Preparing for Adulthood - Friends, Relationships & Community (Local Offer)

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Teenagers sitting on the floor

Preparing for adulthood

To support young adults to have opportunities to spend time with their peers outside of school and college, the Local Offer includes a list of community groups available in Peterborough.

If you see a Local Offer flag on the record it means we know that they are accessible to young adults with SEND. These groups are updated as often as possible.

It is important to support, develop and maintain friendships and relationships so that young adults can access their community and feel safe and confident.

Parents have asked for a comprehensive guide to transitions and we have worked with Family Voice to produce the Preparing for Adulthood - A Parents Guide

Sports clubs, making friends and lots of things to do

Safe Soulmates Events

Safe Soulmates run other social events for Soulmates- theatre trips, trips to watch gigs, pub visits, bowling, starting a band, attending tai chi, picnics and much more! Please contact them by phone or email to find out more or book an appointment here

You can also view their events webpage to see upcoming events you can attend

Friday Night Dance Ability events at the Montague Club in Huntingdon

  • Venue - Montagu Club, Huntingdon PE29 3QD
  • These events are FREE
  • Please note that Friday Night Dance Ability do not provide support for persons attending these events

The Scope Youth Community Collective and Engagement Programme

Do you want to improve your local community for disabled people?

The Scope Youth Community Collective and Engagement Programme's aim is to improve your local community for disabled people. You will choose the challenges you want to take on in your local community and Scope will support you with bringing about change.

Get together with other like-minded people and make your local community better. You and the group you are working with will initially meet every month. Scope will work with your group on the best format for these meetings. Group meetings are where you design projects and act on issues that matter the most. Working as a team to achieve your goals.

Who can join the programme?

It’s for you if you: 

  • want to create a better community for disabled people
  • live in Peterborough
  • are a disabled or non-disabled young person
  • are between 18 and 25 years old

You will find more details on the Scope website.

NEW Club Gaming night in Peterborough

The gaming night is for aged 14 and over and is suitable for those who can manage their own behaviour.  Whilst everyone is welcome, the majority of members are young males with autism. 

View more details in the directory of providers GAMING NIGHT IN PETERBOROUGH

Coffee Shop After Dark 

Coffee Shop After Dark (CSAD) is run by Access Champions, a group of young adults with learning disabilities whose aim is to increase opportunities across Peterborough for people with learning disabilities.

Coffee Shop After Dark is a social event for people aged 14 to 17 with various disabilities, including more complex needs.

It will be run by the Access Champions at City College Peterborough who have received:

·  personal care training

·  safeguarding training

·  first aid training

·  DBS checks

Ticket are £2.50 and there will be a tuck shop at all events alongside a photo booth, small sensory room, DJ, parents area and information area. 

Parents are welcome to leave their children as all staff and Access Champions are fully trained and DBS checked.

View more details on the Coffee Shop After Dark webpage

Vivacity Inclusive Leisure - Sport and Leisure for all 

Vivacity run a year round programme of inclusive sport and leisure activities designed to engage and work with young people and adults with disabilities to increase their participation in sport.

Their exercise services for children and young adults with disabilities focus on more than just delivering great sporting opportunities, They aim to develop both physical, mental and social skills in all of their sessions. Participants can expect solid support from their experienced friendly staff who help to ensure they benefit from fun, friendships and fitness. Their inclusive disability sports programme aims to build confidence, strength and long term life skills.

You can find out a lot more about the activities that are offered, times, costs and venue by viewing their Inclusive Leisure webpage

Disability Peterborough Accessible Sport and Leisure Activities 

Shh Sundays at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery

Join us on a Shh Sunday (the first Sunday of the month) at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, ideal for anyone looking for a quieter or more relaxed visit.

Busy museum galleries and noisy interactives can have an impact on visitors with sensory access requirements. Therefore we have launched Shh Sundays where we offer a quieter museum visit. All of our interactives and gallery sounds will be switched off, the lighting adjusted (where possible) and visitors will be asked to wander our galleries mindful of others. There will also be a quiet space set aside for those who wish to escape the noise completely.

Everyone is welcome, however these Shh Sundays are tailored for – but not limited to – children, young people and adults with autism; people with social, emotional, or mental health needs; adults living with dementia; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a calmer experience.

We certainly don’t expect you to be silent though – we hope you have fun exploring the museum galleries and really enjoy your visit!

Find out more here.

What is a community group?

What is a community group?

Community groups include sports, hobbies, youth clubs and can be a chance to make new friends and talk about things that interest you. Through community groups you can get involved in fun and interesting activities outside of school or college.

How do I find a community group?

