BLOG VIBES SEPTEMBER
BOLD VIBES- September: Big Ideas, Bigger Vibes
September has been… a lot. In the best possible way!
There have been grant applications. And then some more grant applications. Followed by a brief break from grant applications, during which we thought about… grant applications. Turns out making big ideas happen requires an alarming number of boxes asking you to explain your entire existence in 200 words. But amongst the forms and budgets some pretty brilliant things have been happening at BOLD VIBES.
⭐️ WE GOT ARTSY! ⭐️
September brought Artsy Vibes and 50 Bold Vibers turned up!
Together with the wonderful Claire from Don’t Burst My Bubble, we created our very own VIBE Bubbles, built around one simple idea: EVERY MARK MATTERS. And it really did. There was colour, creativity, sensory exploration and lots of different ways to take part. Every splash, scribble, touch, choice and contribution became part of something bigger.
Then it was time for drama. Our fantastic inclusive drama facilitator Jenny brought out the hats and scarves and things escalated accordingly. There were different characters, different roles, plenty of silliness and lots of laughter. What really struck everyone was how many Bold Vibers came into the session, settled down, engaged and enjoyed. For some of our community, that’s a pretty big deal.
And the feedback afterwards was fantastic. Basically: more please. Message received!
⭐️ THEN WE HAD ANOTHER IDEA... ⭐️
Because apparently monthly meet-ups were not keeping us busy enough, September also saw the beginnings of BOLD ADVENTURES.
And we are starting BIG. Next June we are heading to Ghyll Head in the Lake District for the Big Bold Weekend - an accessible residential adventure for Bold Vibers and their families and carers. The Expression of Interest form is now LIVE on our website under Bold Adventures. So, if you are thinking, 'A weekend in the Lake District with this lot sounds right up our street’ - go and fill it in! - closing date is 28th of October.
⭐️ BOLD VOICES IS BEGINNING TOO ⭐️
We have also started developing BOLD VOICES - our steering group for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Because different communication does not mean less influence. We want the voices of people with PMLD to be centred in conversations that affect their lives - shaping BOLD VIBES, influencing services and contributing to strategic decisions and policy. And we’re getting started. In February, we will be attending the Council for Disabled Children Youth Participation Conference. If you support a young person aged 11–25 who would like to come along with BOLD VIBES, alongside their parent, carer or supporter and start being part of BOLD VOICES, we would love to hear from you. Travel support and a lunch voucher will be provided.
⭐️ NEXT UP: FRIGHTFULLY GOOD VIBES! ⭐️
October means one thing… FRIGHTFULLY GOOD VIBES at Quarry Bank Mill! Bookings are now closed and we cannot wait to see you there.
Keep an eye on our socials/website for all the details of upcoming events and how to get in touch to book.
And finally…
⭐️ FANCY JOINING OUR BRILLIANT TEAM? ⭐️
As BOLD VIBES grows, we need a few more brilliant humans to grow with us.
We are looking for volunteers - and we promise we are not asking you to sign your life away.
Think low commitment, high reward. We meet around once a month, usually on a Sunday, with an average commitment of around four hours. We will cover reasonable travel expenses and the cost of any required DBS checks. Mostly, we need kind, enthusiastic people who are not afraid to muck in, have a laugh and help our Bold Vibers have a brilliant time.
Interested? Please email us at hello@boldvibes.co.uk.
And to everyone who has attended, volunteered, shared a post, filled in a form, donated, encouraged us, told someone about us or simply stood on the sidelines shouting 'GO ON BOLD VIBES!’… Thank you!
Stay Bold.
Stay Evolving.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team 🧡⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
ID: A bright, colourful collage showcasing some of the unique Vibe Bubbles created by our Bold Vibers at our September Artsy Vibes event. Each bubble is filled with individual artwork, colours, patterns and textures, celebrating creativity, self-expression and the many different ways our Bold Vibers make their mark.
BLOG VIBES WEEKS 11 - 12
BOLD VIBES: Week 11 and 12 - Soggy picnics, serious amounts of scones and some VERY big plans…
And just like that… Our first BOLD VIBES summer programme is complete.
Honestly, we are not quite sure where the summer went. We started with an idea about bringing families together and somehow ended it surrounded by gorgeous Bold Vibers, new friendships and brilliant feedback.
⭐️PLANT VIBES - RAIN? WHAT RAIN? ⭐️
Our final summer meet-up took us to the beautiful RHS Garden Bridgewater for Plant Vibes.
Did it rain? Yes.
Did it dampen our spirits? Absolutely not.
We explored the gardens, found places to shelter, caught up with familiar faces, welcomed some brand new Bold Vibers and generally made the most of being together.
