Acorns day opportunities

These daytime activities help people gain new, practical and social skills and provide beneficial therapy. Some people enjoy the opportunity to learn new things or express themselves creatively whilst others choose to pursue a particular interest by studying for their City & Guilds qualifications – practically based qualifications, designed for people with a learning disability and recognized by employers.

We hold small group sessions with six people to one tutor. This ensures that everyone works at their own pace and receives all the support they need. We also provide one-to-one support. We actively encourage visitors to view our facilities and offer taster sessions for those who are interested in taking part in our activities. Acorns is fully accessible.

Skills for independence

Catering

We have a well-equipped training kitchen where people learn how to cook healthy, affordable meals that they can prepare at home. They learn about food safety, nutrition, meal planning, how to follow recipes and supermarket shopping.

IT and media

Our recently updated IT Suite offers accessible equipment that enables people to benefit from the latest technology, regardless of their ability, how to use email; the internet for directions, planning journeys, bus & train timetables; shop online and use social media. Exploring music and film & animation is an exciting pastime for many.

Life skills

Those taking part develop practical skills such as planning menus, writing shopping lists, managing money, interview skills, accessing community resources and travelling by public transport – all of which help them to gain skills to live independent lives.

Creative activities

Arts & crafts

Our recently expanded art room provides a bright space, flooded with natural light, to inspire creativity. A variety of materials are used to encourage the people to design & produce original work.

Pottery

People here can work with clay to produce various items like key rings, bowls, decorative plates and ornaments. We have our own kiln where items can be fired. Items made are sold in our Charity Shops and our Farm Shop on main site.

Therapeutic activities

Sensory room 

Our fully equipped, dedicated sensory room can stimulate those with sensory and physical disability through the use of lights, sounds and projected images. These elements can calm people with behaviours of concern, using soothing lights and music.

Our sensory room is fitted with a wide range of modern equipment that can be used in a variety of ways, making it adaptable to the requirements of each person.

Our sensory room is available for bookings from the public. Sessions can be booked, by the hour, at the link below.

Book a session in our sensory room 

If you have any queries regarding your booking please call the Acorns team on 01892 820 312. 

The great outdoors

Horticulture

For those who prefer the ‘great outdoors’, we grow vegetables & flowers all year round. People learn about preparing the ground, planting and pruning. Our produce is sold in the local community and on our main site in Pembury.

Animals

People attending Acorns look after our donkeys, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks and chickens. They learn about caring, feeding, cleaning & grooming and find it very therapeutic as it is calming, soothing and rewarding. Our animals always prove a popular attraction for visitors, too!

Sports

Football, swimming & keep fit classes are all available. We have an outdoor gym, offering exercise in the fresh air whilst enjoying lovely rural views. We also support people to get involved in local community activities such as horse-riding for the disabled, cycling and sailing at nearby Chipstead Lake.