Our Day Services

Who We Are

Branching Out is a vibrant, community‑based day service supporting adults with a learning disability to build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections. Based in Littleport, we offer a wide range of practical, creative, and enterprise‑focused opportunities that empower individuals to learn new skills, contribute to their community, and thrive in a supportive environment.

Our ethos is rooted in person‑centred practice, accessible communication, and creating real‑world opportunities that promote choice, wellbeing, and personal growth.

 

Key Services & Activities

1. Horticulture in Our Beautiful Grounds

Our extensive outdoor space provides a calm, sensory‑rich environment where service users can learn horticultural skills at their own pace.

Activities include:

  • Growing fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers
  • Maintaining raised beds and garden areas – along with creating hanging baskets and planters to sell.
  • Learning about plant care, seasons, and sustainability
  • Supporting wildlife through planting and habitat creation

 

These sessions promote physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and a sense of pride in nurturing something from seed to harvest.

2. The Brook Building – Grow, Create, Sell

The Brook Building is our dedicated space that we are looking to develop into a Grow‑to‑Sell food enterprise, where service users learn how to turn home‑grown produce into items for the community.

Our vision for The Brook Building includes:

  • Growing produce on‑site in our gardens and raised beds
  • Harvesting ingredients to create food items such as: Jams, Chutneys, Preserves, Dog biscuits, etc
  • Packaging and labelling products
  • Selling items through our charity shop and local community events

This project blends horticulture, cooking, enterprise, and teamwork—giving individuals a full “seed to sale” experience that builds confidence, independence, and employability skills.

3. Woodwork & Practical Craftsmanship

In our fully equipped workshop, service users learn hands‑on woodwork skills in a safe, supported environment. Current projects include:

  • Building bird boxes
  • Sanding, painting, and finishing wooden items
  • Preparing products for sale in our charity shop

These sessions help individuals develop fine‑motor skills, problem‑solving abilities, and pride in creating something valued by the community.

4. Branching Out Charity Shop – Community Engagement & Work Experience

Our charity shop in Littleport is a thriving community hub where many of our service users volunteer. Activities include:

  • Sorting donations
  • Pricing and displaying stock
  • Serving customers
  • Using the till with support
  • Keeping the shop tidy and welcoming

This real‑world environment helps individuals build confidence, communication skills, and independence while contributing to a valued local service.

Target Groups

Branching Out supports:

  • Adults aged 18+ with a learning disability
  • Individuals who benefit from structured, supportive, and creative environments
  • Young adults transitioning from education into adult services
  • People seeking to build independence, confidence, and community participation
  • Individuals with additional needs such as autism, communication barriers, or sensory needs

We tailor support to each person’s goals, abilities, and preferred learning style and can offer either 1:1 support or group support.

Contact Points

Branching Out Day Service
Littleport, Cambridgeshire

General Manager: Debra Smith 
Day Service Manager: Jo Neiles
General Enquiries: 01353 863221
Referrals: Via local authority, social workers, or direct family enquiries

We welcome visits, tours, and partnership working.

debra
Jos photo

Recent Outcomes & Achievements

  1. Enterprise Growth

Our bird boxes have become a popular item in the charity shop, showcasing the craftsmanship and pride of our service users.

  1. Development of The Brook Building Enterprise

We have begun laying the foundations for a full Grow‑to‑Sell model, with service users already involved in early growing and food‑preparation activities.

  1. Increased Confidence & Independence

Service users have made significant progress in communication, social interaction, and practical life skills through structured sessions and real‑world experiences.

  1. Strong Community Presence

Our charity shop and enterprise projects have strengthened our visibility and relationships within Littleport and the wider community.

  1. Enhanced Outdoor & Workshop Learning

Our grounds and workshop continue to provide rich, meaningful learning environments that support wellbeing, creativity, and skill development.

Our Vision

Branching Out aims to create a community where adults with a learning disability are empowered, valued, and given every opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute. Through horticulture, enterprise, life skills, and community engagement, we are building a service that celebrates ability, independence, and meaningful achievement.