And then there was the cream tea….We may have eaten our collective body weight in scones. There was cream. There was jam. There were debates about which goes on first - Friendships survived!
It was such a lovely, relaxed way to finish our summer programme, and the feedback we have received since has been wonderful. Seeing familiar faces returning to our events is incredibly special, but so is seeing somebody arrive for the very first time and slowly become part of the community.
What a way to end our first summer!
⭐️ AND NOW... AUTUMN/WINTER VIBES! ⭐️
There is apparently no rest from the vibing.
We are now all systems go for our autumn and winter programme, and we have got some brilliant things planned.
🎨 First Up: Artsy Vibes 📅 27th September
We are heading to HOME Manchester for something completely new… Artsy Vibes! An afternoon of drama, art and creativity facilitated by the incredibly experienced Claire and Jen. This one feels like another little milestone for us because, for the first time, we have hired a venue and will have a fully exclusive space just for BOLD VIBES. HOME is such a fantastic, contemporary, cultural and fully accessible space, and we are really excited about creating an environment where our Bold Vibers can explore, create, participate or simply enjoy being there in whatever way works for them.
⭐️ THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET FRIGHTFULLY GOOD ⭐️
Then in October, we are hoping to head to Quarry Bank Mill for the Scarecrow Festival and Frightfully Good Vibes! 👻
We are looking forward to wrapping up, getting outdoors and enjoying an autumn adventure together.
More details will be coming soon.
⭐️ GOING BIG FOR JINGLE VIBES ⭐️
November? We are having a party! And not a little party either! We are heading back to HOME Manchester, once again with an exclusive BOLD VIBES space, for…
🎄 JINGLE VIBES! 🎄
Think sparkles, sequins, sensory fun and festive chaos of the very best kind!
We will be joined by the brilliant team from Our Kids Social, who know a thing or two about creating fun, welcoming and inclusive atmospheres. We are planning a huge celebration to round off the year together.
⭐️ A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO YOUNG MANCHESTER ⭐️
Being able to create these experiences takes more than enthusiasm and a slightly overactive imagination - It takes vital funding.
We are incredibly grateful to Young Manchester for providing funding that is helping us deliver these Bold Vibes meet-ups.
Alongside the incredibly generous donations we have received from our community, this support means we can keep creating accessible, inclusive experiences and remove as many barriers to participation as we possibly can.
We never take that support for granted - Thank you for believing in what we’re building.
⭐️ AND THEN THERE IS... THE BIG BOLD WEEKEND ⭐️
Okay. We probably should not say too much yet.
But… Something BIG is bubbling away behind the scenes.
⚡ THE BIG BOLD WEEKEND ⚡
We are exploring the possibility of taking a group of Bold Vibers away for a weekend next year.
An opportunity for adventure, friendship, new experiences and families spending time together somewhere completely different.
There is lots to work through before we can make it happen, particularly around accessibility, individual needs, equipment and support.
But we are working on it and VERY excited.
Watch this space… 👀
⭐️ LISTEN. LEARN. GROW ⭐️
While the events are the part everyone gets to see, there is a lot happening behind the scenes too.
One of the biggest pieces of work we are developing is how we make sure Bold Vibers genuinely shape BOLD VIBES.
Our approach is simple:
LISTEN → LEARN → GROW
We listen to Bold Vibers, families, carers and supporters. We learn from what you tell us and from what we observe at our events. Then we use that learning to change, improve and grow what we do next. Participation is not just about being invited to an event and co-production is not just about sending out a feedback form afterwards. We want the voices, choices and experiences of our Bold Vibers to sit right at the centre of our planning.
We are still developing this approach and still learning ourselves. And that is exactly the point.
⭐️ FANCY GETTING INVOLVED? ⭐️
As BOLD VIBES grows, we are going to need more people around us.
So…
Want to volunteer? Give us a shout.
Have a skill or activity you could facilitate? Give us a shout.
Fancy fundraising for us? Definitely give us a shout!
Know someone brilliant who should know about BOLD VIBES? Tell them about us.
You do not need to commit huge amounts of time. Sometimes a few hours, an introduction, an idea, a fundraiser or simply sharing what we do can make a real difference. BOLD VIBES is about community.
And there is room in it for everyone.
⭐️ BLOG VIBES IS GROWING UP TOO ⭐️
After twelve weeks of sharing our adventures with you every week or two, Blog Vibes is moving to once a month.
Do not worry - we are not going quiet.(We are not sure we are actually capable of that. 😂)
We will still be sharing everything that is happening on our socials and website.
Blog Vibes will simply become our chance to sit down once a month, look back at everything that has happened and share the bigger story.
So the next edition will be our…
🍁 SEPTEMBER ROUND-UP! 🍁
Until then, keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for events, opportunities and all the latest Bold Vibes news.