If you search on this website you will find a wide range of fun and interesting activities that you can access.

If you search the How Are You - HAY activities web page you will find a wide range of fun and interesting activities that you can access.

You can also go to the Youth Inspired Facebook page where there is lots of information, videos and photos of activities available in and around Peterborough.

You can also go to the Vivacity web page where there are lots of opportunities for sport and leisure for disabled people and those with learning disabilities.

How do I pay for it?

Some youth clubs and community groups are free. However, if you do need to pay, you may be able to get a personal budget if you are assessed as needing one as part of your EHC Plan.

Personal budgets are designed to help people take control of their own social care budgets and choose services that suit them best. The amount will be calculated on an individual basis and is available to use for various support including short breaks and joining a local club or activity.  You can find out more about Personal Budgets and Direct Payments on the Direct Payments page.

Community learning opportunities at City College and Day Opportunities for people over 18

Day Opportunities

Day Opportunities is Peterborough’s largest local day support specialist provider and experienced social care provider, supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs to live the fullest life possible.  

You can find out more on the City College Peterborough Day Opportunities page.

Access Champions

The Access Champions

The Access Champions are a group of young adults who are passionate about improving access for the disabled community in and around Peterborough.

Website: www.accesschampions.weebly.com
Twitter: @AccessChamps
Facebook: Access Champions
Email: AChampion@citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk

Right to a relationship

Devolping and maintaing relationships

People with learning disabilities want to love and be loved. They are often denied their right to sexual relationships.

There is information here and videos on developing and maintaining relationships.

Find out more here.

Disability Horizons Online Magazine

Disability Horizons magazine is an online disability lifestyle publication that aims to give disabled people a voice.

All articles are sourced directly from our community of readers, making Disability Horizons a lifestyle publication about disabled people, for disabled people. Articles span topics from technology, relationships, sports, employment and travel.

To help our community connect with each other, share, learn, support and be supported further, we’ve also created the DHorizons Tribe Facebook group. 

You can also find lots of interesting videos on their Video website page.

Safe Soulmates

Safe Soulmates is an organisation working to end loneliness for adults with additional needs by faciliating a fun social life where friendships and relationships can develop in a safe way.

If someone you know or care for is feeling lonely, isolated and in need of finding like-minded friends in a fun, social environment, then Safe Soulmates is the right place.

They are also the only organisation in Cambridgeshire which supports a relationship to develop if there is a mutual romantic connection. Most couples who have met through them have done so because they have attended their social groups (in real life and on Zoom). 

If a member doesn’t want to join their socials and just wants to find a relationship, that’s fine too. It can take time and they may not meet the person of their dreams, but they might and many people have.  They always suggest matches where they think people might get on really well.

You can look at a video they have produced telling you more about what they do.  View their video What do you think of Safe Soulmates?

If you would like more information please email, text, call us or complete the contact form and we will contact you to tell you more (All our contact details are here).

We will arrange to talk to you on the phone,email, text or via Zoom when you and the potential member are ready.

Dhiverse

Dhiverse provides high quality sexual health and HIV support, education and information for all. they are inclusive, caring, non-judgmental and committed to upholding their organisation’s values. Through service user involvement, campaigns and collaboration they challenge stigma, prejudice and inequalities.

Please note they provide support to people living with HIV in both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. HIV+ people resident in Peterborough do not need to travel to Cambridge, as they can see you in Peterborough and they will arrange a mutually convenient meeting place when you contact them.

 You can view a lot more details on their national website Dhiverse

ABC Project - provided by Dhiverse

ABC stands for Awareness, Balance, and Choice. The project supports both people aged 11 upwards who have a learning disability (LD) or autism (A), and their parents and professionals.

The ABC Programme is a short term educational, age and ability appropriate programme for anyone aged 11 upwards who has a LD or A and would like support around sexual health, sexual and intimate relationships, online safety, and potential risky sexual behaviours. The programme aims to give participants the information they need to be able to make their own informed choices and decisions. The programme covers a range of topics which are delivered in an accessible, informal and interactive way, usually over 6 sessions.

The ABC Programme is free of charge for people who live in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough.

You find out more details about the programme by looking at the Dhiverse webpage ABC Project

Youth Inspired - Peterborough's only Youth Directory

Introduction by Laura Almond Youth Inspired, Programme Manager

Since the beginning of the Youth Inspired, project 3 years ago, we have had so many conversations with young people about what provision is available for them to access locally.

There is so much out there! Young people have told us that they struggled to find out what was available. They also said that they wanted something physical that they can look through which is why we have made this into a booklet that young people can take away and keep.

