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.

Mates and Dates

Mates and Dates is a new initiative starting in 2025 that looks to combat the disadvantages that the disabled community face when looking to form new relationships.

Mates and Dates is a monthly event that creates a relaxed and safe environment for people with additional needs to come and engage in fun workshops.

Through these workshops our attendees will get to meet new people and naturally form connections either in a romantic or a friendship sense, in a stress free environment

Next event is being held on Wednesday 30th April

To register for this initiative or if you have any questions please contact us on the details below!

charlie@thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com

SEN Trampolining

Everyone Active The Phoenix Centre's Special Educational Needs Trampolining!

Suitable for Adults with learning & physical disabilities.

Every Saturday: 12:00pm - 13:00pm or 13:00pm - 14:00pm

£6.70 per session (card payment only).

Book online or in-centre.

Email for more information:

phoenixinfo@everyoneactive.com

Call centre to confirm sessions are running before attending:

0208 773 6060

Mates and Dates

Mates and Dates is a new initiative starting in 2025 that looks to combat the disadvantages that the disabled community face when looking to form new relationships.

Mates and Dates is a monthly event that creates a relaxed and safe environment for people with additional needs to come and engage in fun workshops.

Through these workshops our attendees will get to meet new people and naturally form connections either in a romantic or a friendship sense, in a stress free environment

First event is being held on March 29th

To register for this initiative or if you have any questions please contact us on the details below!

charlie@thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com

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]

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].