⭐️ TWELVE WEEKS OF VIBES ⭐️
It is wild to think about everything that has happened in twelve weeks. We have held our first events, met incredible families, welcomed volunteers, made new friends, built partnerships, listened to feedback, started developing new programmes and begun dreaming about adventures we would not have imagined possible when we started.
We are incredibly grateful for every donation, comment, share, message, kind word and bit of cheerleading.
We are learning as we go and growing together.
And we are now building the kind of community we hoped might exist when this all began.
Stay Bold.
Stay Involved.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team 🧡⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
BLOG VIBES WEEK 9 AND 10 - SUMMER VIBES
BOLD VIBES: Week 9 and 10 - Summer is in full swing...
And so are we!
Well, we are bang in the middle of the summer holidays and somehow things at BOLD VIBES are getting busier, not quieter!
There are events being planned, risk assessments being written, volunteer briefings flying out, venues being explored and lots of exciting ideas being scribbled down for the months ahead.
And the best bit?
We are getting to do all of it alongside a growing community of brilliant Bold Vibers 🧡⚡️
⭐️ FIRST UP... WHEEL GOOD VIBES ⭐️
We are SO excited for our next adventure.
Wheel Good Vibes is coming to Wythenshawe Park, where we will be joining The Space Group Manchester for a fantastic adapted cycling session with Simply Cycling. An opportunity for our Bold Vibers to get involved in a brilliant all abilities cycling experience. We cannot wait to see everyone getting those wheels turning!
⭐️ THEN WE ARE OFF TO PLANT VIBES! ⭐️
Next stop…
RHS Bridgewater!
For Plant Vibes, we will be meeting up to explore the gorgeous gardens, wander at our own pace, chill out together on picnic blankets and finish things off with a cream tea in the café.
Gardens + good company + cream tea? We think that’s a pretty good combination.!
Our wonderful trustee and administration lead Danielle has already been out to RHS Bridgewater to do a little reconnaissance mission. She has taken some gorgeous photographs and created videos so that Bold Vibers attending can see the venue beforehand and know where to find us on the day. For our families, sometimes it is those little bits of preparation that can make arriving somewhere new feel that bit easier. All the event details are on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so have a look before you come along.
⭐️ NEED A LITTLE HELP GETTING TO US ⭐️
We know that sometimes getting to an event can be the biggest barrier to joining in.
If transport or the cost of getting to one of our BOLD VIBES events is making it difficult for you to attend, please get in touch. Where we can, we would really like to explore how we might be able to support you. We want our events to be as accessible as possible and sometimes removing one practical barrier can make all the difference. Any conversations or information shared with us will be treated confidentially and sensitively and handled in accordance with our data protection policies and procedures.
We want you there. Let us see if we can help make it possible.
⭐️ THE LESS GLAMOROUS BIT ⭐️
Of course, events do not magically appear.
Behind every meet-up there is quite a lot happening that nobody really sees.
Risk assessments have been completed. ✅
Site information has been checked. ✅
Volunteer briefings have gone out. ✅
Plans have been made. ✅
Plans have been checked. ✅
We’re ready!
⭐️ FANCY VOLUNTEERING WITH US? ⭐️
We continue to feel incredibly lucky with the people who give their time to support BOLD VIBES . Our volunteers are a huge part of what makes our events feel welcoming, relaxed and friendly. And we would love a few more people to join us. Because we usually hold one event each month, the time commitment does not have to be huge. A few hours of your time can make a very real difference to a family attending one of our events.
So we would probably describe BOLD VIBES volunteering as:
Low commitment. High reward. Lots of good vibes!
If you have been watching what we are doing and thinking, ‘I’d quite like to be part of that’, please get in touch at hello@boldvibes.co.uk
We would love to hear from you.
⭐️ WE HAVE BEEN LISTENING ⭐️
Our ParkVibes events at Heaton Park and Wythenshawe Park were not just about having a lovely afternoon together.
They have also given us something incredibly valuable:
Your feedback.
You have told us what you enjoyed.
What made you feel welcome.
What helped.
What you would like more of.
And we are using it.
The plans we are making for the next few months are being directly influenced by what Bold Vibers have told us and by what we have learned alongside you at our events.
Which brings us nicely to…
What’s Coming Next?
We might have got slightly carried away with the names.
Actually… No regrets!
Coming up, we are working on:
🎨 Artsy Vibes
🎃 Frightfully Good Vibes
🎄 Jingle Vibes
❄️ Snow Much Fun Vibes
Different experiences, different places and lots more opportunities to get together.
All these events are made possible by your kind donations and the Local Offer Inclusion Grant award.
We will share full details as everything is confirmed, so keep an eye on our website events page, Facebook and Instagram.
