Performing and Visual Arts and Music
There are lots of creative and therapeutic opportunities available in Southwark and its neighbouring boroughs. There are specialist, inclusive and mainstream services which cover a large number of interests including; dance, drama and various art and craft activities.
Our inclusive Spectacular sessions will provide a safe and supportive environment for SEND children and young people, including arts and crafts, drama, dance, fun and games - our Superstar sessions are the place to be in Southwark!
Our experienced team is focused on delivering sessions that promote fun and friendships.
Our sessions are pre-bookable only so we can ensure we can provide an excellent level of care with a staff ratio of 1:3 or limited 1:1 spaces.
Location: Spa School Camberwell 150 Southampton Way SE5 7EW
When: Saturdays
Ages: 8 - 19 years
Click here (pdf, 142kb) to download the privacy statement for the Southwark Short Breaks EEQU Booking System.
Support provided
We offer five 1-to-1 spaces & 15 1-to-3 spaces on each of our sessions (please select the correct ticket), medical needs are considered, an assessment will be carried out for ALL children prior to all bookings being confirmed.
Eligibility criteria
- General short breaks criteria is as follows:
- Age: 5-19
- Southwark resident
- Child/young person has an EHCP (Educational Health and Care Plan)
- Unable to access universal services due to level of need and/or require additional support to access
Higher needs placement (staff ratio of 1:1+) criteria is as follows:
In addition to the general criteria above:
- Attends a special school (in or out of borough) and/ or open to All Age Disability Service in Southwark
- Severe or complex learning disability, physical disability and/or health condition
Starting 9th November 2024!
Location: Dockland Settlements Community Centre, 400 Salter Road, SE16 5AA
When: Sessions will take place on Saturdays from 3pm-5pm
Who is the project for?
- young people aged 12-16 years old with mild special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- need to be able to participate independently, without the need for a one-to-one support worker or parent
- interested in dance
Cost
Thanks to funding received from the Southwark Council's Neighbourhoods fund, we are able to offer these sessions at a subsidised rate of £60 per participant per round (a round comprises 10 sessions).
Booking and further information
For booking and further information please click this link
If you have any other questions or want to find out more about the sessions, please contact dannica.b@docklandsettlements.org.uk
Download a flyer here (jpg, 410kb)
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 practising 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
In-Deep is a registered charity that works with children and young people with SEND. We offer both face to face and online group music therapy sessions, as well as sessions in schools. We run free music therapy in age appropriate groups, every third Thursday of the month at Ashmole Primary School and every second Saturday of the month at Millbank Academy.
Locations:
Ashmole Primary School, Ashmole Street, London SW8 1NT
Millbank Academy, Erasmus Street, London SW1P 4HS
Dates
Every third Thursday of the month at Ashmole Primary School
Every second Saturday of the month at Millbank Academy
How to book
Email to book a place or for further information: emma.chapman@in-deep.org.uk
Sessions are free and there is no cost to the family.
Accessibility
In the sessions we use makaton to aid communication. There is disabled access. For further information please contact Emma Chapman.
Additional information
Sessions are run by qualified experienced music therapists. Sessions are open to families of all boroughs of South London. Parents are required to remain at the sessions.
Contact
Phone - 07761263105
Email: emma.chapman@in-deep.org.uk
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Have you tried our FREE Drama sessions yet? We have been having a fantastic time exploring theatre with professional facilitators JP and Sam, who are excellent at gently encouraging young people to build their confidence through theatrical games. All activities are adapted to suit individual needs. Age groups: 3-10yrs & 11-20yrs Visit the In-Deep website for further information
Online sessions
Music Therapy If you can’t join us in person, we run our free music therapy sessions online! Join us via Zoom for our beneficial music therapy sessions for children and young people with SEND. We run these sessions every 4th Saturday of the month from 11:30am-1:00pm. Sing and Sign Join our senior Music Therapist Imogen once a month, every 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30 pm- 7:00 pm on zoom. Imogen will teach both parents and children how to sign a song. This will help aid children’s communication and will be a chance for parents and children alike to learn sign in a fun and engaging way. Parent and Child Relaxation Session Wind down with our relaxing online music sessions to help families connect and relax for the evening with our qualified music therapist. Sessions are run on Zoom so anyone can join us from 6.30pm-7.30pm every 3rd Thursday of the month. Further information about online sessions can be found here. |
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
The Golden Hinde is running relaxed opening hours on the last Sunday of every month from 10am to 12noon.
We would like to welcome anybody who wants to explore the ship in a calm environment, including autistic people and people with other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, family, and carers.
Dates
29th Sep & 24th Nov - Visitors will be able to explore the ship, engage with our public displays, follow our family trail if they wish and handle some of the objects if they would like.
27th Oct - Interact with our half term activity Gory Stories, there will be a costumed member of staff on board the ship to show you the doctor's equipment and talk about what life was like for a pirate.
29th Dec -Interact with our Tudor Christmas trail at your own speed and in a quieter environment. Learn about how the Tudor’s celebrated Christmas and engage with our different activities such as smelling Tudor spices, make a wish on the yule log and become the lord of misrule.
Location: St Mary Overie's Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE
Times: 10am to 12noon
Cost: £6 (free for Carers)
Booking: visit the Golden Hinde website
Additional information
There will be no pressure to take part in any of the activities.
To ensure the ship is as welcoming as possible we will also:
-Limit the number of visitors
-Turn off noisy devices such as hand dryers and videos
-Make the space as light as possible
-Provide a quiet breakout space with cushions and books
Friendly staff will be on hand to answer any questions.
Each session will be 30 minutes long. You are welcome to stay longer but more people will be arriving after the 30 mins. We re-open to the general public at 12pm and, again, you are welcome to stay longer if you wish.
Please note:
-The Golden Hinde is located in a busy public space and there are certain noises we cannot control.
-The ship is not currently accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility impairments.
-There are steep stairs on the ship and low ceilings.
As the number of visitors will be limited, we recommend booking tickets in advance.
Visit the website for further information
Heart n Soul is a place for people with learning disabilities to access 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
- 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 provide classes for ages 8yrs and upwards and include SEN provision.
We're based in Streatham, South London and we also have facilities in Brixton.
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!
How to book
Tickets: Adults £8 ~ £12, Children FREE
Concert Duration
About an hour. Please arrive 30 mins before start time shown.
More information
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.
Find out about the Saturday Music Centre here and accessible, inclusive school programmes here.
Go Live Theatre Projects provides opportunities for young people with special needs to engage with theatre, both as an audience member and in the classroom.
We run a range of creative learning projects and theatre-going experiences which support, educate and empower young people with additional needs. You can find further information here.
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 Go Live Theatre Projects 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.
East Dulwich 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 see the Science Museum website.
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. Download the Disability and Neurodiversity policy for details of support available to children and young people with additional needs.
Criteria for access to service
Some courses have no entry criteria whilst others like the Associate Programme 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 have 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.