Things to do for children and young people with SEND

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:

• 8 January
• 12 February
• 12 March
• 9 April
• 14 May
• 11 June
• 9 July

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/

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/

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.

• 3 April featuring bingo
• 10 April featuring disco and women’s group
• 17 April featuring disco, cookery group and a special Easter surprise!
• 24 April featuring disco and cookery group
• 1 May featuring karaoke
• 8 May featuring disco and women’s group
• 15 May featuring disco and cookery group
• 22 May featuring disco and cookery group
• 29 May featuring Fun with Sheila!
• 5 June featuring indoor games
• 12 June featuring disco and women’s group
• 19 June featuring disco and cookery group
• 26 June featuring disco and cookery group

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 at 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 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: 

• Monday 8 April
• Monday 29 April
• Monday 13 May
• Monday 10 June
• Monday 24 June

Time:  6.20pm to 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.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at 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 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:

• Tuesday 16 April
• Tuesday 7 May
• Tuesday 21 May
• Tuesday 4 June
• Tuesday 18 June

Time:  5.30-8pm.  Choose from either Option 1 or Option 2 above.

Cost and booking:  £6.20 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.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at 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.

Enjoy sampling a variety of international foods each month at a different Norwich restaurant and learning about other countries’ cuisines.

Plus monthly food themed quiz.

Dates, times and venues:

Thursdays, 7-9pm

• Spain - 18 April at Torero Bar de Tapas, Fye Bridge Street, Norwich NR3 1LJ
• England - 16 May at Grosvenor Fish Bar, 28 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EL
• Turkey - 20 June at Haggle, 13 St Benedict’s Street, Norwich NR2 4PE

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 at 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:

• Saturday 20 April
• Saturday 18 May
• Saturday 15 June

Time:  11.30am-1pm

Venue:  Riverside Swimming Pool, Wherry Road, Norwich NR1 1WX

>strong>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. Please book and pay any fees by ten days beforehand.  Maximum number of eight places.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at 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 early summer stroll!

Catton Park

• Sunday 21 April, 2.15pm to 4.30pm
• Meet at Norwich Bus Station Stand (or at 2.45pm at the Oak Lane entrance to Catton Park) for a relaxing walk in one of Norwich’s favourite parks to experience its mixed woodland and flower meadow.  Please note that there is no refreshment stop on this walk.

Trowse

• Sunday 19 May, 1-4.10pm
• Meet at Norwich Bus Station, or at 1.20pm at the bus stop by Trowse Primary School, to explore the woods and common of Trowse village, stopping at the White Lion pub afterwards.

Swainsthorpe

• Sunday 16 June, 1.30-4pm
• Meet at Norwich Bus Station, or at 1.50pm at SugarBeat Eating House car par, for a stroll through the village and its surrounding countryside, finishing with refreshments back at SugarBeat.

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 for any travel and refreshments, and a bottle of water.  Should you wish to travel by bus from Norwich city centre with BUILD volunteers, be sure to say so when you book.  Maximum number of 12 places.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at 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.

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:

• Thursday 25 April
• Thursday 30 May
• Thursday 27 June

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 at info@buildcharity.co.ukor 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:  

• Sunday 28 April
• Sunday 26 May
• Sunday 30 June

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 at info@buildcharity.co.ukor 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:

• Tuesday 30 April
• Tuesday 28 May
• Tuesday 25 June

Time:  5.30pm to 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 at info@buildcharity.co.ukor 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.

Gain new skills with the Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service on the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, a free personal development course that will make you more confident, motivated and improve your ability to work with others.

• Pick up new skills and qualifications
• Mix with new people and make new friends
• Improve your chances of moving into a job, education or training
• Get help with job-hunting, mock interviews and writing your CV
• Make a difference in your community
• …and most importantly… get a big boost to your confidence and a real sense of achievement! 

This 12-week course in Dereham commences on Tuesday 28 May, with a Taster Day held on Tuesday 21 May.  It is for any young person aged between 16-25 years who is currently not in education, employment or training and is ready to do something positive with their time.

Students who successfully complete the training will achieve a nationally recognised Prince’s Trust certificate and an Emergency First Aid certificate.

Attending the course does not affect any benefits. Travel costs are reimbursed.

Further information:  Please contact chantelle.williams@fire.norfolk.gov.uk on 07795067383.

Are you 16-25 and want a job?  Not in education, employment or training?

The Prince’s Trust, in partnership with local Health and Social Care providers, are offering a free employment training course to give you a fantastic opportunity to start a career within health and social care.

Meet new people and gain a wide range of practical experiences within the NHS.  Not only will this boost your confidence and employability skills, you’ll also have the chance to benefit from direct support to help you uncover your next career steps.

Joining the course will not affect your benefits, and travel expenses will be paid on the programme (or by your Job Centre).

• Work towards the Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Gain vital experience in a variety of roles within the health and social care sector
• Get two weeks work experience within a hospital or social care environment
• Access employers with live health and social care vacancies at a ‘Get Hired’ event
• Boost your employability skills
• Receive up to six months mentoring support

Dates:  Tuesday 28 May to Friday 21 June

Interviews:  The week commencing 6 May

Venue:  The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn PE30 4ET

Booking and further information:  Call for free on 0800 842 842.  Limited places available.

An accredited course run over three weeks by The Hamlet that is suitable for anyone providing support for those who use Signalong as part of their communication.

It aims to develop the skills that learners already have, to understand the communication process, and to develop the ability to communicate with those who have communication impairments.

