January 2019 Has Arrived At Holder House C.I.C
3 weeks into January 2019! Can you believe it??? Exciting things are happening at Holder House C.I.C – New Activities, new projects and even more spectacular new members that are accessing Holder and joining the team.
Here is a snap shot at what we have been upto in the new year…
To find out more of what Holder House C.I.C has to offer take a look at our facebook page.
Saturday Club Make Some Sweet Treats!
13th October 2018 – Cooking & Nintendo Wii
A group on the Saturday club worked in the kitchen today, started out by washing hands and talking about the general health and safety when being in the kitchen. Some of the children had a great concept of what the health and safety initials, SB said washing hands is very important before touching the food to get rid of germs and NS said we have to use aprons. When beginning the cooking we prepared the cake mix into the bowl and all took turns to grease the pans with butter, adding the eggs to the mix and water. One by one each stirred the mixture to make it nice and smooth to add it into cake tin. When this was done they poured the mixture into 3 tins and then placed in oven with support from the staff. 
After the cooking the group tidied up the kitchen, wiping benches etc and then decided they wanted to get their lunch. After they finished their lunch, the group went into the sensory room to play on the Nintendo Wii to have some healthy competition playing the games; Bowling, Tennis & Boxing. One of the children said that they thoroughly enjoyed this activity because they do not have a Nintendo Wii at home and they love playing on different technology.
After this had finished it was time for the children to go home and be dropped off by staff or be picked up by their parents.
If you’d like to know more about our Saturday club or any other of the great activities we off at Holder House, please call us on 0191 489 2358 or email us at info@holderhouse.co.uk
Holder House Saturday Club Access Community!
6.10.18
Saturday Club
Took a group to the Sunderland MFA Bowling. We played on game of bowls and did this as a healthy competition basis. The group consisted of 6 children from various ages and backgrounds, all children felt socially included when they were in the community and being engulfed in conversation with each other. One of the children said ‘I am over the moon I won Chris, because he’s the manager and I thought I couldn’t beat him but I did, I am very impressed with my score because it was very high – It was a 142 and I only beat him by 1 point’
When the activity had finished the group went for a drive over the New Spire Bridge in Sunderland as the children had never seen this before. When talking in a group on the way home the children said they would like to do this activity again and they enjoyed being in the group they were in as they liked being out with their friends and felt comfortable being around them. Arrived back at Luke’s Lane so the children could have their dinner and relax – Then went in to the sports hall to finish of the day by playing football.
We try to branch out to do new activities weather this be for the Saturday Club or throughout the week with our adults who attend Holder House C.I.C and we branch out to the community by our Facebook page.
Holder House wins Best of South Tyneside Award
19th September 2018
We are delighted we won the aware for ‘Greener Spaces’ at the Best of South Tyneside Awards 2018. This really makes our jobs worth while. We want to thank everyone who voted for us and the ongoing support we receive. Take a look at some more pictures of the night on our Facebook page
At Holder House C.I.C we strive to be a passionate group when working with individuals with physical, mental and health needs along with individuals with learning disabilities around and in South Tyneside.
Without our people, staff and volunteers we would not be in the position we are today and for this we are eternally grateful for the opportunities we have been given for Holder House C.I.C to reach the highest of limits, but we are not stopping there. Holder House is an ever-growing organisation that wants to give back to our people and our community and we do this by constantly looking for different ways we can better ourselves in what we offer the community.
New toilet for Holder House
A TEAM of budding builders are putting their skills to the test to help a popular South Tyneside community garden.
Apprentices from Carillion have started on a new disabled toilet block for users of the Holder House Allotments in Whiteleas, South Shields.
The construction giant, which is working on the nearby South Shields Community School, donated the manpower and equipment for free after hearing about the plight of those who regularly attend the site, some of who have learning difficulties.
Holder House project manager Chris Convery said: “Having a toilet like this will make the site more accessible to other people with disabilities.
“At the moment, we only have a portaloo which is no good for those in wheelchairs.
“We are so grateful for the help Carillion are giving us.”
The community garden has been on its current site at Holder House for the past two years, and offers a varity of users – including people with learning and physical disabilities, the elderly, and local schools – the chance to go and learn about horticulture, boosting their confidence and gardening skills.
