Things to do
In this section you will find information about different opportunities to join networks, take part in activities, meet other people and have fun. Please also visit One Hub for details of clubs and activities for young people across Southwark.
Click here to download the coding and computer club flyer (pdf, 1.5mb)
The Computing and Programming Academy started 2nd October 2023.
When: Every Monday during term-time, 5pm -7pm
Where: The Southwark Resource Centre, Hitard Court, 10 Bradenham Close, London SE17 2QB
The first two Mondays of every month, the club will be held in-person and the second two Mondays of every month the club will be held online.
Cost: Free
Further information and Registration: Visit the CAPA website, call 07864373753
This young people's social group provides opportunities for young Southwark residents 16-25 with learning difficulties and autism to attend football matches, art galleries and gigs
Events will happen in the evening, weekends and during holidays
For further information contact Alex Margolies Alex@toucanemployment.org
Telephone: 020 3751 9681
Download more information about Toucan's Employment Young People's Social Group. (pdf, 427kb)
Angels SEND Social Club started: 19th August 2023
When: Every Saturday 2pm-4pm and Every Half-term Holidays Mon-Fri 10am-2pm
Activities: Beauty and art therapy, music, drama, storytelling, reading circles, film making, multisport, cooking club, gaming and poetry
Age: 16 -25
Cost: Free
Where: Pelican Plus Hall, Crane House, Grummant Road, SE15 5NF
Further information: contact Nike Animashaun angelsbreakfastafterschoolclub@gmail.com
Telephone: 07957472504
Download more information about Angels 16-25 SEND Social Club. (jpg, 142kb)
'Choose what we do' is a new special interests, skills and social club for young people aged 16-25 in Southwark from Whippersnappers working in partnership with Bell House, Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground, The Platform Café and Grove Adventure Playground.
Activities: To be decided by participants
Further information: Contact Abigail Davey adavey@whippersnappers.org or visit www.whippersnappers.org
Download a flyer here (jpg, 3.2mb).
Started 5th September 2023
A friendly group where you can work on social situations that you may be finding difficult.
Activities include: music and dance, sports (indoor and outdoor), games, baking, ICT, trips & lots more.
When: Events will happen every Tuesday 11am - 2pm
Further information: Please email Mariama Kandeh autismvoice1@gmail.com or call 07460 399290.
Download Autism Voice's flyer for further information. (jpg, 391kb)
About
Photography and Storytelling Project
Get creative this month with the Flip The Script - SEND Club's photography and video project.
This exciting club for 16 to 25 year olds, will offer photography storytelling, more outings, more role playing, as well as drama, music, creative expression, personal development and life skills to build confidence and resilience.
Dates
Saturdays
Location
Salvation Army Hall, 105 Lomond Grove, London, SE5 7JG.
Transport
Parking is free in the Mon-Fri residents' permit holders bays. However, some of the parking bays are Mon-Sat residents' permit holders only, so please check. There are also disabled bays nearby.
By bus: Many buses to Camberwell Green, including 12, 171, 36, etc.
Time
1.30pm - 4.30pm
Cost
Free! But booking is essential
Can carers attend: Yes - carers are welcome!
Please email for a registration form to secure your free place: rhythmandviews@yahoo.com
Resources for Autism is excited to announce that our social groups started in May 2024. This time it’s for independent young people aged 16 to 18 on Thursday evenings in SE14 at the Somerville.
The group involves a mix of enjoyable evenings at a youth centre and exciting trips around London. There are opportunities to meet some amazing people and to engage in activities that will help you develop independent skills in an autism inclusive environment.
To download a flyer with further information, please click here (pdf, 4.3mb).
If you are interested in attending this social group or if you want to access any of our services, please contact Nazia for more information Nazia@resourcesforautism.org.uk or complete a referral form on our website https://resourcesforautism.org.uk.
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
Candoco Dance Company provide disabled and non-disabled people the opportunity to develop their passion for dance in an inclusive setting.
