Your Guide to , and for children & young adults aged 0 - 25yrs who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
WHAT IS THE SHORT BREAKS BULLETIN?
The Short Breaks Bulletin brings together as many SEND inclusive activities, leisure and social opportunities in Wiltshire (and surrounding areas) as possible.
The activities listed may be for a specific age range or groups based on needs. Some activities are specifically run for children/young people with SEND, but there are also a number of activities that are inclusive of SEND and the organiser has requested that you contact before booking to discuss your child/young person’s needs/requirements to ensure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Anyone in Wiltshire can use the Short Breaks Bulletin to access inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND.
If you chose the Barnardo’s Activity Club or COMBO option when registering for the Short Breaks Scheme, you should be receiving direct contact from Barnardo’s regarding options for booking these activity clubs.
How to use the Short Breaks Bulletin: -
Each activity in the Contents has been given an item number which corresponds to the activity name.
Find out more about a specific activity, who to contact and how to book by looking up the item number on the Activities Information list and using the contacts or web link provided.
You may find QR Codes for certain activities or for our registration form; you may be able to simply open your camera and they will automatically scan, or you may have to download a QR scanning app (for free). Once scanned, they will take you directly to the website link.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of going to print, but we recommend that you ALWAYS check to see whether there have been any changes to times/dates/availability of any sessions advertised before attending.
(30) Super Camps - Multi-Activity Day Camps - Salisbury, Bath & Newbury
(31) Soft Play Centre Activities - Various Locations
Activities Information
Listings 1 - 17 includes clubs that are targeted at children & young people who have SEND, and are therefore more likely to be able to support/accommodate more complex needs. However, we would still recommend contacting the provider before booking/attending to discuss suitability and whether they are able to meet your child/ young person's needs.
1. Elizabeth House Salisbury - Blue Skies
Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.00am - 2.30pm. (Excluding Bank Holidays)
Age: 16+ year olds.
Location: Elizabeth House Social Centre, 1 Nelson Road, Salisbury, SP1 3LT
Cost: £40.00 full day or £22.40 for half day
Who: Young People & Adults with SEN/Disabilities.
Activities: Art, cooking, collage making and more! Bring packed lunch.
More Info: Call 01722 323783 or email patricia.podger@eh-sc.co.uk
2. Elizabeth House - Social Club
Opening times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.00pm – 9.30pm. (Excluding Bank Holidays)
Age: 16+ year olds.
Location: Elizabeth House Social Centre, 1 Nelson Road, Salisbury, SP1 3LT
Cost: £22.50 per person per session.
Who: Young People & Adults with SEN/Disabilities and/or Mental Health Disabilities
Activities: Art, cooking, collage making and more! Bring Packed lunch.
More Info: Call 01722 323783 or email patricia.podger@eh-sc.co.uk
3. 4Youth - No Limits Youth Club
Opening times: Mondays, 6.30pm - 9.00pm.
Location: Atworth Youth Centre, Studley Farm Lane, Bath Road, Atworth, Cost: £2.00 per young person. Carers: Free.
Age: 13 - 25 year olds.
Who: Young people with SEND.
Activities: Cooking & baking, Sewing & Stitching, Pool & Table tennis, Drawing & Writing, Football & Basketball, Karaoke & Just dance, Job search and CV writing and much more!.
More Info: Call: 01225 667327 or email: hello@4youth.org.uk Visit: www.youngmelksham.org.uk/youth-clubs/no-limits
Age: 5 years old - Adults. (Under 18s with Family/Carer support)
Location: Bath Sports & Leisure Centre, North Parade, Bath, BA2 4ET
Cost: Dry Sports: £1.50 per person. Swimming pool: £1.50 per person.
Who: Families with children of all ages with any disability or learning difficulty. Activities: Family badminton or fun team games followed by exclusive use of the pool.
More Info: Contact Lisa Sumsion on 07743 677837 or email lisasum1@outlook.com
Age: Adults: 19+ year olds. Juniors: 6 - 18 year olds.
Activities: Friendly badminton club that caters for players of all ages and abilities.
Please contact the provider before attending to discuss your child/young person’s needs or requirements so that they can ensure they are able to provide appropriate support.
6. Seeds 4 Success - Bridging Club
Opening times: Tuesdays, 6.30pm - 9.00pm.
