Day Opportunities
Our service is designed to empower individuals, foster independence, and provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Whether it’s developing new skills, engaging with the local community, or simply finding a supportive and welcoming environment, we’re here to make a difference.
EMA’s day opportunities offer an environment for individuals to attend from one to five days per week, with the aim of providing opportunities they may otherwise have limited access to, as well as building essential life skills and work-based skills based on their own needs, wishes, and goals.
We work closely with commissioners and local authority social work teams to ensure that the services continue to positively impact those attending while also meeting the needs and demands of the local area.
Dorchester, Dorset
We’ve recently relocated our Moreton-based Day Opportunities to a brand-new location in central Dorchester, officially opening in January 2025. While we’re proud of the services we have offered in Moreton over the years, the growing needs and aspirations of our clients made it clear that it was time for an upgrade.
Now based in the heart of our county town, EMA’s new Dorchester location brings us closer than ever to key community connections — just minutes, or even seconds, from our doorstep. With easier access to work experience and enrichment opportunities, along with the fantastic offerings of local cafés and amenities, EMA attendees will find day-to-day activities, such as getting a haircut or visiting the bank, more convenient than ever.
The building itself has been completely refurbished to suit our needs. With kitchen facilities and recreational spaces, we can now better support the development of life skills, arts and crafts, and a variety of activities that promote independence, confidence, and meaningful relationships. This move marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide the best opportunities, and we’re excited about what the future holds
Take a look inside our Dorchester location!
Gillingham, North Dorset
The Gillingham Day Opportunities are run from the same site as our education provision, creating a vibrant and multi-faceted hub for EMA. This service has successfully empowered young people to develop valuable skills and move into paid employment when this has been their individual goal. It offers a wide range of activities, including a pop-up café, skittles, cycling, gym sessions, games, crafts, and various outings to complement any work-based programmes. The service continues to grow and thrive.
Recently, the Gillingham social care provision gained dedicated space previously used for commercial operations. We installed new staff offices, enabling more efficient operations, and reallocated former indoor areas to better accommodate EMA attendees. Work is underway to create a new independent living suite, with plans to install exercise equipment and a sensory area that will be available to both social care attendees and EMA education students.
Situated on the edge of town, the Gillingham site offers a tranquil and calm environment, away from the bustle of public spaces. This peaceful location doesn’t isolate us from the community, though — thanks to our EMA minibuses, we stay well-connected and actively participate in local activities and projects.
Ant Morris – Day Opportunities Senior, Dorchester
“I am committed to leading a vibrant and inclusive environment where individuals can learn, grow, and thrive. My role involves coordinating engaging activities, supporting skill development, and ensuring the day service runs smoothly and effectively. I am excited to have such a great space now available to the young people we support and look forward to all the new opportunities this brings!”
Millie Telfer – Social Care Support Worker, Dorchester
“I provide 1:1 support to individuals within the day opportunities hub in Dorchester. This involves building a strong relationship with individuals, to meet their needs which go beyond that which can be met within shared support. I have been with EMA just under a year and I am enjoying my new role and supporting individuals to integrate with their community.”
Sam Moors – Day Opportunities Senior, Gillingham
“I oversee the day to day running of our Gillingham social care site. With many years experience in support work, I love organising enriching activities for the individuals at EMA. Whether it’s arts and crafts, community projects, excursions, singing and dancing to maintenance and gym sessions, I enjoy being directly involved in the experience for our clients.
I’m also a point of contact for family members and carers, and work hard to build meaningful relationships so we can ensure we are offering the best service to everyone who attends.”
Timetables
Day opportunities timetables are tailored to the individual. Click the button to take a look at what an example week may look like for one of our attendees.
Newman
Many of our clients attend multiple provisions and we pride ourselves on a collaborative approach between them, their families, and other providers to ensure the best possible experience for the individual.
Newman graduated from EMA education 2023, and has since transitioned into adult social care where he currently attends 3 days per week.
Newman requires support but this hasn’t stopped him from continuing to develop his own independence and participating in a range of activities which keep him busy and enable him to put learnt skills into practice.
Newman’s mum says “He is so much better at using his own voice, and is able to build strong relationships with people, like the one he has with his personal trainer, with whom he attends the gym every week, doing his best to keep healthy, and track his body fat loss progress. He is really happy and it’s brilliant to see.”
He is involved in diverse community projects with EMA’s adult social care such as Shaftesbury in Bloom. He has moved into Supported Living with his own flat. EMA works collaboratively with his supported living provider as well as his other day provision to ensure continuity and familiarity for Newman in achieving his goals.
