03/07/2026
Another fantastic and incredibly busy week at The New Leaf Centre, where we support and guide neurodivergent teenagers, helping them build the confidence, skills and resilience they need to navigate the outside world and the everyday demands that come with it. 💚
This week has been packed with learning, creativity, laughter and new experiences.
🪚 One of our learners has been working hard on his Joinery ASDAN module, developing practical skills and growing in confidence with every project.
🎨 We also got creative with a paintbrush. Just look at these beautiful paintings – we’re so proud of the talent and imagination our learners continue to show.
🎉 We celebrated our Centre Manager, Ben’s Birthday.
Happy Birthday, Ben!
Thank you for everything you do for our learners and the team.
🚲 Our circus skills were put to the test on the fantastic trike kindly donated by ReBike Cumbria. It wasn’t just the learners having fun – the staff couldn’t resist having a go too!
🐐 Our baby goats are settling in wonderfully and have already become firm favourites. It’s been amazing to see the positive impact they’ve had on the therapeutic needs of some of our learners. They really are making such a difference.
🥔 We harvested our first batch of new potatoes from the garden. We can’t wait to sample Jean’s famous potato salad!
🌿 On Wednesday, we attended an Introduction to Nature workshop run by Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Our learners absolutely loved it and have already asked if they can go back again! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, learn something new and enjoy the outdoors together.
🌊 Some of our learners enjoyed an off-site visit to Pooley Bridge, where they practised skimming stones on the lake. We were also treated to an incredible surprise as fighter jets flew so low overhead we could actually see the pilots! Sadly, they were far too quick to capture on camera. To finish the trip, our learners practised an important life skill by independently ordering and paying for their own ice creams.
🐱 One of our learners also began his work experience journey with a visit to Eden Animal Rescue. He thoroughly enjoyed his induction and, of course, plenty of cat cuddles! A huge thank you to everyone at Eden Animal Rescue for welcoming and supporting us.
🐑 We were also delighted to welcome South Lakes Farm Experience, who gave our learners a fascinating insight into sheep farming.
With so much packed into one week, it’s no surprise everyone was feeling a little tired by today! ❤️
We’re incredibly proud of every single one of our learners. Every new experience, every challenge faced and every achievement, big or small is another step towards greater independence and confidence.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support The New Leaf Centre and make opportunities like these possible. 💚
