Arts & Leisure
LAST UPDATED: 24/10/13
If you know of any arts or leisure organisations you would like to add to this page, please contact us. Netbuddy is all about sharing, so don't keep it to yourself... please pass it on!
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to sports, arts and other leisure activities for people with learning disabilities.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, and if you’re not sure whether a particular activity will suit the person you're caring for, just ask! Try contacting the organisation and see if you can speak to someone who’s already doing it.
The listings below will help you find out what’s available in your area, including:
• Leisure • Clubbing & socialising
• Arts activities • Music • Theatre • Dance
Please note: Netbuddy can not vouch for any of the organisations
listed. Many of them have been recommended to us and we are simply
passing the info on. You will need to do your own checks for suitability and safety!
GENERAL ARTS, SPORTS & LEISURE
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Ableize
A directory of disability services, owned, run and maintained by people with disabilities. Listings for clubs, products, sports and services. http://www.ableize.com/disabled-arts/
Disability Arts Online
An online resource for disabled artists and organisations who work under the umbrella of disability arts. Includes a listings guide of events. www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk
Dot Comunity
A disability directory listing activities, events and services in your area. http://www.dotcomunity.org.uk/
Kids Days Out
Details of venues for outings all over the country that are wheelchair accessible. Though this is called Kids Days Out this is useful for all ages. http://www.kidsdaysout.co.uk/
Stay up Late campaign
Netbuddy loves the Stay up Late campaign! Campaigning for the rights of learning disabled people to stay up late and have fun! http://stayuplate.org/
Askability
A website run by the Children's Society, helping people with special needs to understand news and current affairs. It contains jokes, stories, film and music reviews, and uses pictorial symbols to communicate. http://www.askability.org.uk
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Countrywide
Agoonorees and camps for disabled Scouts
Agoonoree camps are camps that enable disabled Scouts to enjoy a summer camp. Find out more at the Scouts website
Berkshire
Oriol's
Oriol's is a fully equipped recording studio for people with learning disabilities to engage in appropriate, meaningful music based activities. It is run as a day opportunity centre or can be 1:1 or group session based. Oriol's facilitates creative, stimulating sessions that teach a wide variety of skills and utilises and promotes the enormous benefits that come from music. This service is completely person centred and anyone can benefit regardless of skill level and no matter what their musical aspirations are. Find out more at www.oriols.co.uk
Thames Valley Adventure Playground
based in Taplow, near Maidenhead in Berkshire. Offers adventurous, therapeutic and educational play activities for children and adults with all types of disability in a safe environment, both indoor and outdoor activities on offer. http://www.tvap.co.uk
Thrive
Thrive teaches people with learning disabilities practical and creative ways to use gardening. They encourage everyone to join in and have gardens in London, Reading and Berkshire. http://www.thrive.org.uk
West Berkshire Mencap
Has a fully equipped centre with induction loop and a large purpose-built double sensory room that can be hired. The grounds of the centre contain a children's playground with a wheelchair swing and other equipment accessible for children with or without a disability. www.westberkshiremencap.org
Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
You Can Bike Too is a scheme to help people with and without disabilities all ages to cycle together. All ability bikes available. The project has been set up by a project team of people with disabilities taking the lead. Check out www.youcanbiketoo.orgfor more information
Cheshire
Cheshire Centre for Independent Living
Connect
Inclusion & Engagement for disabled young people
Connecting disabled young people aged 5-18 years across Cheshire with community sport & leisure opportunities of their choice. Connecting with community sports & leisure groups to remove barriers to inclusion. www.cheshirecil.org/services/familly-support/connect
‘Buzz’ Youth Activity Group
Weekly youth activity group for disabled young people aged 8-18 years in Cheshire East and 5-18 years in Cheshire West. www.cheshirecil.org/services/familly-support/buzz-youth-activity-group
Warrington
Warrington Parents and Carers Group
runs summer activity programmes and hosts information about other schemes and special events. Link to Warrington Parents and Carers events page
Warrington Association for Special Children (WASC)
Providing help and support to the families of children with severe and profound disabilities. Playschemes during most school holidays, a youth club for age 12 and above, and a Saturday morning club for children under 12.Contact Wendy Andrews on 01925 493838 for more information.
