EMA Social Care

12/08/2026

😎Summer adventures with our Gillingham Day Opportunities group - exploring Dorset, keeping cool and enhancing social connections!

The diverse locations across the Jurassic Coast and around our county give our attendees so much choice when it comes to picking places to go.

📍We've recently visited Kingston Maurward Animal Park & Gardens and Ringstead Bay. Meeting and learning about the different animals was both educational and an exciting sensory experience for us all. Lunch on the beach and relaxing by the water was a brilliant way to unwind and take in the beauty of nature on our doorstep.

🗣"The goat at the farm was funny, he kept trying to eat everyone’s clothes." - Thomas
🗣"The beach trip was awesome! I got to paddle in the sea and sit on a rock like a mermaid." - Daniel

💦Another favourite way to stay cool in the summer - water fights! Physical activity and bonding - keeping everyone in high spirits.

🗣 "The water fight was so funny, and getting the staff soaking wet was a great bonus" - Alexander 😂

🗣"We're always looking for fun and engaging ways to keep cool during the hot weather, it was lovely to see everyone enjoying the beach, ice cream, and the water fight... even if they did all decide to team up on me! These activities have all supported inclusivity, community participation and personal development, encouraging our service users to develop their confidence and their social connections, while enjoying meaningful recreational activities - and having fun along the way. Giving our service users a choice in what we do is key to their experience at EMA and we're so glad to have all these different options for places to go and things to do." - Claire, EMA Support Worker

05/08/2026

🌻Sunflowers, supporting local events, and boosting mental health with the Dorchester Day Opportunities group.

One of Dorset's biggest attractions of the summer is always on our calendar for a trip out together, and the Maiden Castle Farm Sunflower Trail is a perfect way to support the amazing local fundraising efforts for Dorset County Hospital, and boost the physical and mental wellbeing of our day opportunities attendees.

✅Getting steps in, playing games, and enjoying photo opportunities with friends mean this is always a day to remember that leaves everyone feeling uplifted and proud to be part of Dorset!

🗣"It was my first time going to a sunflower trail and I really enjoyed it!" - Romana
🗣"Seeing the tractor was cool" - Ben
🗣"It was really good! I enjoyed the walk!" - Harry

The folks over at the trail have done an amazing job and we loved our visit, as always! 💛

21/07/2026

ℹ️Please find information below on the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan, recently published by Dorset Chamber.

✅Supporting our service users with developing their skills, independence, and exploring opportunities for employment and volunteer roles within our communities is a huge part of what we do.

We're all working together for a stronger and more inclusive, Dorset. 💪

🌳Building a stronger future for Dorset!

ℹLed by Dorset Chamber, the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan sets out the next phase of work to strengthen Dorset’s skills system and support it to continue to respond to the needs of employers, learners and the wider economy.

🗣"The Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan rightly recognises that Dorset’s future prosperity depends on unlocking the potential of all its residents. Young people with SEND like those who attend EMA have enormous talents to offer employers when given the right support and opportunities. Through our specialist study programmes such as preparation for adulthood and support for employment, along with supported internships, we are committed to helping build a more inclusive workforce and a stronger Dorset for everyone" - James Dunham, Director of Education at EMA

30/06/2026

Make a difference. Have fun. Love what you do 💚

We’re recruiting passionate people to join our Day Opportunities team.

If that sounds like you, apply today!

https://employmyability.org.uk/day-ops-june-2026/

16/06/2026

✅A new chapter for Darryl: building confidence, independence and connection.

🌳After attending one of our EMA Social Care events in 2025, Darryl expressed to his mum that he was keen to explore support from our team, and from the outset, the transition has been a smooth and reassuring process for them both, and he now utilises our Outreach Support and Day Opportunities in Dorchester.

🗣“The transition to EMA was seamless. Brilliant communication from staff, and all questions answered. I have been able to have more time to myself in my retirement and fewer worries.” - Darryl's Mum

Since we began to support Darryl, we’re pleased to share that he has made clear and meaningful progress in his confidence and independence.

🗣“Previously, Darryl relied heavily on his mum to manage communication with support staff. Today, he is comfortable contacting the EMA team himself using his phone - an important step towards greater independence”. – Shona, Support Worker.

⚽A consistent routine has played a key role in Darryl’s development. On Sundays, Darryl follows a structured plan with pride and enthusiasm. He starts by cleaning out his chinchilla’s cage, followed by vacuuming the lounge and cleaning the kitchen and bathroom. He then prepares his own lunch, washes up afterwards, and enjoys some well-earned downtime - often watching football, playing some games, and chatting with staff. This routine not only supports practical life skills but also gives Darryl a strong sense of achievement and independence.

