Special Needs
Please note there are lots of groups, clubs, support etc., included on this website that are all inclusive. However, people included on this page are especially for children/adults who have Special Needs. To have your details included here, please contact me and include as much information as possible. To help you get to the section you require quickly, please click on one of the links below.
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ACE: Suffolk People First
ACE is a User Led Advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities in Suffolk.
ACE – Suffolk People First - is an independent and self-advocacy project based in Suffolk for people with learning disabilities.
- How Ace Started:
ACE began as two separate organisations.
People for People (Ipswich Citizen Advocacy) and Suffolk Voice. Both organisations were formed in 1994.
People for People was a citizen advocacy project funded by Opportunities for Volunteering and managed by The Children’s Society.
Suffolk Voice started with European Funding and was a self advocacy organisation.
These organisations worked informally together until the year 2000 when they came together to form ACE (Advocacy Can Empower).
The organisation is now known as ACE – Suffolk People First.
At this point there were three part-time workers with one small office. Since then ACE has grown.
ACE is the involvement project for people with learning disabilities for Suffolk.
ACE facilitates People First Groups in Suffolk.
ACE facilitate Advocacy Surgeries at Work Projects and Day Centres in Suffolk.
ACE also works with Student Social Workers from University Campus Suffolk and Anglia Ruskin Cambridge.
ACE enables people to be in control of their lives by supporting them to have a powerful and effective voice.
For more information Tel: 01449 678088, Email: acepeoplefirst@btconnect.com or visit: http://ace-suffolk.org.uk/
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Ace Of Spades Allotment Project
The project is for adults with a mild learning disability to grow vegetables, soft fruit and cut flowers. We also have some ex battery hens, which have created a lot of interest for the project, and eggs to collect for tea!
It is a relaxed day with no pressure on people to “progress” to certain standards. No experience of gardening is required; it is just a nice day in a peaceful setting.
The project is a small, (due to limited space, up to four people a day) leisure gardening activity with support worker in attendance at all times. This is not a commercial venture; all produce grown is shared out between the people attending to take home for dinner! There is also a toilet facility on site, (we drink quite a lot of tea!).
The project is based at Ipswich borough allotment site in Bramford Lane Ipswich, Monday to Thursdays from 10am to 3pm. I meet people at the gate (opposite Wallace road) to enter the site. Collection is from the same gate at 3pm. The cost for the day is £25, this contribution helps cover costs of materials used, insurance and time of the support worker. To the person attending thats just £5 per hour. People bring a packed lunch and wear old clothes and shoes. No power tools are used and the site risk assessment is low. Any further details or to arrange a site visit please in the first instance call the number.
The project is specifically for adults with a mild learning disability who do not need a one to one worker.
For more information please contact Mike Abbott Tel: 0796 973 6692, Email: m.abbott357@btinternet.com or visit: http://suffolkinfolink.suffolkcc.gov.uk and search ‘Ace of Spades’
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Activities Unlimited
Visit the Activities Unlimited website:
To search and view activities, events and short breaks
Plus information and support for disabled children and young people in Suffolk.
http://www.activities-unlimited.co.uk/
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Breakaway Holidays & Weekends Ltd
Breakaway and Breakaway Active offer a wide range of supported holidays and short breaks in the UK, Europe and the USA for small groups and individuals with learning disabilities aged 17 to 70+.
We offer special interest breaks in the spring and autumn – Ladies Spa, Diggerland, Cooking for Christmas, and a full range of holidays throughout the year.
Breakaway Holidays was established in 1998 and has delivered over 10,000 individual holidays offering fun, travel and friendship, supported by our small team of experienced couriers.
Breakaway active holidays are ideal for young people aged between 17 and 35 who are looking for a lively, activity-based holiday.
We offer door-door upgrades from anywhere in the UK
For more information Tel: 01245 260330, Email: enquires@breakawayhols.co.uk or breakawayactive@aol.com or visit: http://www.breakawayhols.co.uk/ and http://www.breakawayactive.co.uk/
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Cooking Group
Cooking Group is a group for adults with special needs where they can take part in producing small items of food and then take home if they wish.
