About chapters
Meet Niki Fowler
Chapters founder
Niki has always had a love of exercise and keeping fit so when she lived in Turkey and found out that a young lady with additional needs wanted to go to an exercise class, she started her own class for the ex-pat community.
In the summer running aquarobics classes in the swimming pool whilst in the winter running a mixture of aerobics and circuit training classes. When she moved back to the UK and got a job with a charity supporting people with learning disabilities and other additional needs she was surprised to find that most groups who provided group activities were sitting around the table doing crafts or playing games.
Niki felt that within the groups the people needed to be far more active so developed a boot camp where each service user completed a circuit of simple exercises and was timed. Because of so many different abilities within the group they couldn't compete against each other so each week they had to try and beat their own last weeks' time.
Everybody within the group would be cheering them on to do well so it was a really positive experience for the service users. Chapters will use this experience and build on it. In the summer we will do exercise and activities outside in the fresh air whilst in the winter we will do more structured exercises in the hall.
Our vision is that when someone attends a chapters activity they will be engaged both mentally and physically. Chapters philosophy is that members should enjoy a variety of fun activities throughout the session to keep their body and minds engaged and have the best possible time. Niki has replicated her previous experience in developing activities like healthy cooking, fun with music, sporting activities like boccia and tennis, and lots more.
Our Values
Empowering through inclusion and embracing diversity
At our activity group, we embrace fun and respect, prioritize wellbeing and learning, and radiate compassion for all our members' unique needs.
Fun
The most important thing is to have fun in a safe, trustworthy environment.
Respect
Being allowed to be true to yourself and valued for who you are and what you can offer.
Wellbeing
A safe place to build on your physical and mental health whilst building personal resilience and improving health and fitness.
Learning
Enabling everyone to progress their skills through life activities to feel a sense of achievement.
Compassion
Staff providing professional care and empathy to support members to fulfil their potential.
Our Activities
Learn life's lessons through engaging activities
Chapters have got you covered with thrilling outdoor adventures, artsy and crafty creations, energising exercise sessions, and social events that rock, like our epic discos.
With activities tailored to suit every ability and interest, there's never a dull moment at Chapters!
Music
As well as Samba Drumming, karaoke and music workshops our members take part in discos with musical games and learn to jive sessions.
Band sessions and DJ time where members can 'spin the discs' are also popular.
Exercise
It is very important that our members exercise to keep active. We offer aerobic exercise activities and run boot camps as well as playing sports like tennis and boccia.
Trying new sporting activities keeps things exciting.
Outdoor Activities
We offer a range of outdoor activities including day trips and local walks as well as summer picnics with rounders and other games in the park.
Trips to the seaside, theme parks and to cities are always popular with our members.
Cooking for health & well-being
You are what you eat so learning to cook good food that helps to make our members feel better both physically and mentally is important to us.
Members learn about cooking with fresh ingredients, following a recipe, budgeting and menu planning.
