Zest X-Change

Zest X-Change:

Our young adult social group

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Zest X-Change offers a place for young people to meet, engage in inclusive activities and share experiences. It is available for young adults aged 14 upwards to support the transition from children's services.

Ipswich X-Change dates:

When:
First Tuesday of every month
 6 Feb • 5 Mar • 2 Apr • 7 May • 4 Jun • 2 Jul • 6 Aug • 3 Sep • 1 Oct • 5 Nov • 3 Dec
Time:
4.30pm - 7.30pm
Where:
St Elizabeth Hospice, 565 Foxhall Rd, Ipswich, IP3 8LX

Colchester X-Change dates:

When:
One Wednesday per month
17 Jan • 21 Feb • 20 Mar • 17 Apr • 15 May • 19 Jun • 17 Jul • 21 Aug • 18 Sep • 16 Oct • 20 Nov • 18 Dec
Time:
4.30pm - 7.30pm
Where:
St Helena Hospice, Myland Hall Close, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9JU

The groups are family and socially orientated with fun, engaging activities in which everyone can take part, in a supportive environment. Clinical care is also provided if required.

The group enables our young adults to experience some independence as their families and carers leave them in the hands of capable staff and volunteers to enjoy playing inclusive sports, joining in with creative and sensory activities, music or playing quizzes and games.

Zest X-Change provides the opportunity for young adults to visit the hospice regularly, to enable positive relationships to be built and for us to grow in our understanding about your care needs and what is important to you.

This often can be helpful before young adults and their families access our other services - for example, Short Breaks.

This also enables their families to have some respite or perhaps enjoy some complementary therapy.

Staffing at X-Change is shared between Zest staff, East Anglian Children's Hospice (EACH) and Ipswich Hospital for a co-ordinated approach to support patients and families.

Zest X-Change includes:
  • Creative activities, such as clay moulding, painting etc.
  • Sporting activities in our gym including; boccia, archery and polybat
  • Access to our Sensory Room
  • Complementary therapy
  • A meal
  • Clinical care if needed
  • Plus celebratory events

Sibling support

Brothers and sisters aged 8+ are invited along to family nights which are held periodically through the year.

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Parent support

At the end of every Zest X-Change, from 6.15pm– 7.15pm, we run a parent peer support group for parents and carers to attend.

Providing them with the opportunity to discuss any issues, offer advice and to support to each other.

It’s also a forum for them to share their thoughts on how we can improve the service for young people.

Discover Zest services & dates

Zest currently offers a range of services for young adults and their families, including Zest Voices where you can have your say.

Click the buttons below to find out more:

The extras

We also offer fun activities for young adults and their families throughout the year to help you have a fun day or evening out whilst enjoying spending time together.

In the past we have gone sailing, visited a farm, gone ten pin bowling, had a trip to Felixstowe and had a picnic and rounders in the park.

Be part of our community

We are always looking for more volunteers to join us and help at Zest X-Change.

We provide opportunities for young people to volunteer aged 16 years upwards and can offer a supportive and fun environment to gain invaluable experiences.

Also, if you have a hobby or activity you would like to share or if you would like to support the group please get in touch and make a quick enquiry.

Volunteering is a great way to boost your CV, gain new skills, make new friends and is a great way to support the hospice.

See all our volunteer vacancies. If you can't find the role that you want, please email volunteer@stelizabethhospice.org.uk

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