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.

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 each week:

• Wednesday 23 October - featuring Disco and Cookery Group
• Wednesday 30 October - Halloween Party. Special Halloween disco and games, so be sure to wear your spookiest costume for your chance to win a prize!
• Wednesday 6 November - featuring Bingo
• Wednesday 13 November - featuring Disco and Women’s Group
• Wednesday 20 November - featuring Disco and Cookery Group plus the launch of Bake for BUILD
• Wednesday 27 November - featuring Disco and Cookery Group
• Wednesday 4 December - featuring Festive Fun Karaoke!
• Wednesday 11 December - Christmas Party. An evening of games, festive food & music, face painting, and much more!

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website 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 October (Halloween Party)
• Thursday 28 November
• Friday 20 December (Christmas Party)

Time:

6.30-9pm

Venue:

The Waterfront, 131-144 King Street, Norwich NR1 21QH

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website 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 27 October
• Sunday 24 November
• Sunday 29 December

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 8 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website 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 28 October
• Monday 11 November
• Monday 25 November
• Monday 9 December

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 8 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website 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 2 games of ten pin bowling.

Dates:

• Tuesday 29 October
• Tuesday 26 November
• Tuesday 17 December

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:

£3.95 per person per game, 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 8 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

Drop in for a seasonal chat with MIND for advice and support about personal wellbeing.

Free light lunch.

Dates:

5 November to 7 January

Times:

Tuesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm

Venue:

A Peace of Mind Heacham, 4 Poplar Avenue, Heacham PE31 7EA

Further information:

Call 01485 572707 or go to www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.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 5 November
• Tuesday 19 November
• Tuesday 3 December
• Tuesday 17 December

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 info@buildcharity.co.uk or telephone 01603 618029. BUILD is a Norfolk-based independent registered charity providing social, leisure & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

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.

Monthly Saturday morning workshop sessions to support independent living skills.

• Saturday 9 November
  Healthy Hearts
  10.30am-12.30pm
  This workshop will explore how our heart works, what makes it work better in terms of food and exercise, and how to get a healthier heart for a healthier lifestyle
• Saturday 14 December
  Coping with Christmas
  10.30am-2.30pm
  While Christmas can be a very happy time for most, it can also be stressful for some – this workshop helps you see the warning signs and plan ahead so you don’t get frazzled by the festive season

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.

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

Come along to explore free money saving tips and techniques that will help you get the most from your income.

This relaxed course will help you understand how to make your money go further, while at the same time giving you the opportunity to meet new people.

Dates: Running every Monday over 5 weeks – starts Monday 11 November and ends Monday 9 December

Time: 12.30-2.30pm

Venue: Wensum Lodge, 169 King Street, Norwich NR1 1QW

Further information: This is a free course. Please contact CLDO@norfolk.gov.uk or call 07776 172072.

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:

• Tuesday 12 November
• Tuesday 10 December

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk

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:

• Thursday 14 November
• Thursday 12 December (Christmas Party)

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.

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website 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 16 November
• Saturday 21 December

Time:

11.30am-1pm.

Venue:

Riverside Swimming Pool, Wherry Road, Norwich NR1 1WX.

Cost and booking:

£5.25 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 8 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

Get out and about with BUILD for a bracing autumn stroll!

• Attleborough
  Sunday 17 November
  12.45-4.15pm
  Meet at Norwich station to catch the train to the small but pretty Breckland market town of Attleborough and surrounding countryside

• City and Riverside Walk
  Sunday 15 December
  1-4pm
  Meet at The Forum to explore the old city centre streets, before wandering out along the banks of the River Wensum

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 & clothing, and bring money for any travel and refreshments. 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

Join BUILD for their traditional special Christmas event featuring a reflection on the year gone by in words and pictures, some special guests, some Christmas music and a chance to look back at the year through BUILD’s camera. This year featuring ‘Bake for BUILD’.

Open to all volunteers, beneficiaries, carers and supporters.

No charge – donations welcome.

Date, time and venue:

Wednesday 18 December
7-9pm 
Princes Street United Reformed Church, Norwich NR3 1AZ

Cost and booking:

No need to book for this event – just turn up!

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

AJ’s is a social inclusion project for young people with learning difficulties & disabilities using music and dance to inspire.

This event is an inclusive event, so family, friends, support workers & carers are all welcome to attend.

AJ’s aims to…

• improve social opportunities for young people
• cater to the needs and understanding of young people
• empower young people 
• help young people build confidence
• be inclusive

There will be plenty to keep you entertained, including live performances, music, dancing, singing and a variety of drinks & snacks as well as plenty of other things. There will also be tea & coffee available for any parents, support workers or carers.