⭐️ INTRODUCING OUR BOLD VIBES COMMUNITY LEARNING CYCLE ⭐️
This is something we are particularly excited about.
Our trustee board has a strong background in co-production, and with the support of one highly experienced trustee in particular - Laura, we are at the beginning of developing a Bold Vibes Community Learning Cycle so that listening, learning and adapting become embedded in everything we do.
Co-production? What exactly is it?
Put simply, co-production means doing things with people rather than doing things to or forthem.
It means Bold Vibers are not simply asked for their opinion once everything has already been decided. It is an equal partnership where their experiences, ideas and voices help shape what happens from the beginning.
For BOLD VIBES, that means asking ourselves:
What are we learning?
What are Bold Vibers and families telling us?
What will we do differently because of it?
And importantly…
How will people know that what they told us actually made a difference?
We do not want feedback forms that disappear into a folder somewhere. We want feedback that leads to action. And we want Bold Vibers to be empowered and able to see that journey.
That is meaningful co-production.
We want everything to keep developing as BOLD VIBES grows. If co-production is something you are passionate about or you would like to help us develop this work, we would genuinely love to hear from you.
⭐️ AND FINALLY, AS ALWAYS ⭐️
Thank you. For the messages, comments, shares, donations, volunteering, encouragement, constructive feedback, recommendations and the general cheerleading from the sidelines.
BOLD VIBES would not exist without people choosing to get behind it. We are still learning, growing and figuring some things out as we go. But we are doing it alongside a pretty amazing community.
See you very soon, Bold Vibers.
Stay Bold.
Stay Together.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team ⚡🧡
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 9 AND 10 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 7 AND 8 - REACHING MILESTONES
BOLD VIBES: Week 7 and 8 - One vibe at a time!
Summer holidays…
They can be full of lovely moments. But routines may change and the diary can suddenly look very different. Finding places where your whole tribe feels genuinely welcome is not always easy. We have been there ourselves and that is one of the reasons BOLD VIBES was created. Not because we have all the answers (far from it!), but because we wanted to build the kind of community we were looking for ourselves - a place where everyone can come together, make friends, relax and simply enjoy being around people who understand. So if you are wondering what to do this summer… We would love you to come along to one of our meet ups. Whether it is your first event or you are a seasoned Bold Viber, there will always be a warm welcome waiting for you 🧡
Here is what has been happening over the last couple of weeks…
⭐️ WE REACHED £2,000! ⭐️
We are absolutely delighted to share that our Summer Events Crowdfunder has now passed the incredible £2,000 milestone! Every donation, every share and every message of encouragement has helped us get here. A massive THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us 🙌
Our Crowdfunder is still LIVE… but there is only 15 days left! If you have been thinking about donating or sharing it with family and friends, now is the perfect time. Every pound genuinely does make a difference.
⭐️ FUNDING THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE ⭐️
We have also completed all of the due diligence checks for our latest funding award. A huge thank you to Young Manchester and The Changemakers for awarding BOLD VIBES a SEND Local Offer Inclusion Grant. Their belief in our vision means we will be able to deliver even more inclusive opportunities across Manchester. We are incredibly excited!
⭐️ PARK VIBES WYTHENSHAWE ⭐️
What another fantastic afternoon! Our second ParkVibes meet up at Wythenshawe Park was full of smiles, laughter, bubbles, new friendships and lots of gorgeous Bold Vibers enjoying an enormous parachute in the Manchester weather together. Seeing families reconnect, meeting new families for the very first time and watching everyone enjoy being together filled our hearts full of pure joy and gratitude. We will be sharing lots more photographs, feedback and special moments over the next few days.
⭐️ WHEEL GOOD VIBES IS HERE! ⭐️
We are delighted to have launched Wheel Good Vibes! Thanks to the generosity of The Space Group Manchester, we have been offered places at this fantastic all abilities cycling session with Simply Cycling. Check out our website events page or our latest social media posts for all the details.
⭐️ LOOKING AHEAD ⭐️
The planning never stops! We are already busy preparing another exciting meet up at RHS Bridgewater towards the end of August - details coming soon! We are also exploring activities, finalising details and making sure more fantastic inclusive experiences are ready for our Bold Vibers. And we want to hear from you too! If you have any ideas or suggestions, please drop us a message.
⭐️ DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH ⭐️
As Disability Pride Month draws to a close, we would like to take pause and celebrate the incredible disabled community and everyone who stands alongside it. To disabled people who continue to challenge barriers. To parents and carers who advocate every single day. To allies, professionals, volunteers and organisations working to make society more inclusive. And to every person helping to raise disabled voices and challenge outdated attitudes.
