Summer SEND Community Offer

BOOKING INFORMATION - PLEASE READ

These activities are for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. They're in date order so you can see what's coming up.

Booking is essential for ALL activities. Some are directly with the organisers. For everything else, it's our Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125. We ask you to call back rather than leave a message.

   Please let us know if you can't make it, even if it's on the day - it creates space for another family. Thank you!

Sensory Rooms 

The popular Sensory Rooms at Redbank House in Cheetham Hill are back!   Free slots are available at various times between 9am-4pm (on the hour for 50 minutes) during weekdays from Thursday 28th July to Wednesday 31st August. Manchester families only and booking essential – call Redbank House on 0161 214 5959 or email info@redbankhouse.com.

SEND families have free use of the Sensory Room at Benchill Community Centre in Wythenshawe during the summer.   It has a waterbed, interactive sound wall, infinity tunnel, bubble tubes, animated projections - and more. Each slot is for 45 minutes and on the hour, Monday to Fridays from Monday 1st to Wednesday 31st August, 10am–5pm. Call the community centre on 0161 946 9520 to book, using the code ‘SEND Community Offer’ – Manchester families only.

Tree Top Trek 

Enjoy tree-riffic bouncy adventure in the high trees at Heaton Park with Tree Top Trek. Play high up on huge bouncy nets with super-fast slides and aerial walkways. These free special sessions for SEND families living in the city of Manchester take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during August,10am-12 noon, starting on Thursday 28th July - age 3 and upwards, including a free packed lunch. See the website for FAQ. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Thanks to SPACE parent carer group and 4CT who are supporting this activity.

Pedal & Picnic

Join Simply Cycling for a free all-ability guided ride and picnic. The activity runs over the summer holidays from Friday 29th July to Wednesday 31st August and is for up to 8 Manchester people per ride (additional parent support can be added if needed). Simply Cycling bring bikes that all the family will be able to ride or be supported to ride - including wheelchair accessible bikes and trandems - and the routes will be geared around needs and abilities. The cycling will be at:   Boggart Hole Clough - Mondays 10am-12 noon & Tuesdays 12 noon-2pm Wythenshawe Park - Wednesdays & Fridays 10am-12 noon & 12 noon-2pm The rides don’t need to start at these parks as alternative meeting points can be arranged. Booking essential – call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Skateboarding & Scootering 

There are fantastic free coached skateboarding and scootering classes for 11-19 year olds every Friday from 29th July until 26th August, 2-4pm. They're at Projekts MCR Skatepark on London Road in Manchester, with drinks and snacks for children and families. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Forest School In The Market Garden

Manchester Bees Forest School is back in the Community Market Garden at Platt Fields on Sunday 31st July and every Sunday and Wednesday in August, from 10am-3pm each day, with lunch around 12 noon. You’ll get a warm welcome in these free sessions for Manchester families, with a range of outdoor activities including a mud kitchen and sand pit, fire lighting and tool use, den building, nature crafts, bug and scavenger hunts - plus a chance to meet the bees. While you can drop in and out on the day, please book using this online form: https://bit.ly/3RAtCmz. For any queries, Siân Millward can be contacted on 07506 342945, hello@manchesterbeesforestschool.co.uk. The Market Garden is an enclosed allotment/growing area on level ground next to Platt Fields Park. Parents find it a real oasis for themselves as well as their children! 

Boating At Heaton Park 

Manchester SEND families can have fun on Heaton Park lake every Monday morning in August. These free sessions are every half hour from 10am-12 noon with a choice of swans (four-seater pedalos) and rowing boats (seats four). Booking essential – call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Thanks to SPACE parent carer group and 4CT who are supporting this activity.

Family Watersports At Debdale 

Manchester SEND families can try out outdoor water activities for free at Debdale Outdoor Centre on Hyde Road, Gorton this summer. This includes kayaking, raft building and sailing, with food and snacks provided. You’ll need to wear clothes and trainers that you don’t mind getting wet and to bring a full set of spare clothes, footwear and a towel. The minimum age to be on the water is 7 years and children need to be water confident. Under 7s can watch but will need an adult with them. The sessions are every Monday and Friday evening in August 4.30pm-7.30pm, starting on the 1st, plus two Sunday Sessions on 14th and 28th August 1pm-4pm. Booking essential – call 0161 219 2125, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Thanks to 4CT who are supporting this activity.

