered in advance, sitting together on the beach to eat and soak up the atmosphere.
Samantha added: “The staff team played a huge part in making the evening so special. Our Windermere team leader, Mary, even hand-sewed the hoop pants herself from bedsheets, while people we support and staff decorated them ready for the big game. People we support also helped decorate a welcome table, with one person proudly greeting everyone as they arrived.”
The weather may have been a little cloudy, but it didn’t dampen spirits. The beach was filled with laughter, energy, and a real sense of togetherness.
Samantha summed it up perfectly: “Events like Wicked Wednesday are an important part of life at Swanton. They give people the chance to try something new, meet others from different services, and build lasting friendships. They’re also a great way for the people we support to share their own ideas and be involved in planning — making sure the activities are truly person-centred.”
And there are plenty more to come! When it’s Windermere’s turn again, the team will be taking ideas directly from the people we support to plan the next big event.
At Swanton, events like Wicked Wednesdays aren’t just about fun — they’re about creating opportunities, building confidence, and celebrating life as a community.