We have come to learn that there are so many quality activities, projects and clubs for young people with the vast majority of them based within the voluntary sector. We would like to thank all of the organisations who tirelessly work to provide the best possible provision for young people in the City.

I hope you enjoy reading this directory and finding out what is available to you! This directory is a direct result of the Peterborough Youth Sector Forum working together to showcase what they do and to help increase the participation of young people. 

View the Youth Inspired - Peterborough's only Youth Directory

Having your voice heard

Peterborough Youth Council

Peterborough Youth Council meet once every three weeks and aim to represent the views and interests of young people, aged 11-19, who live work or study in Peterborough. This involves tackling issues relevant to and important to young people and assisting the local authority to ensure young people are given the opportunity to have a say on council decisions that may affect them.

Keep up with Peterborough Youth Council activities via Instagram.

If you would like to know the meeting dates or more information, contact Marya Ali on 07920160044 or email marya.ali@peterborough.gov.uk.

Preparing for Adulthood Consultation

Young adults in Peterborough have been involved in consulting with Peterborough City Council about services that support their transition to adulthood. If you are a young person with SEND aged 13-25 and want to have your say about this topic, contact your school or college SENCO or Marya Ali.

National SEND Youth Voice - Council for Disabled Children

The Council for Disabled Children have been jointly commissioned with Kids to deliver a national participation programme with disabled children and young people, and children and young people with SEN.

This includes a young people's advisory group, FLARE, which is formed of twelve 13-25 year-olds with SEND from around the country to advise, challenge and support the government about how the SEND reforms would affect disabled children and young people directly. 

Enabling Independence Service

Enabling Independence Service can provide Information, Advice, Guidance & Advocacy to Adults with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism in the Peterborough area.

They may be able to help you:

  • Understand mail and complete forms from the Council or Benefit Agencies
  • Make phone calls to organisations such as Local Council or Utilities.
  • Advocate at Hospital/Doctor appointments.
  • At meetings with the Benefits Agency, Job Centre, Councils & Schools.
  • Understand and advocate views at school appointments or similar.

Support can be provided at:

  • Monday Morning Drop ins (During term time only, please see Parents Together)
  • Somewhere convenient for you.
  • Your home.
  • Their office. (Please telephone for an appointment) To arrange support, please telephone or email them.

View their website Enabling Independence for more details

Travelling

Travelling on public transport

You can find out lots of information about travelling on public transport on the Getting Out and About page on the Local Offer and on the Easy Read Travelling pages.  You can also find out more on the Adults Travel page.

Local colleges run courses for young people on developing independence and these can include travel training. 

Driving

You might want to consider a Blue Badge to make parking easier. You can find out more on the council website and on the Easy Read Blue Badges page.

Mobility vehicles - Your young person may be eligible for a mobility vehicle

Travel Training

The Access Champions at City College Peterborough support young adults to gain more confidence by encouraging peer to peer support. Through their travel training they support young adults to gain confidence in using public transport independently.

Contact the Access Champions via email to find out how you can get travel training: AChampion@citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk.

Staying safe

Safeguarding

The government defines safeguarding as:

“The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstance consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.”

The 0 to 25 Disability Service works closely with Children's Safeguarding to ensure that young people under the age of 18 remain safe, and for those over 18 the service works within the safeguarding processes under adult legislation. 


Staying safe and supported in the community

For many of us, it can be a real problem if we do not feel safe and comfortable when we are trying to do something.  This is the same when we are trying to get out into the community, we need to feel safe and supported, and this could include simple things like:

  • Plan where you would like go and how you are going to get there
  • Take a mobile phone if you have one, and the phone number of someone you trust
  • Take some money in case you need to make a phone call from a public phone
  • Take only the money you expect to need, keep some in your wallet or purse and some in your pocket
  • If you have one, take a personal attack alarm
  • Are your personal belongings, like your phone, wallet or purse kept in a safe place on you, like your bag or pocket?
  • If possible, have you told someone you trust where you are going and when you expect to be back?
  • If you can, go out with a friend or someone you know

Staying safe online

Social Media

Computers, mobile phones and tablets are a great way to keep in touch with your friends, finding and making new friends and to share things at the touch of a button. You can also use them to find information and to help with homework.  But they can also make it easier for bullies and other people who might want to hurt you to get close to you.  So it is really important that you know how to stay safe on your computer, phone and websites.

The ChildLine and NSPCC websites both have lots of really useful information to help protect yourself from cyberbullying, sexting, inappropriate content and protect your online reputation.  There is also an easy read guide to Staying Safe on Social Media and Online from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities.

You can find out more on the Staying Safe (Local Offer) page.