- Tuesdays weekly 14.00-15.00
- sub of £1.50 charged
Based at: The Salvation Army, The Priory Centre, 43 Queens Way, Ipswich IP3 9EX
For more information Tel: 01473 710721
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DanceEast
DanceEast currently runs the following classes for people with additional needs:
MONDAYS
- Young Springboard: 7 – 11 yrs: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
- Junior Springboard: 12 – 18 yrs: 6.00pm – 7.15pm
Discover dance skills and create dances to share in these classes for young people with additional needs. Carers are not required to attend and no previous dance experience is necessary.
TUESDAYS
- Springboard: 18yrs+ 7.30pm – 9.00pm
This class for people with additional needs encourages group members to learn and create new dance moves. Carers are not required to attend and no previous dance experience is necessary.
WEDNESDAYS
- Integr8: All ages: 1.30pm – 3.00pm
People of all abilities work together, focusing on creating dance in a safe and stimulating environment. Carers are required to attend.
DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane, Ipswich IP4 1DW
Regulars who come to these classes pay on the night, but you can pre-book over the telephone (01473 295230) or online: http://www.danceeast.co.uk/dance%20classes.aspx
Please note: (a 50p fee applies when booking for classes by card either over the phone or in person. There is currently no fee for booking classes online)
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Dimensions
We provide services for people with learning disabilities and people with autism.
We offer a range of services to young people and adults of all ages, including those with complex needs or challenging behaviour.
Our aim is to enable people to be part of the community and make their own choices and decisions about their life.
Our website shows how we support people to live the life they choose. We support nearly 3000 people across England and Wales to live the lives they choose. We also deliver housing services and work in partnership with 90% of all local authorities in England and Wales.
We provide:
* support for people living in their own homes or in shared housing
* support for people to find and maintain suitable accommodation
* a team of support advisors to help individuals and their families with a personal budget
* transition support for young people leaving school or college
* opportunities for learning, employment and participating in the community
* day services and outreach
* short breaks and respite care
* residential care for people with complex needs
* advice and guidance on technology to make life easier for people
* specialist behaviour consultancy and training
* flexible and creative services for children and young people through our innovative Buddies scheme.
Your local branch is: Dimensions, Unit 1, Apple Tree Barns, Folly Lane, Copdock, Nr Ipswich, IP8 3JQ Tel: 01473 730993 : Email: jane.neil@dimensions-uk.org or visit: www.dimensions-uk.org
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East Anglian Sailing Trust
The East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) is a registered charity aiming to provide regular sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and their carers.
Run entirely by volunteers and based at our new Waterside Centre at Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Levington, Ipswich we aim to provide a varied programme of activities and events.
- WHAT WE DO:
♦ We are supported by over 100 volunteers to help us provide a programme of regular opportunities for sailors with disabilities to access and enjoy sailing.
♦ We have an annual East Coast cruise for visually impaired sailors.
♦ We offer other sail cruising opportunities for mobile adults with various disabilities over weeks and weekends.
♦ We liaise with the management of Suffolk Yacht Harbour to improve accessible facilities available to sailors with disabilities and their carers at the marina.
♦ Our volunteers maintain our fleet of five National Squib Keelboats which have opened up evening sailing and racing opportunities to adults with a wide range of disabilities.
♦ We work closely with the officers and members of the regional RYA Committee, Haven Ports Yacht Club and other RYA Clubs in East Anglia.
♦ We offer an integrated training programme for volunteers and disabled members to gain appropriate RYA qualifications.
For more information Tel: 0333 088 3278 or visit our website: http://www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk/
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Genesis Orwell Mencap
Our main site with extensive facilities is at 6 Wright Road, Ipswich. Our Green Bike Project based at Holywells Park in recently renovated Victorian stables.
There’s always a great buzz around the place. Not surprising really when we offer such a wide range of activities such as pottery, arts and crafts, drama, dance, life skills, live music, training courses, cookery, yoga, aromatherapy and horse riding, computer skills, and a whole lot more.
