Being our best selves (BOBS) is a social and creative programme, supporting disabled people and their carers to achieve and maintain happy hearts, brains and bodies.  Activity is focussed on creating a personal journal with structured activities, supported by access to our BOBS coaches via face to face sessions, videos, and online groups, developing the tools we all need to be our best selves.

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BOBS Beginnings

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BOBS began as a pilot project in 2019 aiming to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of the members of the band Delta 7 and their families and carers. The pilot ran for 10 sessions over a period of nearly 4 months, ending in December 2019.  During this period, attendance at group sessions grew from 12 to 30 participants in total, some attending all sessions, others occasionally. The initial 12 comprised of the core members of Delta 7, support staff, and carers. Additional participants were carers (both paid and unpaid) and friends, invited by members of Delta 7. 

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"The feeling at the end of every BOBs group was complete and utter joy and excitement which is (in my experience) entirely unique amongst mental health improvement projects. I believe this was due to the combination of a completely trusting environment, a chance for people to discuss their successes in the exercises (mental and physical) set the week before, and a brilliantly fun workout section!”  Jessica Towner, BOBS pilot co-facilitator  

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The objectives were set by members at the beginning of the pilot:

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• look and feel better 

• be more active  

• be healthier in terms of diet and physical activity  

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Each of the project sessions was structured to include elements of physical activity, social interaction, and personal development.   

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The impact of the pilot sessions included: 

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• Social benefits - a sense of inclusion and belonging  

• Physical health benefits – increased levels of activity  

• Mental health benefits – improved self-confidence and resilience  

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"It hasn’t made my problems go away but I feel a bit stronger to deal with them" Project participant 

 

Click here to download the Pilot Project Evaluation Report.

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Bobs Bulletins

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Based on successful strategies from the BOBS pilot, and with support from Eastbourne Town Council Disability Inclusion Fund, we created a series of resources available to all, to help people through the COVID-19 crisis and were delivered during the summer of 2020. These resources are available free below. 

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Download Chapter ONE of Being Our Best Selves In Lockdown here

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Download Chapter TWO of Being Our Best Selves In Lockdown here 

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Download Chapter THREE of Being Our Best Selves In Lockdown here

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Download Chapter FOUR of Being Our Best Selves In Lockdown here

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bobs now

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Our Being Our Best Selves programme has been awarded a 3 year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, supporting learning disabled adults to connect with each other and improve their health and wellbeing in creative ways. 

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Learn more about this BOBS in Sussex programme by clicking here

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Below you can watch films produced for the BOBS Programme during the Covid 19 lockdown:

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