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programme is coordinated by Active Impact

or like our Facebook page

to get updates

glosfamiliesdirectory - www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk

or by contacting The Family Information Service on 0800 542 0202

Active Impact CIC Co. number: 07454426

Welcome to our brochure of events for young people up to 25

’s something - including those who have learning difficulties/

’ll do everything we

- see the bottom of

’t want the

- Active Impact

www.facebook.com/activeimpact/ @ActiveImpactUK

Inclusive activities for disabled and non-disabled

young people together

Welcome to our brochure of events for young people aged up to 25

All events offer fun things to do in small groups of disabled and non-disabled young people together. We think there’s something here for everyone - including those who have learning difficulties/disabilities, autism or physical/sensory impairments.

Even if you need lots of help to take part, we’ll do everything we can to welcome you. This might include help with lifting, toilets, communication, or specific access issues. Please just ask the activity provider if you are uncertain about anything.

More information about each of the organisations offering these events can be found on their own website - see the bottom of each page.

If there is an activity which you want to go on but the cost is more than you can afford, please do talk to us as we don’t want the charges to exclude anyone.

Caroline, Philip and Jane - Active Impact

The Of Course We Can programme is coordinated by

Caroline Eardley, Philip Douch and Jane Douch at Active Impact under contract with Gloucestershire County Council.

If you have any questions or want paper copies of the brochure, contact us on: info@activeimpact.org.uk or 01453 298337

To see this brochure online and for more information, go to: www.activeimpact.org.uk or like our Facebook page

www.facebook.com/activeimpact/to get updates

Further information about activities in Gloucestershire can be found on the glosfamiliesdirectory - www.glosfamiliesdirectory.org.uk

or by contacting The Family Information Service on 0800 542 0202

Active Impact CIC Co. number: 07454426

What’s happening ….

Start date Activity Page

Sunday 17th Sept

Community Open Weekend with Sladebank Woods

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Saturday 23rd Sept

Autumn and Winter Fun with Greenwoods Therapeutic Horticulture

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Monday 23rd Oct

Punky Junk with The Music Works

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Monday 23rd Oct

Make a Panto with The Roses Theatre

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Monday 23rd Oct

Feed my Mind with The Wiggly Worm

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Tuesday 24th Oct

Weird Science Go with Art Shape

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Monday 18th Dec

Christmas in the Woods with A+bility

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Saturday 6th Jan

Winter Fun in the Garden with Greenwoods Therapeutic Horticulture

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Monday 12th Feb

Yes Chef! with The Wiggly Worm

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Monday 12th Feb

Circus for Everyone with Cinderford Artspace

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Monday 12th Feb

School of Wizardry with The Roses Theatre

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Tuesday 3rd April

Well-being Time at Hawkwood with Creative Sustainability

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Monday 9th April

Inner Voices with The Music Works

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Tuesday 10th April

Need for Speed with St Rose’s School

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Residential events R

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Open Weekend with Sladebank Woods

We are offering an opportunity to be involved in shaping our third annual Open Weekend. Two days of planning and discussion will include lunch over the fire. Then after some time to work on the ideas, we will be welcoming about 200 visitors of all ages over the weekend. Plenty for you to do and the chance to be part of a team doing something different.

Where? Sladebank Woods, Stroud

When? Sundays - 17 Sept & 1 Oct and the Open Weekend - Sat 14 & Sun 15 Oct 2017

What time? 10.30am - 2.30pm for the first two days 10.30am - 4.30pm for the Open Weekend

What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £35 in total for the 4 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 6 - 16. All participants need to be able to move around on rough ground. Families are also welcome to come to the Open Weekend. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Martin Jakes on 01453 766519 or email: sladebankwoods@yahoo.co.uk

www.sladebankwoods.org.uk

For ages 6 - 16

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Autumn and Winter Fun in the Garden and on the Farm

with Greenwoods Therapeutic Horticulture Come and enjoy the autumn and winter seasons with us, have a go at making some Christmas gifts and try some of the fruit and vegetables we grow while they are still there! Where? The Therapeutic Garden, Bushley, near Tewkesbury When? Saturdays - 23 Sept, 7 & 21 Oct, 4 & 18 Nov and 2 Dec 2017 What time? 9.30am - 2.30pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £168 for the 6 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled children aged 5 - 11. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Jo Greenwood on 07778 286093 or email: greenwoodtherhort@hotmail.co.uk

www.greenwoodstherapeutichorticulture.co.uk

For ages: 5 - 11

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Punky Junk with The Music Works

Junk percussion meets modern music production - think STOMP goes to the disco! Punky Junk will be a loud event focussing on development of rhythm skills and drumming. Sessions will be high energy and will be based around working as an ensemble so will be suitable for more extrovert and exuberant participants!

