Things to do
We have included information below about a variety of things which are available across the county, some are specialist SEND provision, whilst others are open to everyone.
We have included information below about a variety of things which are available across the county, some are specialist SEND provision, whilst others are open to everyone.
The directories cover all of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â and all age children and young people up to the age of 25. Because it covers all age groups, some of the activities may not be open to or suitable for a very young child, and others not for older children, teens and young adults, please check an entry for age range. You can search to find things in your area, and we recommend that you check a group is running before you travel.
These breaks and activities are mainly run by outside providers and are not provided by the council. We have made every attempt to ensure all information held here is accurate but would recommend you contact the groups to check the information is correct before travelling. When choosing activities for your child or young person it is your responsibility to check that it is suitable for them and to discuss any needs they may have with the provider beforehand. We cannot accept any responsibility for third party services. Their inclusion here is for your information only and does not represent endorsement or recommendation by us.
There are lots of groups and activities open to any child or young person who has a special educational need and/or disability. Families or individuals can access these groups and activities themselves and will need to pay a contribution to attend most groups. Some of the activities are suitable for different age groups, and where possible we have indicated this.
You can find out more about the different types of Short breaks here: Short breaks.
You can search for short breaks and activities here:
Parent support groups, there are a number of parent support groups in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â, many cover all disabilities, some are disability specific, some operate in certain areas of the county and others are countywide.
The groups are run by either parent carers, local charities or national organisations and are a great way of meeting others in similar circumstances.
Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) for children aged 5-15 yrs. HAF IT! is a programme of holiday activities and food clubs for children aged 5-15 years. It operates across Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â, for children who receive free school meals (FSM). Children who are not eligible for Free School Meals can be referred for a place on the HAF programme by schools, social workers, HAF providers and other professionals. Please be aware that referred places are very limited and not guaranteed for non-FSM eligible children.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â County Council has a searchable database of events and activities, which are open to all, and all age groups across the county. It is not SEND specific, and some activities and events have a cost associated with it..
This page on Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â County Council’s website has information about cycling and walking routes in the county – once on the page scroll down to find the information: Cycling, Walking and Wheeling.
is the official tourism website for the county. If you’re looking for ideas of things to do or places to visit the site has a ‘What’s on’ and an ‘Offers’ section along with useful articles. Please note that this is not a disability specific website, and some activities have a cost associated to them.
Accessible toilets
When you are out and about knowing where the nearest toilets are located can really help. The standard accessible toilets meet the needs of some disabled people – but not all.
Many people need personal assistance to use the toilet or change continence pads, including people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries and people living with stroke.
There are 21 registered Changing Places facilities across Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏͼ¿â.
If you’re out and about in the county, or further afield in the UK you can search on the for the full list of publicly accessible Changing Places facilities.
SEND Local Offers in other areas
All Local Authority areas have their own version of the SEND Local Offer website with information about things to do. Here are the links to the neighbouring Local Authorities SEND Local Offer websites, which may be particularly useful if you live close to one of the borders.