Activity Groups
The Bridge SEND Active Play Group
The Bridge in partnership with Pro Infinity and Tip Toes and Tappers deliver multi sports and dance on alternate weeks every Saturday at The Bridge, Chevening Rd, SE10 0LB from 2.30 – 4.30 pm. Sessions are open to children with disabilities aged 0-8 years. We ask families to contribute £5 per family for the sessions. This will be paid directly to The Bridge (via card only) and will go towards funding the sessions for the future.
Session Information
The multisport or dance activities will take place between 3-4pm, with half an hour either side for families to arrive/leave, play on the playground and socialise with each other. Use of a safe and accessible outdoor play area, plus organised multi-sport and dance activities on alternate weeks. Siblings and parents welcome to join.
https://bit.ly/bridgeactiveplay
020 7993 9883
Pulse Social
The sessions focus on fun, inclusive games and activities, with a variety of sports and activities including boccia, dodgeball, multi sports. Sessions are adapted to each young person’s needs.
These sessions are inclusive to anyone who is neurodivergent (including autism and ADHD), has a learning disability/difficulty, visual impairment, D/deaf or hard of hearing, a mental health or long-term health condition or physical impairment. All abilities/disabilities welcome!
Open to d/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 8 – 17
Weekly sessions, term time only. Tuesday Evenings 5-6pm
The first session is FREE for newcomers. Then £5.00 thereafter for each session (pay-as-you-go).
There is also a siblings rate of £2.50 for each additional sibling
0208 191 8507
Community Sports Club Bromley
Bromley Methodist Church, College Road, Bromley, BR1 3NS.
07375 594 559
Planet Hoop
Planet Hoop’s SEND inclusive hula hoop sessions.
These sessions are delivered by Clara from Planet Hoop, a qualified and certified coach. • These sessions are for SEND children and young people aged 6 – 16. • The sessions are inclusive to all genders, abilities/disabilities and siblings are welcome to attend. • Parents/ carers are asked to stay with and support their children during the session. • Sessions are adapted to meet the needs of the group. These sessions are inclusive to anyone who is neurodivergent (including autism and ADHD), has a learning disability/difficulty, visual impairment, D/deaf or hard of hearing, a mental health or long-term health condition or physical impairment
Tuesdays • 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Lewisham CommUNITY Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth Street, London, SE13 7HB. Inside, in front of the H&M shop
FREE
www.planethoop.co.uk/book-online
– 020 7993 9883
Bowling
Hollywood Bowl Surrey Quays & o2 Greenwich.
No change in environment but they have a reduced rate for disabled customers and carers, all day Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, before 6pm Thursdays and Fridays. Only available between 9am-11am during February, October and December School Holidays. https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/concessions
Lewisham lanes bowling
SEN Sunday session 10-11am £4.50 per person & free carer (no music, flashing lights plus arcade machines turned off). https://www.lewishamlanes.co.uk/latest-offers/
11-29 Belmont hill se13 5au.
TenPin Bowling
Valley Park Leisure Complex, Hesterman Way, Croydon, CR0 4YA0871 222 3675
Concession rate of £4.35 for one game, £6.45 for 2 games. Must book over the phone.
Cinema
CEA Cinema Card.
£6 a year and carer goes free. https://www.ceacard.co.uk/
The Cinema Society
Gives discounts of up to 40% off! Using discount for carers website you can copy the access code then go to the website to register. https://discountsforcarers.com/cinema-tickets
Accessible Screenings UK
Listing site to help you find information on accessible screenings in UK Cinemas. https://accessiblescreeningsuk.co.uk
Catford Mews independent cinema
Relaxed sessions are no longer regular so please confirm by emailing manager@catford-mews.co.uk https://catford-mews.co.uk
WHAT ARE RELAXED SCREENINGS?
We host relaxed screenings of older family films and of new releases. In these screenings the lights are slightly raised and the volume is lower than usual, for a gentler cinema experience. We aim to offer at least one relaxed screening a week, but it’s best to confirm the film and times on our website which will clearly mark any relaxed screening.
