Diverse Abilities

Awesome Nights is a weekly youth club for young people with special educational needs and disabilities from the ages of 13 to 18 years. The group organises weekly activities on a Wednesday, usually between 7-9pm.The group chooses its own activities which can range from swimming, meals and trips out, to movie nights, games, crafts and themed activities at The Families Centre in West Moors. 

It's tough being an SEN sibling, as well as the usual challenges of growing up, they also often receive less attention from parents and have more worries and responsibilities than their peers.

STARs is a 12-week programme for children aged 8 to 16 who have siblings with special needs. We meet on a Thursday evening 4:30-6:30pm. We are helping reduce the pressure they're under by providing an environment where they can access support and advice, but also take part in fun activities, make friends, and be themselves.
It's important to provide an opportunity that enables young people to realise they are not alone, hopefully giving them a support network which will last far longer than however long they wish to attend our sessions, as being a sibling never ends.

At the Families Centre, we also run the Diverse Abilities Advice Service that provides support with the application of disability benefits for adults and children. They advise on which benefit is most appropriate and assist with completing the applications for that benefit. Should the benefit application be unsuccessful, the Advice Team can submit a reconsideration and/or appeal and support families throughout the appeal process. The Team can advise families on Lasting Power of Attorney and support you through the application process. More information: diverseabilities.org.uk/advice