This club is for children aged 5+ with an Austism Related Condition, and their families. Lots of activities are provided, with different options each week, such as games, fish & chip lunch, bingo and outings. Refreshments will be available. For more information, or a taster session, get in touch.
Tel: 01305 778032
Address: Chickerell Primary Academy, Rashley Rd, Chickerell, Weymouth, DT3 4AT
Run a series of inclusive performance groups, for ages 7 – 18+, for both disabled and non-disabled people. The groups support people with physical or sensory impairments who have a love of performance and having fun. The groups meet once per month, with longer workshops in the school holidays, as well as organising theatre trips and performances.
Various locations across Dorset – get in touch to book a place in a class.
Tel: 01305 260954
A regular activity club which focuses on creating a fun and safe environment with sailing and watersports for children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities. Suitable for ages 6-13. Booking required. £5 per session.
Sundays, 9.30-12.30am.
Tel: 0300 124 0449
Address: Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre, Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1SA
Holiday & term-time art and sports activities for children/young people (5-18 years) who are disabled and their families. The activities on offer can include cinemas, kayaking, nature activities, museums and lots more, across Dorset. Funding is available from Dorset Council. You need to contact the group to register for newsletters and events.
Tel: 01305 252250
This is a parent & peer support group for those with a child on the Autistic Spectrum, or concerns that their child might be. The group will be able to help with sharing experiences, knowledge & questions, supported by Autism Wessex. Refreshments will be provided.
Tuesdays (1st of the month), 5 – 7.15pm.
Tel: 07810 488023
Address: The Children’s Centre, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3WA
A support group for autistic and socially anxious young people (4-25yrs) and their families. ASCape offers lots of activities including gardening club, music workshops, monthly outdoor adventures, regular social groups and loads more!
See the website for more information and booking.
Address: Various, please confirm via booking.
Tel: 07754065733
A group based in Weymouth that are passionate about sailing, regardless of any disability or previous sailing experience. Accessible boats give everyone (including carers) the opportunity to have a go at sailing, or develop and compete! Sessions need to be booked – the first one is free!
Tuesdays (weather dependent), from May – September.
Tel: 07543656390
Address: Weymouth & Portland National Watersports Academy, Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1SA
This club is for ages 10-25 years, providing a variety of activities for those with SEN.
Saturdays 2-5pm.
Address: Dorchester Youth & Community Centre, Kings Rd, Dorchester, DT1 1NJ
Golf lessons for children and young people who are disabled or have special needs, open to all ages. £2 per lesson, to be booked in advance.
Mondays, 3.30 – 4.30pm.
Tel: 01425 654339
Address: Weymouth Golf Club, Links Rd, Weymouth, DT4 0PF
A youth club for people with learning difficulties, disabilities, Autism or additional needs, for ages 11-25. Lots of different activities are on offer, including cookery, sports, crafts and much more. Young people are able to work towards Dorset Awards and Dorset Awards Plus if they wish!
To attend, please book a place.
Saturdays (1st & 3rd of the month), 10-12am.
Tel: 07983 674719
Address: Gillingham Youth Centre, Cemetery Rd, Gillingham, SP8 4AZ
Youth club for 9-16 year olds with a variety of additional needs. Activities are provided, appropriate to the individual. Parents/carers can stay for a cup of tea, or leave their young person. Sessions need to be booked.
Saturday mornings (monthly).
Tel: 01747 854021
Address: Shaftesbury Youth Club, Coppice St, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PF
A free group for babies & toddlers who have Down Syndrome, where they can have fun and play together. Parents/carers can enjoy tea and cake whilst their little ones play. Other activities and groups are also available within Shine21, for bookings & further information please see their Facebook page.
Fridays (various), 10.30 – 12.30am
Tel: 07513148082
Address: Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Rd, Broadmayne, DT2 8EW
The disability family swim sessions have been created for families where an adult or child has any additional need. The sessions last 45-minutes and are exclusively for family groups. Numbers in the warm pool are reduced and only a single session runs at a time, to make the environment quieter. Music is turned down, but sensory lights, pool toys and floats are all available.
Sessions have to be booked online, but are open to all ages. Various times/days available.
Tel: 01305 818301
Address: Wyvern Academy 436B, Dorchester Rd, Melcombe Regis, Weymouth, DT3 5AL
Drop in sessions for parents/carers of young people (0-25yrs) with SEN or high needs. The opportunity for advice, support or just a listening ear.
Mondays, 9.30-11.30am (term-time only)
Address: Stour Connect, Stour View Close, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1JF
These mornings are aimed at anyone who may appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum. From 0900-1100 all sounds, and interactives will be turned off to reduce sensory input. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families of children with autism; young people and adults with autism; children with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience. At 1100 sounds will be switched back on, but visitors are welcome to remain in the museum for as long as they like.
Tel: 01929 405096
Address: Linsay Rd, Bovington, BH20 6JG
These lovely sessions are held at both Dorchester and Blandford libraries, offering sensory play, stories and rhymes, for families with young children with additional needs. The sessions are aimed at under 5s, but siblings are welcome. These events are free, but need to be booked.
Dorchester: Tuesdays, 2.15 – 2.45pm
Blandford: Saturdays, 11 – 11.30am
Tel: 01305 224440
Sherborne Museum offers a free ‘earlybird’ private museum tour, suitable for those with a disability, where the individual requirements can be discussed and catered for. These need to be pre-booked.
Tel: 01935 812252
Address: Sherborne Museum, Church Ln, Sherborne, DT9 3BP
The STEPS Gateway Club is aimed at young people aged 12-25 who have a learning disability. Sessions are varied, with different activities provided, as well as other outings and trips. Get in touch to book a place or be added to the mailing list.
Saturday mornings (fortnightly).
Tel: 01305 771861
Address: 110 Chickerell Road, Weymouth, DT4 0BT
A youth club for young people with Down Syndrome, facilities include a cafe, sports hall, games area & playing field. £5 per week. Get in touch to book a space.
Thursdays (fortnightly), 6.30 – 8pm.
Tel: 01278 691100
Address: Sherborne Area Youth Centre, Tinney’s Ln, Sherborne, DT9 3DY