Age: 11 - 18 years old.
Location: Mere Youth Centre, BA12 6EP.
Transport can be arranged from surrounding areas (contact for more information).
Cost: Free.
Who: Any young person with a special need or disability Activities: Meet others in your local community, develop social skills, and undertake valuable practical learning opportunities and experiences that will help them later in life.
More Info: Contact Ali: ali@seeds4success.org.uk if or visit: Bridging Club: www.seeds4success.org.uk/bridging-project
Location: Salisbury Methodist Church, 26 St. Edmunds Church Street, Salisbury, SP1 1EF. Cost: £3.00 per person.
If you are not yet a member but are interested in a trial session or joining Music Group, please contact sarah@southwiltsmencap.org.uk for more information
Who: Open to people with learning disabilities
Please contact provider before booking. If you are not a member, you need to contact to fill out an application before attending
Activities: Each session is themed and you’ll learn songs, dances, Makaton, and at the end of each session you’ll have time for teas and coffees and chats.
More Info: Call 07831474509 or email or sarah@southwiltsmencap.org.uk
Location: The Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY
Cost: £3.00 per person. (Equipment provided - refreshments available) Who: 18+ year olds and adults with learning disabilities. Activities: Snooker club with 15/15 snooker, trick shot tuition, competitions and more!
More Info: Contact Bob Hill by Telephone: 07876184774 Email: thesnookercoach@gmail.com
Location: Rein and Shine Equestrian Centre, 1 Buryhill Farm, Braydon, SN5 0AD.
Cost: £91.00 per child.
(Late collections are £10.00 per child and early drop-offs are £10.00 per child per hour)
Age: All ages.
Who: Led beginners and upwards.
(Bring packed lunch and gloves & weather suitable clothing, and long hair needs to be tied back without grips or clips)
Activities: Grooming and horse care, a full length group riding lesson. Stable routines with the ponies, riding games in the afternoon.
If you are interested in attending, then please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
More Info: Call: 01666 860068 or Email: info@reinandshine.co.uk Website: www.reinandshine.co.uk/riding-school/riding-courses/pony-days-camps/
Location: Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Hulse Road, Salisbury, SP1 3NR.
Cost: Members: £3.00. Non Members: £5.00. Carers/Guardians - FREE.
Who: People with disabilities and/or additional needs, their families, carers, & friends.
Activities: Do you have a disability or special/additional needs but love swimming? You can enjoy the pool in a safe and welcoming environment at this session.
For those who require assistance in or out of the water, they must be accompanied by someone (Carer/family/guardian) who can provide the assistance in and out of the water and who is a competent swimmer.
More Info: If you would like to join these sessions, please contact Pip: pip.reis@southwitsmencap.org.uk or Sarah: sarah@southwiltsmencap.org.uk
Or for more info visit: www.southwiltsmencap.org.uk/dolphins-swimming-group/
15. All Aboard Watersports – Powerability, Paddleability & Sailability
Who: For people with SEND who want access and experience the joy of being out on the water. Must fill in registration form (can be found online) before attending.
More info: Call: 0117 929 0801. Email: sailability@allaboardwatersports.co.uk Or Visit: Powerability: www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk/book-with-us/courses/course/powerability/ Paddleability: www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk/book-with-us/courses/course/paddleability/ Sailability: www.allaboardwatersports.co.uk/book-with-us/courses/course/sailability/
16. Delta Tennis Centre - Inclusive Tennis
Opening times: Tuesdays, 5.00pm - 6.00pm.
Wednesdays, 1.00pm - 2.00pm.
Age: 18+ Years old.
Location: Delta Tennis Centre, Welton Rd, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7XF.
Cost: Tuesday: £5.00 per person. Wednesday: £3.50 per person.
Who: Inclusive session
More Info: Call: 01793 872699. Email: delta@gll.org
Dates: Sundays 9th and 16th February, 4.45pm - 6.00pm.
Age: 5+ year olds.
Location: Freedog Urban Activity Centre, Swindon, SN2 8HB.
Cost: Early Bird: £8.00 per child. Standard: £14.00 per child. First Carer/Adult: Free.
Who: SEND individuals and their family/carers.
Please contact to discuss any needs/requirements before attending.
Activities: Catch some air in the trampoline park, dive into the foam pits and explore the ninja course in a more relaxed environment with the support of their friendly crew members.