DO YOU SCREEN HARD OF HEARING SCREENINGS WITH SUBTITLES?
Yes we do, we screen captioned screenings throughout the week. This is both for new releases, and when possible for older films. The screenings are clearly marked as ‘Subtitled’ or ‘Captioned’ on our What’s On page and in our printed listings.
Bromley Picture House
Our Autism-Friendly screenings take place on the third Sunday of every month.
At these screenings, we strive to create an environment that is welcoming for people with a range of conditions such as autism, learning disabilities and cognitive disorders. https://www.picturehouses.com/event-details/0000000027/autism-friendly
Vue Cinema Bromley
Autism Friendly screenings, “We host autism friendly screenings on the last Sunday of every month at all sites except West End. These autism friendly film screenings are sensory friendly with the sound reduced, lighting dimmed and no adverts or trailers. It is okay for guests to move around and make noise in autism friendly cinema.” Vue is dedicated to giving each and every one of our guests an exceptional big screen experience.
We welcome assistance dogs into all our venues.
If you’d like any more information, give our customer services team a call on 0345 308 4620*. You can also ask a member of our staff during your visit.
Odeon
Various dates/times dependant on the venue location https://www.odeon.co.uk/accessibility/autism-friendly/
Showcase Cinema
Sunday morning of every month https://www.showcasecinemas.co.uk/events/autism-friendly
Greenwich Picture house
Autism-Friendly screenings of older films on the third Sunday of each month and tickets are £3 per person. https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/greenwich-picturehouse/accessibility
Picture house is now offering screenings of select new releases! Will be regular price and times/dates will vary so check often for listings https://www.picturehouses.com/eventdetails/0000000027/autism-friendly
Farms
Mudchute Farm
Mudchute farm is a FREE entry farm, it’s free flowing and wide open spaces to explore as well as animals to see. They hold some small paid activities on weekends and school holidays such as animal handling and craft sessions. https://www.mudchute.org there’s a lovely park nearby (Millwall park) if you exit near the café and follow to the left near Island garden dlr station.
Surrey Docks farm
Another lovely FREE entry farm, a smaller farm but with a lot to see and explore. https://www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk/visit/
Godstone farm (Surrey)
Further afield but it’s a great farm with soft play and free carer ticket https://godstonefarm.co.uk
Leisure Centres
Soft Play, Swimming and Bowling MyClub SEN Membership
MyClub Junior
Weekly Activity Sessions at The Pavilion in Bromley
Inclusive sessions for children & young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities and siblings.
WHATS ON
SOFT PLAY-Quieter Hour
- A quieter soft play session, lower volume or no music, fewer tannoys, less capacity:
- Every week on a Tuesday (excluding school holidays)
- Time – 4.30pm to 5.30pm
TEEN CIRCUITS
- For children and young people aged 11+ come and get active with our Fitness Professional in this group exercise session. Bring your parent / carer and let’s get them active too.
- Tuesday 4.30-5.30pm
- Tuesday 5.30-6.30pm
- Price per session – £5.95
- Bookable on the App for MyClub Junior members only
TEN PIN BOWLING – Quieter Hour
- For children, young people and their families in a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Every week on a Thursday
- 5pm – 6pm
- Arcade turned off and music volume and lighting are lowered
WHERE
The Pavilion, Kentish Way, Bromley, BR1 3EF
REGISTER NOW
Register now for your FREE MyClub Junior Membership to enable you to book your Teen Circuit sessions – call the contact centre on 0208 323 1765 or email myclub@mytimeactive.co.uk
Note: Carer goes free when attending with children/young person with a MyClub Junior membership.
Better Leisure centres
https://www.better.org.uk/centre-locator#results
Full leisure centres in Greenwich, Eltham and Bellingham and Lewisham. Offers either Concessionary Rates or Inclusive memberships for those with disabilities.
