On January 5th we were advised by the UK Government that the country was to go into another full lockdown which meant we had to close for 7 weeks. Many countries across the world were in a similar position and it was not the start to 2021 we all hoped for.

The Leep1 team were very much looking forward to re-opening our centre on Roundhay Road after the festive break. After the sudden announcement the team quickly re-grouped to plan new and interesting activities to enhance our online offer.

The Leep1 Facebook group has been the hub for all our sessions for the last 10 months. Anyone with a learning disability can request to become a member of the group and access the classes and sessions we host via Zoom and Facebook Live. The group offers a safe and supportive place for members to stay connected and learn skills during the pandemic and so far it has been a huge success. More information about our Facebook Group and the online activities we offer can be found here : https://leep1.co.uk/leep1-group-online-activities/

NEW SESSIONS FOR JAN 2021

Here are just some of the activities we have designed to kick start our new year calendar:

A Bit of Colour – brightening up the winter months

Angie and Janine host this new weekly session every Thursday at 12pm. In the session we do some cooking and learn about different foods, cultures and the arts from around the world. On a grey and snowy winter day like today what could be nicer than something tasty, warming and homecooked for lunch?

These session takes place on Zoom. Details on how to join are made available to our Facebook Group members only so please request to join the group if you’d like to take part.

Have you got 10 minutes? – a sure way to lift your mood

The cold and dark winter months is when we often feel less energised and motivated. This winter is especially tough and the mental and physical health of our members is something we pay close attention to.

Paul who has been running healthy living sessions online since March has launched a brand new 10 minute daily workout challenge. It has been proven that 10 minutes of exercise can boost your mental health and immediately lift your mood. The sessions are great fun and we do a quick aerobic workout to get our whole bodies moving while having a real giggle. This week some of our staff and members have already shed some of those Christmas pounds!

These sessions take place on Zoom every Monday – Friday at 11.15am and are available to Leep1 members and our Facebook Group members.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Janine our new support worker at Leep1 loves the great outdoors and on Fridays she takes us on a wonderful nature walk through the parks and woodlands in Leeds. Learning about the wildlife and the scenery she chats while she streams to us live, giving you the chance to ask questions along the way. Last week we saw the beautiful Meanwood Park and we look forward to seeing some lovely wintery scenes in this week’s walk.

Cafe Leep Back Online – get qualifications during lockdown

Cafe Leep was all set to reopen in January with plans to begin the cooking groups again and start working with our Cafe Trainees. Our trainees have been keeping up to date with their NVQ studies online but were looking forward to coming back to work in the cafe this year. Due to the sudden announcement that we were going back into lockdown, Darren our NVQ Tutor returned to running his classes online. Lots of members who aren’t cafe trainees also enjoy coming to the sessions too. Darren makes them so much fun by hosting quizzes and games as the members learn about Food Hygiene Level 2.

The sessions happen every weekday at 10.30am on Zoom.

How to Join In

There are many more activities that are accessible to group members such as yoga, keep fit, club nights and social evenings. If you would like to become a member of our Facebook Group please click the blue button below.

If you would like to join in but do not wish to sign up to Facebook please get in touch with us by emailing: [email protected]