Our Respite service hosted a wonderful Hawaiian-themed afternoon tea garden party to celebrate two very special milestones – the opening of our new Vicarage Road respite service and 75 years of New Directions supporting people with learning disabilities and their families.
The garden was transformed into a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired celebration, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. With colourful decorations, delicious afternoon tea, music and plenty of sunshine, there was a real sense of excitement as people came together to celebrate the occasion.
People we support, families, friends and staff all joined in the festivities, enjoying good food, conversations and plenty of laughter. The afternoon was a lovely opportunity for everyone to spend time together and celebrate the important role Respite plays in supporting individuals and their families.
The opening of our Vicarage Road respite service marks an exciting new chapter for New Directions, providing another welcoming space where people can receive support, enjoy new experiences and feel at home. The garden party was the perfect way to introduce the new service to our community and celebrate everything it represents.
It was also particularly special to mark 75 years of New Directions. For seven decades, we have been proud to support people with learning disabilities and their families, and this celebration gave us the opportunity to reflect on our journey while looking ahead to the future.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise the Hawaiian Garden Party and to everyone who joined us. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with friendship, celebration and community spirit – a fitting way to celebrate both our new respite service and 75 years of New Directions.
