Performing and Visual Arts and Music

Our vision is for people with learning disabilities to be visible, equal and established artists. We challenge the under-representation of people with learning disabilities practicing as artists and designers through our integrated programme of art education, professional development and innovative public programming.

What we do

• Studio programme spans art, design & craft.  

• Trifle Design studio is the first multidisciplinary design studio in the UK whose work is created by designers with learning disabilities

• Craft - Intoart leads in addressing under-representation of people with learning disabilities in the national craft sector.

• Inclusive Art Foundation learning programme - We run an Inclusive Art Foundation learning programme, this alternative art school model is the only programme in the UK committed to art foundation education for young people with learning disabilities aged 18-25yrs.

Please visit the Intoart website for full details of programmes.

Location

Intoart, Studio 306, Peckham Levels, Peckham Town Centre Carpark, 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4S

Contact

Telephone: 0203 4094542

Email: info@intoart.org.uk

Our Family SEND programme offers free, artist-led, creative workshops and resources to families with a child/children with complex needs. The workshops take place at Autograph's gallery in Hackney, London. 

We launched the programme in May 2019, with our first family workshop following a three-year partnership with Project Art Works on their EXPLORERS programme, which aimed to build capacity in visual arts venues and improve understanding of barriers to participation and attendance among disabled practitioners and audiences.

Our approach prioritises the social model of disability and aims to create an appropriate, safe environment which is welcoming and accepting of all ways of being, adapting the environment to lessen the potential for anything which might trigger anxiety or distress.

Find out more about the different elements of the programme below. Interested in attending with your family? Join our Family SEND mailing list to be among the first to find out about new workshops and activities.

Dates

Our family SEND workshops take place monthly. If you'd like to be among the first to know when future workshops are announced please click here to join our Family SEND mailing list.

Location

Autograph, Rivington Place, London, EC2A 3BA

Have any questions?

We're here to help, get in touch at livvy@autograph-abp.co.uk

Visit our website

Are you between the age of 16 - 25?

Would you like to meet new friends, get creative and have fun?

Come along to Hangout Hub, a new FREE online club  for people with learning disabilities to meet and explore artistic and creative activities together, run by Cambridge House.

 Everyone is welcome!
 

• Parents / carers can join us!

• FREE art materials provided in advance (you can also use your own!)

When

Thursdays 4 - 6pm 

Where 

Online video platform ZOOM so you can join us from the comfort of your own home!  Click here to sign up.

Full technical support with ZOOM provided.

Cost

Free

Contact

Email: cjcalderwood@ch1889.org

Tel: 07399 867 605

Download flyer ^{(pdf, 3.7mb)}

Heart n Soul is a place for people with learning disabilities to do activities.

Do Your Own Thing is a safe, fun and friendly place with lots of cool activities to take part in. From Radio, Music, DJing, Videos, anything.

• The 2nd Saturday of the month for 10 -16 year olds to find their groove.  

• The last Saturday of the month is for all young people aged 10 - 25 to come together, be creative and share.

For further details:

• see our promotional video on YouTube

• download our flyer ^{(pdf, 1.3mb)}

• visit our website

• email us or call 020 8694 1632.

Grooveschool is a not for profit organisation that run projects focussed towards nurturing young people's engagement, creativity and invention.

The main activity we provide is DJ and Music Technology workshops for all ages and abilities.

Our overall aim is to make accessible something that may be of interest from which enjoyment and creativity can flow. Working towards something tangible, that ensues enthusiasm, inspiration, inclusion, worth and purpose .

• We believe in the capacity of every child to be creative and to grow through their involvement with music.

• We aim to create the safe and inspiring space for children to explore, appreciate, play and make music.

• We value all talents and children equally, without judging, grading or creating any pressure to compete or to perform.
  All of our practitioners are CRB checked professional artists.

We're based in Streatham, South London and we also have facilities in Brixton.