Grant of from Coalfields Regeneration Trust
In August 2011 we were awarded a grant of £4650 from Coalfields Regeneration Trust. This will help us to run our courses in Animal Husbandry, Health and Safety and in particular keeping hens.
This will be a ten week course and if you would like more information please get in touch with us here.
Allotment Plot Is Blossoming
An allotment plot created for keen gardeners with learning disabilities is blossoming into a big success.
For more than a year, up to 20 people have regularly attended the site at Holder House allotments in South Shields.
Led by Chris Connolly – a day centre officer in West Walpole Street – the group has worked hard to turn the plot of land into an area that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Councillor Ernest Gibson (centre) pictured at Holder House allotments with Day Centre Officer, Chris Connolly, service users Paul Butters, Michael Rylance and Clinton Sewell.
Now, with more funding from Awards For All, Social Enterprise Investment Fund and Your Fund, it is hoped the site will be further developed with a shower and toilet facility.
Organisers are also looking to revamp paving around the plot to enable those with physical disabilities a chance to join in the fun. It is hoped families and the community will also play a part in the site.
Mr Connolly said: “The garden has been well received by everyone and people want to be here. The funding means we are hoping to turn the plot into a place accessible to everyone, and eventually for schools to come down and have their own projects.
“We have been going since June last year and we have just been developing from then. Plans are also in place for a wood workshop – we just have all sorts of plans for the place which are only as big as our imaginations.”
Members of the Select Committee Children and Young People, Independent and Healthy Lives recently enjoyed a tour of the allotments.
Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Ernest Gibson, said: “This is an excellent project and one we fully support. It is a great addition to the community and the people who have worked on the site should be applauded for their effort and their dedication in making this scheme such a success.
“The scheme has so many positives, from enabling us to provide training for local people to promoting healthy eating.”
The group would like to thank Timberline for supplying the sheds for the site.
High Praise For Allotment Project
South Tyneside Council Chief Executive Martin Swales and Councillor Ernest Gibson visit the Holder House Allotment Project where service users put the finishing touches to their new stone watched by Chris Convery, Day Centre Officer.
A community gardening scheme helping to boost the confidence of people with learning disabilities has earned high praise from a South Tyneside Council chief.
South Tyneside Council Chief Executive Martin Swales and Councillor Ernest Gibson visit the Holder House Allotment Project where service users put the finishing touches to their new stone watched by Chris Convery, Day Centre Officer.
Martin Swales, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council, visited Holder House Allotments in South Shields to see the good work going on at the site after hearing positive stories about the project.
The Holder House Allotment Project was set up in 2008 with the help of funding from the West Shields Community Area Forum. Since then, its members – who all have learning disabilities – have worked to turn the plot of land into a community garden and learning facility to be proud of.
The 44 service users, supported by Day Centre Officer Chris Convery, have taken part in various courses at the allotment site, helping them to improve their gardening skills as well as receive certificates for their achievements.
Martin said: “It was the first time I had visited the site. What strikes me about it is, for South Tyneside to be an area of success, we have to deliver and build strong communities and neighbourhoods with complete integration. And what we see here is the best of that.
“Individuals with a passion have set about creating something for others to enjoy and learn from. In learning and training, this is potentially providing people with the first steps to do something else, whether it’s confidence building or employment.
“It is great to see. Everyone looks happy and seems very passionate about what they are doing. It also looks, and has, a very positive atmosphere about it. It’s been well thought out and put together and everyone seems to want to contribute to its future.”
Martin’s visit was organised by Councillor Ernest Gibson, Chairman of the Select Committee for Children and Young People and Independent and Health Lives and Whiteleas ward member.
Councillor Gibson said: “Holder House Community Garden is an allotment site where horticulture enthusiasts with learning disabilities can enjoy their hobby, while learning new skills and meeting new people. I’ve followed their journey from the very beginning and it’s incredible what they have accomplished.
“It is an excellent community project which brings about so many benefits, from enabling us to provide training for local people to promoting healthy eating. Of course it’s the people working on the site who have made it the success it is. Long may it continue.”
One of the most recent activities at the site saw project members building a 19m wall with help from Duncan Naylor from Northern Training Company.