Course objectives:

• To discuss the early development of language, social interaction and communication
• To consider how sign supported communication supports children and adults with speech, language and communication needs
• To practice using signing skills and signs to interact and communicate with others
• To learn at least 360 signs

Dates and times:

• Sunday 2 June, 9am-3pm
• Sunday 9 June, 9am-3pm
• Sunday 23 June, 9am-3pm

Venue:

221 St Leonards Road, Norwich NR1 4JN

Cost:  The cost is £85 per person plus £19 for a Signalong phase 1 book. All learners will be required to complete a written test at the end of the course and throughout the course their practical work will be observed.

Further information:  Please phone 01603 765405 or email trainingteam@thehamletcharity.org.uk.

An event in aid of OPEN Youth Trust’s work with disadvantaged young people, sponsored by Loveday & Partners.

Grab your nearest and dearest and get your rave on as OPEN spins your favourite guilty pleasures to get all the family dancing – from toddlers to granddads.

Refreshments will be available to purchase in their café, and there will be a photo booth and glitter bar. So grab your glow sticks, get glittered up – and hit that dancefloor!

Date and time:  Saturday 15 June, 10.30am-12.30pm

Venue:  OPEN Youth Trust, 28 Castle Meadow, Norwich NR2 4SF (entrance via 28 Castle Meadow)

Cost and bookings:  Under 1s free (ticket required), under 16s £5, adults £8, family (2 adults plus 2 children under 16) £22.50.

Please note that under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult.  £5 refundable cash deposit for headphones on the door.

Tickets available via the OPEN Norwich website.

BUILD takes you on a mysterious walking adventure in North Norfolk.

Follow the trail route around the quaint seaside village of Sheringham and solve the sneaky clues that you find along the way.  Eliminate the suspects to discover whodunit!  And collect your prize at the end.

Date and time:  Saturday 22 June, 9.30am-4.45pm. Meet at Norwich train station.

Cost and booking:  Travel cost for BUILD members, plus £5 activity support fee for non-members.  Please book and pay any fees by 12 June.  Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing/protection and bring a packed lunch and money for refreshments. If you want to meet at Sheringham be sure to let BUILD know when you book.  Maximum number of 12 places.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at info@buildcharity.co.ukor 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 great opportunity for people of all ages with a disability to participate in tennis in a fun, friendly, relaxed and inclusive environment.

Develop your coordination skills, improve your fitness, and have fun while making new friends!

Training is delivered by coaches experienced in LD tennis, with equipment provided.

Date and time: Sunday 23 June, 11am-5pm

Venue: East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club, Lime Tree Road, Norwich NR2 2NQ

Bookings: £15 per person. To book online please go to the LTA website.  For more information contact Derek Perry on 07966 455012 or Norma Bowen at disability@norfolktennis.org.

A jolly day by the sea with BUILD. Come and enjoy sand, sun and the seaside amusements.

Date and time:  Saturday 29 June, 11am-5pm.  Meet at Norwich bus station.

Cost and booking:  Travel cost for BUILD members, plus £5 activity support fee for non-members.  Please book and pay any fees by 19 June.  Make sure you wear weather-appropriate clothing/protection and bring money for food and refreshments throughout the day.  If you want to catch the bus from Norwich with BUILD volunteers, be sure to say so when you book.  Maximum number of eight places.

Further details:  Please contact BUILD Charity at info@buildcharity.co.ukor 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.

An accredited course run over three weeks by The Hamlet that is suitable for anyone providing support for those who use Signalong as part of their communication.

You must have already completed the Foundation Course Phase 1 to attend this Phase 2 course, which provides the opportunity to develop further the skills that you have already acquired.

Learners will gain access to a wider range of vocabulary and have the opportunity to practice signing together, learning a further 346 signs.

Dates and times:

• Saturday 29 June, 9am-3pm
• Saturday 6 July, 9am-3pm
• Saturday 13 July, 9am-3pm

Venue:  221 St Leonards Road, Norwich NR1 4JN

Cost:  The cost is £85 per person plus £19 for a Signalong phase 1 book. All learners will be required to complete a written test at the end of the course and throughout the course their practical work will be observed.

Further information:  Please phone 01603 765405 or email trainingteam@thehamletcharity.org.uk

Are you 16-25? Not in education, employment or training?  The Prince’s Trust in partnership with Ascend Adventure are offering a free one- week training course offering the fantastic opportunity to have fun in the great outdoors!

This event will take place in Bittern Meadow, near Norwich.

• Experience five days in the wild, learning about yourself through mindfulness in nature
• Take part in bush craft, raft building, canoeing, archery, orienteering and arts and craft.
• Spend one night setting up camp and staying overnight in the wild
• Enjoy a fun week improving your teamwork, communication skills and confidence
• Receive three months support after the programme

Participation will not affect benefits, and travel expenses on the programme will be paid by your Job Centre.

Dates:  Monday 22 to Friday 26 July  (interviews being held week commencing 1 July)

Bookings and further information:  Limited places are available. Call free on 0800 842 842.

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.

Everyone’s welcome to this exciting free event coming to Norwich at the end of September – a unique celebration of disabled people and the diversity of our community.  It follows on from the successful Disability Pride event held last year.

There will be plenty of activities taking place that highlight the skills and abilities of disabled people and which aim to challenge negative stereotypes.  They will also have a market place, bringing together individuals, groups and businesses to engage with disabled people, opening up conversations and opportunities to develop inclusive services and activities.

You can find out more about the day’s events on the Equal Lives website.

The Forum has good transport links, is an accessible venue, and has blue badge parking.  There will be an accessible Mobiloo toilet available which offers a hoist and bench, and there are Changing Places available at Intu Chapelfield and Vauxhall Community Hub.

Disability Pride is being run in partnership with Equal Lives, The Forum, Norfolk County Council and the University of East Anglia.

Date, time and venue:  Sunday 29 September, 10am-4pm at The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF