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 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.
Activities Contents
Activities Contents
Activities Information
Listings 1 - 25 include 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, 1A 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!
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 – 9.00pm. (Excluding Bank Holidays)
Age: 16+ year olds.
Location: Elizabeth House Social Centre, 1A 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!
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. (Excluding Bank Holidays)
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. If the young person usually receives one having a carer available then they do ask that one attends the club with the young person. 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
Wednesdays, Melksham Oak Community School Sports Hall, Devizes Road, SN12 6QZ
Thursdays: Hardenhuish School Sports Hall, Chippenham, SN14 6RJ.
Fridays: Melksham Campus, Market Place, SN12 6ES
Cost: First session: Free. Adults: £6.00. Juniors: £3.00
(Annual membership available)
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.
More Info: More information online: www.aerobc.co.uk/wilts/ or you can contact via email: committe.members@aerobc.co.uk
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.
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.
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.
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/
10. Seeds 4 Success - Bridging Club
Opening times: Tuesdays, 6.30pm - 9.00pm.
Age: 11 - 18 years old.
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.
Activities: Opportunity to develop a range of life skills & make new friends. Range of creative & practical activities e.g. making & putting up shelves, building a compost bin & batik.
SEEDS 4 SUCCESS ACTIVITIES:
Cost: Free.
Location: Mere Youth Centre, BA12 6EP. Transport can be arranged from surrounding areas (contact for more information). Who: Any young person with a special need or disability
More Info: Contact Ali: ali@seeds4success.org.uk if or visit: Bridging Club: www.seeds4success.org.uk/bridging-project Bridging Club Plus: www.seeds4success.org.uk/bridging-project-0
12. Freedog (Swindon) - SEND Sessions
Dates: Sundays 27th October and 3rd November, 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.
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/
13. 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:
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
15. Wiltshire Music Centre - Zone Club
Dates: Saturday 2nd November, 10.00am - 2.30pm.
Age: 16+ year olds.
Location: St. Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1DE
Cost: £25.00 per person. (First session is FREE).
Who: Young adults with learning disabilities.
It is useful for the provider if you can make contact before attending to discuss any needs and requirements to ensure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Monthly music-making project. Create your own music, lyrics, dance & films, while supported by musicians, music therapists, film-makers & theatre practitioners.
Opening times: Friday 25th October, doors open at 7.00pm and close at 9.00pm.
Age: 18+ year olds.
Location: Stratford Social Club, 69 Stratford Road, Salisbury, SP1 3JP
Cost: £3.00 per person.
Who: Adults with learning disabilities and their friends.
You need to contact before attending to fill out an membership form!
They cannot provide individual support for persons attending the disco. Carers and/or adults who accompany attendees must remain responsible for them at all times.
Activities: You can enjoy the pool in a safe and welcoming environment at this session. More Info: If you would like to become a member and join these sessions, please contact Sarah: sarah@southwiltsmencap.org.uk or for more information visit: www.southwiltsmencap.org.uk/clubs-activities/young-adults-18-to-30-years-old/discos/
SEN Tie Dye: Monday 28th October, 2.45pm - 3.30pm.
Age: 0 - 16 years old
Location: Westwood Social Club, Bradford On Avon, BA15 2AP.
Cost: Halloween Crafts: £10.00 per child/young adult. (Adult must stay to supervise)
SEN Tie Dye: £15.00 per child/young adult. (Please state top size when booking) (Book either session at stated price, or book both as the crossover and save £5 on total cost)
Location: Bowerhill Village Hall, Halifax Road, Bowerhill, Melksham SN12 6SN.
Cost: £13.00 per child/young adult. (Adult must stay to supervise)
Who: Welcome to everyone but SEN inspired.
Activities: Costumes encouraged, trick or treat bag required. Preselected route of approved houses ending at the club, where we will have a party including food, games and disco.
Cost: £10.00 per child/young adult. (Adult must stay to supervise)
Who: Welcome to everyone but SEN inspired.
Activities: Coming along to the session will be mysterious insects and animals such as spiders, crack roaches, maybe a snake…. You will have to come along to find out.
More Info: Email: kay.kr81@gmail.com
Activities Information
Listings 26 - 43 include 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.
26. Wiltshire Gymnastics - Halloween Fun Days
Opening times: Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November, Drop off: 8.45am - 9.00am. Collection: 4.00pm.
Location: Wiltshire School of Gymnastics, Melksham, SN12 6SP.
Cost: £26.00 per person. (£22.00 for Members) (Lunch available for £5.50 per person)
Age: School aged children.
Who: Children and their Parent/Carers.
BOOKING PRIOR TO ATTENDING IS ESSENTIAL
Please contact before attending to discuss your child/young person’s needs or requirements so that they can ensure they are able to provide appropriate support.
Activities: Your day will be filled with crafty treats, creepy delights and lots of spooky fun.
More Info: Visit: https://wiltshiregymnastics.co.uk/holiday-fun-days/ or Email: holidayfun@wiltshiregymnastics.co.uk
27. Wiltshire Creative - Get Creative, Make Music!
Cost: £5.00 per person. (Please bring a water bottle)
Age: 7 - 11 year olds.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Engaging and fun music making workshop.