For more information please visit the Grooveschool website

We offer a range of dance classes in 3 locations within the Southwark borough.

Our classes all take place after school (with the exception of out twinkly toes class that is mid-afternoon), so it’s a great option for an extra curricula activity.

We offer dance classes to children to help encourage confidence fitness and social skills.  Dance is a great way for young people as young as 2, to understand their bodies through movement and use of sound and rhythm to do so.

For more information please visit our site.

Bach to Baby is the critically acclaimed classical concert series for babies, toddlers and their carers.

Tots dance, roam about and revel in the wonder of live music, while you take a moment out of your busy day to hear top notch performances by outstanding musicians, with your young babes in tow. No concert is complete without feeding, crying and nappy changing!

Tickets: Adults £8 ~ £12, Children FREE

Monmouth Coffee Mingle: 30 mins before start time shown

Concert Duration: about an hour

Please click here to see the schedule for venues and dates in South London

Southwark Music Service aims to enrich the lives of all Southwark children and young people by making the learning of music dynamic, energetic, varied and fun. We are are proud to be working with our partners in the Southwark Music Hub to maximise the many diverse musical opportunities for those living and learning in Southwark.

We find the Southwark Youth Orchestra, a community orchestra open to young people either going to school or living in the Borough of Southwark.

Our vibrant Saturday Music Centre at Walworth Academy now incorporates the Saturday Morning Centre and the Southwark Creative Orchestra.

In partnership with the David Idowu Foundation, we fund the David Idowu Choir, open to young singers throughout Southwark.

We offer lessons and musical activities using a wide range of instruments and a variety of musical styles. Everything we do is of the highest quality.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher or a young person who wants to learn, we look forward to welcoming you to our award-winning service - Denise Barber, Head of Southwark Music Service.

For more information, please visit the Southwark Music Service website 

Mousetrap provides opportunities for young people with special needs to engage with theatre, both as an audience member and in the classroom.

Theatre Journeys for Special Schools gives special school pupils access to the best of London's theatre for just £8 a ticket, with in-school workshops that enrich the experience.

We employ outstanding and experienced workshop leaders work to get the best out of every student - often in profound and surprising ways.

See more on the Mousetrap website.

The Unicorn Theatre hold a number of accessible performances throughout the year.

Accessible performances include:

• Relaxed performances
• Audio described and pre-show touch tours
• Deaf Friendly shows
• Live Captioning
• Integrated sign-language in performance

If you have any questions about your visit, please email us at access@unicorntheatre.com.

For more information or to see how to book a ticket please click visit the Unicorn Theatre website.

London Bubble run a number of participatory theatre groups in Rotherhithe open to ages from 6 upwards.

These weekly sessions give the opportunity for a wide range of people to make theatre together, assisted by experienced theatre practitioners and other specialists.

We run inclusive classes and our facilities are fully accessible.

Please contact us if you would like to talk about any specific access needs or additional support for your or your child. A parking space can be made available for anyone attending classes with access needs but we ask that you contact us about reserving a place in advance.

There is no audition process - we just need you to be enthusiastic and committed.
GROUPS ARE OPEN TO ALL.

For more information, or to book a place for a class, please call Lucy on 020 7237 4434 or email lucy@londonbubble.org.uk.

See website for further details.

Theatre Peckham; a Learning Theatre, where inspirational artists meet inspirational young people.

Home to world class creative learning and performance, with and by young people from the diverse communities of South London.  Theatre Peckham aims to inspire young people from all its diverse local communities to engage with the performing arts as audiences, participants and artists. A local venue with a world view, Theatre Peckham is driven by the cultural diversity and the creative mix of Peckham and its young people.

We provide routes into the performing arts for disadvantaged young people and a safe space to explore, take risks and negotiate their way in a changing world.

We are a charity, providing a platform for vibrant young voices to be heard, grow in confidence and take a voyage of discovery, and proud to be part of South London in all its complexity and vibrancy.