More Info: Call 01793 251555 or visit: https://freedogswindon.com/session/send-sessions/
Children & Young People What’s On Calendar
Visit our website to find SEND activities for children and young people in Wiltshire: www.wiltshireparentcarercouncil.co.uk/en/Children_Calendar
Parent Carer What’s On Calendar
Find events in Wiltshire for Parent Carers such as information fairs, training courses, coffee mornings: www.wiltshireparentcarercouncil.co.uk/en/Parents_and_Carers
Activities Information
Listings 18 - 31 includes clubs/events that try to be as inclusive as possible, but many have limited capacity & cannot support complex needs or provide 1:1 support.
Please always contact these individual club/activity organisers to discuss suitability and whether they are able to meet your child/ young person's needs.
18. Wiltshire Creative - Family Fiesta
Opening times: Monday 17th February, 11.00am.
Location: Harlequins Football Club, Salisbury, SP2 9DR
Cost: Free.
Age: All ages.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
More Info: Email: info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk or Call: 01722 320 333 Visit their website: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/family-fiesta-at-bemerton-heath
Opening times: Lower Moor/Langford Lakes: Thursday 20th February, 10.00am – 12.00pm. Green Lane Wood: Wednesday 19th February, 10.00am – 12.00pm.
Locations: Lower Moor Farm, Cricklade, SN16 9TW.
Langford Lakes, Steeple Langford Duck Street, Salisbury, SP3 4NH. Green Lane Woodland Complex, Castle Hedingham, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6GP
Cost: £5.00 per child. (under 2s and accompanying parents/carers are free)
Age: All ages
Who: Children, young people and their families.
An adult from each family must stay. Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Go along to either Green Lane Wood, Langford Lakes or Lower Moor nature reserve to take part in fun family activities based around how wildlife survive through the cold months.
More Info: Green Lane: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events/2025-02-19-winter-survival-family-event
Location: The Salberg, Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, SP2 7RA
Cost: £7.00 per person.
Age: 7 - 11 year olds.
Who: No prior experience required.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Explore different musical activities and build music making skills.
More Info: Email: info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk or Call: 01722 320 333 Visit their website: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/get-creative-make-music-4
Location: Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury, SP1 3UT
Cost: £3.00 per person.
Age: 14 - 21 year olds.
Who: All abilities are welcome and everyone who wants a go will get a turn to play.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Bring your own instrument or borrow our guitar, drum kit or keyboard! If vocals are your thing, you will be invited to get behind the mic – you can even bring your own backing track (on phones or via web links).
More Info: Email: info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk or Call: 01722 320 333 Visit their website: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/jam-night-at-salisbury-arts-centre-3
Location: Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ
Cost: £8.00 per person.
Age: All are welcome.
Who: Family concert.
Activities: Sing and clap along to hits by Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Adele and more – as well as traditional Gospel songs, nursery rhymes & bubbles! Audience participation welcomed.
More Info: Email: info@wiltshiremusic.org.uk Call: 01225 860 100 or visit: www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/event/baby-gospel/
24. Bruce Accessible Boats - Day Hire
Opening Times: Everyday, 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Location: Great Bedwyn Wharf, Brook Street, Great Bedwyn, SN8 3PB
Cost: £250.00 per day for up to 12 people.
Age: Families.
Activities: Fully accessible wide-beam canal boats with full size kitchen and accessible toilet. The boats are available for day hire, complete with a skipper and crew.
More Info: Email: bookings@katrust.org.uk Call: or Book online at: https://bruceboats.katrust.org.uk/day-hire/ 12
25. Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team - Archery & Axe Throwing
Opening times: Sundays 16th and 23rd February, 10.00am - 11.30am.
Location: Frome Laser Tag and Adventure Centre, Bunns Lane, Frome, BA11 5ES.
Cost: £18.50 per person.
Age: 10+ year olds (Under 16’s must have an adult to stay with them)
Activities: Release your inner Viking with an axe throwing & archery session.
26. Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team - Laser Tag
Opening dates: Sundays 16th and 23rd February, 12.00pm - 1.30pm or 2.00pm - 3.30pm.
Location: Brokerswood Holiday Park, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4EH
Cost: £18.50 per person.
