Online clubs available on a Thursday/Friday for children and young people aged 8-18 years, funded by Wirral local authority. For Children and Young People to attend the online sessions, the child or young person should have a diagnosis of Autism or be on the pathway to a diagnosis of Autism or have diagnosed social and communication difficulties.
The online clubs are divided into age ranges of 8-12 years and 12-18 years with Gaming sessions, Dungeons and Dragons online club and online chat groups. Online sessions are held via zoom and are there are 2 staff available at each session. If you think your son or daughter would be interested in joining in any of the sessions or you want more information on the online clubs.
During COVID we have been supporting families in a number of ways. At the beginning of the pandemic, we moved our clubs online and held four clubs a week covering 8-18yrs (25 with an Education Health Care Plan). The online clubs were very popular with families and young people who welcomed a scheduled activity and gave young people a way to connect socially with others.
The online provision can be quite busy. As this doesn’t suit every child and can be a bit intimidating for new people, we have also offered online one to one sessions if requested and suggested new members can log in without mic and video to get a feel for the group.
In October following a COVID secure risk assessment, we were able to begin face to face provisions again. To protect the young people and staff we have reduced the numbers able to attend the groups and implemented regular cleaning, social distancing, hand gel and no touch thermometers. Initially we prioritised those young people who were not able to access the online groups. We have recently increased our in person provision to two clubs on a Saturday and one on a Thursday evening.
Some young people have said they are not ready to return to face to face clubs as they may be anxious or living with someone who is vulnerable so online clubs have continued to run throughout.
Rainbows groups for children under 8 were suspended at the start of the pandemic. One group was successfully moved to online during the summer and a second is due to commence next week.
Families have continued to be signposted to a number of organisations during this time such as Wirral Local Offer, CAMHS (including their self- help resource pack), Wirral Info Bank, Koala NW and Wired SEND.
Here’s what we currently have on offer:
Wednesdays
Connected Group – 2-3pm & 3-4pm
Children in Need group – 5-6pm
Children in Need (Siblings) Chill & Chat 6.15-7.45pm
All currently held via Microsoft Teams
Thursdays
Gaming group 5-6pm for 8-18yrs old
Chat about gaming etc.
Activity Group 6.15pm to 7.45pm = 8-12 years old
Currently held via Zoom
Fridays
Gaming group 5-6pm for 8-18yrs old
Chat about gaming etc.
Friendship group 6.15-8.15
For young people who have attended our friendship group in the past and those who are on verge of independence with travel and money. By invite only.
Both currently held by Zoom
Saturdays
Activity Groups 8-18yrs. From 10.15-11.45 and 12.15-1.45
For young people with ASD and social communication difficulties as primary need. Opportunity to form friendships, play games and have fun.
For further details or to book a place, please contact Lynda Maxwell on 0151 666 9960.
RAINBOW GROUPS
Monday 3.30-4.30 usually at Bromborough but now online
Friday 9.45 – 10.45 usually at Brassey Gardens but now online
Contact: Lynda Maxwell: [email protected]