We all want to have fun, enjoy our hobbies, follow our interests, relax with friends, or go out for a day trip with our family.
Search the Norfolk Community Directory for things to do for children and young people with SEND that are suitable for the whole family. You can also find mainstream clubs and activities which are accessible to children and young people with SEND.
Weekly social club at the Vauxhall Centre in Norwich, featuring arts and crafts, drinks and confectionery, pool table, raffle and Bonus Ball game. Meets 7-9pm every Wednesday.
Venue: Vauxhall Centre, Johnson Place (off Vauxhall Street), Norwich NR2 2SA
Cost and booking: BUILD members £5, non-members £10. Payable on entry – no need to book, just turn up! Make sure you also bring money to spend in the tuck shop for refreshments.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Join BUILD for this monthly ‘Energise’ fitness session which will include a gentle exercise class for people of all abilities plus a bit of dancing, a bit of stretching and a lot of fun.
Open to people with disabilities, families and carers, BUILD volunteers and staff.
Dates:
Time: 7.30-8.30pm
Venue: Vauxhall Centre, Johnson Place (off Vauxhall Street), Norwich NR2 2SA
Cost and booking: Free for the first 12 people who book, £5 per person thereafter in advance (no activity support fee). Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes, trainers and bring a bottle of water. Please book by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of 15 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Join a small group for a fun and relaxed monthly Sunday lunch at a top local restaurant. ‘Bus Buddies’ from Norwich available.
Dates, times and venues:
Cost and booking: Pay for your own meal and drinks and bring money or bus pass for travel. £5 activity support fee for BUILD non-members. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of 12 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Tennis sessions for people with Down’s syndrome and their families who want to get active, have fun and meet new people!
Tennis is a great way to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing and can be adapted to suit everyone. Courts, rackets and balls can be adapted for all abilities.
Sundays, 10-11 am:
Venue: East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club, Lime Tree Road Norwich NR2 2NQ
Cost and bookings: £3 per session. To book call coach Derek Perry 07966 455012 or email derekperry@eatsc.org.uk.
Further information: Please go to norfolktennis.org/project/inclusive-tennis/
Come along and join in on this exciting new Monday night activity held every fortnight.
At these sessions you’ll get your chance to learn about and play the fun game of Boccia, which is accessible for all abilities.
Dates:
Time: 6.20-7.40pm
Venue: Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ
Cost and booking: £3 to be paid on the night (no activity support fee). Be sure to wear loose fitting comfortable clothes and trainers and bring a bottle of water. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of eight places.
Option 1: Meet at the Queen of the Iceni Wetherspoon’s at 5.30pm for pre-bowling dinner
Option 2: Meet at the Hollywood Bowl at 6.20pm to play two games of ten pin bowling
Dates:
Time: 5.30-8pm. Choose from either Option 1 or 2 above.
Cost and booking: £5.80 entry, plus £5 for BUILD non-members (activity support fee), and make sure you also bring money for food and drink. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of 16 places.
Tennis sessions for blind and partially sighted people who want to learn a new skill, get active and have fun! Open to players of any ability.
The Vision Impaired game is adapted through the use of smaller courts, a lower net, tactile court lines and audible tennis balls.
Tennis is a great way to improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing – you don’t need to be a talented sports person to experience its benefits!
Tuesdays, 2-3pm:
Venue: East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club, Lime Tree Road Norwich NR2 2NQ
Cost and bookings: £2 per session. To book call coach Derek Perry 07966 455012 or email derekperry@eatsc.org.uk.
Further information: Please go to norfolktennis.org/project/inclusive-tennis/
Nightclub party night in King’s Lynn each month with music, bar and dancing, specifically aimed at people with disabilities, their friends, families and supporters.
Entry for those aged 16 and over. Proof of age may be required.
Dates:
Time: 6.30-9pm
Venue: Dr Thirsty’s Club & Lounge, 22-24 Norfolk Street, King’s Lynn PE30 1AN
Cost and booking: £5 entry for people with disabilities, with up to two carers or supporters per person getting free entry. No need to book, just turn up and pay on the door. Make sure you also bring money for drinks at the bar, and dress to impress.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Tennis sessions for people with learning disabilities, including Down’s syndrome, and their families who want to get active, have fun and meet new people!
Tennis is a great way to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing and can be adapted to suit everyone. Courts, rackets and balls can be adapted for all abilities.
Dates and times: Every Friday during school term times from 11 January, 4.30-5.30pm
Venue: East Anglia Tennis & Squash Club, Lime Tree Road Norwich NR2 2NQ
Cost and bookings: £3 per session. To book call coach Derek Perry 07966 455012 or email derekperry@eatsc.org.uk.
Further information: Please go to norfolktennis.org/project/inclusive-tennis/
Monthly Saturday morning workshop sessions to support independent living skills.
Saturday 12 January - Blues Buster - 10.30am-12.30pm
Saturday 9 February - Keeping in touch - 10.30am-12.30pm
Saturday 9 March - Beginners First Aid - 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue: BUILD Offices, Church House, Church Alley, Redwell Street, Norwich NR2 4SN
Cost and booking: Free for BUILD members, £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of eight places.
