Things to do for children and young people with SEND

Delivered by The Benjamin Foundation, Future Builders is an exciting new project giving young people aged 16 to 25 the opportunity to renovate homes.

This new project will provide young people who are vulnerably housed or affected by homelessness with the opportunity to learn construction and property renovation skills in two homes in North Walsham – while giving them the training they need to gain an apprenticeship or full time work.

You will learn about plastering, carpentry, plumbing, tiling, redecoration and brickwork. The skills and experience you acquire can help to build your CV and confidence, helping to shape your future.

For young people starting apprenticeships and wanting more independence, there's also an opportunity to live in the newly renovated homes. The rent will be cheaper than normal, making it more affordable for those who are just starting out or on a lower income.

There are no entry requirements, other than being keen to learn construction skills and being available to complete a six month programme.

Contact Michala Howarth: email michala.howarth@benjaminfoundation.co.uk, phone 07976 851202 or go to benjaminfoundation.co.uk/service/future-builders

‘G.O.Y.A.’ stands for ‘Get Off Your A***’ – Active Norfolk are offering free sport and physical activity sessions open to young people aged 14-20.

Multi-sports every Friday between 6pm and 8pm. Meet new people, learn new skills, get in shape!

All abilities welcome – just turn up and have a go.

Venue:

Eileen Ash Sports Hall, Hewett Academy, Norwich NR1 2PL

Would you like to work in the outdoors?

Are you from Norfolk or North Suffolk?  Does your confidence need a boost?

‘Lift Off’ trials are short term work experience opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to find employment in the environment sector.

If you are 16 or over, and not in work, education or training, find out if you are eligible by emailing ella.meecham@norfolk.gov.uk.

For more information visit www.pathmakers.org.uk.

Three YAB Wellbeing Days in North Norfolk – a chance for young people to put wellbeing theory into practice!

Experience the great outdoors in a Forest School activity, learn a simple exercise routine and relaxation techniques to use at home, and come together to prepare a group lunch.

This event is free to young people aged 11 to 19, all equipment is provided, and every participant will receive a wellbeing resources bag.

Dates and times:

• Wednesday 31 July, 10am-1.45pm
• Wednesday 28 August, 10am-1.45pm
• Wednesday 23 October, 10am-1.45pm

Venue:  Holt Hall, Kelling Road, Holt NR25 6RT

Bookings and further information:  Please contact Lynn Friel (youth and community worker, Bridge into Community) bridgeintocommunity@gmail.com on 07534 375776.

An autumn half-term opportunity in Norwich for young filmmakers from across the county aged 16-19 years.

The BFI Film Academy aims to help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers, supporting talented and committed young people to develop the commercial and cultural knowledge and skills to help make a career in film a reality.

This course offers training for every film industry role, from writing and directing through to production, sound design, editing and camera.

It takes a hands-on approach to filmmaking through a combination of workshops and practical skills development. It also provides learning around film history and cinematic storytelling to inspire an appreciation of film culture in the round.

The course is delivered by local production company Creative Nation and is held at The Media Suite at the University of East Anglia. It has been especially designed for young people with some demonstrable film making experience.

Date and time: Saturday 19 to Friday 25 October, 10am to 5pm

Bookings and further information: The cost is £25. Bursaries and financial assistance are available. For more details and to complete the simple application process, visit
www.creative-nation.co.uk/filmacademy/. Please note that applications close at noon on Friday 4 October. To find out more about BFI Film Academy go to www.bfi.org.uk/education-research. 

• Thriller Musical Theatre (7-12 years)
  22 and 23 October
• Make Your Own Halloween Costume (7-12 years)
  22 and 23 October
• YouTube Music Video (7-12 years)
  22 and 23 October
• OPEN Ghost Hunt (7-12 years)
  22 and 23 October
• Little Kids Witches & Wizards (4-6 years)
  22 October
• Little Kids Superhero & Villains (4-6 years)
  23 October
• Little Kids Arts & Crafts (4-6 years)
  23 October
• Film & Perform (7-12 years)
  24 and 25 October
• Detective Academy (7-12 years)
  24 and 25 October
• Stop Fright Animation (7-12 years)
  24 and 25 October
• Little Kids Mad Science (4-6 years)
  24 October
• Little Kids Circus Skills (4-6 years)
  24 October
• Zombie Academy (7-12 years)
  25 October
• Spooky Creative Writing (7-12 years)
  25 October

Venue:
OPEN Youth Trust 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF

Cost and bookings:
4-6 year olds sessions: £16 per person plus booking fee. 7-12 year olds sessions: £30 per person plus booking fee. For more information call 01603 252110 or email activities@opennorwich.org.uk. Book via the Open Norwich website

A half term opportunity for 10 to 14 year olds to take part in playful games, learn new drama skills and work together in an inclusive, friendly and supportive space at Norwich Theatre Royal.