Service user Haider Wynne said: “We had to put the foundation in and put down stones. It was hard work, but we learned how to build a wall with cement.”
Caption: South Tyneside Council Chief Executive Martin Swales and Councillor Ernest Gibson visit the Holder House Allotment Project where service users Haider Wynne, Alan Clarke and Paul Butters put the finishing touches to their new stone watched by Day Centre Officer at Holder House Allotment, Chris Convery.
Praise For Community Garden
Councillors have praised a scheme which involves community groups in looking after a local garden.
Members of the Select Committee Children and Young People and Independent and Healthy Lives received a report on the work of the Holder House Community Garden Project at their last meeting.
The garden, in Whiteleas, is maintained by local schoolchildren, older people, people with learning and physical disabilities and people with mental health problems.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ernest Gibson, said: “This is a great project involving people of all ages, and members were impressed with the work going on there. The beauty of the scheme is that it has so many positives. It enables us to provide training for local people, giving them valuable work experience and the confidence to access employment.
“Then there’s the food-growing side, which provides supported work for the mental health and disability groups involved whilst allowing us to promote healthy eating. Local schoolchildren come along to join in and can learn all sorts of important environmental lessons. Older people can benefit too because gardening is a good form of exercise. There are composting facilities, and the project makes use of recycled materials, which all helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“This is a true community project, and I’m delighted to say that it has been a real success story.”
Councillor John Anglin has paid tribute to the achievements of a group of people with learning difficulties
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor John Anglin has paid tribute to the achievements of a group of people with learning difficulties in a special awards evening.
Around 30 people attended the celebration evening at South Shields Town Hall where they were presented with certificates by the Mayor, Councillor John Anglin.
The Mayor presenting certificates to the group who have completed Northern Learning courses, also pictured is the Mayoress, Chris Anglin.
Each one had completed a course in subjects ranging from cookery and communication to digital photography, teambuilding and horticulture.
The majority of the courses, delivered by Northern Learning, were carried out at Holder House Allotments in South Shields, where the group has helped to transform a plot of land into a learning facility.
The Mayor said: “Just talking to everyone who has been involved in the project – it’s just incredible what they have been telling me, what they have learned at the site and what they’ve been making and planting.
“I think it’s absolutely fantastic, and the commitment they have shown is second to none. They are a credit not only to themselves but also to their parents. I was honoured to present them with their certificates.”
The Holder House Community Garden allotment is a site where horticulture enthusiasts with learning disabilities can enjoy their hobby, learn new skills and meet new friends.
Councillor Ernest Gibson, Chairman of the Select Committee Children and Young People, Independent and Healthy Lives, has supported the community project from the beginning.
He said: “The people who have attended the project have really grown over the years and have accomplished so much. I would like to congratulate them on their massive achievement.”
Caption: The Mayor hands a certificate to Clinton Sewell, one of the group who have completed Northern Learning courses, many of them held at Holder House Community Garden. Also pictured is the Mayoress, Chris Anglin.
News and press releases
16 Oct2008
Praise For Community Garden
Press release
Councillors have praised a scheme which involves community groups in looking after a local garden.
Members of the Select Committee Children and Young People and Independent and Healthy Lives received a report on the work of the Holder House Community Garden Project at their last meeting.
The garden, in Whiteleas, is maintained by local schoolchildren, older people, people with learning and physical disabilities and people with mental health problems.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ernest Gibson, said: “This is a great project involving people of all ages, and members were impressed with the work going on there. The beauty of the scheme is that it has so many positives. It enables us to provide training for local people, giving them valuable work experience and the confidence to access employment.
“Then there’s the food-growing side, which provides supported work for the mental health and disability groups involved whilst allowing us to promote healthy eating. Local schoolchildren come along to join in and can learn all sorts of important environmental lessons. Older people can benefit too because gardening is a good form of exercise. There are composting facilities, and the project makes use of recycled materials, which all helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“This is a true community project, and I’m delighted to say that it has been a real success story.”
News and press releases
18 Oct2010
High Praise For Allotment Project
Press release
South Tyneside Council Chief Executive Martin Swales and Councillor Ernest Gibson visit the Holder House Allotment Project where service users put the finishing touches to their new stone watched by Chris Convery, Day Centre Officer.