Monthly planting and gardening activities centred around the BUILD allotment in Norwich.
Sunday 13 January, 10.30am-12.30pm at Café Bar Marzano, The Forum, Norwich NR2 1TF
Sunday 10 February, 10.30am-12.30pm at Notcutts Garden Centre, Daniels Road, Norwich NR4 6QP
Sunday 10 March, 10.30am-12.30pm at BUILD Allotment, Plumstead Road East, Norwich NR2 4SN
Cost and booking: Free for BUILD members, £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of eight places.
Come along to one of Norwich’s newest gym and fitness centres, where fitness coaches will support a fun monthly activity session to improve physical health at a pace to suit you.
Open to people with disabilities, families and carers, BUILD volunteers and staff.
Dates:
Time: 7.15-8.15pm
Venue: Norwich Fitness Academy, Unit 3, Guardian Road, Norwich NR5 8PF
Cost and booking: Free for the first 12 people who book! Thereafter £5 per person in advance (no activity support fee). Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes, trainers and bring a bottle of water. Please book by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of 15 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
A chance for 12 to 18-year-olds to take part in playful games, learn new theatre 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. Familiarisation visits and a short tour of Stage Two’s facilities can be arranged in advanced.
Dates and times: Thursdays 17 January to Thursday 28 March, 5-6.30pm
Venue: Stage Two, Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL
Cost: £80 per 10-week term (with break for half term)
Further information: Email Sam Patel (Participation Manager) at the Theatre Royal for details: s.patel@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Enjoy sampling a variety of international foods each month at a different Norwich restaurant and learning about other countries’ cuisines.
Date, times and venues:
Cost and booking: Pay for your own meal and drinks. £5 activity support fee for BUILD non-members. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of 12 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Public swimming sessions each month in Norwich’s Riverside Swimming Pool supported by the centre’s lifeguards.
Please be aware that BUILD staff and volunteers are not able to assist with dressing or personal care.
Dates:
Time: 11.30am-1pm
Venue: Riverside Swimming Pool, Wherry Road, Norwich NR1 1WX
Cost and booking: £5.10 entry (no activity support fee), and don’t forget your swimming costume, towel and a 20p coin for a locker. Maximum number of eight places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Get out and about with BUILD for a bracing springtime stroll!
Cost and booking: Free for BUILD members, £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Make sure you wear weather-appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring money (or bus pass) for any travel and for refreshments, and a bottle of water. Maximum number of 12 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
For all vision-impaired little ones under five, Rainbow Sparks, run by the Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind, is the fun place to be!With Musical Keys, the Sensory Rainbow Sparks Tent and the
Rainbow Sensory Room, there’s lots to do and always coffee and cakes!
NNAB’s ‘YoungEyes’ group aims to provide support, friendship, advice and fun activities for vision-impaired children and young people under 18 years old and their families in Norfolk.
As part of the support network in Norfolk they work very closely with the Virtual School Sensory Support and other local organisations, sharing training and ideas and working together on projects and events.
Dates:
Times: 10.30am-12pm
Venue: The Bradbury Activity Centre (NNAB), Beckham Place, Norwich NR3 3DZ
Further information: Phone Dorothy Bowen, ‘YoungEyes’ Co-ordinator at NNAB, on 01603 629558 or email dorothybowen@nnab.org.uk
Nightclub party night in Norwich with music, bar and dancing, specifically aimed at people with disabilities, their friends, families and supporters.
Entry for those aged 16 and over. Proof of age may be required.
Dates:
Time: 6.30-9pm
Venue: The Waterfront, 131-144 King Street, Norwich NR1 1QH
Cost and booking: £5 entry for people with disabilities, with up to two carers or supporters per person getting free entry. No need to book, just turn up and pay on the door. Make sure you also bring money for drinks at the bar.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Monthly group outings to the VUE Cinema in Norwich Castle Mall.
Please note that mainstream cinema showings change regularly, so the film on offer will not be decided until about a week before. Contact BUILD to register your interest and confirm attendance once you have been sent the details.
Dates:
Time: To be confirmed – matinee screening
Venue: Meet in foyer of VUE Cinema, Castle Mall, Norwich NR1 3DD
Cost and booking: £4.99 admission (pay at venue), plus £5 for BUILD non-members (activity support fee), and make sure you bring money for refreshments. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of eight places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Option 1: Meet at the Bowling Alley for a pre-bowling meal at 5.30pm
Option 2: Meet at the Bowling Alley at 6.20pm to play two games of ten pin bowling
Dates:
Time: 5.30-7.45pm. Choose from either Option 1 or Option 2 above.
Venue: Strikes Bowling Alley, Station Road, Dereham NR19 1DF
Cost and booking: £5.90 entry, plus £5 for BUILD non-members (activity support fee), and make sure you also bring money for food and drink. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand. Maximum number of eight places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Fully inclusive monthly cycling activity sessions run by Active Norfolk, suitable for disabled groups or disabled individuals (16 years and over) and their carers.
Only £1.50 per person.
Dates and times:
Venue: UEA Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ
Further information: Visit www.activenorfolk.org/disability or contact Ellen Vanlint at Active Norfolk at ellen.vanlint@activenorfolk.org or 01603 731566.
