Children, Youth and Adults with additional needs or disabilities are very welcome at all our services and events.
Information about what we can offer for children and families with additional needs can be found below
For information about what we can offer adults with additional needs please click HERE
If you have any concerns about whether our church services or groups will meet your particular needs or if you have spotted anything which we could be doing better then please get in touch as we would love to work with you to enable you to join us.
Children
We aim to welcome all children into our church congregation and children’s groups. We hope to work with families to help break down barriers which children may face.
As a starting point we can offer:
– Visual timetables (in advance and on the day)
– Choosing boards (with PECS symbols)
– Blackout tent / somewhere to chill out
– Sensory items / fidget items
– Sand timers for transition
– Visits to the church prior to events to gain familiarity / identify any potential trigger points
We can also discuss 1:1 support (needs and staffing dependant) for groups and any other adaptations which may be needed.
Alongside this we run a monthly group called HIVE, which is aimed specifically at children with additional needs and their families.
Hive
The Hive Additional Needs Group (monthly, Sunday afternoon, 2pm – 3.30pm)
This group is aimed at children (of any age) who have additional needs or disabilities and their siblings and parents/guardians
It’s aim is to be a safe space to come together for fun, friendship and support
We have sensory items, messy play, games, crafts and loads of fun! In the past we’ve had foam play, kinetic sand, playdough, pasta, biscuit decorating, pizza making, painting, foil craft and lots more! Plus there is always tea, coffee, squash, fruit and cake!
Last term we had our first HIVE trip out and booked exclusive use of a local soft play, it was great fun having it all to ourselves and we will certainly be looking forward to more trips out.
We use visual timetables and choosing boards to support children’s independence.
Similar structure every session and safe environment – there is one way in and out of the church hall and this door can be locked if needed. Each session begins with free play, refreshments are available approximately halfway through the session, then 20 minutes before the end we do a quick tidy up (just clearing the floor) and then we spend the last of our time with the lights off and our sensory projectors and light up items on – this is always a lovely chilled time. Once the session has finished families are welcome to stay and help clear up if this would help with the transition between the group and home, or similarly if this wouldn’t help, families are welcome to head home.
Cost: £4 per family (funding available if unable to meet this cost) BOOKING ESSENTIAL. The reason we ask people to book is so that we can put out activities appropriate to the needs of the children we have attending.
Upcoming HIVE dates:
To book for any of our HIVE sessions head over to the What’s On page of our website and click on the event to book.