A consultation survey to gather views on the draft Bristol SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2028 is open. Let us know your views by Monday 28 October 2024.

Online activities, local youth groups and accessible activities and venues for young people with SEND.

Online activities 

Local groups and activities are running sessions online because of coronavirus. Find them online here:

Join a youth group

Build confidence, make friends and learn new skills at a local youth group. 

Diverse UK

Diverse is an independent organisation run for and by autistic people in and around Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath. 

They organise socials including gaming, music, pub trips, sports and photography.

WECIL

WECIL run youth groups for:

  • young disabled and non-disabled people aged 13 to 19
  • young people with learning difficulties up to the age of 25

The sessions include:

  • a range of accessible activities including arts and crafts, sports and cooking 
  • socialising with friends
  • learning about your rights
  • having your voice heard
  • going on trips in and outside of Bristol

Join the WECIL pen pal scheme and talk with young people from Carers Western Australia Go to https://www.carerswa.asn.au/ (opens new window) who would like to share their interests and find out what life is like in the UK.

WECIL will support you to find a pen pal and communicate with them in the best way for you.

Young Bristol

Young Bristol run inclusive youth clubs and outdoor activities for 8 to 19 year olds in Bristol.

University of Bristol Phab

University of Bristol Phab is an inclusive group of disabled and non-disabled young people ages 16 to 25. The sessions include baking, crafts, dance and other activities. Find more details and how to book on the University of Bristol Phab website.

Find accessible activities and venues

Accessible cinema screenings

Find a local cinema with audio described, subtitled and autism friendly screenings Go to http://accessiblescreeningsuk.co.uk/cinema-information?townpostcode=Bristol (opens new window) on the Accessible Screenings UK website. 

Find autism friendly cinema screenings Go to http://dimensions-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/autism-friendly-cinema-screenings/ (opens new window) on the Dimensions UK website.

Accessible screenings at The Watershed Go to https://www.watershed.co.uk/visit/access (opens new window) and the staff are trained in British Sign Language (BSL). 

Accessible sports 

Find local sport clubs and activities for young disabled people Go to https://parasport.org.uk/ (opens new window) on the Parasport UK website.

Do sports and fitness activities Go to https://www.novasportsandcoaching.co.uk/ (opens new window) with Nova Sports and Coaching.

Play football for free Go to https://www.bcfc.co.uk/robins-foundation/projects/project-inc/ (opens new window) at Bristol City Robins Foundation. 

Start cycling and learn BMX off-road skills Go to https://www.accesssport.org.uk/News/wingz-bmx-rides-into-bristol (opens new window) at Wingz Cycling.

Begin horse riding at the Avon Riding Centre for disabled and non-disabled people.

Ride a bike Go to https://www.milestonestrust.org.uk/warmley-wheelers-cycling/ (opens new window) with Warmley Wheelers on the Bristol to Bath cycle path, or in Warmley Forest Park. They have specially adapted bicycles for people with disabilities or additional needs. They also have tandem bikes, so parents or carers can ride too.

Play disability cricket for children aged 8 to 11 with Frenchay Falcons Cricket Club. They focus on a different cricket skill each week to build confidence and ability, before a 60-ball countdown cricket match.

Learn to play tennis Go to https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/EllyShearmanCoaching/Coaching/Camps (opens new window) with Elly Shearman tennis coaching.

Charlotte's Tandems offer tandem and tag-along bikes to borrow for free to people with disabilities or additional needs, who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own. They have volunteers based in South Gloucestershire who can lend bikes to Bristol residents.

Accessible activities

Gympanzees Go to https://lendinglibrary.gympanzees.org/ (opens new window) loans specialist play and exercise equipment.

KIDS South West Go to https://www.facebook.com/KIDScharitySW (opens new window) does courses for young disabled people aged 13 to 25 in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset. The courses cover:

  • being active
  • learning
  • connecting and giving to others
  • life skills and being mindful

Incredible Kids Go to https://incrediblekids.org.uk/ (opens new window) is an inclusive play centre, where children and young people can have fun and play with their family.

KHAAS is a play scheme that runs summer activities, family trips and outings.

Children's scrapstore provides click and collect play materials.

Sensory walks, are walks along paths that have been designed for you to use your senses, such as touch, to connect with your surroundings while you stay active. 

Accessible local events and attractions

Visit Bristol has information about:

AccessAble Go to https://www.accessable.co.uk/bristol-city-council (opens new window) has information about accessible venues, such as restaurants, cinemas and hotels.