They currently offer a weekly hybrid class for adults aged 18 years and over, by experienced teachers, with a passion for making dance accessible to all.
No experience is required to take part, simply book your place and join in!
Location: Candoco Dance Company, c/o Mountview, 120 Peckham Hill Street, London, SE15 5JT
Contact details
Book your place online or contact them to take part.
Email: jen@candoco.co.uk
Tel: 02077046845
Join coaches Emma and Ashley in a weekly boxing session at Peckham's London Community Boxing.
Sessions are for individuals with additional needs or disabilities. Fun and accessible for everyone including learning how to punch, defend and move as a boxer, boxing games, fitness circuits and more!
Each session will be based on the needs and interests of the participants on the day to facilitate an enjoyable experience for all.
When: Every Wednesday 14:00–16:00.
Where: 3-4 Bellenden Road Business Centre, Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4RF
Cost: Free
Further information and booking: Please email jake.ramshaw@sportworksltd.co.uk
Additional details
Emma is a Level 1 England Boxing coach. She is passionate about sports accessibility and inclusion and believes that boxing has the power to change lives.
Ashley is an experienced Level One Football Coach. He has delivered many different ranges of sport activities for people with SEND needs on a weekly basis across London. Ashley has a disability himself so he is willing to support others to better themselves.
Click here to download a flyer (jpg, 190kb)
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.
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The 2nd Saturday of the month for 10 -16 year olds to find their groove.
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The last Saturday of the month is for all young people aged 10 - 25 to come together, be creative and share.
For further details:
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see our promotional video on YouTube
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download our flyer (pdf, 1.3mb)
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email us or call 020 8694 1632.
Girls Win is a free, inclusive sports and games club for young women with SEN, aged 15-25.
We support young women with disabilities ages 15 – 25 to set and achieve personal and professional development goals.
Day: Every Thursday
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0BL (close to Southwark station)
Activities: Dance, sport, yoga, arts and crafts, mentoring, personal development, career support, free trips and residentials, holiday and term time.
Contact: Maddy Ford, Women and Girls Programme Manager
T: 07824 589443
E: maddyford@changefdn.org.uk
Click here to download the flyer
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Free creative workshops for adults who have experienced mental health challenges.
Day: Every Tuesday
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location
Red Lion Court, 46-48 Park Street, SE1 9EQ
Cost
Free
Contact
To join, email: info@artsnetwork.org.uk
Download flyer (jfif, 298kb)
Bubble Club provides inclusive club nights in Shoreditch with learning disabled DJs, live music, performance, chill out room, creative activities and workshops
Dates
The events happen every 2 months. Dates are on our website and social media. We also send out emails and printed flyers to those who sign up to our mailing list.
Time
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Who is it for?
Learning disabled people aged 18+ (friends and carers welcome)
Location
93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Cost
You can buy tickets online or on the door. They are currently £7 per person (2023). Concessions are available on request by phone or email
Contact
Email: info@bubbleclub.org
Telephone: 0736 053 5120
Further Information
Events are attended by 150-250 people.
Free Swimming Lessons for Southwark Residents
Southwark Council is offering residents free swimming lessons. 12-week courses for beginners are available at leisure centres operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Southwark Council. If you’re a Southwark resident, a non-swimmer and aged 16 or over you can book free swimming lessons.
• Residents with disabilities can book at any centre below.
- Camberwell Leisure Centre, Artichoke Place, London SE5 8TS
- The Castle Centre, 2 St Gabriel Walk, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6FG
- Dulwich Leisure Centre, 2b Crystal Palace Road, London SE22 9HB
- Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre, 10 Melon Road, London SE15 5QN
- Seven Islands Leisure Centre, 100 Lower Road, Rotherhithe SE16 2TU
For more information, please click here and also download the physical Activity leaflet (pdf, 443kb).
Disability Swimming Sessions
Sessions for children and adults with disabilities or long-term medical/health conditions are available to Southwark residents. Further details of availability are below.