A community gardening scheme helping to boost the confidence of people with learning disabilities has earned high praise from a South Tyneside Council chief.
Martin Swales, Chief Executive of South Tyneside Council, visited Holder House Allotments in South Shields to see the good work going on at the site after hearing positive stories about the project.
The Holder House Allotment Project was set up in 2008 with the help of funding from the West Shields Community Area Forum. Since then, its members – who all have learning disabilities – have worked to turn the plot of land into a community garden and learning facility to be proud of.
The 44 service users, supported by Day Centre Officer Chris Convery, have taken part in various courses at the allotment site, helping them to improve their gardening skills as well as receive certificates for their achievements.
Martin said: “It was the first time I had visited the site. What strikes me about it is, for South Tyneside to be an area of success, we have to deliver and build strong communities and neighbourhoods with complete integration. And what we see here is the best of that.
“Individuals with a passion have set about creating something for others to enjoy and learn from. In learning and training, this is potentially providing people with the first steps to do something else, whether it’s confidence building or employment.
“It is great to see. Everyone looks happy and seems very passionate about what they are doing. It also looks, and has, a very positive atmosphere about it. It’s been well thought out and put together and everyone seems to want to contribute to its future.”
Martin’s visit was organised by Councillor Ernest Gibson, Chairman of the Select Committee for Children and Young People and Independent and Health Lives and Whiteleas ward member.
Councillor Gibson said: “Holder House Community Garden is an allotment site where horticulture enthusiasts with learning disabilities can enjoy their hobby, while learning new skills and meeting new people. I’ve followed their journey from the very beginning and it’s incredible what they have accomplished.
“It is an excellent community project which brings about so many benefits, from enabling us to provide training for local people to promoting healthy eating. Of course it’s the people working on the site who have made it the success it is. Long may it continue.”
One of the most recent activities at the site saw project members building a 19m wall with help from Duncan Naylor from Northern Training Company.
Service user Haider Wynne said: “We had to put the foundation in and put down stones. It was hard work, but we learned how to build a wall with cement.”
Caption: South Tyneside Council Chief Executive Martin Swales and Councillor Ernest Gibson visit the Holder House Allotment Project where service users Haider Wynne, Alan Clarke and Paul Butters put the finishing touches to their new stone watched by Day Centre Officer at Holder House Allotment, Chris Convery.
News and press releases
13 Jul2009
Allotment Plot Is Blossoming
Press release
Councillor Ernest Gibson (centre) pictured at Holder House allotments with Day Centre Officer, Chris Connolly, service users Paul Butters, Michael Rylance and Clinton Sewell.
An allotment plot created for keen gardeners with learning disabilities is blossoming into a big success.
For more than a year, up to 20 people have regularly attended the site at Holder House allotments in South Shields.
Led by Chris Connolly – a day centre officer in West Walpole Street – the group has worked hard to turn the plot of land into an area that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Now, with more funding from Awards For All, Social Enterprise Investment Fund and Your Fund, it is hoped the site will be further developed with a shower and toilet facility.
Organisers are also looking to revamp paving around the plot to enable those with physical disabilities a chance to join in the fun. It is hoped families and the community will also play a part in the site.
Mr Connolly said: “The garden has been well received by everyone and people want to be here. The funding means we are hoping to turn the plot into a place accessible to everyone, and eventually for schools to come down and have their own projects.
“We have been going since June last year and we have just been developing from then. Plans are also in place for a wood workshop – we just have all sorts of plans for the place which are only as big as our imaginations.”
Members of the Select Committee Children and Young People, Independent and Healthy Lives recently enjoyed a tour of the allotments.
Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Ernest Gibson, said: “This is an excellent project and one we fully support. It is a great addition to the community and the people who have worked on the site should be applauded for their effort and their dedication in making this scheme such a success.
“The scheme has so many positives, from enabling us to provide training for local people to promoting healthy eating.”
The group would like to thank Timberline for supplying the sheds for the site.
Caption: Councillor Ernest Gibson (centre) is pictured at Holder House allotments with Day Centre Officer, Chris Connolly, and service users Paul Butters, Michael Rylance and Clinton Sewell.