Outdoor Storytelling 

Free interactive storytelling is brought to you by Manchester Libraries with the support of Manchester Parent Champions. While it’s aimed at younger children, everyone can join in with the singalong and activities and listen to some great stories, followed by light refreshments. Every Tuesday in August, 11am-12 noon:

Wythenshawe Park, Hall Gardens - 2nd August  Alexandra Park, next to children's playground - 9th August Boggart Hole Clough, next to cafe - 16th August Wythenshawe Park, Hall Gardens - 23rd August Alexandra Park, next to children's playground - 30th August Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Summer Feelgood Arts Club

A chance to mindfully explore nature as a family in the gardens at Whitworth Art Gallery, finding moments of calm together and creating meaningful art ‘from the heart’. These free sessions are every Tuesday in August starting on 2nd, 11am-1pm. They’re aimed at Manchester children with SEND aged 6-12 and led by Jess Wilkinson from The Sea Within. Booking essential – call 0161 219 2125, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.

Summer Drama Workshops

Odd Arts are running free drama and creative workshops with games and improvisation. There are two series of 4 sessions each 1-3.30pm Tuesday to Friday on 2nd-5th August and then again on 9th-12th August. It’s for Manchester young people with SEND aged 8-16 and is at The Edge Theatre, Chorlton, M21 9JG. Ideally, young people would go to all 4 sessions in one of the weeks. Book with Esther at esther@dsmanchester.org.uk or 07593 542107.

Get Out & About With MYZ

Manchester Youth Zone have some spaces on fantastic trips on for young people with SEND who are not already members of the centre:   Legoland, Trafford Centre, Tuesday 2nd August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 8-12 year olds   Flip Out Trampoline Park, Tuesday 9th August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 13-25 year olds   Sea Life, Trafford Centre, Tuesday 23rd August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 8–12 year olds   Cinema & Pizza Hut, Tuesday 30th August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 13-25 year olds   Book directly through Corrina the Inclusion Manager, Corrina.aitchison-hayles@manchesteryz.org or 0161 203 5333. Young people can have one space and names will be added to a reserve list for anyone wishing to attend multiple activities. Once a space is secured, young people are asked to attend a ‘Getting to know you’ session at Manchester Youth Zone on a Sunday prior to the trip, 12-3pm.

Family Day Trips

This summer, there are fantastic coach trips setting off from various locations in the city! The first is to Formby Beach from Wythenshawe on Wednesday 3rd August at 10am. Trips are £5 per adult, children 17 and under free, including packed lunch. ONLINE BOOKINGS GO LIVE ON THE MORNING OF MONDAY 25TH JULY - see http://www.4ct.org.uk. If you prefer, there are a couple of in-person booking sessions at The Grange Community Resource Centre in Beswick. Find out about these and dates/locations of the trips on Manchester Parent Carer Forum's website. This activity has been put together by 4CT, MPCF and SPACE parent carers group. 

Family Climbing Fun

There are fun family climbing sessions every Wednesday in August, 11am-12 noon, starting on the 3rd at Parthian Climbing Centre, St Benedicts Church, Ardwick. Sessions are an hour’s climbing with qualified instruction, followed by a snack and drink in the café. It’s for all the family, age 5+. Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Community Kitchen

Get cooking this summer with the Community Kitchen! These free sessions are every Wednesday in August 3-7pm, starting on the 3rd, for young people with SEND and/or social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). Young people are encouraged to attend with their families and cook (and eat!) together, learning about healthy food and healthy food cooking techniques. All food and tuition provided. It’s at Proctor Learning Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Games & Sports In The Park

Groundwork are offering informal, non-competitive sports and games in Crumpsall Park every Thursday in August 4-6pm, starting on the 4th. Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. (Activities may not be fully accessible for young people with ambulant disabilities. If you’d like to check or for any other queries (not booking), please contact Carlos at carlos.dore@groundwork.org.uk or 07739978798.)

Family Activity Days 

4CT and SPACE parent carers have joined together to offer free activity days during August. There'll be lots of fun stuff, including a bouncy castle, obstacle course, arts and crafts, plus drinks and refreshments.

• Monday 8th August, Ladybarn Community Hub, Fallowfield. M14 6RN, 12-3pm
• Wednesday 31st August, Grange Community Resource Centre, Pilgrim Drive M11 3TQ, 12-3pm 
• Friday 12th August & Friday 19th August, St George’s Community Centre, Bothwell Rd M40 7NY, 2-4pm

ONLINE BOOKINGS GO LIVE ON THE MORNING OF MONDAY 25TH JULY: http://www.4ct.org.uk. 

Adventure On The Water 

Play and have fun on the water at the Water Adventure Centre (WAC) in Droylsden on Monday 8th and Monday 15th August 2-4pm with an introductory kayaking and water-play session, food included. The activity is for Manchester SEND children and siblings over 8 who must be able to swim a minimum of 25 meters and be accompanied by adult in the canoe if they're not able to go in it by themselves. The Water Adventure Centre is at The Old Boathouse Fairfield Locks, Off Maddison Road M43 6ES (Sat Nav: M43 6DS). It can be tricky to find so see their website for directions. WAC is a safe space for children and young who have SEND - please contact them if you have questions about access or any other queries - 0161 301 2673, info@wateradventurecentre.org.uk.