Age: 8+ year olds (Under 16’s must have an adult stay with them)
Activities: The mission is simple – win by shooting the enemy. You are equipped with a laser gun that can shoot up to 100 metres!
ALL Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Activities:
Who: These sessions are not targeted at children/young people with SEND. Please contact them before booking to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
More Info: Email: info@wolt.org.uk Telephone: 01225 976405 Online: www.wolt.org.uk/outdoor-adventure-activities-for-the-whole-family/
If you are interested in attending, then please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Location: 5 Mill Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8BE.
Cost: £20.00 per person.
Activities: Dive into a variety of hands-on crafts, including clay throwing and watercolour experiments. Whether shaping something unique from clay or playing with the fluid beauty of watercolours, there’s something for every creative mind.
More Info: Call: 07494690159. Email: info@creativemindstrowbridge.co.uk . Visit: https://creativemindstrowbridge.co.uk/therapeutic-art.php
Cost: Child: £11.50 per session. Accompanying Adult: Free. Infants: Free Additional siblings: £6.00 per session.
(Hot drinks provided - please bring a snack to share with the group if possible)
Age: 1 - 5 years old. (Older siblings are welcome onto the activities during the holidays)
An adult from each family must stay. Maximum supervision ratio: 1 adult to 3 children
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Bushcraft, environmental art, woodland crafts & games & campfires
More Info: Email: hello@hiddenwoods.co.uk Call: 01373 823832 or book: www.hiddenwoods.co.uk/toddler-groups
30. Super Camps - Multi-Activity Day Camps (non residential)
Opening Times: Monday 17th - Friday 21tst February, 9.00am - 5.00pm. (Extra care available 8.00am - 6.00pm)
Location: The Godolphin School, Milford Hill, Salisbury, SP1 2RA. Kingswood Preparatory School, College Road, Bath, Avon, BA1 5SD. Thorngrove School, The Mount, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 9PS.
Cost: Salisbury and Bath: £240.00 for a 5 day block or £52.00 per day.
Newbury: £215.00 for a 5 day block or £46.00 per day.
Age: 4 – 12 years old.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Arts & Crafts, LEGO building, Team Games and Multi-Sports Sessions.
More Info: Email: info@supercamps.co.uk Call: 01235 467300 or Book online at: www.supercamps.co.uk
31. Soft Play Centre Activities
Soft play areas across the UK are suitable for a variety of ages, from babies and toddlers to children up to eight years old. Some centres can host children as old as 10.
With multi-layered climbing frames, colourful ball pits and elaborate mazes, Soft Play areas provide a padded space for babies, toddlers and kids to play and explore, whatever the weather.
Always book online or by calling before attending.
Baloo’s Soft Play Centre - Trowbridge (01225 764753 or www.baloossoftplay.co.uk/)
Funways - Warminster (01985 220111 or www.funwayswarminster.com/)
Jolly Roger Adventure - Swindon (01793 522044 or www.jollyrogerplay.com)
Boomerang Play Centre - Melksham (01225 702000 or www.boomerangplay.co.uk/)
Solstice Play - Amesbury (01980 624911 or www.solsticeplay.co.uk/)
Jump In Fun - Salisbury (01722 445503 or www.jumpinfun.co.uk/salisbury/soft-play/)
WildCatz (wildcatzsoftplay@gmail.com or https://sites.google.com/site/wildcatzsoftplay)
If you know of, attend, or run any activities for children or young people with SEND, or activities that are inclusive of SEND, then please let us know by filling the quick form below: https://tinyurl.com/hctvb93s
Looking for SEND Information?
Are you looking for information to support you to help your child with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)?
This free to attend event is for parent carers of children with SEND, and those who work with them. It could be just what you are looking for to help you find out more about some of the services and support in Wiltshire.
The aim of the event is to provide a range of information to help illustrate some of the choices and options available for children/young people, showcase elements of the Local Offer in an accessible and interactive format, and provide a comfortable space and opportunities to facilitate networking opportunities for both parent carers and professionals alike.