🧡 A million thanks 🧡
At BOLD VIBES, Disability Pride is not just something we recognise in July. It is the core of our mission. Everyone deserves to be welcomed, to belong, to be included and to live life boldly.
⭐️ ONE VIBE AT A TIME ⭐️
Looking back over the last eight weeks, it is incredible how much has happened. We have welcomed so many smiles, built new friendships, secured funding, launched new events, created a beautiful team of volunteers and watched our community begin to flourish.
Stay Bold.
Stay Involved.
Stay Vibing.
The Bold Vibes Team 🧡⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 7 AND 8 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 6 - BRICK BY BRICK
BOLD VIBES: Week 6 - Little moments, big changes!
They say good things take time.
Looking back over the last six weeks, we’re beginning to realise that building a community isn’t about one big moment…It is about lots of little moments coming together. A conversation, a donation, a volunteer, a partnership, a family taking a chance on a brand new group.
This week has been another one of those weeks where lots has been happening behind the scenes to help BOLD VIBES continue to grow.
⭐️ YOUR SUPPORT IS MAKING IT HAPPEN ⭐️
Every donation, every share and every word of encouragement helps us move one step closer to creating more opportunities. This week we are delighted to share that we have been offered a conditional grant, and been very busy completing the due diligence checks needed to move things forward. It is such an exciting milestone and a reminder that others believe in the vision we are building together.
Our Crowdfunder is still live, so if you’ve been thinking about supporting BOLD VIBES, there’s still time. Every pound donated helps us create more inclusive events, build stronger communities and reach more families across Greater Manchester.
⭐️ WYTHENSHAWE... WE'RE COMING! ⭐️
After the success of our first ParkVibes, we have wasted no time getting ready for the next adventure. This week we carried out a full site visit and risk assessment at Wythenshawe Park, carefully looking at accessibility, facilities, activities and everything else that helps make our events welcoming for everyone.
And the exciting news…
ParkVibes at Wythenshawe Park has officially launched!
The countdown has begun all over again and we can not wait to welcome familiar faces alongside families joining us for the very first time.
⭐️ LOOKING TO THE FUTURE ⭐️
Bold Vibes doesn’t stop with one event. Or even two. This week we have also been visiting potential venues for future meet ups and activities, exploring new ideas and imagining what could be next for our community. We are looking for welcoming, accessible spaces where people can come together, feel included and enjoy new experiences.
⭐️ RAISING AWARENESS ⭐️
Creating opportunities is only one part of what BOLD VIBES is about. We also want to help people better understand profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and create communities where everyone feels welcomed and included.
This week we shared information about:
What PMLD is.
The characteristics people with PMLD may have.
Practical ways we can all better support people with PMLD through understanding, communication and inclusion.
If you have not seen it yet, check out our latest social media post to learn more. All of the information has been carefully researched and sourced from Mencap and PMLD LINK whose fantastic resources continue to help improve understanding and awareness. The more we understand one another, the more inclusive our communities become.
⭐️ COULD YOU HELP BUILD BOLD VIBES ⭐️
As BOLD VIBES grows, so does our need for volunteers. Whether you’re able to help at events, welcome families, support activities or simply offer a friendly smile, we’d love to have you on the team.
You don’t need specialist experience. You don’t need to know all the answers. You just need kindness, enthusiasm and a belief that everybody deserves to belong.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Come and help us build something really special.
⭐️ DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH ⭐️
We are now into the third week of Disability Pride Month. For us, Disability Pride isn’t just something we recognise during July. It is part of everything we do. Every event we organise. Every partnership we build. Every volunteer we welcome. Every family who joins us. Because we believe everyone deserves opportunities to experience friendship, adventure and community - not because of their disability, but because they are part of our community.
Stay Bold.
Stay Involved.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team 🧡⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 6 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 5 - REFLECTION
BOLD VIBES: Week 5 - What an impact already!
This week has been all about reflecting on something we have been looking forward to for a long time…
Our very first ParkVibes!
When you are busy organising an event, you are thinking about risk assessments, accessibility, volunteers, boat bookings, weather forecasts, snacks and whether you have remembered everything. What you don’t always get to see in the moment is the impact.
This week, we have been reading through all of your feedback. And honestly… It’s been emotional.
Your Words Mean Everything
We could tell you how wonderful the day was.
But we think your words say it much better.
“We loved it.”
“Everyone made us feel welcome.”
“The best part was speaking to parents that get it.”
“It’s nice to have something like this as there’s nothing else like it.”
“My favourite part was meeting new people and feeling included.”
“He doesn’t normally last this long.”
“He usually won’t come to the park and wouldn’t usually go to a picnic.”
“No notes. Honestly, everything was wonderful.”
Reading all the comments reminded us exactly why BOLD VIBES exists. Not just to organise events but to create spaces where everyone feel welcomed, understood and included.