More Info: Email: info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk or Call: 01722 320 333 Visit their website: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/get-creative-make-music-autumn-24
28. Super Camps - Multi-Activity Day Camps (non residential)
Opening Times: Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November, 9.00am - 5.00pm. (Extra care available 8.00am - 6.00pm)
Location: The Godolphin School, Milford Hill, Salisbury, SP1 2RA. Royal High School Bath, Gloucester House, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 5SZ. Kingswood Preparatory School, College Road, Bath, Avon, BA1 5SD.
Cost: £235.00 for a 5 day block or £51.00 per day.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Age: 4 – 12 years old.
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: https://www.supercamps.co.uk
29. Wiltshire Creative - Museum of Marvellous Things
Opening times: Friday 1st November, 1.00pm or 3.30pm.
Location: Salisbury Arts Centre, Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1 3UT
Cost: Adults: £12.00. Children: £10.00.
Age: 3 - 8 year olds.
Please contact beforehand to discuss any needs and/or requirements to make sure they can be appropriately accommodated.
Activities: Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages.
More Info: Email: info@wiltshirecreative.co.uk or Call: 01722 320 333 Visit their website: www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/the-museum-of-marvellous-things
Location: The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB.
Cost: Collection galleries: Free Uncanny Visions: Paula Rego and Francisco de Goya: £7.00. (Individual workshops additional cost - see online)
Age: All ages.
Activities: Celebrating all things light and joyful to mark Diwali, this festival takes place throughout the museum and gardens. There will be an array of colourful creative workshops, film, pop-up food stalls, performance and a finale of fire dancing!
More Info: Contact via email: enquiries@holburne.org or call: 01225 388569 or visit: www.holburne.org/events/festival-of-light-up-late/
32. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm - Laser Light Show
Activities: Get the family together for a night of unforgettable entertainment as the farm comes alive with a mesmerising laser light show.
More Info: Contact via email: info@choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com or call: 01980 629438 or visit: https://choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com/event/laser-light-show-after-party/
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/
34. Wiltshire Wildlife – Wildlife Watch Group (Langford Lakes)
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED. 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: Nature-based craft and outdoor activities for children and their parents/carers.
More Info: Email - pennyfleet99@gmail.com Or visit: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events/2023-10-26-autumn-family-fun-langford-lakes
35. Wiltshire Wildlife – Wildlife Watch Group (Lower Moor)
PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED. 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: Nature-based craft and outdoor activities for children and their parents/carers.
More Info: Email - lmfwatchgroup@gmail.com Or visit: www.wiltshirewildlife.org/events/2023-10-26-autumn-family-fun-lower-moor
Location: Brokerswood Holiday Park, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4EH
Frome Laser Tag and Adventure Centre, Bunns Lane, Frome, BA11 5ES.
Cost: Brokerswood: £18.00 per person. Frome: £15.00 per person.
Age: 10+ year olds (Under 16s must have an adult to stay with them)
Activities: Release your inner Viking with an axe throwing & archery session.
40. Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team - Laser Tag
Opening dates: Sunday 27th, Wednesday 30th October and Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November, 11.30am - 1.00pm or 2.00pm - 3.30pm.
Location: Brokerswood Holiday Park, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 4EH.
Cost: £15.00 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/
Opening times: Fridays 25th October & 1st November, 9.00am – 10.30am or 11.00am - 12.30pm.
Location: Farleigh Wood, BA2 7NH.
Cost: Child: £10.00 per session. Accompanying Adult: Free. Infants: Free Additional siblings: £5.00 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 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
42. Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Location: Palette and Pasture, Pyle Farm, Trudoxhill, Near Frome, Somerset. BA11 5DL
More Info: Email: info@choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com Call: 01980 629438 or Visit: https://choldertonfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/60413?catID=58256&
More Info: Email: parsonspumpkinpatch@yahoo.com or Call: 07887642801 Visit: www.facebook.com/parsonspumpkinpatch/
43. 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/)
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/
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
Earlier in 2024, Wiltshire Council awarded a contract to Spurgeons to provide new Family Hubs in communities throughout the county.
The new Family Hub new model begin in April 2024 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 has been informed by extensive engagement with parent carers and other stakeholders across the county.
The Family Hub offer includes the provision of hubs in community buildings throughout the county, plus main hubs in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Salisbury. There will also be 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 will 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
Bulford: The Beeches
Calne Library
Chippenham Monkton Park and Library
Corsham - Springfield Campus
Cricklade Leisure Centre
Malmesbury Library
Marlborough Library
Royal Wootton Bassett library
Salisbury Library and Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre
Tisbury Nadder Centre
Tidworth Leisure Centre
Melksham Community Campus Trowbridge Library
Mere School /
Town Council, library
Pewsey The Vale Community Campus
Courses & Groups Locations
Warminster Library
Westbury Community Project Hub
Libraries Schools Leisure centres Campuses Community buildings
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