Museums
National Maritime Museum Greenwich
A very inclusive museum filled with stuff to touch and explore https://www.rmg.co.uk/plan-your-visit/facilities-access/practising-social-skills/royal-museums-greenwich
SENsory Sailors, once a month on Saturdays 11am-12.30pm, sensory play session for children with special educational needs https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/nationalmaritime-museum/sensory-sailors
SENsory Social Club The SENsory Social Club is a weekly term time club for adults and young people (14+) with SEND to meet and engage with the collection in a fun and interactive way. https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/prince-philip-maritime-collections-centre/sensorysocial-club
Tower Bridge
Relaxed opening once a month on a Saturday 9.30am-11.10am varied start times with it opening to public from 11.50am (we’ve done this and highly recommend it, lovely day out and super friendly staff). https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/your-visit/whatson/relaxed-opening.
Science Museum
They run an inclusive sessions taking place on Saturdays and Sundays across the year, from early pre opening to later after closing, suitable for ages 4-15yrs, various dates that get confirmed on their website (sign up for updates). https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/early-birds
Natural History Museum London
Dawnosaurs, relaxed morning visit 8-10am. Dates available a few times a year https://www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html
London Transport Museum
They run an early explorers sessions 8.30am-10am on Saturdays throughout the year https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/families/families-send (children under 18 are free and a carer goes free too so it’s a great free day out) https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/visit/families/families-send
The Postal Museum
One of our fav museums to visit! It includes a play area and a real life Mail train you can ride plus lots to touch and explore they run a brilliant “post early: relaxed event” this is co-produced with Ambitious about Autism and runs these regularly. The events must be booked and they sell quick so booking early is advised. £3.50 per person and 1 carer free, admission includes entry to all exhibitions including the optional ride on the mail rail. https://www.postalmuseum.org/event/post-early-relaxed-events/
The Horniman museum
The museum is an inclusive space which has items to touch and explore. There’s a wonderful outside space with a small farm which is all free there are some paid exhibits including a small aquarium which is £2.50 per child and a carer ticket can be booked for free! https://www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/around-the-horniman/
Museum of London Docklands
Holds quiet afternoon sessions for those who would benefit from this. Mondays 3pm “Discover fascinating artefacts and choose to take part in relaxed family activities such as object handling, arts and crafts and sensory spaces” https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/event-detail?id=325411
The British Museum
Doesn’t hold specific sessions BUT they have a very detailed information sheet for SEND families which is great and suggest to visit at the usual quiet times 10-11am or after 4pm https://www.britishmuseum.org/sites/default/files/2022- 06/Sensory_needs_visits_British_Museum.pdf Support groups/social groups
Support and parent groups
SEN Parent 2 Parent
A parent run group that brings together parent/carers of SEND children for socialising, support, guidance and forming friendships. On WhatsApp as well as a Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1353838055376784/?ref=share_group_link
Signal Family Support
“We are a mutual support group for the families of autistic children and young people (ages 0-25) living in the London borough of Lewisham.” They are a wonderfully supportive group and for a small yearly membership you get access to lots of free and low cost days out and activities https://www.signalfamilysupport.org
AIM, Autistic Inclusive Meets
A not-for-profit organisation created by autistic people to enable families with autistic children, and autistic individuals to get out into the community and socialise in an accepting, inclusive environment with like-minded peers. They hold groups from toddlers to adult, find them on their website. https://autisticinclusivemeets.org.