To find out more please visit the Theatre Peckham website.

Inclusive Dance is a contemporary dance and drama programme for young people with learning disabilities, aged between 16 and 25.

Participants learn movement and social skills that can be transferable to the world of work. They also develop arts-related technical skills, such as performing and improvisation that can be used in future performing arts-related employment.

We try new things every week, from making up dances together to having fun practising our singing! You don’t need to have too much room to move – enough space to reach your arms out to the side is enough!

When: Thursdays  4:30pm-5:45pm

Where:  Pembroke House, 80 Tatum Street, SE17 1QR

Contact:  ella.frampton@pembrokehouse.org.uk

Cost: FREE

Sign up here

East Duwich Picturehouse offers Autism friendly screenings throughout the year for only £3 (for non-members)

To find out more information about films being screened or how to book please contact East Dulwich Picturehouse and Café directly on 0871 902 5749 (calls cost 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge), alternatively you can visit their website: www.picturehouses.com

Early Birds enables families with children who have an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) to come along and enjoy the Museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public.

Taking place on particular Saturdays across the year, we open the Museum early at 8.30am and some of our interactive galleries remain available exclusively to booked Early Birds guests until 11.15am. As well as exploring some of the galleries you can enjoy a selection of fun workshops and exciting demonstrations.

All of these events are completely free and suitable for families with children under the age of 14.

Places are limited so you do need to book. This can be done on 020 7942 4777.

To find out the forthcoming dates and more information, please go to www.sciencemuseum.org.uk. 

The Service

Speech Bubbles is a creative intervention for Key Stage 1 students. Weekly, small-group drama sessions in primary schools help children to develop their confidence and communication skills.

Who is the service for?

Speech Bubbles currently runs in 42 primary schools, special schools and PRUs across London and Greater Manchester. It is suitable for 5-7 year olds with speech, language and communication needs.

Criteria for access to service

Schools pay an annual fee which helps to cover the cost of a Drama Facilitator, CPD certified training for school staff, resources and evaluation reports.

Accessibility of this service

Speech Bubbles is adaptable to a variety of school settings and access needs. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs.

How this is provided:

Speech Bubbles is delivered in partnership with schools. Schools should contact London Bubble with expressions of interest.

How can I access this service?

Please contact Adam Annand adam@londonbubble.org.uk to discuss bringing Speech Bubbles to your school.
 

How is this service funded?

Speech Bubbles currently receives funding from the Shine Trust. Schools pay a contribution towards delivery costs.
 

Do you need to pay for this service?

The service is free to pupils.

Useful to know

More information and a short video about Speech Bubbles is available on www.speechbubbles.org.uk.

Training provided

The Speech Bubbles offer includes CPD certified training for school staff in working with children with, speech, language and communication needs. We also offer whole school INSET training. Please contact us for details.

Contact

Email: adam@londonbubble.org.uk

Telephone: 020 7237 4434

Website: Speech Bubbles

Art
We run a number of educational arts-based projects for children, young people and adults with disabilities and special educational needs.

Our creative educational activities enable our learners to develop their skills and knowledge in an enjoyable way. We also provide our learners with invaluable opportunities for socialising; for many of our students, the club is the main place they can enjoy friendship and community.

Activities are diverse, from painting, poetry and drama to cooking and games. By supporting learners to develop their independent living skills, we enable them to live their lives to the full.

Sport

We provide weekly opportunities for young people with learning and/or physical disabilities aged 14-25 within Southwark to participate in two sports; trampolining (rebound therapy) and swimming (hydrotherapy).

These sports enable individuals with more profound and multiple learning and/or physical disabilities to experience weightlessness and improve muscle tone by practicing rhythmic, three-dimensional movements. Our long term aim is improve the psychological health and emotional well-being of our young people.

Who is the service for?

Adults and Young People with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.

Criteria for access to service

This is a universal service there are no criteria. We provide for all areas of need and levels of need.

