Future Directions’ ‘Fun time Friday’ provides fun and reduces anxiety for people they support
29 Jul 2022
3 min read
- Good news story
- Learning disabilities and autism
- Wellbeing
Future Directions provide live music, jokes and dancing every Friday with their ‘Fun time Friday’.
‘Fun time Friday’ is thirty minutes of live music with ‘dad dancing’ and ‘dad jokes' hosted by Kevin Phoenix and Stuart Vallantine.
The weekly event was the idea of Kevin Phoenix, who at the time was Music and Activities Lead at Future Directions’ Stanley Grange location. Before lockdown, Kevin went out to the houses of Future Directions’ supported persons, playing his guitar and singing songs.
But when lockdown first begun, he had to get creative with how he could keep ‘Fun time Friday’ running. So, he took his show to Stanley Grange and started streaming it on Future Directions’ Facebook page, with a goal of boosting morale during these tough times. With his first right-hand man, Bruce ‘Brucie Bonus’ Gordon, the sessions went from strength-to-strength with viewers around the world.
The show includes shout-outs from viewers watching the live feed, whether from staff members, supported persons or their friends and family.
As well as fun, interaction is key to Fun Time Friday’s success, and it’s helped supported persons to show off their talents and have fun at the same time.
It’s also benefited staff members.
Stuart, who co-presents and directs the show says:
It has improved my confidence dramatically. As well as boosting my communication skills, it has got me doing things outside my comfort zone. Even dancing in fancy dress.
Maz, one of the people supported by Future Directions says:
It gives me some enjoyment and something to look forward to. It makes me feel happy and more joyful.
Olu, one of the staff members adds:
It brings the people we support together, it has really reduced the anxiety some of them have.
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