⭐️ WHAT WE LEARNED ⭐️
Looking through all the feedback, a few themes kept appearing.
Families told us they felt welcomed from the moment they arrived. New friendships were formed. Parents loved meeting other families who simply understood life without needing lots of explanation. The accessible boat rides were a huge hit (we definitely know we will need to revisit those!). Perhaps the feedback that touched us the most was hearing that some families stayed far longer than they normally would because they felt relaxed, comfortable and accepted. That means everything to us!
⭐️ A NEW LOOK FOR BOLD VIBES ⭐️
This week we have also been working on a brand new BOLD VIBES leaflet. Rather than using stock images, we filled it with photos of some of our own gorgeous Bold Vibers enjoying themselves. Real people, real smiles and real community. We cannot wait to start sharing it across Greater Manchester.
⭐️ COULD YOU BE PART OF THE BOLD VIBES TEAM? ⭐️
After seeing 45 Bold Vibers at our very first meet up, one thing became very clear… BOLD VIBES is growing and it is incredibly exciting. But as we plan more events, reach more families and create more opportunities across Greater Manchester, we need even more amazing people to join our volunteer team.
You do not need to have lots of experience.
You do not need to know everything about disability.
You just need to be kind, welcoming and believe that everyone deserves to belong.
If you can spare a few hours at a monthly event, to help families feel welcome, support activities or simply be another friendly face, we would love to have you with us.
Our Volunteer Registration Form, Volunteer Handbook and Volunteer Expense Policy and Procedures are now available on our website. We reimburse travel expenses every month, so volunteering with us does not have to cost you anything. If you have ever thought, ‘I’d love to help with something like that’, this is your sign! Come and help us build something really special.
🧡Find out more and join the team:
http://www.boldvibes.co.uk/volunteer
⭐️SPREADING THE WORD ⭐️
We have also been busy introducing BOLD VIBES to more professionals and services across Greater Manchester. This week we have shared information about BOLD VIBES with various teams and fantastic organisations across many sectors who support children, young people and families. Every new conversation we have hopefully helps more families discover that they are not alone.
⭐️ DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH ⭐️
We continue to reflect this Disability Pride Month, to celebrate disabled people, challenge stereotypes and recognise the value that disabled people bring to our communities every single day. For us, Disability Pride is about creating spaces where people are not only included, but celebrated for who they are. It is about friendship, belonging, joy, choice and collective responsibility in making sure every person has the opportunity to live life boldly.
⭐️ ONE VIBE AT A TIME ⭐️
Five weeks ago we were introducing ourselves. Today, we are reading messages from families who have found friendships, confidence and a place where they feel they belong. It still feels a little surreal.
BOLD VIBES is growing faster than we ever imagined.
More families are joining us. More events are being planned. More opportunities are opening up. And we would love more people to be part of the journey.
Finally, a huge shout out to all those supporting us. Thank you for believing in what we are building. And thank you for helping us prove that inclusive communities do not happen by accident… They happen because people choose to show up for one another.
Stay Bold.
Stay Community Minded.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team 🧡⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 5 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 4 - WE ARE LIVE!
BOLD VIBES: Week 4 - The First Event!
Some moments stay with you long after they are over.
Last weekend, hopes and dreams became a reality. Our very first ParkVibes meet-up at Heaton Park brought together 45 amazing Bold Vibers, There was laughter, splashing on the boats, games, picnics, wonderful people becoming new friends, and so many moments that reminded us exactly why BOLD VIBES exists. For a few hours, we didn’t have to explain and we didn’t have to justify. We simply turned up, were ourselves and enjoyed being together - it all felt really special. It reminded us that community is not built overnight. It is built by people showing up, supporting one another and believing in something together.
⭐️ THANK YOU ⭐️
To every family who came…Thank you. To every volunteer who gave their time…Thank you. To everyone who donated, shared our posts, encouraged us and helped with activities… Thank you. Every single one of you helped make our first meet up something truly special. Seeing families relax, children and young people enjoying themselves, parents chatting with people who understood, and new friendships beginning was everything we hoped Bold Vibes could become.
⭐️ LOOKING AHEAD ⭐️
The excitement doesn’t stop here. We are already planning our next ParkVibes event at Wythenshawe Park, and are taking everything we learned from Heaton Park to make the next one even better. We are exploring new activities, speaking with partners, planning accessibility and making sure there are even more opportunities for families to connect and create lasting memories together.
⭐️ GROWING BOLD VIBES ⭐️
Alongside planning future events, we have also been busy working on grant applications to help BOLD VIBES continue to grow. Every application represents another opportunity to reach more families, create more inclusive experiences and build a stronger community where everyone feels welcome. We are excited about what the future could hold and are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen.
