London,
02
October
2023
|
10:19
Europe/London

New programme to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities launched at Greenwood Centre

The Independent Living Hub, based at Camden’s Greenwood Centre, has been relaunched with an exciting new activity programme for young people aged 14 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities.

Designed by and for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the pilot programme includes a range of activities - from CV writing, fitness, creating lyrics and music, self-care sessions and awareness workshops to sessions on how to stay safe online - all with the aim of helping to equip young people with the skills needed for the future.

The drop-in sessions, led by local arts charity Wac Arts launched in September and will run until March 2025. They include weekly activities for young people to choose from depending on their needs and interests.

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Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families

We want all children and young people with special educational needs and / or disabilities in Camden to succeed in life, from early years, to school and in adolescence, so they can lead fulfilled lives as adults. The Independent Living Hub located at the Greenwood Centre is a fantastic example of the amazing support services we have in the borough for young people with SEND, providing an excellent range of activities to help them in future life.

Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families
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Each week, the Independent Living Hub has a special theme, from travel, food and budgeting, catering to varying levels of ability. The schedule offers flexibility for young individuals to choose sessions that suit their needs.

The Independent Living Hub operates on the following days and is open to:

  • Tuesdays – young people aged 14 to 25 who can travel to and from the venue independently, or those who do not require support of a worker or parent/carer during the session.
  • Fridays - young people aged 14 to 25 who wish to attend with a support worker or parent/carer.
  • Saturdays - young people aged 14 to 25 with one-to-one support workers provided through existing Short Breaks.

This pilot programme run by Wac Arts, has been commissioned by Camden Council and funded through the DfE Short Breaks Innovation Fund.

For more information about the programme and details around how to apply, please visit: wacarts.co.uk/homepage/ilh.

For further information, advice and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and parents/carers head to the SENDIASS website. You can also contact the team directly by calling 0207 974 6264 or emailing SENDIASS@camden.gov.uk.

Background on the Greenwood Centre

The Greenwood Centre houses Camden’s first-ever Centre for Independent Living (CIL). It is led by and for disabled people and run by Camden voluntary sector disability organisations. Camden Disability Action is the lead organisation.