Warrington Intergrated Sports Club
Every Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm at Great Sankey Leisure Centre, Barrow Hall Lane, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3AA. Contact Julie Murphy for more information on 07801540666.
Families United (FUN)
Providing parents and children with sensory, physical, and associated disabilities the opportunity to interact with other families. For information on social events, activities or for further information please contact FUN on 01925 815557 wwwi.familiesunited.org.uk
Derbyshire
Derby
The Stuff
Part of the Enable Young People's Project, which aims to promote independence and social inclusion for young disabled people in Derby. The stuff website is a place to chat to other people on line and keep up to date with all the great activities in the area to get involved with. http://www.thestuff.org.uk/
Devon, the Lake District and Kielder
The Calvert Trust
The Calvert Trust aims to enable people with disabilities, together with their families and friends, to achieve their potential through the challenge of outdoor adventure in the countryside. They offer a wide range of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. www.calvert-trust.org.uk
East Sussex
Hastings
Music gym
Uses music and an interactive gym to communicate in a meaningful way with people with complex needs. It uses sound and music technology to allow individuals to express themselves and assert their independence. www.musicgym.org
Essex
ELHAP
Adventure playground for children and young people with special needs in the north-east London and Essex area. It offers integrated free play opportunities.http://www.elhap.org.uk/children.htm
Gloucestershire
Gloucester
The Willows Trust
The Willows Trust offers freedom for the disabled on the water by providing days out for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities and those who are seriously ill. The Trust has two boats based at Saul Junction, and guests can enjoy the excitement of adventure and the therapy of tranquillity in beautiful surroundings - all travelling totally free of charge. http://www.gloucesterdocks.me.uk
Hampshire
Southampton
YMCA has provision for special needs children during the holidays for full day activities. The sessions are inclusive and suitable for all.
Sportfit Shortbreak Care
Offers young people and adults with special needs activity days and short breaks. This can take the format of multi sports, other physical activities, exercise, team building, life skills and outdoor education. www.sportfitsbc.co.uk
Hertfordshire
We Do Care
Offers leisure activities in Hertfordshire to young people and adults with learning disabilities, including day time group activities involving sports, arts, cooking and street dance. Also holds regular night clubs and DJ sessions, weekly pop dance classes as well as one on one activities such as theatre trips, cinema, pubs, dog racing and football matches. www.wedocare.co.uk
Hertsmere
Noah's Ark Playscheme
Provides fun and stimulating activities, outings and entertainment for families of children with disabilities, aged 5-16 years, in the Hertsmere area. They also accommodate siblings.
The scheme runs for approx one week at Easter and four weeks during the Summer holidays, Monday - Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm. Currently at Meryfield School, Theobald Street, Borehamwood, Herts WD6 4PA. www.noahsarkplayscheme.co.uk
Isle of Wight
YMCA has provision for special needs children during the holidays for full day activities. The sessions are inclusive and suitable for all.
