LAFI Celebration Day

This special day is always held at the end of summer with the purpose of recognising the amazing effort and accomplishment of all of our Lifestyles Academy for Independence (LAFI) service users over the past year.

Included in this group are our Coach House residents, Day Opportunities service users, Community Supported Living (CSL) and Outreach residents but everybody at Strode Park Foundation is invited to dress up and come and share in the celebrations.

All achievements, no matter how big or small, are celebrated in the same way and everyone involved will receive a certificate for their own personal accomplishments. These achievements are extremely varied and can include independence skills, communication, socialising, blood tests, participation of efforts in certain day sessions and ASDAN qualifications (an education charity and awarding organisation whose curriculum programmes and qualifications help young people develop knowledge and skills for learning, work and life). Last year we introduced our special manager’s awards signed by and presented by LAFI Manager Zoe Lee. These have been for bravery and endurance and indeed anything else Zoe feels deserves special recognition.

Zoe said: “Our celebration day is to highlight the achievements our students have made. This is maybe a qualification, transition in or out of different areas, any progress they have made, courage and endurance to carry on to achieve their goals, kindness to others, work experience or any exceptional effort that has been made. This is all achieved with an incredibly supportive staff team who always go above and beyond. It’s certainly a reason for a party!”

Our event this year has taken place in Strode Park House’s Theatre in the Park and has seen local musician Fred Clark provide some wonderfully interactive musical entertainment followed by a lovely buffet lunch, complete with celebration cakes.

After lunch there was the certificate presentation ceremony where members of the Senior Management and/or Council of Management were invited to present the certificates.

Some of the presentations this year included a special award for Sean Bradley for his exceptional progress and Emma Kanavakatini who received an award for her courage and endurance.

Zoe added: “Our clients are well and truly recognised for their skills, achievements and triumphs over adversity and the day really is a highlight in our annual calendar”.