Where? Gloucester Academy of Music, Gloucester When? Monday 23 - Friday 27 October 2017 What time? 10am - 3pm What will it cost and who can take part? The activity will cost £65 in total for the 5 days and is open to disabled young people aged 11 - 25 and non-disabled young people aged 11 - 18. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Lee Holder on 07929 080319 or email: lholder@themusicworks.org.uk

www.themusicworks.org.uk

For ages: 11 - 25

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Make a Panto

with The Roses Theatre This year’s pantomime at the Roses Theatre is “Sleeping Beauty” so come and join us on a week long holiday project full of cheers and jeers, celebrating all things pantomime - Cinderella’s slipper, Jack’s beanstalk, even an ugly dame or two … You know you want to join us. Ohh Yes You Do! Where? Tewkesbury - venue to be confirmed When? Monday 23 - Friday 27 October 2017 What time? 10am - 3pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £60 in total for the 5 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 7 - 20.

How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Suzie Latham on 01684 853069

or email: tpofficer@rosestheatre.org

www.rosestheatre.org

For ages: 7 - 20

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Feed My Mind

with The Wiggly Worm Fun, foodie activities encouraging participants to develop sensory and practical skills, and food knowledge in a supportive environment. There’s a mixture of group and individual work, tasting, discussion and having a go yourself. Cooking healthy food from scratch and trying lots of ingredients, participants cook and eat their lunch together, encouraging new friendships Where? Gloucestershire International School, Gloucester

When? Mon 23, Tues 24, Thurs 26 and Fri 27 October 2017

What time? 10.30am - 3.30pm What will it cost and who can take part? The activity will cost £60 in total for the 4 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 11 - 16. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Abby Guilding on 01242 237802 or email: team@thewigglyworm.org.uk

www.thewigglyworm.org.uk

For ages: 11 - 16

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Weird Science Go

with Art Shape Join us for a four day event of making, construction, engineering, gaming and film. Build your own motorised creatures and vehicles, battle them, race them, then modify them accordingly. Enjoy the company of other gamers and bring your own favourite characters and scenes from the virtual world to the physical when we create huge landscapes, characters, play games and make films. Where? Herrington Rooms, St Pauls Church, Cheltenham When? Monday 23 - Thursday 26 October 2017 What time? 10.30am - 3.30pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £55 in total for the 4 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 8 - 17. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Harriet West on 01452 863855 or email: harriet@artshape.co.uk

www.artshape.co.uk

For ages: 8 - 17

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Christmas in the Woods with A+bility

Staying in a house at an outdoor activity centre and enjoying good home-cooked food, there will be opportunities to try activities such as archery, climbing, bushcraft, orienteering, water rockets, tunnelling, caving, night walks and singing round the campfire. Have fun and make friends as you tackle team challenges together … and Santa has promised to visit too! Where? Viney Hill Adventure Centre, near Blakeney When? Monday 18 - Wednesday 20 December 2017 What time? Starts 5pm on Monday; finishes 3pm on Wednesday What will it cost and who can take part? This residential activity will cost £300 for disabled young people where the event has been identified as meeting an assessed need within a Council funding plan, and £100 for everyone else. It is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 8 - 25 with participants grouped for activities according to age.

How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Lorraine Mace on 01453 827978 or email: Lorraine.Mace@abilityonline.co.uk

www.abilityonline.co.uk

For ages: 8 - 25

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Winter Fun in the Garden

with Greenwoods Therapeutic Horticulture

Join us in getting the new year off to a good start - planting seeds, caring for our small animals, making new friends and having fun outdoors.

Where? The Therapeutic Garden, Bushley, near Tewkesbury When? Saturdays - 6 & 20 Jan, 3 & 17 Feb, 3 & 17 March 2018 What time? 9.30am - 2.30pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £168 for the 6 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled children aged 5 - 11. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Jo Greenwood on 07778 286093 or email: greenwoodtherhort@hotmail.co.uk

www.greenwoodstherapeutichorticulture.co.uk

For ages: 5 - 11

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Yes Chef !

with The Wiggly Worm An opportunity to get “employer ready” for those who want to volunteer or work in the Hospitality and Catering Industry. It covers the basics of the craft of the kitchen from knowledge of equipment to basic preparation skills and technical terms, and to knowledge of systems and processes. To help make that first step into employment even easier, participants will also have the option to gain a basic Food Safety qualification (Level 1). Where? National Star College, Ullenwood, near Cheltenham When? Mon 12, Tues 13, Thurs 15 and Fri 16 February 2018 What time? 10.30am - 3.30pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £80 in total for the 4 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 16 - 25. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Abby Guilding on 01242 237802 or email: team@thewigglyworm.org.uk

www.thewigglyworm.org.uk

For ages: 16 - 25

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Circus for Everyone with Cinderford Artspace

Come to Engage Circus - and experience an exciting programme of circus skills. You will make new friends whilst trying your hand at amazing new skills such as static trapeze, juggling, poi and more. We will also be introducing fun elements of dance, make-up and costumes leading to short performance that makes up the magical world that is circus!