Each day there are also many opportunities to use facilities in the community such as leisure centres, swimming pools, bowling, shopping, walks and organised visits.
If there is something you would like to try, we will seek to get it for you. And if you just need some quiet activities we can sort that too.
We are always adding new things to do such as short courses on specific topics or issues, often in partnership with other organisations as we believe that if we don’t provide what you want we will find someone who can.
You can learn new skills through our social enterprise opportunities that include our award winning Garden Furniture manufacturing workshop, our Green Bike Project (cycle repair and recycling project) and art and craft activities including soft fabrics and pottery.
You will be encouraged to choose and plan your own timetable of activities and if you want help in choosing we welcome the input of families and carers.
If you have a profound and/or multiple disabilities we have a fully equipped physical management suite for physiotherapy, personal care or just simply a stretch out.
We have sensory rooms with full wheelchair access and hoist equipment that provide both relaxation and stimulation – great places to chill out!
One of the sensory rooms has a spa pool next door, purpose-built to allow access for people who use wheelchairs. The pool provides a stimulating environment as the bubbling water helps support the body whilst relaxing in a warm and soothing atmosphere.
Our canteen serves home-cooked meals, hot snacks and sandwiches Monday to Friday at low prices.
For those sunny days we have a large landscaped garden (complete with our hand crafted Genesis Garden Furniture – made on the premises of course!
For more information Tel: 01473 723888, Email: info@orwellmencap.co.uk or visit our website: www.orwellmencap.co.uk
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Get Creative
Get Creative is a group for adults with special needs where they can draw, paint or make items which they can take home if they wish.
- Thursdays weekly 10.00-12.00
- Sub of £1 charged.
Light lunches served from 12.00 to 13.00 if would like to stay on afterwards.
Based at: The Salvation Army, The Priory Centre, 43 Queens Way, Ipswich IP3 9EX
For more information Tel: 01473 710721
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Millennium Farm Trust
The Millennium Farm Trust was founded in the autumn of 1996. With the aim of providing adults with learning disabilities work and training opportunities in farming, conservation and rural skills within Suffolk. Initially this would take place on host farms with the ultimate aim of acquiring our own farm.
The initiative for the Trust was generated largely by an enthusiastic group of people with learning disabilities. The focus of M.F.T. was to provide continuing farming and rural skills experiences post college provision. Since farming operations started in the year 2000, many adults with learning disabilities have benefited from M.F.T.’s activities.
MFT Workshop
In October 2004 M.F.T. took on the tenancy of the newly refurbished workshop and 2 acres of land at Rede Hall Farm, near Bury St. Edmunds. Large workbenches have been constructed, woodwork projects undertaken and tool and machinery maintenance achieved. The land has been cultivated and manured. Potatoes, onions, celeriac and a variety of vegetables and soft fruit are grown.
A variety of training opportunities are available at Rede Hall Farm, Rede. On the field, there are regular opportunities in land cultivation and growing vegetables and fruit. Wildlife walks provide added variety. Around the farm, MFT team members engage with the Suffolk Punches and enjoy the occasional heavy horse training day. Of course, no farming experience is complete without some farm maintenance especially repairing or replacing fencing. In the large workshop, MFT members have varied opportunities in making raised beds, bird boxes, planters and items to special order.
Meanwhile, at Old Hall, looking after Jersey and Red poll cattle or feeding the Large Black pigs, harvesting potatoes or apples, coppicing, erecting electric fencing are some of the tasks available. The more competent team members also enjoy driving the tractor and trailer.
At Longwood Farm we learn about farm maintenance and the needs of the cattle, sheep and free range chickens and turkeys.
During the late autumn and winter MFT typically undertakes conservation tasks and will often do contract work. The continual objective is to give the team varied and interesting opportunities throughout the year to enhance existing skills and provide new learning opportunities. One off workshops (e.g. specific woodwork projects, felt making, model making etc) are held. Once or twice a year combined rambles with Bury Rambling Club are organised. Our aim is to acquire a two seater tractor so opportunities for tractor driving are available to all participants and those without previous experience can learn on site.