Booking is essential and by a different phone number -  call 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Children's Adventure Farm 

There are free visits again to the popular Children's Adventure Farm on Friday 12th August 2-4pm, Wednesday 10th August 12-2pm, Wednesday 24th August 10am-12 noon and Friday 26th August 2-4pm. The farm is at Reddy Lane, Altrincham WA14 3RE. You need to be able to make your own way there, with your own packed lunch. Enjoy feeding and petting the animals, including alpacas, dinky donkeys and pygmy goats; have fun in the playpark with swings, wheelchair accessible roundabout, zip wire and activity track; and explore the woodland and its mud kitchen, digging area, aviary, new rabbits and guinea pigs – and more! Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Sow The City - Grow Veg At Home

Sow the City is sharing free Food Growing Packs again to help your family engage and connect with nature. Inside you’ll find everything you need to grow wonderful seeds at home - pots, compost pellets and trowel. Follow the easy information sheet on how to get growing. For Manchester SEND families only - to book your pack, call 0161 219 2125, Mon-Fri 10am-4pm.

Ceramic Popstar Boxes

Venture Arts are back this summer with another free box project that contains everything you need to make fun pieces of art at home. This time, you'll get everything you need to make your own ceramic popstars or bands. This will be professionally fired at Venture Arts and displayed for collection at a mini music festival celebration at the end of the project, sound-tracked by music chosen by Manchester SEND families. All instructions and materials are safe and accessible, designed and prepared by artist Ben Goring (pictured work - Bob Marley’s Family Tree (2022)) and specialist facilitators for children aged 3+ with supervision. Sign up by calling 0161 219 2125, Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

Other Summer Stuff

Inclusive Swims

Inclusive swims have started again at Moss Side Leisure Centre on Sundays 9-11.30am. These provide a calm environment and a clear process from entry to the pool for children and young people with special needs and disabilities. Families can access the small pool and floats for family fun or use the main pool for lane swimming. It’s the same price as the casual swimming. Book via the website, by visiting the leisure centre, or through the BetterUK App which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Families can also turn up on the day but may miss out if the session is full. A big thank you to the Manchester Parent Champions and Manchester Parent Carer Forum for making this happen! 

There is free swimming for under 17s in the city during the summer holidays - see the Manchester Active website or Wythenshawe Forum's own webpage

Music-making With Andy & Billy

Andy and Billy run free Holiday Music Clubs geared to young people with SEND. The 2022 programme is at Gorse Hill Studios in Stretford. All sessions start at 10am and finish at 1pm with chance for a short break in the middle. They have slots this summer on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th July, and Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd, Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th August. To book places, contact info@billyandandy.co.uk, 07429 826053.

Starling Creative Activities 

Starling, a group of neurodivergent artists and creatives in Greater Manchester, are offering three series of free workshops this summer, led by professional artists. It’s a chance to try out lots of different activity around visual, digital and performing arts:

• 9th, 10th & 11th August, 11am-3pm ages 13-25, Sharon Youth Centre, Old Trafford M16 7WR
• 16th, 17th & 18th August, 11am-12.30pm ages 13-17 & 1.30-3pm ages 18-25, Moravian College, Fairfield Square, Droylsden M43 6AD 
• 30th, 31st August & 1st September, 11am-12.30pm ages 13-17 & 1.30-3pm ages 18-25, Lawton Moor Methodist Church, Button Ln, Wythenshawe M23 0ND 

All neuro-types are welcome, with a diagnosis or self-identifying, and no experience needed. Sign up to each location separately. While Starling understands that young people can’t always attend every session, it’s encouraged if possible. Please complete the registration form or if preferred email hello@starlingcio.org.uk.

Open Doors At Manchester Art Gallery

Open Doors is a series of creative workshops at Manchester Art Gallery especially for autistic children and their families and carers. You can get hands on with a variety of making activities, explore the art gallery or just spend time together in The Lion’s Den. Summer holiday dates: Saturday 23rd July, then Tuesday 23rd August. Find out more and how to book on the Gallery website.

New Inclusive Youth Club

A new youth club is starting at the Powerhouse in Moss Side on Tuesdays 4.45-7.30pm. It's aimed at young people with SEND aged 11 up to 25 living in the local area and will offer lots of activities, including sports, art, music and cooking. To find out more, call the centre on 0161 226 4335 or drop in one evening. Starts Tuesday 26th July! 

Loads To Do

Loads to Do is your one stop shop to find out what's on in Manchester - both in the city and your local area. New activities are being are added all the time - take a look!