SEND News and Updates for Young People

This page is frequently updated with the latest news and updates for young people with SEND, this includes a range of local activities and useful resources.

Join us at the next Sutton Youth Board – a session run by young people, for young people, giving them a real chance to make their voices heard!

Date: Thursday, 13th March 2025

Time: 4:30 - 6:00 PM

Venue: 1st Floor Study Area, Sutton Central Library

This session is all about:

• Young people leading the discussion on mental health in schools

• Collaborating to create key questions for local decision-makers

• Holding council leaders, MPs, and key figures accountable for real change

Young people attending will not only have the opportunity to shape important conversations but will also receive direct responses from senior decision-makers after the event. Snacks and drinks provided!

Help Shape World Autism Acceptance Events in Sutton

Are you an autistic young person, family member, or a professional supporting autistic people? We need YOU!

By filling out our short form, you'll play a vital role in creating events and activities that celebrate and support our autistic community. Your ideas and experiences are valued and will guide how we mark this special month.

Click here to fill out the form [External Link]

London Futures Programme

The Change Foundation are recruiting for their London Futures programme, which is an employability and sport programme for 18 - 30-year-olds with a disability who would like to play some sport, meet new people and feel part of a community, as well as receive support around the skills needed for the world of work.

London Futures will be running weekly sport and employability sessions starting on Wednesday 19th March from 4:30pm - 6pm at In2Sport, 40 Harbord Square, E14 9QH, Canary Wharf.

We are looking to recruit 18 – 30 year olds who are job ready, are independent travellers and who need that extra support in kickstarting their future careers.

For more information please contact Ryan Jones: ryanjones@changefdn.org.uk / 07824589517

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation - Valentines Club Night

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation with DJ Patrin presents Valentines Club Night.

When: 22nd February, 7pm

Where: The VBS Community Stadium

Contact Charlie to get your tickets:

Whatsapp: https:/wa.me/447553172864

Email: Charlie@TheFantasticFreddieFoundation.com

Phone: 07553 172864

Calibre Audio are providing free audiobooks to children and young people under 25 with SEND

Calibre Audio is a national charity, their service makes books and stories accessible to children who find reading print difficult.

Check out their website for more information [External Link].

The Diamond Centre are hosting Unmounted Activities

The Diamond Centre are offering unmounted activities for disabled participants. Their sessions give fulfilling and enriching experiences with horses, where participants can spend time with one of their ponies, enjoying the therapeutic benefit that interacting with these friendly, trusting animals brings.

Where: The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders, Woodmansterne Road, Carshalton.

To book your place you can call them on: 02086437764 or email them at: activity.leader@diamondcentre.org.uk

For more information about The Diamond Centre you can visit their website [External Link].

The Autism Project are currently recruiting for their January and September cohort 2025

The Autism Project would like to invite you to attend one of their monthly Zoom information sessions. The sessions are a chance to hear from staff and ask them questions.

When:

• November 29th 2024, 1:00pm

• December 27th 2024, 1:00pm

• January 31st 2025, 1:00pm

• February 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• March 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• April 25th 2025, 1:00pm

• May 30th 2025, 1:00pm

• June 27th 2025, 1:00pm

If you would like to attend then click on the link to register [External Link]

Orchard Hill College - Club House

Orchard Hill College presents Club House, a monthly accessible and inclusive club night at Sutton United Football Club. Open to everyone 16+, featuring a Live DJ.

Next events:

• Thursday 14th November 2024

• Thursday 12th December 2024

• Thursday 23rd January 2025

• Thursday 27th February 2025

• Tuesday 27th March 2025

Where: Sutton United Football Club, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, SM1 2EY

Book your tickets at Eventbrite [External Link], or you can pay cash or card at the door. Tickets cost £6 and one carer per ticket comes for free.

Ambitious Youth Network

Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people. This network is a space for autistic young people, between the ages of 16-25 to meet other autistic young people, take on new paid opportunities, and join one of our group panels. The network is a fun and friendly space for autistic young people to be themselves. Find out more about the Ambitious Youth Network [External Link].

Education Catch up 

The Department for Education (DfE) is supporting catch-up programmes and fun activities for all children and young people in England. Get in touch with your school or local authority to find out what’s available in your area.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more [External Link].

Online Movie Club and other activities hosted by Springboard

Springboard is hosting a range of weekly online activities for SEND young people/adults aged 14-25.

Download the flyer to find out more about Springboard's online sessions [External Link].

Transition to employment toolkit launched by Ambitious about Autism and the Autism Education Trust

A new employment toolkit to support autistic young people in the job market is now available. The toolkit aims to prevent autistic young people from falling out of education, employment or training when they leave school. The toolkit is not just for young autistic people to use, but also to help professionals and employers better understand the needs and skills of young autistic people.

View the Toolkit on the Ambitious about Autism website [External Link].

Please note that these services are NOT commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton.

Are you aged 16-24, have an Education, Health and Care Plan and want to work?

Mencap's Supported Internship programme supports young people to make the important step from education to employment.

Learn more about Mencap: Supported Internships on the LBS website [External Link].