The Charity Objective:
To advance the education of those members of the public who have learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities by giving opportunities for training, work experience, and work or employment in agriculture, horticulture and related subjects and in the principles of good citizenship, so that such persons can develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities and grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society in the county of Suffolk and surrounding areas.
For more information please visit: www.m-f-t.org.uk
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Music Therapy
Music Therapy is a group for adults with special needs where they can enjoy singing, playing percussion instruments and listening to music in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Tuesdays weekly 10.00-11.00
- sub of £1 charged
Light lunches served from 12.00 to 13.00 if you would like to stay on afterwards.
Based at: The Salvation Army, The Priory Centre, 43 Queens Way, Ipswich IP3 9EX
For more information Tel: 01473 710721
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Musica
Musica is a specialist company devoted to creative learning using music as its medium as well as the arts. The directors have extensive experience working with a wide range of clients including Pupil Referral Units, Mental Health, Education (Primary, High Schools, Further Education Institutions), Physically Disabled, Prisons, Young Offenders, Children’s Homes, Extended Schools and Festivals.
- What are the benefits?
For some people learning can be difficult and by using music as a medium it enables access to learning for those who find the mainstream school curriculum does not fit or suit their needs. For Children in or out of the school system, (or attending PRU’s etc..) creative development improves learning and progress in all subjects and areas.
The act of playing music or engaging in artistic pursuits releases natural chemicals into the body which creates a natural high and a more positive outlook.
- The Opportunity
For those attending mainstream schools the chance to do something new and different with music and the arts. Learning those important life and interpersonal skills that are in ever increasing demand when entering the field of work.
- Corporate
A chance to find out about yourself and your colleagues outside of the work environment with everyone on the same footing and without the usual hierarchy of business. Working as a team to achieve your collective goals.
- Mental Health
Music is a great way of increasing confidence, self-awareness and self-esteem. The feeling of accomplishment very often for the first time only has a positive impact on someone’s life.
- Disabilities
A chance to improve cognitive co-ordination and movement through the medium of music and the arts.
All our Educational Music Workshops are bespoke and tailored to suit your specific requirements.
For more information visit: http://www.musica-workshops.com/
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Optua
Optua is a Suffolk based disability charity providing a number of services:
We provide support services, homecare and supported housing for disabled people across Suffolk, helping people to lead more independent lives and to enjoy their local community
We provide a comprehensive range of leisure activities and events throughout the year including visits to places of interest, concerts and football matches. We have a programme of regular activities which include sports, football, Big Splash swimming sessions and social activities. We also organise some very popular annual events such as our Share day of arts activities in April and the RHS Optua Games in June.
We are also running our Teaming Up programme of activities for young disabled people for a third year from April 2012.
Optua UK provides community brain injury services for people affected by an accident or stroke.
- We provide a disability advice service covering central and west Suffolk.
- We also provide community transport in the Mid Suffolk area
For more information go to www.optua.org.uk or call 01473 836777. Optua is part of the Avenues Trust Group.
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Orwell Panthers Athletic Club
- We meet Every Wednesday.
Athletics for physically disabled persons or those with visual or aural impairment or learning disability in Ipswich and the surrounding districts of Suffolk and North Essex
Learn, improve or develop new skills in running, jumping and throwing.
- Fully supervised by qualified coaches.
- An excellent way to make new friends and keep fit.
Suitable for 10 years + Fun in athletics however able. 6.15pm – 7.45pm @ Northgate Sports Centre, Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich IP4 3DJ
For more information please Tel: Margaret Nicholls 01473 411639 or visit: http://www.orwellpanthers.co.uk
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Papworth Trust
The Papworth Trust centres in Ipswich offer exciting opportunities to disabled people of a working age.