- Dulwich Leisure Centre
Supported swimming sessions take place on Sunday afternoons at Dulwich Leisure Centre from 2.00pm-2.50pm
Check availability and book sessions here.
- Seven Islands Leisure Centre
Supported swimming sessions take place on Monday afternoons at the Seven Islands Leisure Centre from 2.00pm-2.50pm
Check availability and book sessions here.
- Peckham Pulse - Disabled Swimming Hydrotherapy Pool
Sessions are available at the following times throughout the week:
Monday:12:30 - 13:20
Tuesday:19:00 - 19:50
Thursday:20:30 - 21:20
Friday:12:00 - 12:50, 14:00 - 14:50
Saturday:15:00 - 15:50
Sunday:15:00 - 15:50, 18:00 - 18:50
Check availability and book sessions here.
- The Castle Centre
Supported swimming sessions take place on Fridays 3:00pm-3:50pm and Saturdays 2:00pm-2:50pm at the Castle Centre
Check availability and book sessions here.
- Camberwell Leisure Centre
Supported swimming sessions take place on Fridays 2:30pm-3:20pm and Sundays 10:00am-10:50am at Camberwell Leisure Centre
Check availability and book sessions here.
As the first of London's professional football clubs to launch a Down's Syndrome football team in 2005, our commitment to disability and inclusive sport is highly regarded. From Blind/Partially Sighted Football tennis to Active Autism, our football provision for young boys and girls on the autism spectrum, and pan-disability holiday camps, our programmes provide specialist coaching for people of all ages with varied disabilities.
Location
Sessions take place at locations across London including various venues in the neighbouring borough of Lambeth.
Dates and fees
Please click on the links below for further information.
Inclusive cycling sessions
We run inclusive cycling sessions for Disabled people and their families, carers or friends, from the following three bases in south London:
Croydon Sports Arena/Herne Hill Velodrome/Ladywell Day Centre
Please click here to book a session
Cost
We try to keep prices affordable and good value, while using suitable venues, excellent staff and volunteers and a range of specialist cycles. It costs us £25 per head to provide these sessions, and we ask for a contribution towards this as below. We are always grateful to those who are able to make an additional donation to support our work.
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Per disabled cyclist: £5 (if you need a supporter/carer they are included in the price)
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Per non-disabled cyclist: £5
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Special family price (up to 4, including at least one disabled cyclist): £10
How to access the service
At all venues our qualified instructors, supported by fantastic volunteers, help participants try our cycles or get comfortable on the one that suits them, and offer ongoing support. See our website for full details.
Contact
Telephone: 020 7346 8482
Email: info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Address:336 Brixton Road, London, SW9 7AA
The Service:
S-Factor Academy’s Inclusive team works with disadvantaged and disabled (physical/learning or sensory) young people to help them achieve their full potential in sports; improve well-being and overall quality of life.
Working with Access Sport Ignite we help to build on fun activities and fulfilling programmes.
Who is the service for?
Anyone with any disability, impairment or additional need. Also open to non disabled siblings.
Criteria for access to service
Everybody is welcome at our club
Accessibility of this service
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Services / facilities within the arena include adapted and standard toilets and showers and changing rooms. There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
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There is permanent, easy ramp or slope access.
How this is provided:
Provided by trained volunteers
Do you need to pay for this service?
Session are £2.50 for a disabled athlete and free for non disabled siblings
Contact
Email: admin@sfactoracademy.co.uk
Telephone: 07719596045 or 07719596044
See our website for further information
Padel tennis is a mix between tennis and squash. Padel is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash. The court is one third of the size of a tennis court.
The ball can bounce off any wall but can only hit the turf once before being returned. Points can be scored when the ball does bounce twice in the competitors’ field. The racket and ball are also adapted slightly.
Where can I play?
