List of organisations that provide activities for children with disabilities
and special educational needs during term time and school holidays
Setting Name / A4SoutdoorsDetails / In the school holidays we run fun skills and techniques sessions.
The activities we run include Angling, Photography, Estate Maintenance, Outdoor Skills, Sports, Cycling, Indoor and Outdoor Cooking, Arts and Crafts.
We also offer work experience for young people as well as working on CVs, writing application letters, interview techniques and researching jobs and college courses.
We collect the young people and drop them off and the sessions last for 6 hours. (from 9am - 3pm) We provide food and drink and any equipment needed.
Location / 129a Barkers Lane, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK41 9RX
Telephone / 01234 272101
Email /
Website / www.a4sbedford.com
Setting Name / Active Luton – No Limits
Details / No Limits is Luton and Bedfordshire’s inclusive sports programme for people of all ages with disabilities
Telephone / 01582400272
Email /
Website / http://www.activeluton.co.uk/no-limits
Fees / Check with Active Luton for activity fees. Certain benefits enable qualification for Go 4 Less card which offers a discount.
Booking / Children must be booked on to activities, to ensure appropriate staffing is provided. If you would like any information on any of these activities please contact the telephone number or email above.
Setting Name / Access Disability Project at CYCD
Details / Access Disability Project (ADP) aims to change negative attitudes towards disabilitywithin the South Asian Communities by focusing on each youngperson’s abilities, by giving them opportunities to develop to their full potential and by demonstrating that each child or young person is valued.
In the weekly sessions the young people have an opportunity to do a range of activities including board games, painting, poster making, watching films, playing computer games & play-station, using the internet, football, cricket, basketball and the opportunity to make new friends.
Transport / With our own wheelchair accessible minibus, we are able to offer safe transport for thechildren to the Centre & drop off.
Setting name / Centre for Youth and Community Development (CYCD)
94-106 Leagrave Road, Luton, LU4 8HZ
Ages / 9 to 30 years
Youth Club / ADP Youth Club:
Mixed Group - Friday, 4.30 to 9.30 pm
Mixed Group – Saturday 3.30 to 9.30 pm
Also run during all school holidays
School holiday playschemes / In addition to the normal weekly sessions the project also runs holiday play-schemes during ALL school holidays for 8 to 18 year olds. This provision is a mixture of daytime and evening activities including trips to various educational, recreational and adventure centre.
Website: / http://www.cycd.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing/access-disability-project-adults/
Further details / Nafeesa Riaz
Tel: 01582 519500
M:07809349359
Email:
Setting Name / Autism Bedfordshire
Loads of Autistic Fun (L.O.A.F.) / LOAF is a Saturday morning activity group which the whole family can attend. They run fortnightly during term time from 10am to 1pm in Bedford, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Luton. They provide an inclusive environment where all children up to age 12 (those with A.S.C. and their siblings) and their parents/carers are welcome and supported by trained staff and volunteers.
Summer Activity Schemes / These hugely popular schemes run during the first few weeks of the summer holidays in Bedford and Luton, providing social, educational and play experiences for children with A.S.C. aged 3 to 17 years. Ours are the only schemes in Bedfordshire & Luton specialised to support children with A.S.C. through having trained staff and volunteers and safe, secure and risk-assessed environments. We offer a wide range of onsite activities and visiting entertainment as well as trips out.
The Luton Junior Activity Scheme will run from 25th July – 29th July and there will be 25 places. We have spaces available on all days as of 11 April 2016.
Wanted Fun / Social clubs for young people aged 10-17 years with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. Groups run in the evening, once a fortnight during term time with occasional outings during the holidays. The cost is £3.50 per person payable on the door, and you need to be a member of Autism Beds.
Address / St Mark's Church, Calder Rise, Bedford, MK41 7UY
Tel No / 01234 214871
Email /
Website / http://www.autismbedfordshire.net/
Attraction/Event / Baylands Equestrian Centre
Riding Sessions / Lead rein walk in Stockwood Park or in the arena as assessed. Available between 10am and 4pm on Tues/Wed/Fri to maintain discounted rate. Suitable for disabled or disadvantaged children and adults. Riding hat provided if required. Some conditions may require medical clearance. Assistants/Supervisors/Carers are to assist with attending to riders.
