Welcome to the Out of Hours page

The Out of Hours project started in 2006 and aims to increase leisure and social opportunities for our members who are all adults with disabilities.

 The project is based at the Hamlet Centre and runs group activities in the evenings and at weekends. The activities are suggested by Out of Hours members at their council which meets every other month.

Each month we run two club nights at the Hamlet Centre as well as up to ten other activities at our Independent Living Flat near the city centre, and facilities in the community.

 Here are the activities we have planned for January - March:

 January 2010

Thursday 7th - Club

Sunday 10th - January sales shopping

Monday 11th – Meal

Thursday 14th – Robin Hood the Pantomime

Saturday 16th – Train trip

Monday 18th – Quiz and chips

Thursday 21st – Club

Sunday 24th – Meal at Pizza Hut

Tuesday 26th – DVD

Thursday 28th – Council

February

Monday 1st February – Bowling

Thursday 4th February – Club

Monday 8th February – Cooking

Thursday 11th February – Boccia

Sunday 14th February – BBC tour

Tuesday 16th February – Valentine's party

Thursday 18th February – Club

Saturday 20th February – Train trip to Great Yarmouth

Monday 22nd February – Meal at the flat

Thursday 25th February – Pub

March

Monday 1st March – Cinema

Thursday 4th March – Club

Monday 8th March – Games night

Thursday 11th March - Meal at Nando's

Sunday 14th March – Skiing

Monday 15th March – Animation

Thursday 18th March – Club

Sunday 21st March – Sport Relief mile

Monday 22nd March – Meal at the flat

Thursday 25th March – Council

Monday 29th March – Easter quiz

Wednesday 31st March – Saw 6 DVD at the flat

“I like to see my friends and have a laugh” Andrew, Out of Hours Member

“We make things, go out to the cinema, bowling and the theatre. It’s terrific!” Chris, Out of Hours Member

 “The Hamlet Centre Out of Hours Scheme is the best volunteering I’ve ever taken part it. What makes it different is the wide range of fun activities and flexibility to do as much or little as you want in a month. The members seem to really appreciate socialising with others and it allows volunteers to forget about everything else and have some fun! I walk away after every session with a smile on my face.” Julia, Out of Hours Volunteer

We also have a befriending service which pairs up individual members with volunteers so that they can access activities individually. When a member makes a request for a befriender, the Out of Hours Co-ordinator will find out if there is a suitable, willing volunteer and then start to arrange a meeting. We suggest that partners might like to plan one activity every month or six weeks. If you are interested in becoming or having a befriender please contact the Out of Hours Co-ordinator.

 Sara meets with her befriender Christine once a month.

“I go out with Christine, we go shopping, swimming and bowling. I like it.” Sara.

 “The befriending scheme is an excellent initiative! I really enjoy Sara’s company and getting to know her better and meet her family. Spending time with her in a different environment from the Hamlet Centre is very interesting. We relax and have fun!  I particularly like hearing her planning and looking forward to our outings. Her positive nature is so infectious, making her a pleasure to be with.” Christine.

 The project is run by Jen Nicholl-Inglis and 28 enthusiastic volunteers, without whom the project could not exist.

 If you would like any more information on becoming a member or volunteer for Out of Hours please contact the Out of Hours Co-ordinator jen@hamletcentre.org.uk or 01603 616094