Theatre of Possibility encourages communication and inspires confidence. It is a place where young people can relax and be themselves while meeting new people and having fun.

These sessions are suited for young people who have autism spectrum conditions, their siblings and their friends.

Please note: Familiarisation visits and a short tour of Stage Two’s facilities can be arranged in advance.

Dates and times: Thursday 24 October and Friday 25 October, 10.00am to 12.00pm

Venue: Stage Two, Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL

Cost and bookings: £16.00 per person. Book online using the Norwich Theatre Royal Website.

Further information: Please contact the Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000.

A new conservation group has been launched in Thetford to give a wide range of people the chance to get close to nature and help look after some of the town’s fantastic green open space.

Thetford Conservation Group will run free activities for volunteers every Thursday, with a mixture of practical conservation tasks and opportunities to learn more about local natural history.

The group will tackle a wide variety of tasks, from bringing abandoned allotment plots back into use to helping conserve rare wildflower species on Barnham Cross Common and planting bulbs and trees.

• Thursday 7 November, Barnham Cross Common - opening out overgrown footpaths and restoring ponds
• Thursday 14 November, Barnham Cross Common - cutting back scrub from open pasture to protect Breckland plants
• Thursday 21 November, School Place - bulb and tree planting to add year-round nectar sources
• Thursday 28 November, Frederick’s Wood - bulb and tree planting to enhance the woodland habitat
• Thursday 5 December, Barnham Cross Common - clearing back scrub that is shading out wildflowers
• Thursday 12 December, Barnham Cross Common - cutting back invasive birch seedlings from the open common land where Breckland rarities thrive
• Thursday 19 December, Maine Street Woods - the holly and the ivy – although mainly holly! Make a traditional decorative wreath and maybe grab a cup of Xmas cheer.

Sessions run from 10am-12.30pm and 1-3.30pm on site unless otherwise stated. The contact number to call on the day is 07553 388 551. Participants must be over 18 to take part. You don’t usually have to book, but if you would find it helpful to ask anything before coming on a project for the first time, you can contact the organisers. All tools, protective equipment and tea/coffee are provided. Please wear old work clothes suitable for the weather.

Further information: Contact Mark Webster, countryside and planning officer at Thetford Town Council markwebster@thetfordtowncouncil gov.uk on 07553 388 551.

A conference for young people and professionals from across Norfolk.

Hear from experts in the field and take part in workshops.

Date and time: Thursday 7 November, 9am-4.30pm

Venue: Dereham Memorial Hall, 62A Norwich Street, Dereham NR19 1AD

Cost: Free for young people, £10 for professionals (lunch provided).

Further information: Contact participation@map.uk.net or call 07881 334 755.

Fun for all the family at Suffolk Owl Sanctuary this Yuletide – advance booking for Father Christmas essential!

Come and see:

• Father Christmas in his Yuletide grotto with a gift for every visitor
• Santa’s sleigh
• The Christmas elves…plus the owls, eagles, falcons, buzzards, vultures, meerkats and red squirrels

Dates and times:

• Saturday 30 November, 10am to 5pm
• Sunday 1 December, 10am to 5pm - includes BSL signed visits to Father Christmas for the deaf

Venue: Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal IP14 6AT

Bookings: Admission is free but visits to Father Christmas cost £3.50 (including gift). Call 03456 807897 (option 3) to book your timed tickets to see Father Christmas and avoid the queue!

Further information: Go to www.owl-help.org.uk

Audio described performance:

• Saturday 11 January at 2.30pm
  Audio described performances are delivered live during a performance via headsets available from the Welcome Point. Booking in the front stalls is recommended.

Signed performance:

• Sunday 12 January at 1pm
  A BSL interpreter will stand on the stage and give a signed interpretation of what is sung or spoken by the actors on the stage. The signer will usually stand stage left. Booking in the Centre Front Stalls is recommended.

Captioned performance:

• Sunday 12 January at 5pm
  During this performance there will be caption units displaying spoken or sung words as they are delivered on stage. It’s best to avoid the front three rows when booking in order to view the captions comfortably.

Relaxed performance – specially suited for those with autism:

• Thursday 16 January at 5pm
  Please telephone the box office on 01603 630000 for more details.

Venue: Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL

Further information: Top price seats at all performances are half price for those registered blind or partially sighted and this concession is offered to one companion. For ticketing details please ask at the Theatre Royal box office on 01603 630000.

The Prince's Trust, in partnership with The British Racing School in Newmarket, is offering a free one-week residential course next year.

16-25 year olds who are not in education, employment or training have the unique opportunity to work alongside thoroughbred race horses and learn all about the horse racing industry.

Learn about horse behaviour, horse handling and practical horse care, riding, yard work and best turned out training. And your accommodation, travel and meals are all provided for free!

Dates have yet to be confirmed. To express an interest in joining this 2020 programme, please contact peter.hennessey@princes-trust.org.uk.