Day Opportunities
Our day opportunities are designed to empower individuals, build confidence, and create a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can grow, connect, and achieve their goals.
Whether it’s learning new skills, engaging with the local community, or simply spending time in a supportive space, we’re here to make a meaningful difference.
Our day opportunities are flexible and person-centred, offering individuals the chance to attend from one to five days per week. Each day is shaped around the needs, wishes, and aspirations of those who attend, focusing on life skills, and experiences that may otherwise be difficult to access.
We work in close partnership with commissioners and local authority social work teams to ensure our services continue to meet the evolving needs of the community. By listening, adapting, and staying focused on outcomes, we’re proud to offer a service that not only supports individuals, but helps them flourish.
Our brand new Day Opportunities location opens in Wareham on Monday 22nd September.
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 Manager
“Starting as a support worker with EMA 7 years ago, stepping into this new role at EMA has been an exciting opportunity to help shape something truly meaningful. Day opportunities are about more than just activities, they’re about connection, growth, and giving people the space to discover what independence means to them.
My hope is that we continue to build a service where every individual feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their potential. Whether it’s learning new skills, making friends, or simply feeling part of something, I want our day opportunities to be a place where people genuinely thrive.”
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.