Accessibility of this service

Services are accessible to all levels of need. Building is fully accessible.

How can I access this service?
 

Parents and young people can self-refer to services. We also accept referrals from professionals.

See website.

Please e-mail Rachel Zipfel  

Telephone: 0207 358 7716

Do you need to pay for this service?

These services are funded by a combination of Southwark Council and Personal Budgets. Sensational Sports is funded by Sports England. Service charges vary depending on service and level of need.

Please contact Rachel for more information. 

Confidentiality and Impartiality

The service is confidential and you will be asked for permission for us to speak with professionals on your behalf. We have a professional duty to report any safeguarding concerns, but where possible we will consult you first before making any referrals.

Contact  

Phone: 0207 358 7716
Email: rzipfel@ch1889.org

Central School of Ballet have recently moved to brand new premises in Southwark.  

The Service

Children and Young people: Central runs a regular programme of dance courses after school and in the school holidays for children and teenagers of different abilities, skills, and interest. From one day courses for fun and musicality for the younger age groups to courses for ambitious young dancers for a taste of life in full-time vocational dance training. 

Who is the service for?

Children and young people aged 3-18 years with classes for different ages, experience, and abilities.

Criteria for access to service

Some courses have no entry criteria whilst others like the Associate Programe is entry by audition only.

How can I access this service?

• 4-16 year old short course information

• Junior school further information

• Associate programme further details

Do you need to pay for this service?

Yes - see website for details

A limited number of means tested bursaries are available for all programmes at Central.

Location

Countess of Wessex Studios, 21-22 Hatfields, SE1 8DJ.  

Contact

Telephone: 020 7837 6332
Email: info@csbschool.co.uk
Website

British Youth Music Theatre is a national performing arts education charity and the largest commissioner of new musicals in the UK. Every year we engage around 2000 11-21 year olds in our auditions, workshops, Young Company and projects; BYMT helps young people and developing artists to navigate and further their training and careers in the arts.

BYMT’s mission is to create opportunities for young people and early career creatives from all backgrounds to develop theatre skills and enhance wellbeing, through the collaborative and inclusive process of making original music theatre.

We offer:

1) Constant communication with the Casting and Young Company Manager and Schools and Pastoral Manager
2) Adapting project requirements to create safe and inclusive environments
We have received many supportive testimonials from young people and parents / guardians regarding our support and encouragement of our neurodiverse and disabled young people.

We offer dedicated and bespoke pastoral support – four team members on each project, whose primary focus is the wellbeing of the young people. They receive all information on young people prior to the project and often converse with the parents to set up a suitable care plan prior to the project.

Please note that we offer bursaries on Productions and free (supported) places on our Summer Camps.

To view our courses and programmes, please click here 
Address: Mountview, 120 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JT
Telephone: 020 8563 7725
Email: mail@bymt.org

The Young Vic Theatre's Taking Part Team are creating cultural opportunities with and for young people across Southwark. They have a limited number of free theatre tickets to offer young people to captioned, audio described and socially distanced performances of upcoming shows.

There are also a number of  relaxed Performances for people with learning disabilities and/or additional sensory and communication needs.  Please visit the Access for All page for further information.

If you would like to access tickets please contact the Participation Producer at the Young Vic: LornaMcGinty@youngvic.org

Sunday Spot are free workshops that take place on the last Sunday of the month. Sessions are self-directed and designed for families with children aged 5-12 years old. The space is supported by the SLG’s Art and Play team. 

How is the service provided?

Sunday Spot is a drop-in artist led workshop at the South London Gallery's Clore Studio.

Who is the service for?

Children and parents/carers

How can I access the service?

Please visit the South London Gallery website for upcoming dates 

Cost

Free

How is the service funded?

Charity funded

Contact details

Address: 65–67 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UH

Telephone:  07737080060

Email:  eleanor@southlondongallery.org