His journey so far is a powerful example of how consistent, person-centred support can build confidence, boost independence, and open doors to new experiences. And as his mum puts it so simply:

🗣“EMA have definitely opened up a new chapter for us.”

Read more of his story on our website:
🔗https://emasocialcare.org.uk/a-new-chapter-for-darryl/

10/06/2026

⛳Sensory experiences come in all kinds of forms, and a recent visit to GLOBALLS in Weymouth provided an incredible activity for our Dorchester Day Opportunities group which brought lots of smiles and positive energy!

As you can see from the photos, with their glow-in-the-dark vibrant colours, mini golf, and ball pits, this was a great addition to the timetable of that week, and everyone was able to take part in some mood-boosting physical activity with friends, and try out this brilliant new local attraction.

💫We reached out to the staff to thank them for the day and they had a few words to share on how Globalls is a great destination for our community. We will definitely be back!

🗣"At GLOBALLS, we're passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy a unique and memorable experience. The immersive glow-in-the-dark setting offers a fun, engaging activity that can be enjoyed at an individual pace, making it a great option for people with learning disabilities and sensory needs. It's always wonderful to see visitors having fun, building confidence, and sharing experiences together. We're delighted to hear your group enjoyed their visit." - Becca

22/05/2026

🎨Recently our Gillingham Day Opportunities welcomed Rachel Rose, who led a wonderful Creative Wellbeing Workshop with our service users.

🗣“My workshops are designed so participants can engage in accessible art and craft activities which support relaxation, confidence and self-expression.” - Rachel

During the session, Rachel guided the group in creating a joint masterpiece, encouraging us all every step of the way. It was lovely to see everyone fully engaged, supporting one another, showing fantastic teamwork and growing in confidence as the activity progressed.

🗣“I really enjoyed all the drawing and colouring and having to think about what to draw after Rachel set a challenge.” - Jacqui, Gillingham attendee

Collaboration and a sharing artistic visions really did bring a wonderful feeling to the room. A huge thank you to Rachel for an enjoyable and inspiring session! 👏✨

15/05/2026

🌼For Mental Health Awareness Week we're highlighting how Spring has brought lots of stunning weather and smiles too, making our trips around Dorset bright and enjoyable for everyone. Our Dorchester Day Opportunities group have been discovering new locations and revisiting old favourites. 😊

📍We are spoilt for places to visit in our beautiful county, and over the last couple of weeks we have enjoyed trips to Wimborne Model Village, Kingston Maurward, Lulworth Castle, and The Donkey Sanctuary - which was big hit as you can see from the photos!

✅Whether it’s connecting with animals, exploring vibrant gardens, or soaking up some local history, all our trips out provide opportunities for our groups to learn, boost their confidence in the community, and even practise travel skills and money management. Most importantly, they promote positive wellbeing, physical activity, and fun with friends. We recommend everyone spends some time with a Donkey - they're a perfect mood booster!

🙌Where we go and what we do is informed by everyone who attends, meaning their preferences and choices are key in how they spend their time. The spring vibes have been in full effect, and we hope everyone out there is finding some positivity in things you enjoy and taking care of your own mental health too.💚

Where shall we go next? 👀 - have a brilliant weekend, everyone!

23/04/2026

🌍 Earth Day Adventures at Lulworth Cove 🌿

Our Dorchester Day Opportunities group took an insightful trip to Lulworth Cove yesterday to celebrate Earth Day. From fossil hunting along the shoreline to learning about the past, present, and future of this unique landscape, and understanding how it's changed over millions of years! It was a day full of discovery and connection, and by learning from this history along the Jurassic Coast, we can better appreciate the planet and make more informed choices to protect its future! 💚

For those we support, trips like this provide meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop social skills with friends, and engage with the natural world in a hands-on and educational way. Exploring new environments encourages curiosity, supports wellbeing, and creates lasting memories!

💪Being outdoors also promotes physical activity and relaxation, while learning about the environment helps develop a sense of responsibility and belonging within the community.

We are spoilt for stunning locations to visit in Dorset, and we look forward to visiting Lulworth again in future. 📍

22/04/2026

📣We're hiring!📣
🌳Day Opportunities Support Worker, Part-Time
📍Gillingham, North Dorset

EMA Social Care in Gillingham is hiring, and if you're looking to step into a role within a team that supports and empowers people to live more enriched lives, shaped by their own choices, then we'd love to hear from you!

✅For full job details and application form, please visit the listing on our website: https://emasocialcare.org.uk/jobs/