County Durham has a lot to offer for families and individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Here’s a selection of what’s on offer this summer. For children and young people
TIN Arts
Short breaks
TIN Arts is an inclusive dance organisation based in Durham City. They offer dance and wider performing arts activities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in schools, community settings and their own dance space. Includfest, a two-day festival of fun with fully accessible activities at Wharton Park on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. www.tinarts.co.uk
There are a number of specialist providers that offer SEND short break activities: Durham Area Disability Leisure Group (DADLG) offers a countywide service. 07592 366 454 Gateway North East covers the Durham Dales 0191 526 3112 MAIN covers Sedgefield 07739 638 337 Integrating Children covers Chester-le-Street and Durham 07914 376 228 Sport Works covers Derwentside 0191 580 0120 Find out more at www.countydurhamfamilies.info/localoffer
North East Autism Society The North East Autism Society provides various activities and clubs as well as a weekly get together for toddlers. The groups are free for parents/carers of children under five with autism. Sessions take place in Newton Aycliffe, Stanley and Washington - find out more at www.ne-as.org.uk
Parks and play areas A two-year £1.75million investment programme is providing young people with high quality, safe and accessible play equipment across the county. 45 areas have been, or are in the process of being, developed. More information: www.durham.gov.uk/playspacerefurb # 24