Date, time and venue:

• Thursday 19 December, 7-9pm - OPEN Youth Trust, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich NR2 4SF

Please note that there are no advanced ticket sales for this event and all tickets will be sold on the night. The ticket price includes admission for one parent, carer or friend.

Travel by coach from Norwich to Cromer for an afternoon of fun and excitement.

The famous Cromer Pier Variety Show is full of live music, laugh-out-loud comedy, magic tricks, glamorous costumes and much, much more.

Date and time:

Saturday 28 December

11am-7pm – matinee performance

Cost and booking:

The cost is £20.00 for your ticket (to be paid in advance) plus £5 activity support fee for BUILD non-members. Bring your bus pass, or money for the return bus fare, plus money for sweets, drinks or ice creams. Please book and pay the full cost by 1 November. Maximum number of 18 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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.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.

For Norfolk County Council’s Virtual School Sensory Support Service, the Theatre Royal have kindly set aside eight tickets for vision impaired young people and a carer/supporter – first come first served. If you are interested in attending, this includes a touch tour backstage one hour before the show and audio-description if required. One carer or supporter goes free with the vision impaired young person. Contact Barbara.Dunn@nnab.org.uk or call 07835949821.

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.

A special performance of Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal that is described as ‘relaxed’, particularly suitable for people with autism, or those who might want to ‘pop in and out’ during the performance if staying for the whole show is too much.

BUILD volunteers will be in and outside the auditorium, to make sure that people who may not be used to going to the theatre feel perfectly comfortable.

Date, time and venue:

Friday 16 January 2020, 5pm

Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich NR2 1RL

Cost and booking:

£22.50 admission in advance (£20.50 for under 18 or over 60 years old), plus £5 activity support fee for BUILD non-members. Don’t forget to bring money for refreshments. Complimentary tickets for carers. Book and pay admission plus activity support fee by 11 November.

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 & learning opportunities to over 16-year-olds with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. Check out their website www.buildcharity.co.uk.

Norfolk County Council’s Virtual School Sensory Support Service have kindly been offered free tickets for the two performances of this inclusive circus at OPEN in Norwich.

Date, times and venue:

• Monday 20 January, at 4.45pm and at 7.00pm
  OPEN Youth Trust, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich NR2 4SF

To register your interest please contact VSSS on sensorysupport@norfolk.gov.uk or call 01603 704040.

Norfolk County Council’s Virtual School Sensory Support Service and Vision Norfolk would like to invite local carers and parents to meet for a restaurant meal in central Norwich.

The cost is £15.99 plus drinks. This will be an opportunity to get together without children and meet others who have children with a vision impairment. (It is hoped that this might become a regular thing if enough people are interested.)

Date, time and venue:

• Wednesday 29 January, 7.30pm
  COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, 25 London Street, Norwich NR2 1JE

Further information:

Please contact Barbara.Dunn@nnab.org.uk or call 07835949821.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a medical student?

Applying to study medicine can be daunting, especially without any experience of university in your family to draw upon. Finding out more about medical careers can be difficult if you don’t know people who are already doctors.

Medical Aspirations can help to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into the life of a medical student.

A free three-day, two-night residential course is offered at the University of East Anglia during February half-term. You’ll also be provided with ongoing support with applying to study medicine, including a three-day GP work experience placement in the summer, a dedicated UEA medical student e-mentor, a workshop on the UCAT admissions test, and help with mock interviews and writing a personal statement.

After taking part, you will be guaranteed an interview to study medicine at UEA if you meet the entry requirements and you may have the chance to receive a scholarship towards tuition fees or living costs.

Dates: Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 February

Applications and further information: Go to www.uea.ac.uk/medicalaspirations. The application deadline is Thursday 28 November.

Norfolk County Council Virtual School Sensory Support Service’s next free music and technology activity with Laboratory Media Education (LME) is booked for Wednesday 19 February – 12pm for lunch, then 1-3pm.

Come and join the group to make music with iPads, electronic devices and Virtual Drums!!

Please contact Barbara.Dunn@nnab.org.uk or call 07835949821 to book your place, or contact VSSS sensorysupport@norfolk.gov.uk on 01603 704040 for more information.

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.

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, two-night 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 6 April to Wednesday 8 April

Venue: Manor Adventures, Norfolk Lakes, Lyng, Norwich NR9 5RS

Cost: £188 per person (payment plans available)

Further details: Contact lee.gibbons@asdhelpinghands.org.uk or call 01362 288110 for more information or to make a booking.