SEND News and Updates for Young People

This page is frequently updated with the latest news and updates for young people with SEND, this includes a range of local activities and useful resources.

The Autism Project are currently recruiting for their January and September cohort 2025

The Autism Project would like to invite you to attend one of their monthly Zoom information sessions. The sessions are a chance to hear from staff and ask them questions.

When:

• November 29th 2024, 1:00pm

• December 27th 2024, 1:00pm

• January 31st 2025, 1:00pm

• February 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• March 28th 2025, 1:00pm

• April 25th 2025, 1:00pm

• May 30th 2025, 1:00pm

• June 27th 2025, 1:00pm

If you would like to attend then click on the link to register [External Link]

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation - Christmas Club Night

Join the Fantastic Freddie Foundation at their Christmas Club Night! The event will have a licensed bar, DJ booth, free accessible photo booth and free takeaway photos.

Where: The VBS Community Stadium, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, SM1 2EY

When: Wednesday 18th December 2024, 7pm-11pm

Tickets cost £10, support workers included in the price.

Get your tickets at GoodHub [External link] or get them directly through Charlie at charlie@thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com

The Fantastic Freddie Foundation - Wellness and Pamper Day

Join the Fantastic Freddie Foundation for a free afternoon of relaxation complete with massages, beauty treatments and cocktail making. All genders and abilities welcome.

All treatments are done by professionals who have experience with SEND adults and young people. This event is for young disabled adults ages 15+.

Where: 1 Parker Close, Carshalton, SM3 3HF

When: Saturday 23rd November 2024, 12pm-4pm

To book your place email: charlie@thefantasticfreddiefoundation.com

Orchard Hill College - Club House

Orchard Hill College presents Club House, a monthly accessible and inclusive club night at Sutton United Football Club. Open to everyone 16+, featuring a Live DJ.

Next events:

• Thursday 14th November 2024

• Thursday 12th December 2024

• Thursday 23rd January 2025

• Thursday 27th February 2025

• Tuesday 27th March 2025

Where: Sutton United Football Club, Gander Green Lane, Sutton, SM1 2EY

Book your tickets at Eventbrite [External Link], or you can pay cash or card at the door. Tickets cost £6 and one carer per ticket comes for free.

The Change Foundation – Adapted Sports Club

Are you or someone you know looking to try out adapted sports? The Change Foundation are hosting an adapted sports taster session on Tuesday 9th of April between 10 am and 11 am. A variety of inclusive sports will be available including table tennis, cricket and handball!

When: Tuesday 9th April, 10 – 11am

Where: The Cricket Centre, Plough Lane, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 8JQ

To sign up and show your interest, fill out the google form here [External Link].

If you have any questions, please contact Programme Manager Ryan Jones at ryanjones@changefdn.org.uk.

Cognus Autism Acceptance Events

The Cognus Autism Service is holding a wide range of events during autism acceptance week. There are events for young people and parents on a range of topics including crafting sessions, drama therapy and supporting challenging behaviour. To view all the events and to book your place, visit the Cognus Eventbrite page [External Link].

Your Voice Matters Report – January 2024

Barnardo’s recently spoke to young people at the Preparation for Adulthood event in November 2023. To see what they found out, read the Your Voice Matters Report – January 2024 [External Link].

Time to Talk Next Steps

A three-year project (2021-2024) to support young people with additional needs to build confidence, provide motivation and make plans for the future.

Time to Talk Next Steps is free support for young people in England in this age group with additional needs. It is for young people who are experiencing anxiety, isolation and who have limited or no plans for the future. You may be in school or in college or have finished all education and be unsure how to move forward.

Visit the Time to Talk Next Steps website [External Link]

Ambitious Youth Network

Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people. This network is a space for autistic young people, between the ages of 16-25 to meet other autistic young people, take on new paid opportunities, and join one of our group panels. The network is a fun and friendly space for autistic young people to be themselves. Find out more about the Ambitious Youth Network [External Link].

Education Catch up 

The Department for Education (DfE) is supporting catch-up programmes and fun activities for all children and young people in England. Get in touch with your school or local authority to find out what’s available in your area.

Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more [External Link].

Online Movie Club and other activities hosted by Springboard

Springboard is hosting a range of weekly online activities for SEND young people/adults aged 14-25.

Download the flyer to find out more about Springboard's online sessions [External Link].

Transition to employment toolkit launched by Ambitious about Autism and the Autism Education Trust

A new employment toolkit to support autistic young people in the job market is now available. The toolkit aims to prevent autistic young people from falling out of education, employment or training when they leave school. The toolkit is not just for young autistic people to use, but also to help professionals and employers better understand the needs and skills of young autistic people.

View the Toolkit on the Ambitious about Autism website [External Link].

Please note that these services are NOT commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton.

Are you aged 16-24, have an Education, Health and Care Plan and want to work?

Mencap's Supported Internship programme supports young people to make the important step from education to employment.

Learn more about Mencap: Supported Internships on the LBS website [External Link].