Kent
The Parents Consortium
A hub for all disabled families. Provides a useful directory of all activities available in the area, including leisure. Funded by the Aiming High Short Breaks Transformation Programme, the directory is available at www.parentsconsortium.org.uk/leisureservices.htm
London
London Fields Lido
An outdoor pool in Hackney which is heated all year long and is fully accessible. It has a large poolside disabled changing room, a full sized changing and showering table and a hoist for lifting. www.better.org.uk/leisure/london-fields-lido
ELHAP
Adventure playground for children and young people with special needs in the north-east London and Essex area. It offers integrated free play opportunities. http://www.elhap.org.uk/children.htm
IPOP
Based in London Borough of Barnet, offering support for children and young people with disabilities and their families to help them get involved in play and leisure activities. IPOP runs their own schemes and short breaks activities. http://www.ipop.org.uk
Explorer Scout group
A special needs Explorer Scout group that take boys and girls from 9 - 26 into the scouting world. It is run from Charlton Academy London SE7 8HX on Monday nights, term time only. They have 2 main camps one in the summer with www.agoonoree.co.uk and one at Christmas. They cater for all disabilities. When the scouts reach 26 they can stay on as helpers if they wish. For more information email [email protected] or call 07944525676 or find them on www.facebook.com/groups/10439874819/
Thrive
Thrive teaches people with learning disabilities practical and creative ways to use gardening. They encourage everyone to join in and have gardens in London, Reading and Berkshire. http://www.thrive.org.uk
Wheels for Wellbeing
Group cycling sessions in Brockwell Park, south London and at Croydon Sports Arena for disabled children and adults. Whatever the impairment (physical or mental), Wheels for Wellbeing have a range of 2, 3 and 4 wheeled cycles. www.wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Children's Story Centre
Great sensory stuff for children up to age 11. For children who can cope with/enjoy exploring busy touchy-feely sensory dark/light spaces etc. www.discover.org.uk
YMCA Hawker Centre, Kingston
The centre runs multisport sessions for children with special needs aged 7 to 12 every Thursday 4.30pm–5.30pm and is looking to start Yoga.
For further information contact Jessica on 020 8296 9747. [email protected]
Manchester
Challenge 4 Change
An indoor adventure centre for all abilities incorporating a ground level obstacle course with a high ropes course and aerial runway. Available for group sessions of 10 or more. Ages 8 and upwards with no upper age limit and no restrictions on ability, wheelchair users are welcome and frequently access our aerial runway. Contact Mark on 0161 359 3399 or email [email protected]. challenge4change.org
Sensurround Room
A special room available for hire that can be used for therapy, sensory stimulation and skill learning. www.disabledliving.co.uk/Redbank-House/Multisensory-Rooms-(1)
ABC Families
Based in Stockport, support group for special needs children. Runs on a Saturday with all family members invited. An opportunity to meet other families and share experiences in a fun, supportive environment. abcfamilygroup.com
Somerset
Bath
Get Wet Set
Get Wet Set provides swimming lessons for children with special needs and their parents. They meet on Wednesdays in term time between 4– 5.30pm in the hydrotherapy pool at Three Ways School, Odd Down in Bath. www.getwetset.org.uk
South East
Inspire Me is a project by Mencap South East that delivers a range of free workshops and funded Community Impact Projects to 14-25 year olds with Learning Disabilities across the UK.
Workshops are delivered at user defined locations according to the needs and suitability for the group of individuals and cover a range of practical, real life skills. Including volunteering, work and managing money. Contact [email protected]
South Yorkshire
Sheffield
The Ethel Trust
The Ethel Trust Community Barge based in south Yorkshire is a purpose-built 57 ft long broad beam canal barge, fitted out with accessible toilets & shower, safety rails, hydraulic lifts, accessible seating and sleeping facilities for up to 10 people. Wheelchair friendly. They offer three-day boat handling courses, leading to AQA accreditation. For further info contact Tim Miskell on 0114 2299385/ 07910 802476. Three-day residential courses are also available, including a two night stay aboard.
Staffordshire
Cannock
The Special Needs Adventure Playground (SNAP) is designed specifically for children with special needs. Complete with outdoors adventure play equipment, including an aerial runway, cycle track with specially adapted bikes, a sand pit (with diggers), and indoors soft play area, craft room and a multi-sensory room it is the only one of its kind in the Chase and West Midlands areas. http://www.snapcannock.co.uk/
Surrey
Disability Challengers
Play and youth schemes at various sites in Surrey, where children and young adults with disabilities can play, make friends and have fun. Facilities include bouncy castles, soft play, rough and tumble play, bikes, trikes, go-Karts and quiet spaces. http://www.disability-challengers.org/
Guildford
The Halow Project
The halow project supports young people aged 16-35 with a learning disability. It offers social activities, buddies, a building futures group and a youth committee. www.halowproject.org.uk
Tyne and Wear
Newcastle
Ouseburn Farm
Ouseburn Farm, formerly Byker City Farm, is situated in central Newcastle. It has grazing fields, woodlands, and a variety of farm animals.
