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What preparation can you do yourself?

  • Talk to your young person about what they enjoy doing - find out if they want to try anything new.
  • Think about how your young person is going to travel to their chosen club or activity. Will they be able to get there on their own, or will you be able to get them there?
  • Keep in mind costs and whether certain activities are affordable. You might be able to use a personal budget (if you have one) for leisure activities if they move into adult social care. Make sure to include leisure activities as part of their support plan.
  • Consider whether your young person would be better in an inclusive mainstream club, or in a special provision. Lots of mainstream organisations are able to accommodate reasonable adjustments, so it's worth contacting them to see if they can put something in place.

What services are available?

Take the time to research your local area and look into sports centres and clubs. There's more available out there than we can fit onto a page. But these options may be a good place to start your search.

Direct payments can often be used to access clubs.

Free services, clubs and organisations

Mencap local leisure groups helping those with learning disabilities make new friends whilst boosting their skills. They offer care packages and can organise to pick you up from your home to take you to weekly activities.

Services for Young People run lots of youth projects across Hertfordshire, on a variety of activities and interests.

The Hertfordshire Directory has plenty of activities, hobbies and leisure for adults and young people to take part in. You can filter the listings depending on what needs the clubs can support, too. Some activities and hobbies may cost money.

Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities.

Scope's Online Community a supportive space for disabled people, parents and carers to get disability advice and information, and talk to people with similar experiences.

Mudlarks Garden runs lots of projects to  support local people with learning difficulties and mental health issues to take a full and active role in our community, and lead more fulfilling lives.

Services, clubs and organisations that cost money

The Inclusion Project helps support people with learning disabilities maintain a healthy, active social life. Offers over 60 activities to choose from 7 days a week, with both afternoon and evening sessions. The project can also be funded through direct payments.

Electric umbrella a theatre company for adults with learning disabilities - £250 per term.

Boccia England (pronounced bot-cha) is a Paralympic sport with no Olympic equivalent and is similar to bowls. 

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award gives young people the opportunity to have fun making new friends whilst discovering new talents and interests. Any young person aged 14-24 years old is eligible regardless of ability. Enrol through your school, clubs like the scouts or guides, cadets or Services for Young People district teams.

The Gateway Award is a non-competitive activity based award that aims to help participants experience new things, develop life skills, build confidence and become more independent. This award is for people with a learning disability, of any age or ability and costs £50 a level.

Saracens Sport Foundation's disABILITY programmes offer opportunities for individuals of all ages with a wide range of disabilities.

Lots of services offer discounts for carers. You can also receive discounts if you have a Carer's Passport.

Staying safe in the online community

Your young person may be using the internet for things like playing games, sending messages, connecting with friends, and looking up information.

However your young person uses the internet, it's important to consider how you'll prepare them to keep themselves safe online.

Tips for using the internet safely

Have a chat with your young person, reminding them to:

  • be careful about who they chat to, as you never really know who you are talking to online
  • be careful about sharing information about themselves online or sending photos
  • keep their passwords and bank details a secret- no one should be asking for this information in an email for example. This is called a scam.
  • If someone or something they have seen makes them feel scared or uncomfortable online, tell someone they trust immediately - such as a teacher, parent/carer, or trusted adult.

There are organisations that can help with resources and information on staying safe online:

  • NSPCC - information and tips on how to keep children safe online
  • BullyingUK - advice on what to do if you are being bullied on social media
  • ChildLine - advice on online bullying and keeping your devices safe
  • SaferNet - advice for staying safe online if you have learning disabilities.

Page was last updated on: 05/12/2023 16:08:06

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