Lewisham parent & carer forum
Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum (LPCF) is a voluntary group of parents and carers of children and young people (0-25) with special/additional needs and disabilities (SEND) living in the London Borough of Lewisham. We provide an opportunity for parents and carers to express their views and input into the planning and delivery of SEND services. https://lewishamparentcarer.org.uk/
Drumbeats Tom Tom group
Term time Tuesdays 9.30am-11.10am under 5’s; https://www.drumbeatasd.org/web/tom_tom_group/441510
Drumbeat Outreach
Hold various parent workshops throughout the year along with online and face to face support group https://www.drumbeatasd.org/website/outreach_parent_workshops/441488
Portage explorers
0-5yr play group @ Bellingham children & family centre, term time Tuesdays 10-11.30am. Book with Angela 07867446438
20th Forest Hill SEN Scout group 8-18years https://join.southlondonscouts.org.uk/map/20th-forest-hill-scout-group
Trampoline/Jump parks
AirThrill London
AirThrill London have a quiet/sen session Sunday mornings 10.00am-11.15am. Great physical activity. The lights are on, music off and numbers limited. Book under the peaceful play option and includes a free carer. https://airthrill.co.uk/visit-london/london-bookings
Oxygen Freejumping (O2) have peaceful play sessions: £10 per person for 1 hour Wednesday’s 2.30pm- 3.30pm or 3pm-4pm Sunday’s 4.00pm –5.00pm https://oxygenfreejumping.co.uk/activities/peaceful-play-autismfriendly/ –
Trampoline SEN sessions on Tuesdays at 12pm, Sundays at 9am and Thursdays at 4pm. “The lights come up and the sounds go down at our relaxed SEN sessions when the whole Gravity park is open exclusively for members of recognised disabled groups.” enter code COMPCARER at checkout for a free carer space. https://gravity-global.com/active/activities/sen-sessions
30min SEN Rocks Climber – Join us every Saturday morning from 9:15 to 9:45 for exclusive use of our climbing walls. Our SEN sessions are specifically designed so climbers with sensory, developmental and physical disabilities can experience the thrill of the climb. Term Time Only.
https://gravity-global.com/active/activities/sen-sessions
Unit 4, Catford Island
Plassy Road
Catford
London, SE6 2DD
020 8092 4360
Theatre
The Albany Theatre
This theatre prides its self in being accessible for all https://www.thealbany.org.uk/accessibility/
Official London theatre
If you like theatre then this is a fab website to find accessible dates for all shows in London https://officiallondontheatre.com/access/
The Southbank centre
This is a wonderfully inclusive space which holds a whole host of shows for all ages and runs lots of free events and workshops especially during school holidays. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visit/facilities-access/access-scheme
Most theatres offer discounted tickets for disabled patrons and a free carers ticket, if you Google the theatre name plus the word “access” you should find their individual information on how to book.
Theme parks & Zoos
Legoland
Legoland are a very inclusive theme park, they have a dedicated team to answer any questions and help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. There’s also a sensory space in heart lake city, the first of its kind in a theme park https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/facilities/total-sensory-space/? https://www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/accessibility/
Merlin entertainment ride access pass.
This is a brilliant pass which allows families with disabled children to visit without the stress of queues. You can apply for the pass which allows you to go straight onto a ride without the queuing (you do then have a hold on the next use for the amount of time the queue was for). Also carers go free with a disabled guest https://www.legoland.co.uk/plan-your-day/before-you-visit/accessibility/theme-parkaccessibility/ride-access-pass/ Once accepted this pass is for use at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and Alton Towers Resort for 2 years (Merlin entertainment).
London Zoo
They hold relaxed opening sessions with early starts in the winter and after closing time in the summer months (disabled ticket includes a free carer) https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/relaxed-opening-tours as well as the relaxed opening the zoo has lots of great information on their accessibility on their website, including social story and a Penguin pass to queue jump if the occasion needs it whilst visiting https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Water play/other sensory experiences
SLIME PLANET
Slime planet have 2 locations; Brixton and Lewisham which sell lots of slime products including DIY sets but what’s brilliant is they hold slime workshops! These are super fun, I’ve yet to see word of their SEN relaxed sessions BUT their regular sessions are fun and inclusive, if you try to go for an early session it should be quieter but the max is 20 children anyway and max 6 to a table so it’s quite small and intimate. You’re given all the stuff to make slime and given time and space to mix and create it yourself whilst a member of staff stands at the front and gives directions. Around £15 per person https://www.slimeplanet.co.uk
Danson splash park and playground
A great park with some accessible equipment and a fab splash park https://www.accessable.co.uk/london-borough-of-bexley/accessguides/danson-splash-park-and-playground
Kiddoadventures
A local blogger who shares lots of great days out and she has created a paddling pool/lido/splash park blog for around London and it’s full of great tips https://kiddoadventures.com/2023/06/23/where-to-find-paddling-pools-splash-padsfountains-lidos-more-in-london/