Duration: ½ hour
Price: £20.00 (off peak) / £30.00 (peak)
Riding Lessons / Provide horse riding lessons for disabled children and young people aged 3 -25 on Sundays; £8 per session per person.
Riding & Stable Management for disabled young people / Riding for disabled young people including stable management (grooming, tack, care of horses)
Cost £8 per person per session (payable on the day)
Address / Stockwood Park, Luton, LU1 4BH
Telephone number / 01582 720766
Booking / Call 01582 720766 to book a place
Website / http://www.baylands-equestrian.co.uk/
Attraction/Event / Bedford Flyers Trampoline Club
Details / Bedford Flyers Trampoline Club are piloting trampoline sessions for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions in partnership with AutismBedfordshire. Head coach John Mitchell has over 30 years experience of coaching at all levels including supporting young people with disabilities. Please note that 1:1 support will not be available during these sessions.
Address / Biddenham Upper School, Bedford, MK40 4AZ
Telephone number / 01234 214 871
Dates / Tuesdays
Time / 5.00 to 6.00 pm
Age / 10 to 17 year olds
Fee / £3.50
Booking / To book a place please call on 01234 214 871.
Website / http://www.bedfordflyers.co.uk/
Setting Name / Cineworld Luton
Autism and Learning Disability Friendly Screenings / Cineworld offer a selection of screenings exclusively for people with autism or learning disabilities and for their friends and relatives.
The lights are dimmed and the sound turned down slightly to provide a sensory friendly environment so everyone can enjoy the film.
CEA discount card / Cineworld cinemas accept the CEA discount card - £5.50 per year, must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Registered Blind to apply.
Disabled child pays ticket price and carer can accompany them free.
Address / The Galaxy, Bridge Street, Luton, LU1 2NB
Telephone / 0871 200 2000
Website / Cineworld Luton
Activity / Coaching Football – Level 1 – PAN Disability
Dates / Tuesday 31st May to Friday 3rd June
Age range / 16+
Venue / Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB
Information & to book / – 01234 718839
– 07432 700589
Requirements / Indoor activity – please wear trainers/astros and shin pads
Setting Name / Diveability
Details / Designed for 11-25 year olds with disabilities and who have a moderate level of co-ordination, these exciting specialist diving courses are some of the first of their kind in the UK. Courses are led by ex-Olympic diver and coach Hayley Sage. For more information on whether you meet the criteria for these sessions please speak to Hayley, David or Harry.
These sessions are slightly longer than a usual diving lesson to allow for skills within the Learn programme to be competently acquired.
Address / Inspire: Luton Sports Village.
Dates / Please contact Inspire for more information.
Age / Ability / The programme caters for disabled individuals aged 11-25 years who have a moderate level of co-ordination.
Divers should be able to swim 25 metres, be comfortable in 5 metre deep water and have a moderate level of co-ordination. People are encouraged to call first to discuss theirs or their child’s requirements.
Fees / A course of lessons is £60 for 10 weeks in line with our Hydra Learn to Dive scheme.
Booking / For more information 01582 393230 or email
Website / http://www.activeluton.co.uk/hydra/learn-to-dive/diveabilities
Setting Name / Families United Network
Details / Families United Network (FUN) is a registered Charity and membership organisation which works to support children, young people and families living with disabilities throughout Bedfordshire. Membership is free and FUN can support children and young people with disabilities from 0-25 years of age.
Families Untied Network can offer you and your family a support network and leisure activities, outings, school holiday clubs etc.
Address / Unit 5 Britannia Estate, Leagrave road, Luton, LU3 1RJ
Website / www.familiesunitednetwork.org.uk
Tel Number / 01582 470 999
Funlands Youth Club (10 – 17 years) / FUNlands Youth Club for 10 to 17 year olds on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 8.30pm for children with additional needs (term time only). Come and join the FUN, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Drama, Sports and so much more.
FUN Saturday Club
(10-25 years) / Saturday Club is a full short break service offering young people with disabilities aged 10 – 25 years 1:1 support whilst accessing on and off site activities. Off site activities are local, such as swimming, bowling, cinema, picnics, sports etc.
Young Adult Club
(18-25 years) / FUN young adult for 18 – 25 year old on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm – 8.30pm for young adults with additional needs (term time only). This is a safe environment for Young adults with learning disabilities to meet, socialise and take part in activities with their friends. FUN offers a range of activities including: pool, table tennis, table football, cooking, arts & crafts, game consoles, sports, drama, board games, team games and much more. The Young adults are encouraged to interact with others in a social and independent setting.