The farm provides structured activities for adults with a variety of disabilities in an integrated setting where people can work together, in a widely used community project. Placements are provided on weekdays between 10:00am and 3:30pm. www.ouseburnfarm.org.uk
Summer Play Scheme
Run by the Edward Lloyd Trust in Newcastle. Offers water sports, archery, trampolining, arts and crafts and day trips for children with disabilities. Also runs a children’s Saturday club. www.edwardlloydtrust.co.uk/summer-school
Warwickshire
Rugby
Taking the Reins is a pioneering project, run by Circles Network, introducing Equine Facilitated Learning to support disabled children, young people and adults in the UK. During the free sessions, students of all abilities can bond with ponies, learn and get involved with their care http://www.circlesnetwork.org.uk
West Midlands
Birmingham
The EST Donkey Sanctuary in Sutton Coldfield, Town Gate is open on Saturdays 10-2 for children with special needs and their siblings to drop in and ride a donkey. There's also a sensory room and outdoor play area. Clubs also run during the school holidays. Contact 0121 354 9444 for further info
West Yorkshire
Leeds
Sensory Leeds
Sensory Leeds is a multi-sensory centre open to adults and children of all ages. It offers three sensory rooms providing a range of experiences and mood settings. http://sensoryleeds.com
CLUBBING/SOCIALISING
Countrywide
To find night clubs for people with learning disabilities in your area google 'learning disabilities night club' and you will find lots of options around the country.
Afasic Youth Zone
Organisation for people with speech and language impairments. It has a number of youth projects including activity days, youth sessions and message boards. England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. www.afasic.org.uk
Outsiders
Self-help group for adults with disabilities. Offers a chance for people to contact others in confidence, find new friends or find a partner. Outsiders holds events in London, Ipswich, the Midlands, Sheffield, and the West of England, and hopes to develop these further. New members are welcome. http://www.outsiders.org.uk/club
Kiss my Disco - new travelling night club, run by people with learning disabilities open to everyone (generally in mainstream venues). Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/kissmydisco
Cheshire
Warrington
Planet Blue
A drop in youth club for young people with disabilities aged 14-25 years. Held fortnightly between 7pm-9pm at the Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball Centre, Peace Drive, Cromwell Ave, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 1HQ. For more information please contact Dave 01925 240064 www.planetblue.org.uk
London
Bubble Club East
is a night club in East London run by people with learning disabilities. It is a friendly and accessible night out for anyone who enjoys live entertainment, meeting new people and an excuse to dance the night away.Link to Bubble Club East Website
Stars In The Sky
Dating agency for adults with learning disabilities. It aims to give people choices about leisure and the opportunity to develop new relationships. http://www.starsinthesky.co.uk/
Funky W6 Club
A club night run by and for people with learning disabilities. It takes place three or four times a year at a club in west London. Themed nights include Halloween and Valentine’s. DJs play a wide range of music. http://www.myspace.com/funkyw6club
Beautiful Octopus Club
A friendly, inclusive and accessible club night celebrating the culture of people with learning disabilities. The Beautiful Octopus Club comes to the Albany Theatre in Deptford every two months. For further info tel: 020 8694 1632. www.heartnsoul.co.uk
Changes Nightclub
A nightclub based in Harrow for people with learning disabilities and their friends. People who have done DJ training can show off their skills at the club. http://www.changesnightclub.org/
Wild bunch club night
Clubnight run by people with learning disabilities, open to everyone. Based in Islington, Wild Bunch is run by the Elfrida Society. http://www.elfrida.com/wildbunch2
Merseyside
West Derby
Your Direction Ltd
Your Direction Ltd has a full and varied social programme offering people with learning disabilities a choice in how they use their time and what support they require. The Social programme supports people to attend community activities, college, visit the cinema, theatres, concerts, days out or anything they want support in as part of their lives. www.yourdirection.co.uk
Northamptonshire
Northampton
Rockin' Roadrunner Club
The Rockin' Roadrunner Club is a club night for adults with disabilities, with events every three months. Live entertainers, bands and DJ sets, mini festivals etc. www.rockinroadrunner.com
Scotland
Glasgow
Dates-n-mates
Matched one-to-one dates, with support available on the first date
Dating events to suit people of all different ages. A calendar of varied social events, information on other activities, organisations and things that might be of interest. www.dates-n-mates.co.uk
South Yorkshire
Reach for the Stars / Under the Stars
‘Reach for the Stars’ run regular club nights for people with learning disabilities, which attract up to 600 people. Their work for people with learning disabilities was recognised in the 2011 Ercia Awards where they won the 'best group' category.