⭐️ YOUR FEEDBACK ⭐️
One of the highlights of this week has been reading the messages you have sent us since the event. Knowing that families felt welcomed, included and connected means more to us than we can put into words. We will be sharing some of your wonderful feedback over the coming weeks because your experiences are the heart of everything we do.
⭐️ DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH ⭐️
July is Disability Pride Month! BOLD VIBES recognises disability as part of the rich diversity that makes our communities stronger. Disability Pride is about celebrating identity, challenging barriers and recognising that every person deserves to be valued, respected and included exactly as they are. We are proud to stand alongside the disabled community and their allies. We know that pride does not mean pretending life is easy. It means recognising the strength, joy, resilience and individuality that exists within every person, while continuing to advocate for a world where everyone has the opportunity to belong, participate and thrive. This month, and every month, we will keep working towards a future where differences are celebrated, inclusion is meaningful, and everyone has the chance to live life boldly.
Stay Bold. Stay Connected.
Stay Vibing.
The BOLD VIBES Team 💛⚡️
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 4 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 3- BIG STEPS!
BOLD VIBES: Week 3 - Milestones of dreams!
Some weeks feel busy. Other weeks feel important. This week somehow managed to be both!
Over the last week, we’ve opened our first bank account, launched ParkVibes, become affiliated with Phab, started conversations about hosting in another borough and celebrated a huge personal achievement within the team.
When we started BOLD VIBES, these were the sorts of milestones we dreamed about. And whilst it’s exciting, what matters most isn’t the milestones themselves - It’s the people behind them.
This week is Learning Disability Week, and this year’s theme is:
Can You See Me?
It’s a simple question, but a powerful one. People with learning disabilities deserve to be seen for who they are. Their personalities. Their talents. Their interests. Their humour. Their achievements. Their friendships. Their dreams. Not just their support needs. Not just a diagnosis. Just people being people. That’s exactly what BOLD VIBES is all about. Creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, included and valued. Spaces where friendships can grow. Spaces where people belong. And with that said…
Here’s what we’ve been up to this week.
⭐️ WE'VE GOT A BANK ACCOUNT ⭐️
Now, we know this doesn’t sound like the most exciting announcement in the world. But trust us,
this felt HUGE. BOLD VIBES officially has its very own bank account. A huge thank you to David and Ana at the bank for helping us through the process and patiently answering what felt like several thousand questions.
⭐️ FIRST AID CERTIFICATE COMPLETE ⭐️
We’re delighted to share that one of our founders has successfully completed their Emergency First Aid at Work qualification this week. As BOLD VIBES continues to grow, investing in skills that help keep our community safe and supported is incredibly important to us. We’re proud of the achievement and proud to be building a team that’s committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.
⭐️ PARKVIBES IS SPREADING ⭐️
This week we’ve also started conversations with another local authority about potentially bringing ParkVibes into their borough.Nothing is confirmed yet. We’re not ordering a tour bus. But the conversations have started, and that’s exciting in itself. What began as a simple idea to create more opportunities for connection and friendship could soon be reaching even more families and communities. We’ll keep you updated as things develop. Watch this space!
⭐️ WE'RE PROUD TO BE AFFILIATED WITH PHAB! ⭐️
This week we officially became an affiliated member of Phab. For those who aren’t familiar with them, Phab is a fantastic national charity dedicated to creating inclusive communities where disabled and non-disabled people can enjoy activities together, build friendships and feel connected. Their values align closely with ours, and we’re excited to learn from them, collaborate with them and become part of their wider community. It’s another positive step forward for BOLD VIBES, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.
⭐️ PARKVIBES HAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED! ⭐️
After weeks of planning, organising, designing, redesigning and then redesigning again…ParkVibes is officially live. The launch went out this week and the countdown has begun. To say we’re excited would be an understatement.
Got Questions?
We’re always happy to help.
Email: hello@boldvibes.co.uk
Whether you’re wondering about our first meet up, how to get involved or anything else, feel free to get in touch.
We’re always happy to chat.
Until next time…
Stay Bold. Stay Brilliant. Stay Vibing. ⚡🧡
The BOLD VIBES Team
Building community, one vibe at a time.
WEEK 3 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 2 - FULL SPEED AHEAD!
BOLD VIBES: Week 2 - What a Start!
The Week We Hit Warp Speed!
Well… what a week it’s been.
Grab a brew, a biscuit and maybe a crash helmet because BOLD VIBES has been absolutely flying! Somewhere between everyday life and our hopes and dreams, we’re holding trustee meetings, smashing fundraising goals and planning meet ups.
