Strictly and Bake off stars entertain public receiving care

The stars of Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bake Off have come together to entertain hundreds of people reliant on care by showing them how to have fun with interactive classes online.

BBC 1's Strictly show finalist and award-winning dancer, Vincent Simone was happy to show the public how to salsa in a few simple steps when he delivered his third ‘accessible’ dance class on October 4 via the charity website www.What-To-Do.co.uk.

Strictly salsa from Vincent Simone

Created by the social care charity Community Integrated Care (CIC), the website offers people needing care free, accessible, live activities and showed off the Italian star’s enthusiasm and charismatic persona as he played the role of dance tutor for the audience watching at home.

Mr Simone, who has danced on the hit BBC 1 TV show Strictly Come Dancing with EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy, actress Felicity Kendal and ex-government minister Edwina Currie, said of his online salsa teaching experience for the charity: “It was simply a joy to take part in our session and spend time with people supported by Community Integrated Care.

“Seeing the participants having so much fun, and exercising too, was an absolute pleasure.”

‘Baking has really helped my mental health’

Great British Bake off TV star Lizzie Acker entertained hundreds of people across the care sector on 6 October at 6.30pm by delivering a free baking experience on www.What-To-Do.co.uk.

Lizzie Acker first appeared on Season 12 of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off. On the TV show, Lizzie shared that she was dyslexic and also has ADHD. She even showed her neurodiversity through some of her popular bakes.

Ms Acker has openly shared how dyslexia has affected her life and has advocated for neurodiversity to become more accepted within society.

Lizzie Acker hosted an exclusive live bake-along experience teaching people how to make simple but delicious cookies and encouraged them to become a ‘Star Baker’ for the day.

Such interactive online experiences are aimed at stopping people from feeling isolated and alone and boosting their mood and skills.

Lizzie Ackers said: “Baking has really helped my mental health and wellbeing, so I’m looking forward to sharing this recipe. Doing Bake-Alongs is always great fun and Community Integrated Care’s What To Do platform is a fantastic way to connect with a lot of people from all over the country. I’m excited to meet everyone.”

Online activities are available free via the charity’s website. Community Integrated Care welcomes anyone who wants to enjoy activities throughout the week - such as sports classes with Manchester City - to log-on and join in.

With more than 25,000 hours of activity experiences enjoyed since its launch in 2021, the charity says it is changing lives across the country. It supports over 2,500 people with a wide range of care needs including people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health concerns. It employs more than 5,000 staff across England and Scotland.

Sam Turner, digital inclusion manager at the charity Community Integrated Care, said: “We are thrilled to see two of TV’s most popular shows, Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bake Off in the homes of hundreds of people who access care and support."