Other reasons to attend include: -
• Free workshop
• Information from over different services and providers
• Free tea, coffee and cakes
• Meet and talk to other parent carers and a range of professionals and practitioners
See our virtual preevent pack for lots more information You can book using this QR code
Useful Information for Parent Carers
The CEA Card
The CEA Card enables a disabled cinema guest aged 8+ years to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. www.ceacard.co.uk/apply
Free Audiobooks & Other Activities
Free books & activities from the World of David Walliams: www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/
Merlin’s Magic Wand
The Charity provides complimentary tickets and fund a contribution towards a travel grant for families to enjoy their day at a Merlin Entertainments’ attractions, such as: LEGOLAND Resort® theme parks, SEA LIFE Centres, and Madame Tussauds. www.merlinsmagicwand.org/apply-for-a-day-out/making-an-application.aspx
Using the loo, is it
on your Radar?
One of the things we know you can’t forget when you are planning a day trip, is making sure your child can go to the loo. Many accessible toilets are part of the National Key Scheme, so can only be used by people with a Radar key. If you haven’t already got one, you can purchase them for £6.00 from Disability Rights.
You can purchase a pass to a whole YEAR of fun! Enjoy a day out with friends and family or simply pop in for an after school treat. Any guest able to provide evidence of disability will be entitled to bring a registered carer free of charge with a Carer's Annual Pass. Please bring proof of additional needs to Longleat on the day of your visit.
Whether it’s day-trip adventures, cinema missions, or cosy bites to eat – it’s never full price with Kids Pass. Up to 57% off days out & attractions. 30% off adults & child cinema tickets. Up to 25% off family holidays & resorts. You can try the pass for just £1 for 30 days.
www.kidspass.co.uk
Riding For Disabled Associations
RDA is an inclusive and diverse organisation. They welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. Through their network of member groups, RDA is at work in every corner of the UK, bringing the therapy, achievement and fun of horses to as many people as they can.
www.rda.org.uk/rda-groups/
Useful Information for Parent Carers
INCLUSION FUNDING FOR SETTINGS
Early Years Inclusion Support Funding is a financial contribution for early years settings towards the inclusion of children aged 0-5 who have a disability or difficulty that creates a barrier to their learning. The funding is ‘Needs Led’.
An Early Years Inclusion Officer and your setting will discuss any additional support required, in partnership with parents. The funding can be used by the setting for training, resources or support which is additional to or different from what is normally expected to be provided within your setting. It is neither the expectation nor intention that the additional funding will provide 1:1 continuous support.
For more information about Early Years Inclusion Funding
01225 757985
Email contact: earlyyears@wiltshire.gov.uk
HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CHILDCARE
Government help with childcare costs for parents. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get support.
There are a number of options that you may be able to access depending on your circumstances and meeting eligibility criteria.
For more information, visit their website: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Family Hubs Information
In April 2024 Wiltshire Council awarded a contract to Spurgeons to provide Family Hubs in communities throughout the county.
This new Family Hub model aimed to give greater local community support and guidance for families and young people aged from 0 to 19, extending to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The development of the new model was informed by extensive engagement with parent carers and other stakeholders across the county.
The plan included the provision of hubs in community buildings throughout the county, plus main hubs in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury. There is also a digital platform that can be accessed on phones, tablets or computers, offering information, support, and courses. Each hub has its own team of navigators. They have a visible presence in the community to ensure they are on hand to offer help to families that need it, and to signpost and create links to other agencies, such as local schools and early years providers.
Main Hub Locations
County Hall, Trowbridge
Monkton Park, Chippenham
Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Salisbury
Navigator Locations
Amesbury Library
Devizes Library
Bradford on Avon Library Downton Library
Royal Wootton Bassett library
Salisbury Library and Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre
Bulford: The Beeches Malmesbury Library Tisbury Nadder Centre
Please complete, if you are not already registered and you wish to be added to the WPCC database, so that we can send you information on a regular basis. By registering with the WPCC, you will receive our free weekly newsletter, your details will be stored on our database which allows us to get a better picture of the parent carers we are representing, communicating with and supporting.
A member of the WPCC will contact you to complete your registration over the phone.
By signing, I agree to the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) holding this information on a secure computer database so that WPCC volunteer Parent Representatives and/or SENDIS Information Officers may contact me directly. Furthermore, I understand that the WPCC subscribes to ‘yourmailinglistprovider’ and ‘Sinch’ and that if I have provided an email address or mobile telephone number, these will be added to WPCC’s subscription providers. You may unsubscribe and ask to be removed from our database at any time by contacting us or clicking ’Unsubscribe’
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