Here’s what happened this week…
⭐️ WE HIT £1,000 IN DONATIONS! ⭐️
One thousand pounds. Four figures. A grand. Enough money to make us check the crowdfunder twice because surely that couldn’t be right?! Every single pound has come from people who believe in what we’re building together and honestly, we can’t thank you enough. Our summer events goal is £5000 so please keep shouting about and sharing the crowdfunder.
You lot are amazing!
Remember when we were excited about our first few followers? Well now…
⭐️ WE’VE HIT 100 FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS! ⭐️
That’s 100 amazing humans who have chosen to join this little adventure. 100 cheerleaders. 100 people helping spread the word. 100 absolute legends. We’ve officially entered triple figures and we’re ridiculously excited about it. (Yes, we celebrated. No, we don’t need an excuse.) We’re pretty sure that officially qualifies as a community now.
This week also saw a very important milestone…
⭐️ OUR VERY FIRST TRUSTEE MEETING! ⭐️
Now, trustee meetings sound very serious and professional. And they were. Mostly. There may also have been excitement Possibly too much excitement! The biggest news? EVERYTHING WAS RATIFIED! The trustees have officially given the green light and BOLD VIBES is moving forward at full speed.
Now that we’ve almost hit our fundraising milestone for our first meet up, we can start doing something very exciting… BUYING STUFF!
The donations are about to turn into real things that families can enjoy. We’re now starting to buy supplies including activity resources, sensory items, games as well as useful but necessary bits and bobs. Every purchase is about helping create a welcoming, relaxed and enjoyable experience for our families.
FIRST MEET-UP DETAILS!
The countdown is officially on to our BOLD VIBES meet up at Heaton Park and honestly? We can’t wait!!!
Date: 28th June
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: (next to) Lakeside Café, Heaton Park
A relaxed afternoon for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and their families and carers. We invite you to bring along a favourite toy, game or hobby to show or share. Or just bring yourself! We’ll have activities, supplies, friendly faces and plenty of opportunities to meet other amazing humans who truly get it. Keep a close eye on our socials this week for lots more details.
With full and grateful hearts, we thank you for being part of this journey from day one. Week 2 has been incredible!
See you next week for another edition of BOLD VIBES.
Until then…
Stay bold. Stay brilliant. Stay vibing.
✨ The BOLD VIBES Team ✨
Building community, one vibe at a time
WEEK 2 HIGHLIGHTS
BLOG VIBES WEEK 1 - GO LIVE!
BOLD VIBES: Week One - What a Start!
Wow. What a first week it has been for BOLD VIBES.
Just over a week ago, BOLD VIBES was an idea fuelled by passion, determination and a belief that children, young people and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) deserve opportunities to connect, have fun and be celebrated. Today, that vision is beginning to take shape and we couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.
This week we officially launched our website, Instagram and Facebook pages. Seeing BOLD VIBES come to life online has been a huge milestone and has allowed us to start sharing our story, our values and our dreams with the wider community.
We also launched our Crowdfunder and have already raised an incredible £425. Every donation, share and word of encouragement reminds us that people believe in what we’re trying to build. To everyone who has supported us so far - thank you so much. You are helping to create something truly special.
One of the highlights of the week was being contacted by a national charity that has invited us to become an affiliated member. Knowing that an established organisation recognises our values and believes in our mission is both humbling and inspiring. We look forward to building this relationship and learning from others who share our commitment to inclusion and meaningful experiences.
We were also delighted to meet with a local authority representative to discuss exciting opportunities to strengthen the voice of individuals with PMLD and their families. The conversation was full of possibility, creativity and a shared desire to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. And of course, we firmly believe that making a difference should include plenty of fun along the way!
Behind the scenes, planning has already begun for our very first event. We’ve been researching equipment, sensory resources, activities and importantly, treats! We want every experience we create to be thoughtful, accessible, engaging, and filled with joy. There’s still lots to do, but we’re loving every minute of the process.
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming parts of this week has been the response from our community. Several wonderful people have come forward to volunteer their time, skills and talents. It is impossible to put into words how much this means. BOLD VIBES is about people coming together, and seeing others want to be part of that journey from the very beginning has been incredible.
To top it all off, one of our fabulous trustees completed the Manchester 10K and chose to fundraise for BOLD VIBES. What an amazing achievement! We are so grateful for the dedication, energy and commitment shown in support of our cause.
As week one comes to an end, we’re feeling grateful, motivated, and excited for what lies ahead. There is still a long road to travel, but the foundations are being built, connections are being made, and the BOLD VIBES community is already growing.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Here’s to week two and all the possibilities it brings.
The BOLD VIBES Team
WEEK 1 HIGHLIGHTS
What a first week! These snapshots showcase the people, partnerships, and positive moments that have marked the beginning of our journey. We're excited for what's ahead and grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.