Originally set up in Sheffield, Under the Stars is a a nightclub for people with learning disabilities that also runs in Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham in safe and friendly environments www.underthestars.org.uk
West Yorkshire
Leeds
Beautiful Octopus Club
Cabaret nightclub in Leeds celebrating the culture of people with learning disabilities. It’s run by adults with learning disabilities with support from staff at West Yorkshire Playhouse. Fancy dress is encouraged. There are interactive dance sessions, music and drama performances, face painting and a chill out zone. www.wyp.org.uk/join-in/adult-and-community-groups/beautiful-octopus-group
ARTS ACTIVITIES
Countrywide
Shape
A disability-led arts organisation working to improve access to culture for disabled people. We develop opportunities for disabled artists, we train cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and we run participatory arts and development programmes. www.shapearts.org.uk
Disability Arts Online
Showcases disability arts. Artists, performers, writers and musicians have the opportunity to work across a variety of creative fields. They can showcase their passion for saying something creative about disability and impairment. Web-based but links to Arts organisations around the country. www.disabilityartsonline.org
MENCAP Art Spider
Information about different arts projects and resources. Find out what’s available in your area. http://www.artspider.org.uk/
Cinema Exhibitors Association Card
Entitlement to a free cinema ticket. http://www.ceacard.co.uk/
Bristol
Art+Power
Helps people with disabilities to achieve their creative potential by facilitating support from a wide range of groups and individuals. Works with a broad coalition of groups to support disabled, deaf and socially excluded artists. http://www.dshed.net/digitised/art_and_power/
Derbyshire
First Movement
Arts project based in Rowsley, Derbyshire. Works with people with learning disabilities to develop and promote their creativity. Opportunities are offered to try a range of new, creative activities that aim to be instantly accessible. http://www.first-movement.org.uk/
Devon
Wolf +Water Arts Company
Produces original performances working with a wide range of people, including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. They offer training courses for those wishing to use drama and arts techniques when working with people with special needs. Their projects are designed specifically for the needs of each group they work with. http://www.wolfandwater.org/
East Sussex
Brighton
Carousel
Helps people with learning disabilities to reach their potential in the arts, challenges perceptions of what art is and who can create it. There is a support system so that artists with learning disabilities can manage their own artistic and cultural work. Film, music, dance and clubbing projects. http://www.carousel.org.uk/
Oska Bright Film Festival
The first and only film festival run by and for people with learning disabilities. http://www.oskabright.co.uk
London
Link Up
Three-year career development programme for deaf and disabled artists in London. Committed to ensuring that access requirements are met for all participants. http://www.disabilityartsonline.org/shape_link_up
Action Space
Based in Camden, it is the largest provider of visual arts projects for people with learning disabilities in London. Activities on offer include painting, ceramics, sculpture and photography. Action Space also runs public arts projects. http://www.actionspace.org/
Community Focus
A project based in Barnet. Its focus is on inclusion and it encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to access and participate in the arts. http://www.communityfocus.co.uk/
Brixton Inclusive
Inter-disciplinary arts organisation for 7-18-year-olds based in Brixton. Inclusive approach to disability. http://brixtoninclusive.org/
HeartnSoul
A leading arts organisation based in south east London with a learning disability culture at its heart. It works with many, small, local groups and major national organisations, giving thousands of people a chance to join in with the arts. http://www.heartnsoul.co.uk/
Arteast
The Arteast art group, at the Bromely by Bow Centre, runs on Tuesday afternoons. People can come and learn to paint, make models, design things on the computer and learn other skills. There are other activities that people can join on other days. For example there is a dance class on Thursday mornings.