Sundridge Park Tennis and Squash Club, off Garden Road, BR1 3NA
When:
Thursdays 2–3:30 pm
Who is it for?
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent adults aged 17 – 25
Cost
First session free, £3 thereafter
Contact
For further information call 020 7993 9883
Email: Disability.Inclusion@AccessSport.co.uk
Download flyer (png, 824kb)
In partnership with Access Sport, The LTA and Sundridge Park Tennis and Squash Club
Heart n Soul's Allsorts is our creative taking part project for adults with learning disabilities (aged 18+).
It’s a place where you can try new activities, learn new skills and meet new people in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Take part in a range of different sessions every season where you decide what to do. Everyone is welcome!
Please visit the Heart n Soul website for up-to-date details of upcoming sessions.
Spark is a youth group in Southwark for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 13-19, and up to 25 with SEND.
We welcome all those on the spectrum as well as anyone who is questioning or exploring their identity.
Who can use this service
You need to live in Southwark or able to travel, and be LGBTQIA+ or questioning your gender or sexual orientation.
Why people use this service
- To meet other queer young people
- Have fun in a safe and affirming space
- Engage in creative projects and workshops
- Learn about LGBTQIA+ identities, history and culture
- Go on free trips to the theatre, galleries, museums, Pride events and more
- Attend our annual Southwark LGBTQIA+ Youth Summit
- Gain experience as part of METRO Youth to plan events including the Winter Ball, Summit and Youth Pride
How we can help
- Get help to understand your identity and share experiences of coming out
- Discuss topics including bullying, feeling safe, life at home, education and work
- Get free and confidential support and information
- Have one-to-one check-ins with LGBTQIA+ identified youth workers or be referred for free counselling at METRO
Join this group
Email youth@metrocharity.org.uk or call 020 8305 5004. You can refer yourself or be referred by someone who works with you (like a youth worker or teacher).
We'll get back to you in 2-3 days. We'll arrange a quick chat to find out more about you and how we can help. After you're signed up, you can drop into any session. You don't have to come every week if you don't want to.
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
Further information: Tel: 07813 778 409 or email: emmacolverd@gmail.com
This network is a space for autistic young people, between the ages of 13-25 to meet other autistic young people, take on new paid opportunities, and join one of our group panels. The network is a fun and friendly space for autistic young people to be themselves.
Peer Support
Peer support sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 5:45-6:45 over Zoom. These sessions are a chance to meet new autistic young people across the country.
Sessions are a safe environment where you can stay within your comfort zone, there is no pressure to turn on your camera or microphone. You can choose to participate or just observe.
The sessions are led by Ambitious staff trained in safeguarding, who you may contact at any point if you are uncomfortable or feel unsafe.
Every session has a different theme, past sessions have included arts and crafts, comedy night, DJ sessions, language lessons, and a monthly general knowledge quiz.
Youth network members over the age of 18 also have a chance to instant message each other on the platform.
Opportunity
Youth network opportunities are mainly centred around educating the public about autism and making life better for autistic people. These are paid opportunities.
Opportunities include advising on toolkits and campaigns, developing presentations about autism awareness, taking part in advisory panel’s as well as leading training sessions. Companies we have worked alongside in the past include The Postal Museum, Compare the Market, Marsh McLennan, the NHS and many more.
We also work alongside the Employ Autism department at Ambitious, who offer paid work experience placements in places such as BP, the NHS, the civil service and more. These opportunities are also posted on the Youth Network platform.
Our opportunities are a great way to earn money as well as expand your knowledge and confidence.
Groups
Groups are panels consisting of members of our Youth Network, who are tasked with providing expertise and advise to different organisations. Each group requires its members to participate in paid sessions throughout the year.
Each group is limited in its members, but when spaces in the groups become available we will notify the Youth Network.
Groups include:
- Autism Education Trust: Young Experts panel
- Health Panel
- Postal Museum
- Youth Council
- Norfolk County Council Training
For more information please visit the Ambitious About Autism website