Are you 18 to 30 years old, unemployed, or working less than 16 hours a week?
The Prince’s Trust has a limited number of free places on its two-day Enterprise programme courses, which are all about helping you plan and start your own business.
Book a place on an information session in Norwich to find out about:
Dates and times:
Venue: Kings Centre, Kings Street, Norwich NR1 1PH
Bookings: Email Sam.Howlett@princes-trust.org.uk or text ‘Enterprise’ to 0761702828.
Love YouTube? Want to be the next big Vlogger?
Come along to Gaywood Library and learn the skills you need to create videos, structure a story and present with confidence on camera.
A free event for young people aged 13 and over.
Date, time and venue: Saturday 23 February, 10am to 12.30pm - Gaywood Library, River Lane, King's Lynn PE30 4HD
Booking is essential. Speak to staff at your local library in advance of the event. View all DigiFest events at www.norfolk.gov.uk/digifest or go to libraries@norfolk.gov.uk.
The return of the mighty Big BUILD Quiz for teams of up to four people and a maximum of 15 teams to win a £50 cash prize.
Teams must be booked in advance online on the Eventbrite site.
Full bar facilities on site and parking. Beneficiaries who wish to take part will need to form a team that includes one BUILD volunteer (3 plus 1), and three teams will be held back for this purpose.
This event is open to anyone, inside and outside of the BUILD Charity, and teams will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Date, time and venue: Monday 25 February, 6.30-9.30pm at The Talk, Oak Street, Norwich NR3 3BP
Cost and booking: £5 per person payable on the door, which will include entry into a prize draw
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
A minibus trip to Aylsham to find out about the Redwings animal sanctuary and meet its residents, including donkeys and horses – with the chance to sponsor one of the animals yourself.
Date, time and venue: Saturday 2 March, 10.45am-3.30pm at Redwings animal sanctuary, Spa Lane, Aylsham NR11 6UE
Cost and booking: £5 for BUILD members and carers to cover transport, plus £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please book and pay any fees by 20 February. Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear and bring some money for refreshments in the cafe and the gift shop. Maximum number of 12 places.
Further details: Please contact BUILD Charity info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure and learning opportunities to over 16 year olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website at www.buildcharity.co.uk.
Come along and see the Dereham Town Magpies take on the Bury Town Blues!
Meeting at and return to Norwich Bus Station. Bus Buddies from Norwich for all.
Date, time and venue: Saturday 23 March, 1.45-6pm (kick off at 3pm) at Dereham Football Club, Norwich Road, Dereham, NR20 3PX
Cost and booking: £8 ticket at the ground for BUILD members, plus £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please book and pay any fees by 13 March. Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring money (or bus pass) for travel. Maximum number of eight places.
Come along and get creative with an array of materials at this exciting workshop opportunity at the Puppet Theatre in Norwich.
Date, time and venue: Sunday 24 March, 1-3pm at Norwich Puppet Theatre, St James, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN
Cost and booking: £10 for BUILD members for the workshop, plus £5 for non-members (activity support fee). Please book and pay any fees by 14 March. Maximum number of 16 places.
See the spooky side of Norwich and hear all about the haunted places and ghosts that can be found around Norwich Castle!
This world-famous walk is led by local experts and will take you to many famous places noted for their strange and eerie happenings. Experience first-hand the unique charm of our historic city, its fine buildings, and its frightful history…
Date, time and venue: Saturday 30 March, 7.15-9.30pm - meeting place to be confirmed (Norwich Castle area)
Cost and booking: £7 per person to be paid in advance, plus £5 for BUILD non-members (activity support fee). Please book and pay any fees by 20 March. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Maximum number of 15 places.
A special residential break run by ASD Helping Hands that is open to those who are 12 and over and who either have or are affected by an autism spectrum disorder.
Set just outside the Norfolk village of Lyng, Norfolk Lakes offers a range of activities over 65 acres, ranging from water sport to archery and rifle shooting.
During this three-day break you will get to take part in many different activities led by experienced instructors and supported by trained ASD Helping Hands staff.
Dates: Monday 8 April to Wednesday 10 April
Venue: Manor Adventures, Norfolk Lakes, Lyng, Norwich NR9 5RS
Cost: £70 per person. There is an initial £35 deposit on booking plus another single payment of £35 required in January.
Further details: Please go to www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk/easterbreak for more information and to make an online booking.
A free event presented by Active Norfolk that is open to all over 16s with a disability.
Come and try a variety of sports, speak to lots of different charities, clubs and organisations, and learn about what happens in Norfolk across the year.
Date and time:
Venue: Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norwich NR4 7TJ
Bookings and further information: To confirm your place, call 01603 731566 or email Ellen Vanlint at Active Norfolk ellen.vanlint@activenorfolk.org. Go to www.activenorfolk.org/disability for further details.
Come along to the Forum for two packed days celebrating deaf culture!
Admission is free. There will be various stalls, organisations to meet and much more besides.
BSL interpreters and speech to text will be available at this event.
Dates and times:
Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May
10.00am to 4.00pm
Venue:
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1BH