To find out more about Bromley by Bow Centre, please contact Ruth Roberts email: [email protected] www.bbbc.org.uk
Watermans
A major arts centre in West London providing high quality arts projects both at its venue in Brentford and out in the community. The organisation provides regular activities in theatre, music, dance, film, visual arts and creative media to people with learning disabilities. Watermans Participative Arts programme includes large and small scale community arts projects ranging from regular weekly workshops and taster sessions, up to large- scale outdoor events in Hounslow town centre. watermans.org.uk
Midlands
Willows Sensory Services
A comprehensive sensory service based in the Midlands for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Offers one-to-one teaching sessions to aid development and learning and small group courses in sensory music, drama and storytelling. There is a large, fully equipped sensory room and themed sensory parties are also available.
Contact: [email protected] Tel: 0121 243 4223
North East England
Arcadea
Cultural agency for art. Sport and disability equality in the north east of England. It promotes and supports cultural equality of people with learning disabilities. Staffed and managed by people with disabilities. http://www.arcadea.org/
Scotland
Arts Access
Supports individuals with a physical disability, learning disability, sensory impairment, mental health problem or who are older and infirm to go to the arts with a volunteer companion. When you join the service they provide ‘What’s on’ information, book tickets, organise transport and a volunteer companion. http://www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk/access/
ArtLink Central
Based in Stirling, Scotland, supports adults and children with disabilities or mental health problems. Helps people develop confidence and improve their skills. Well-established collaboration with established artists and performers. http://www.artlinkcentral.org/
Somerset
JUMPcuts
A training and production partnership between Biggerhouse Film and Somerset Film in association with Somerset County Council and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. High-quality digital media co-produced by people with learning disabilities reaching audiences across the UK and beyond. www.jumpcuts.org.uk
Surrey
Blooming Arts
Bloomin’Arts is a small charity that works with and for adults with learning disabilities in Lingfield, Surrey. For over 12 yrs Bloomin’Arts has given tangible opportunities to adults who find it hard to interact socially with others, are isolated in the community or lack confidence in themselves or need specialist services to support them. For others ‘Bloomin’Arts’ offers a lifeline in developing artistic work, confidence and access to training and employment opportunities in the Arts. There is a range of courses for different needs. www.bloomin-arts.com
The Orpheus Centre
A friendly and dynamic centre for 18-25 year olds to learn independence through performing arts. The centre, which is based in Godstone puts on performances and workshops and has a supported housing project. Orpheus Centre
Wales
Disability Arts Wales
Committed to working with individuals and organisations to celebrate the diversity of deaf and disabled arts and culture and to develop equality across all art forms. www.disabilityartscymru.co.uk
West Yorkshire
The Art House
Unique organisation based in Wakefield which campaigns for inclusive practice in visual arts. It promotes equality of access to opportunities for work, training and exhibiting for both disabled and non-disabled artists. www.the-arthouse.org.uk
Leeds
Pyramid of Arts
Runs arts groups for people with learning disabilities and non-disabled people throughout Leeds. Groups come together and make large-scale sculptures, paintings and installations with professional. They also make music and explore movement, dance and drama. www.pyramid-of-arts.org.uk
MUSIC
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Countrywide
Live Music Now
Increases access to high quality live music. Helps people with learning and physical disabilities to boost their self-esteem and develop learning and social skills. It develops a resource of musicians with specialist skills who will retain a commitment to music outreach in their professional lives. http://www.livemusicnow.org.uk
Radio Marmalade
Radio Marmalade is a user led learning disability radio station. They provide guidance and training, and are looking for people to get involved. They particularly need DJs, designers, interviewers, IT specialists, anyone with a skill to strengthen their team. Contact [email protected] www.downstar.co.uk/marmalade/
Nordoff Robbins
A national music charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults affected by illness, disability, trauma or isolation. http://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/
Brighton
Heavyload
Punk band made up of musicians with and without learning disabilities. Heavyload are also running the wonderful STAY UP Late camapaign. http://www.heavyload.org/
Shutupradio