Holiday club / Fees per day: £6 per child, or £15 per family, under 2’s are FREE
You will be able to access all play areas in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Support staff are on hand to encourage and interact with families. However parents are responsible for their own children.
Keech Swim Sessions / FUN exclusively hires Keech Hydrotherapy Pool fortnightly for families. Keech swimming pool is designed to cater for the needs of people with special needs of all ages. It has hoists, ramps and specially designed changing rooms. The pool has water fountains, sensory lighting and a sound system. The water temperature is maintained at a higher level than public pools and the air temperature is controlled to avoid the “shiver” effect and coldness when getting out.
Link Project / Linking a young person with additional needs with 2 support volunteers of a similar age to enjoy activities together within the community. We aim to bring young people together to develop skills, confidence and self esteem, and provide inclusive opportunities and supporting friendship and personal development.
Future events / pre book / Legoland
4th August 2016 from: 9am to 5pm Children between 3 and 12 years old.
We have organised a coach to pick up from both Leighton Buzzard and Luton.
The cost of the trip is: £15 for an adult ticket, £15 for a carer ticket, £15 for a child ticket and £5 for under 2’s ticket.
Places are limited for the trip so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Dick Whittington MK Panton
17th December 2016 from: 2:30pm to 5pm
There are 100 tickets available, book early to avoid disappointment.
The costs of the tickets are:
Adult ticket – £7.50
Carer ticket – £7.50
Child ticket – £7.
Booking / Book holiday activities and swimming sessions via phone or website.
Setting Name / Friends of Bright Eyes
Details / Provide activity clubs and playschemes for disabled young people aged 8-18 years. Siblings included. Also offer a variety of activities and day trips for which the whole family can be included.
Transport is provided for activity clubs.
Address / FOBE, Office F1 Maxet House, Liverpool Road, Luton, LU1 1RS
Tel No / 07871 500706 or 01582 966065
Email /
Website / ]http://www.fobe.org.uk/
Setting Name / Futures Fun Factory
Details / Futures Fun Factory is the ideal place for children to have fun in a safe and exciting environment. Our soft play centre is packed with creative play equipment with dedicated areas for teens, toddlers and babies.
If you are looking for a special party venue Futures Fun Factory is the place to be. There’s great party packages to celebrate those special occasions for youngsters, teens and older ones too.
Address / Futures House, The Moakes, LU3 3QB
Tel No / 01582 492166
Website / http://www.futuresfunfactory.co.uk/
Attraction / Hart Hill Adventure Playground
Address / Falks Road, Luton, LU2 0FN
Details / Luton’s flagship adventure playground - with indoor and outdoor facilities for all ages, abilities and additional needs. Providing children with stimulating, exciting and challenging environments to play in, both after school and during holiday periods, whilst supervised by qualified and experienced staff.
Fully accessible playground complete with swings for wheelchair users, sensory play and accessible toilet facilities including ceiling track hoist system and changing table.
Note / Children are able to come and go as they please at any time during our opening hours. Staff will not have the authority to stop children from leaving the site.
Opening times / Monday closed
Tuesday 4.00-7.00pm
Wednesday 4.00-7.00pm
Thursday 4.00-7.00pm
Friday 4.00-7.00pm
Sat & Sunday private hire
Fees / Donation £1.00 per child or £2.00 per family
Contact / 01582 431311
Email /
Setting Name / KIDS Aldenham Adventure Playground
Details / Purpose built venue offers adventure play for disabled children and young people with a range of impairments.
Parents/carers and families with children aged 0 to 19 years.
Indoor Play Hut / Outdoor Play Vicinity
• Central play area with range of activities / • Climbing frames and zip wire
• Sensory room / • Sand pit and play water feature
• Soft play room / • Hobbit tunnel and basket swing
• Chill out lounge / • Tree house with slide
• Interactive floor projection / • Chime bars and chalk boards
• Wheelchair accessible toilets / • Wiggly mirrors and 3 wheeler bikes
• Changing area with table and hoist / • Picnic tables and chairs
Dates & Times / Details of future dates to follow. Contact Dale for further informaiton.