- Foundation Street, Ipswich:
At the Centre in Foundation Street this includes: Photography, bowling trips, woodwork, art and crafts, armchair exercise, gym trips, library visits, music, choir group, volunteering, dance and drama and much more. For more information contact Mandy, Tel: 01473 211671, Email: centres@papworth.org.uk Website: www.papworth.org.uk/centres
- Museum Street, Ipswich
At our Centre in Museum Street we provide disabled adults with the opportunity to take part in their own choice of training and voluntary work in the community so they can progress towards greater independence: IT, literacy, numeracy, independent living skills, voluntary work, get out and about and accredited training courses through Open College Network qualifications. For more information contact Phil, Tel: 01473 232146, Email: centres@papworth.org.uk Website: www.papworth.org.uk/centres
- United Youth Clubs:
Our Fun United Youth clubs in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich are a great place for disabled teenagers to go to make new friends, have fun and take part in activities such as music, ICT, art and crafts, sport, dancing and games. For disabled people aged 14-25. For more information contact Angie, Tel: 0795 682 7039, Email: transitions@papworth.org.uk Website: www.papworth.org.uk/youthclubs
Free taster session! Try something new with a free session at one of our centres in Suffolk, or come along to a youth club near you to make friends and have fun.
- West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre:
West Suffolk Disability Resource Centre in Bury St Edmunds ensures that disabled people receive free, impartial advice and easy access to key disability services. The centre is a partnership between voluntary and statutory organisations. Telephone 01284 748888 Email wsdrc@papworth.org.uk or visit us at 4 Bunting Road, Moreton Hall Estate, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BX.
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Parent Partnership
Providing confidential and impartial support and advice on educational issues.
www.suffolk.gov.uk/parentpartnership
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Suffolk Befriending Scheme For People With Learning Disabilities
SBS is a registered company, limited by guarantee, with charitable status, registration number 1074800.
It exists to establish and support friendships and leisure opportunities between people with learning disabilities and other members of the community.
We work towards achieving the full implementation of the following principles:
* Treating people who use our services with respect and dignity, recognising both their differing needs as individuals and of their need for a range of practical and emotional support.
* Empowering people to make choices, through advocacy and self-advocacy, which enable them to make personal decisions about their lives.
* Giving support and information to people of a consistently high standard, irrespective of people’s status, religion, race, culture, disability, language and contribution to the community.
* Enabling people to be involved in the way our service is planned, run and developed.
* Working in ‘partnership’ with people, their carers, volunteers and other relevant agencies to ensure well co-ordinated, integrated and cost effective services.
* SBS works with adults with a learning disability and/or mental health problems IE. anyone aged 16 and over.
* SBS recruits and supports volunteers (befrienders). Their friendship will enable people with a learning disability to participate, as fully as possible, in all aspects of their chosen leisure activity.
* SBS makes every effort to ensure friends are carefully matched and that the aims, values and principles of SBS are fully understood and followed by befrienders.
Please visit our website for current Events and information: http://www.suffolkbefriendingscheme.org.uk : Tel: 01787 371333 – Fax: 01787 371338 Email: info@suffolkbefriendingscheme.org.uk
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Suffolk Families Information Service
For answers to all your questions about childcare, free early education and services for you and your family!
We support pre-schools, childminders, schools, breakfast, after school and holiday clubs to offer an inclusive service and meet the individual needs of all children up to the age of 19.
- Phone: 0845 60 800 33 (local call rate)
- Mobile text messaging: 07624 80 10 60
- Open: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Website: www.suffolk.gov.uk/family
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Suffolk Family Carers
Suffolk Family Carers work throughout Suffolk with Family Carers of any age whose life is restricted because they are looking after a relative, friend, partner or child who cannot manage without help because of illness, age, or a disability of any kind.
We support Family Carers in a variety of ways via our work within communities on a one to one basis and in groups, providing information, support, learning opportunities, respite opportunities and advocacy as well as in our Support and Information Centre in Claydon, Ipswich.
- Call our information line now 0844 255 3099 or visit: www.suffolkfamilycarers.org
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T-Club
T-Club is a group for adults with learning disabilities to have a time of relaxation with meals or light refreshments available.