The only place on the radio to hear music made by artists with a learning disability. All music played and presented by artists with a learning disability. www.shutupandlisten.org.uk
Newcastle
Pool of Sound
Digital music studio based in Byker, Newcastle for people with complex disabilities. It allows people to make and control musical sounds by moving in front of a sound beam – it enables people to make music without needing the hand-eye coordination required to play a musical instrument. www.edwardlloydtrust.co.uk/pool-of-sound
Scotland
Drake Music Scotland
Helps people of all ages in Scotland with a wide range of disabilities to play, learn and compose music. www.drakemusicscotland.org
Swindon
Music Alive
Three fully-accessible music rooms containing a huge range of instruments and music technology for people with disabilities. Its aim is to improve access to music for people with disabilities and to develop creative music making. http://www.music-alive.org.uk/
THEATRE
Essex
Rayleigh
The Mushroom Theatre Company
The Mushroom Theatre Company is a fully inclusive dance and drama group based in Rayleigh Essex. They offer a range of drama and dance classes for children and young adults. As a fully inclusive theatre company, MTC integrates able bodied performers alongside disabled children, or those with special needs. www.mushroomtheatre.co.uk
Hampshire
Fareham
The Ashcroft Arts Centre
The Ashcroft Arts Centre is a small-scale arts provider in Fareham, Hampshire. They have a regular programme of inclusive classes and workshops for young people with learning disabilities as well as one off special events. www.ashcroft.org.uk
Winchester
Blue Apple Theatre
Based in Winchester, Blue Apple Theatre provides a fully supportive, inclusive environment for learning disabled and non disabled performers. The company produces high quality, entertaining performances, seeking to challenge pre-conceptions and raise the ceiling of expectation for adults with learning disabilities. blueappletheatre.hampshire.org.uk
Kent
River Drama
A drama group for young people with Down’s syndrome based in Tonbridge, Kent. Children are encouraged to express themselves through drama and to integrate with other children of their own age. http://www.riverdrama.com/
London
Baked Bean Theatre Company.
Performing in professional theatres, Baked Bean Theatre Company provide actors for the film and television industry and they raise awareness of important issues: all while making people laugh and smile!
ChickenShed
Specialist inclusive theatre group based in Southgate, north London with hundreds of satellite groups across the country. Everyone is welcomed and valued equally. Their aim is "Pioneering, inclusive, beautiful theatre.” http://www.chickenshed.org.uk/
Oily Cart
A theatre company that works with children, many of whom have complex disabilities. Oily Cart takes its unique blend of theatre to children and young people to schools and venues across the UK. They create innovative, multi-sensory and highly interactive productions. www.oilycart.org.uk
Finchley Youth Theatre
Runs courses and programmes for young people aged 11-25 years, in drama, dance and technical theatre skills, including lighting, construction and sound.
Partnership work with the Inclusive Play Opportunities Project (IPOP) has created programmes for young people with disabilities to engage in drama and dance workshops throughout the year.
This excellent resource has its own theatre space, rehearsal rooms and offices, but also works in other youth projects across the borough, including at Canada Villa Young People's Activity Centre.
Tel: 020 8359 3540 Email: [email protected]
Spare Tyre
Theatre company based in Brixton, working with adults with a range of learning disabilities including autism, down’s Syndrome and physical and sensory impairments. Its aim is to nurture creative impulses, challenge social prejudices and provide opportunities for people’s life stories to be shared and celebrated. http://www.sparetyre.org/
The Unicorn Theatre
The Unicorn Theatre runs performances for people with special needs, as well as programmes tailored specifically for people on the autistic spectrum. www.unicorntheatre.com
Merseyside
Liverpool
Wicked Fish
An ensemble theatre company based in Liverpool, creating new works which are exciting and accessible. All the performers have learning disabilities and they work with theatre professionals to stage productions. Contact Tel: 0151 709 4343 http://www.wickedfish.org.uk/
Scotland
Edinburgh
Lung Ha’s Theatre Company
Provides opportunities for people with learning disabilities to become actively involved in the performing arts. Presents performing arts events to a high standard, challenges stereotypical perspectives about learning disabilities and encourages greater provision of arts opportunities for people with learning disabilities. http://www.lunghas.co.uk/
Glasgow
1 in 100 Theatre Company
Based in Cumbernauld near Glasgow, 1 in 100 is a Theatre Company for adults with learning disabilities. The group is run by Kat Wilson, an experienced community drama professional and supported by volunteers.
