Celebrating Christmas at Worklink: Learning Disability and Autism Support

Worklink, Cottingham will once again be hosting their spectacular Christmas Fair as well as a series of festive themed activities and events to support those with learning disabilities and autism in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

This year’s Christmas Fair will take place on Thursday, 12 December, 10am - 2pm and will be open to the public and service users alike.

The festivities will include Christmas items for sale such as wreaths and bespoke wooden items, a tombola, book club, karaoke, light refreshments and much more.

The items for sale have been hand-crafted by service users, demonstrating their craftmanship and skills which have been nurtured through wood-work training and the support of Worklink staff. It is also a great opportunity to show the public what they have been working on during their groups, demonstrating their creativity and finished items which they are all very proud of.

The centre itself will be decorated in a Christmas theme, including an impressive home-made outdoor display. The staff will be dressed up in jolly outfits, giving a warm welcome to all the visitors who come along.

Visitors will also be able to stop by Café RouTEs, located inside Worklink, Monday to Friday at 9.30am to 2pm, for a welcomed break and to enjoy the selection of tasty food and drink on offer. Cakes and drinks will still be available until the centre closes.

Throughout the Christmas period Worklink will hosting a variety of activities and events to engage with service users and make the season as fun and interesting as possible. Learning disability and autism day services will have the opportunity to book Christmas wreath making sessions, these wreaths will be on sale to the public at both Worklink, Sewerby and Worklink, Cottingham during their Christmas Fair.

There will also be a Christmas Party for service users to get involved with, sharing in the Christmas spirit. This party is entirely shaped by the service users and the staff are working hard to organise a disco, food, prizes, quiz and karaoke, the service users will also receive a Christmas goody bag to take home following the party.

In collaboration with the Workforce and Education Project Team, Worklink will also be hosting sixth form visits and a Young People Taster Day in the new year in which students can familiarise themselves with the centre and learn about the fantastic resources on offer as well as the learning development opportunities.

Councillor Johnathan Owen, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and care, said: ‘’It’s great to see the return of the joyous Worklink Christmas Fair.

‘’There is a fantastic programme of events on offer during the Christmas period to support those who utilise the service but also those who may receive support in the future.

‘’Worklink is an inspirational place of learning, development and support and we are very happy to see that the public are invited along to share in the celebration of this service. We hope that everyone who comes along will enjoy the festivities and have a merry time!’’

Worklink are a learning resource centre which offers work-based employment support and training for adults with learning disabilities and autism who reside within the East Riding of Yorkshire. The Cottingham centre focuses on providing training and experiences in horticulture, garden maintenance and hospitality.

Check out the Worklink Facebook page for more information and regular updates.