- It also provides a meeting place for carers.
- Thursdays weekly 16.30 to 18.15.
- Sub of £1 charged
Based at: The Salvation Army, The Priory Centre, 43 Queens Way, Ipswich IP3 9EX
For more information Tel: 01473 710721
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Teaming Up : Leisure and social activities for 14 – 25 year olds with disabilities or additional needs
Teaming Up is a programme of fun activities for young disabled people.
Teaming Up runs evening activities across Suffolk for 18 to 25 year olds and holiday daytime activities for 14 to 21 year olds in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft.
It’s being run by Optua Leisure and supported by Suffolk County Council’s Activities Unlimited project.
Teaming Up aims to give young disabled people the opportunity to gain more independence, confidence, self esteem and vital social skills whilst taking part in everyday fun leisure activities.
Teaming Up is a great way of experiencing new things and making new friends.
All activities are supported by Optua Leisure staff and volunteer helpers. Teaming Up can also help to introduce you to local places like swimming pools and leisure centres you might like to carry on visiting once you see what they have to offer.
When and where
Teaming Up will be running fortnightly sessions in Ipswich on Tuesdays from 21st June 2011 until 20th March 2012
Teaming Up Holiday activities (14 to 21 year olds) will run during school holidays in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds for young people aged 14-21.
Previous holiday activities during 2010/2011 have included bowling, cycling, archery, multi-sport days, train journeys and days out, trampolining, gymnastics and visits to zoos, farms and other places of interest.
The activities will be taking place on the following dates in Ipswich:
- February Half Term 2012 – Monday 13th February 2012.
For more information please contact: Karl Daniels, Teaming Up Co-ordinator – Telephone: 01473 836770, Email: tup@optua.org.uk Website: www.optua.org.uk Teaming Up has been funded by Suffolk County Council’s Activities Unlimited service.
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The Charioteers Wheelchair Football Club & Charity
We are a charity and a charter standard club.
To join our club you must be a manual or power wheelchair user.
The sport is a Power Chair sport but can be played in Manual too.
You can find our meetings etc., on our website: First meeting is free, then it’s £2.00 a game and £15.00 membership per year.
There are no age limits to join our club.
For more information about us visit out website: www.icwfc.co.uk
If you have any questions please contact our Club Secretary: Claire Tel: 0778 606 2656 or Email: ipswich.charioteers@hotmail.co.uk
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The Laughter Specialists
Specially trained entertainers/clown doctors who bring fun and laughter therapy to sick and vulnerable children and adults.
They visit special needs centres, hospices, care homes and hospitals with their blend of magic, clowning, music, songs, jokes and improvisation designed to improve well being for all.
- For more information visit: http://thelaughterspecialists.co.uk/
The Laughter Specialists Charitable Trust, Charity reg.no: 1132987
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The Woolverstone Project
Sailing for people with disabilities at Woolverstone and Alton Water
The Woolverstone Project provides sailing opportunities and tuition for those with disabilities. We do this with the support of RYA Sailability, the Royal Harwich Yacht Club and the many people and organisations who sponsor us financially.
It is our aim to give people the fun and freedom of sailing with the help and tuition of fully qualified instructors, in a safe environment.
For more information please call Ian Hammond on 0750 790 6719 or Email: info@woolverstoneproject.org.uk or visit: http://www.woolverstoneproject.org.uk/
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Time for Carers
Our Time for Cares website is packed with details about fantastic breaks, events and offers for Family Carers.
Carers can get all the latest news and stay in touch in our online forum.
Please register today to access all you need to get a well deserved break!
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/timeforcarers and follow us on Twitter @TimeforCarers
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Woodbridge Gateway Club
Club meets every Tuesday in term time from 7.00pm – 9.00pm at Woodbridge Youth Centre, The Avenue, Kingston road, Woodbridge IP12 4BA
You must talk to Group Secretary Irene Bright before attending Tel: 0777 550 1496