Northwich, Cheshire
About
Looking Forward Activities provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy a wide range of experiences.
The organisation was founded by Michelle in January 2013. As a parent of a son with a learning disability, Michelle felt that traditional day services did not meet his needs or offer the variety of opportunities he deserved. She wanted to create something different – a place where people could learn new skills, try new activities, make friends and feel proud of what they achieve.
What started as a small idea has grown into a vibrant and supportive community. Today, Looking Forward Activities offers a wide range of opportunities including life skills, creative activities, wellbeing sessions, volunteering and community experiences.
Members are encouraged to make choices about their day and take part in activities that interest them. The aim is to create an environment where people feel valued, supported and confident to try new things.
At Looking Forward Activities we believe in Passionate Support and Positive Outcomes. Our focus is on helping each person build confidence, develop independence and enjoy being part of a positive and inclusive community.
Our Values
Our work is guided by a simple set of values that shape everything we do.
Passionate Support
We care deeply about the people we support and provide encouragement, understanding and respect to every member.
Positive Outcomes
We focus on helping people build confidence, develop new skills and feel proud of what they achieve.
Choice and Independence
Members are encouraged to make choices about their day and take part in activities that interest them.
Community and Friendship
We believe in creating a welcoming environment where people can make friends and feel part of a positive community.
Our Team and Standards
We are committed to providing a safe, high-quality and supportive environment for everyone who attends.
While we do not require CQC registration, our policies and procedures follow CQC standards and the Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Learning Disability Framework contracts to ensure high standards of quality, safeguarding and support.
Our team is experienced, dedicated and passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.
Kara – Manager
Kara has over 18 years of experience supporting people with learning disabilities and is a qualified Manager, helping to ensure the service maintains high standards of quality, safety and good practice.
Team Leaders
Our experienced Team Leaders Ben, Chloe and Zoe support the day-to-day running of activities and guide the staff team.
Activity Coordinator
Dayle, our Activity Coordinator, plans and organises the wide range of opportunities available to members.
Kitchen Supervisor
Vicki runs our kitchen sessions, teaching members cooking and food preparation skills. She also oversees kitchen safety and food hygiene, helping to maintain high standards in the kitchen.
Support Team
Our dedicated support staff work closely with members every day, encouraging independence, building confidence and helping everyone get the most out of their time at Looking Forward Activities.
Here's what people say about us:
"As the Manager of a specialised service for children with complex disabilities, we had struggled for some years with activities for our older participants. Our funding technically stopped at 18 years old, but there was nowhere age-appropriate for these young people to go!
They needed something different from our activities, something fun, but outcome-based, that would increase confidence, capability and independence. We were delighted when Michelle started Looking Forward!
Our previous knowledge of Michelle’s project management skills meant we had high expectations – and we weren’t disappointed. Looking Forward is run highly professionally, with a clear focus on clients’ needs, and with excellent outcomes. It is a pleasure to refer our older teenagers, who will often overlap between the two services initially.
Parents are relieved that they can access a service that they know will be fun, and adult-orientated, whilst also increasing skills, independence and confidence. Congratulations to Michelle and her dedicated team of staff on launching and running an excellent and sought after service!"
Cindy Seiler – Business Manager, Multisports Club, Northwich