To find out more contact Kat on 07908976361 or email [email protected]
Shropshire
Kaleidoscope Theatre
An impressive range of productions are staged at prestigious national and international venues. The majority of the team have Down’s syndrome. http://www.kaleidoscope-theatre.org/ktp2001Intro.htm
Somerset
Bath
Bath Theatre School is a fun term-time Saturday morning club aiming to develop a whole host of communication, movement and key life skills through high quality tuition in drama, singing and dancing. Students get the chance to obtain nationally recognised Trinity musical theatre qualifications and be part of the annual production on a real stage. Free taster sessions: http://www.baththeatreschool.com
Surrey
The Freewheelers Theatre Company brings disabled and non-disabled actors and supporters, production teams and the local community together. We use theatre and dance, wheelchair and voicebox technology, multimedia, animations, puppets and shadows to create innovative work. We like to work collaboratively, surprise people and challenge perceptions. We don't like barriers, rules or conventions. www.freewheelerstheatre.co.uk
Tyne and Wear
Newcastle
Applied Theatre Productions
Based in Gateshead, Newcastle. Works on theatre productions with individuals with autism and related disorders. http://www.appliedtheatreproductions.org.uk/web/
The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company
The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company make entertaining, accessible and informative drama about issues that are important to people with learning disabilities. Their aim is to raise awareness about the rights of people with learning disabilities and the challenges they face. www.thetwistingducks.co.uk
Wales
Cardiff
Hijinx theatre Company
Professional theatre company based in Cardiff. Creates plays for adults with learning disabilities and tours plays to communities of people with learning disabilities. http://www.hijinx.org.uk/
West Yorkshire
Bradford
Mind The Gap
Experienced touring theatre company which tours nationally and internationally. It helps people with learning disabilities become professional actors and helps them to achieve their potential. http://www.mind-the-gap.org.uk/
DANCE
Devon
The Beacons Wheelchair Dancers
Based in Torbay, Devon the emphasis is on enjoyment. A wide range of dancing styles, from Latin to ballroom, are practiced. The Beacons believe that anyone can dance, regardless of disability.http://www.wheelchairdancing.org.uk/
London
Corali Dance Company
Based in Kennington, South East London, the company works collaboratively with artistes and dancers with and without learning disabilities. Performances are unique and draw on creativity. The company places equal emphasis on performance and education. www.corali.org.uk
Amici Dance Theatre Company
Unique dance theatre company which runs regular weekly classes at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, integrating able bodied and disabled artists and performers. www.amicidance.org
Candoco Dance Company
Inclusive, contemporary dance group based in central London using disabled and non-disabled dancers. Aims to push the boundaries of dance and disability to broaden people’s perceptions of what dance is and who can do it. Performance and outreach education. http://www.candoco.co.uk/
icandance
icandance caters for people with social, emotional, physical and cognitive disabilities. It mixes ballet and free movement to encourage creativity, social interaction and confidence. www.icandance.org.uk
Oxfordshire
Anjali Dance Company
A professional, contemporary dance company based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. All the dancers have learning disabilities. The company aims to show that disability is no barrier to creativity. Aims to create original dance works and challenge preconceptions and prejudices about learning disabilities. http://www.anjali.co.uk/
Surrey
StopGAP
Based in Farnham, the StopGAP is a contemporary Dance Company featuring dancers with and without disabilities. The company is passionate about enabling everyone to have a go, and so StopGAP leads a dynamic range of workshops and participation projects. It also provides a limited number of training and mentoring opportunities. www.stopgap.uk.com
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