East Coast Day Opportunities

17/08/2026

BEACH CLEAN
Today we worked really hard cleaning the south shore. Connie sorted the litter picking kit and made sure everyone had a picker and safety gear. We found all sorts of clothing- even a big pair of bloomers!! Erin took the lead and nominated herself as supervisor and did a great job spotting the litter for everyone to pick up 😂 our friend Edith joined us with her dogs and got stuck in with the clean up.
Back at the HUB we sorted some toys that have been donated for the Warehouse Re-Loved Newtownards. Connie did some work in the office while the boys did the recycling. Callum and Sam showed us some of their best dance moves before lunch. We are planning on trying foot golf tomorrow so we watched a few videos to get some tips. There might be bets taken on who is going to win!!
Everyone wanted to watch a movie before home and the vote was for Charlie and the chocolate factory.
Message from the gang....
"Pick up your rubbish!!"

14/08/2026

HAPPY FRIDAY
We had a relaxed morning with some TV & board games. For lunch today the boys made themselves eggs Benedict, which went down a treat. In the afternoon we headed to Ards to a summer party at Peninsula Care Home. We had an absolute ball. Everyone enjoyed the music, bar-b-q, treats and chatting with everyone. We got to meet Raven the therapy dog which Erin and Connie loved. The boys danced the afternoon away and kept everyone entertained. Thank you to Annette and team for inviting us and making us feel so welcome.
We finished our day with a quick stop at the shopping centre for some essentials.
Happy Friday folks from team East Coast.

13/08/2026

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING TODAY
Today started with a lovely walk around Nugent Wood where we tried to find all the wood carvings. On the way back we did a bit of shopping before heading back to the HUB for a sausage sandwich. We all got stuck into different jobs and projects around the HUB. It was decided that a gym session would be good after the sausage sandwiches - and before the pizza lunch 🤦.
After lunch it was time to chill with a few tunes that everyone requested on Alexa and we had a wee sing song.
Another great day for team East Coast.

12/08/2026

AND RELAX!!!
Today was all about relaxing after our busy day yesterday.
We started with a relaxing stroll along Cloughey beach before we headed back to the HUB to get a few things done. Callum recycled, did the dishes and sorted donations. Connie shredded, photocopied and did some research on a possible trip to Londonderry to do a tour of the walls as CJ suggested this as an idea for a day out. Once Connie helped llewellyn get Prime on the TV we decided to watch Matilda and of course there was popcorn involved 🍿 🎥
After lunch we had a mindfulness session and it is rumoured that there were a few snores to be heard 😴😴
As much as we love to keep busy, we are very mindful to teach our young people that it is important to take time out and relax sometimes too.

11/08/2026

EAST COAST HITS THE NORTH COAST.
The young people asked to go to Portrush for the day so we got it all arranged and planned a day at the amusements but in true East Coast fashion a meeting was called by Connie (activities manager) and after some research she put forward all the options for the trip and it was decided that everyone would rather do the giants causeway and Carrick-a-reed rope bridge. Great choice by Connie and the team as we had a fantastic day. We did around 12,000 steps, went up hills and down hills, climbed steps and went down again, went over the bridge and back. Everyone was amazing even on the rough terrain and steep steps and no complaints at all. We had our doubts about who would go over the bridge but everyone was so brave and took it in their stride - except Janine who was too scared and she kept Margaret with her for company. Massive shout out to CJ for helping Connie and Callum over the rocks and making sure Margaret was ok all day.
We enjoyed a well deserved pop up picnic at the back of the car before heading home.
More memories made for team East Coast.

10/08/2026

HELPING HANDS
Today we did some work on the Warehouse garden to keep it nice and tidy for everyone to enjoy the good weather sitting outside. We weeded, brushed, tidied, cleaned and pruned. Everyone worked hard and Erin even had time for a nap 😴
After lunch we headed to the shops to get stuff for tomorrow's picnic when we hit Portrush. We finished our day with a lovely relaxed stroll around the duck pond.
Team East Coast love to help others. Thanks to Megan and the team The Warehouse Newtownards for our lovely lunch.

07/08/2026

FRY FRIDAY
Today we had a football match in the gym downstairs. It was every man for themselves and was a bit rough at times. Sam put Margaret on time out at one stage 😁
We had a session about first aid and what we use all the different things in our first aid kit for. We made our own first aid kits to put up on the wall.
Today we decided to make a healthier fry. We cooked our sausages in the air fryer & grilled our soda. We are becoming more aware of making healthier choices for our meals.
After lunch and chores we enjoyed a mindfulness session to get us relaxed for the weekend.

06/08/2026

EAST COAST HAS TALENT...
We had a nice walk first thing along the promenade with Rocky. After break we got everything all set up and ready for the talent show. Sam brought his guitar, thanks to Amy for the keyboard and Kirk gave us a drum pad and sticks. Oh my word!!! What a day!! What talent!!!! What a laugh!!!! We had so much fun dancing, singing and performing we lost track of the time 🤣
After a pizza lunch we called to see Margaret and show her some of our videos of the performances.
Another day of craic & banter and lots of laughter. I hear Simon Cowell is looking for our number 📱😁

05/08/2026

EAST COAST OPEN
We started our day with break in the warehouse before heading into Belfast. The challenge was laid down for the East Coast open golf championship. Callum started strong with a hole in one but it's safe to say he peaked too soon. Sam was slow and steady throughout the match. I would be lying if I said there was no cheating!!! 🤣 Although all players maintained they were professionals and denied any and all allegations of cheating, I think the videos tell a different story ⛳🏌️😁
The boys had voted to go to pizza hut for lunch but it was closed so we had a burger king instead 🍔 🍟
We finished our day with a bit of shopping for essentials - popcorn 🍿 and coke zero.
Lots of laughs, lots of cheating and lots of fun.

04/08/2026

Ards Business Hub have supported us since East Coast was only an idea and have continued to support us right through the process of getting opened and running. We would highly recommend them to anyone starting or expanding their business.

Our Business and Community Fund exists to support projects that create meaningful social impact within local communities.

One organisation that embodies the spirit of the fund is East Coast Day Opportunities , a Portavogie-based day service that is transforming the lives of adults with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries while making a positive contribution to the wider community.

Read more at 👉 https://f.mtr.cool/yoagdchamw