What is Garland @ The Arches?

Garland @ The Arches is a welcoming, community-based activity service for adults with disabilities, based under St Thomas Train Station in Exeter. The service has been created to provide a safe, friendly and consistent space where people can learn new skills, take part in meaningful activities, build confidence and enjoy spending time with others. Garland @ The Arches is open to the wider disability community and is separate from Garland Support’s existing activities. It offers structured day service sessions with planned timetables, giving people the opportunity to try new things in a supportive and inclusive environment. We aim to create a place where people feel valued, included and able to develop independence, friendships and a sense of belonging!

Why Garland @ The Arches?

Garland @ The Arches has been created to meet a clear need for flexible, adult-focused community provision in Exeter. It offers a consistent base, structured activities and a welcoming environment where people can develop skills, friendships and confidence at their own pace. By combining planned sessions with a person-centred approach, Garland @ The Arches gives people the opportunity to enjoy meaningful days, connect with others and become more involved in their local community.

Who can attend?

Garland @ The Arches is for adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities, autism and/or additional support needs. The service is open Monday-Thursday to people who are able to take part in group-based activities, including people living in supported living, people using Direct Payments, self-funding individuals and people supported by families, carers or other providers. Everyone will be individually assessed before attending. This helps us understand what support each person may need and ensures that everyone can enjoy their day safely.

Workshops

Each day at Garland @ The Arches will have planned activities and a structured timetable. Sessions are designed to be engaging, enjoyable and purposeful, with a focus on wellbeing, creativity, independence and social connection.

Activities may include:

Wellbeing

Wellbeing sessions may include exercise and movement, relaxation, healthy living, outdoor time and activities that support emotional and physical wellbeing.

Independence Skills

Independence sessions will focus on practical everyday skills such as cooking, shopping, travel training, money skills and building confidence in daily routines.

Creative Activities

Creative sessions may include art, drama, music, crafts and other activities that give people the chance to express themselves, explore new interests and enjoy working alongside others.

Some activities may also take place outside of The Arches when appropriate, helping people access the local community and enjoy new experiences.

Stay social

Garland @ The Arches is about much more than activities. It is about helping people feel connected, included and part of a community.

Many adults with disabilities can experience isolation or may not need full-time provision, but still benefit from routine, social opportunities and meaningful engagement. Garland @ The Arches offers a consistent space where people can meet others, build relationships and feel more confident taking part in group activities.

The service supports people to:

Build friendships
Develop confidence
Increase independence
Try new experiences
Feel part of the local community
Take part in structured and meaningful activities
Improve wellbeing through social contact and routine

By providing a regular, welcoming environment, Garland @ The Arches aims to help people feel safe, supported and able to be themselves.

Meet the Team

Garland @ The Arches will be supported by a small, consistent team focused on quality, safety and positive relationships.

Paul Sharp will provide overall leadership and governance.

Charlotte Wilson will lead the day-to-day delivery of the service, including activity planning, coordination and supporting the smooth running of sessions.

The team will work under Garland Support’s high standards, with a strong focus on safeguarding, inclusion, consistency and person-centred support.

Our values

Garland @ The Arches is built around clear values that guide everything we do:

Inclusion – Everyone should feel welcome, respected and able to take part.
Safety – People should feel safe, supported and comfortable.
Respect – Everyone’s choices, views and individuality matter.
Community – We want people to feel connected and involved.
Independence – We support people to develop skills and confidence.
Consistency – A regular, reliable service helps people feel secure and settled.

Weekly Schedule

Garland @ The Arches will offer a varied weekly programme, giving people choice, routine and opportunities to develop different skills.

The planned weekly structure includes:

Monday – Wellbeing
Tuesday – Art and Drama
Wednesday – Creative Activities
Thursday – Independence Skills

Day service sessions will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Thursday. The service will not run on Bank Holidays.

Location

Garland @ The Arches is based in St Thomas, Exeter, under St Thomas Train Station.

The venue has been chosen because it is easy to access and provides a practical, welcoming base for activities. The space is all on one level and includes an accessible toilet and a small kitchen area available for use.

There is also excellent parking nearby, making it easier for people, families, carers and support staff to access the service.

Bookings

Places at Garland @ The Arches will be limited, so booking in advance will be important.

Day service sessions must be booked and paid for in advance. Bookings and payments will be available online.

If someone is unable to pay online or does not have access to a bank card, we will work with them to explore other options.

Interested in Finding Out More?

We would love to hear from individuals, families, carers, providers and professionals who would like to know more about Garland @ The Arches.

Please get in touch to ask questions, discuss support needs or register your interest.

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