Volunteering

National Citizen Service

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a way for 15 to 17-year-olds living in England and Northern Ireland to make extraordinary friendships, learn the skills they don’t teach you in class and create unforgettable memories.

It all starts with a 'Yes'...

Grow your confidence

Make your UCAS application stand out

Make new friends

Develop the skills that employers want

Get a killer CV

Access to exclusive events

You can register your interest or make a payment on this link or for more information email: ncs@peterborough.gov.uk.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) Award gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.

Peterborough City Council operate the DofE through Schools, Academies and Centres across the City. They provide a balanced programme of activities that builds confidence and develops self-esteem and is made up of 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

If you are a young person at a school or Academy, you should speak to your DofE Leader (please ask the school if you are unsure who this is) or, if you are not at school or would rather participate outside of your school, there is The Peterborough Open Award Centre which can provide the opportunity to complete your D of E.

For more information contact Lisa Alexander, D of E Award Coordinator at Peterborough City Council via telephone 01733 863868 or email Lisa.alexander@peterborough.gov.uk.

You can also find further information in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award directory record on our website 

Student Voice at School or College

Every school or college will have different ways for their students to have their voices heard, develop leadership skills and make changes to improve the experience of students.

This could be through a school council, house council, prefects, mentors etc. Speak to your school or college to find out how to get involved in student voice opportunities.

Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services Volunteering Centre 

Peterborough Volunteering Centre acts as the hub for volunteering activity in the City, working with both organisations and volunteers. 

Volunteering can help provide you with valuable experience, in lots of different ways such as: 

  • You can gain new skills 

  • You can meet new people and make friends whilst doing something you are interested in 

  • You can build self-esteem and confidence and have a feeling of achievement knowing you have given something back 

  • You can help your own community to grow and develop. Volunteering gives you a chance to give back to your community by sharing your own skills and knowledge 

  • Volunteering is a great way to bridge gaps in your CV and also gives you a recent reference for employers to contact 

 

TEC - Technology

Use your phone

Use of your phone or computer to find out where your local community groups are

  • Check the times
  • Check the location
  • Check the cost
  • Check how to get there
  • Check to see if it is SEND accessible-

Use the Local Offer

Use the Local Offer to check if the activity is SEND friendly

Consultation and co-production with young people

Preparing for Adulthood - Young persons consultation spring 2021

In response to our consultation with young people and a continuation of that dialogue with them, we have produced an online learning resource.

The Preparing for Adulthood - Young Persons Consultation Spring 2021 learning resource may also be useful to parents and staff who need some training in SEND and PfA. The target age group is 13-25. (Please note the voiceovers and videos don't work on the presentation - if you want a copy of the original powerpoint presentation please email Marya Ali ( marya.ali@peterborough.gov.uk) or Elizabeth Sullivan Ash (elizabeth.sullivan@peterborough.gov.uk).

Preparing for Adulthood (Local Offer)

The learning resource has also been replicated in several pages on our Local Offer for Young People website

H.A.Y. activities in Peterborough

H.A.Y. (How are you) Peterborough are bringing together everything in Peterborough that promotes positive mental health. From a friendly ‘how are you’, to activity groups and much more.

Visit the How Are You Peterborough website for more information.

Videos

The Importance of friendship - videos courtesy of Preparing for Adulthood
The Importance of Friendship for Wilf and Heera
What do you think of Safe Soulmates?
Love doesn't discriminate, let's celebrate love
Reasons, Past and Gained

Related Pages

  1. Preparing for Adulthood (Local Offer)
  2. Preparing for Adulthood - Employment (Local Offer)
  3. Preparing for Adulthood - Good Health (Local Offer)
  4. Preparing for Adulthood - Independent Living (Local Offer)
  5. City College Peterborough Day Opportunities (Adults)
  6. Getting out and about (Local Offer)
  7. Equality and Diversity (Local Offer)
  8. Money and Benefits (Local Offer)
  9. Compliments and Complaints (Local Offer)
  10. Activities and Support for Disabled Children (short breaks)
  11. Easy Read Travelling
  12. Easy Read Assisted Travel
  13. Travel (Adults)
  14. Staying Safe (Local Offer)

External Links

  1. National Development Team for Inclusion
  2. Disability Horizons
  3. Safe Soulmates

Downloads

  1. Frequently asked questions about transition to adulthood
  2. Access champions - Making our Local Area More Accessible
  3. Easy Read - Preparing for adult life guide (January 2021)

Related Services

  1. Braininhand
  2. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
  3. Gaming night in Peterborough
  4. Safe Soulmates
  5. Enabling Independence Service
  6. Dhiverse
  7. Soundabout Inclusive Choir

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