Where? Cinderford Artspace When? Monday 12 - Thursday 15 February 2018 What time? 10am - 3pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £50 in total for the 4 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 16 - 25. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Khan Fox de Vere on 01594 825111 extension 7 or email: khan@artspacecinderford.org

www.artspacecinderford.org

For ages: 16 - 25

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School of Wizardry

with The Roses Theatre

By the order of the phoenix, the Roses Theatre invites you to explore the deathly hallows and chambers of secrets at The School of Wizardry. Learn the secrets of the philosopher’s stone, drink from the goblet of fire and be home in time for tea, unlike the prisoner of Azakaban. Where? Tewkesbury - venue to be confirmed When? Monday 12 - Friday 16 February 2018 What time? 10am - 3pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £60 in total for the 5 days and is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 7 - 20. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Suzie Latham on 01684 853069

or email: tpofficer@rosestheatre.org

www.rosestheatre.org

For ages: 7 - 20

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Well-being Time at Hawkwood with Creative Sustainability

Fancy some chill out time with a bit of luxury? We’ll be staying at beautiful Hawkwood, enjoying their incredible food including afternoon tea in the library! Relaxing yoga, creative workshops, painting outside and evenings around the fire under the stars. Where? Hawkwood, near Stroud When? Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 April 2018 What time? Starts 4pm Tuesday; finishes 4pm on Thursday What will it cost and who can take part? This residential activity will cost £300 for disabled young people where the event has been identified as meeting an assessed need within a Council funded plan, and £100 for everyone else. It is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 16 - 24. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Anna Bonallack on 01452 770177 or email: anna@cscic.org

www.cscic.org

For ages: 16 - 24

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Inner Voices with The Music Works

Inner Voices is designed to use the voice as a starting point and will teach vocal technique, performing styles, lyric and song writing and how to prepare for live performance. These sessions will be quieter and more personal than other sessions and will be suitable for more introvert and reflective participants.

Where? SoundSpace, Cinderford When? Monday 9 - Friday 13 April 2018 What time? 10am - 3pm What will it cost and who can take part? This activity will cost £65 in total for the 5 days and is open to disabled young people aged 11 - 25 and non-disabled young people aged 11 - 18. How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Lee Holder on 07929 080319 or email: lholder@themusicworks.org.uk

www.themusicworks.org.uk

For ages: 11 - 25

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Need for Speed

with St Rose’s School A busy programme of fun and adventure, satisfying the need for speed! Activities may include skiing, ice skating and rally driving which will really make you shake in so many ways! Back at base we run competitions both virtual and real. A great opportunity to meet new people and try out exciting things with them! Where? St Rose’s School, Stroud with trips out When? Tuesday 10 - Thursday 12 April 2018 What time? Starts 11am Tuesday; finishes 11am Thursday

What will it cost and who can take part? This residential activity will cost £300 for disabled young people where the event has been identified as meeting an assessed need within a Council funded plan, and £100 for everyone else. It is open to disabled and non-disabled young people aged 14 - 25.

How do I find out more and book a place? Contact Sheila Talwar on 01453 763793 or email: sheila.talwar@stroses.org.uk

www.stroses.org.uk

For ages: 14 - 25

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Booking a place

Who can come?

The Of Course We Can programme is for children and young peo-

ple aged between 5 and 25 living in Gloucestershire including those who have learning difficulties/disabilities, autism or physical/sensory impairments. See individual events for age groups.

Whilst not every event will be suitable for every young person, we try to offer something for everyone. Do phone any event’s contact person if you want to chat about its suitability.

Of Course We Can events are not ‘daycare’. Please only book

places for children and young people who are keen to take part.

Events are planned on the basis that everyone will go to all the sessions rather than going for single days unless otherwise indicated.

Telling us what participants need from us

Please chat with the event contact person as soon as you can so that they can arrange things to ensure that each person will be safe, welcome and able to take part. The event organisers really want to understand everyone’s particular requirements so that they can meet those needs properly. If your young person needs extra individual support, they may need time to get this organised.

Disabled children and young people using a Personal Budget or Direct Payment to help meet an assessed need can go to one or more events. This must have been agreed as part of their plan with their lead professional /social worker, who can find more information about referring children and young people on our website at:

www.activeimpact.org.uk/guidance-for-referrers.html

Other families with a disabled child/ young person can apply directly to the event contact person by phone or email. To give everyone a fair chance, please initially book only one event from this brochure. If you fancy another one, do call that event’s contact person six weeks before it starts to see if there are still any places available.

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How do you pay?

You will need to pay the full amount to the organisation running your event. Payment is due as soon as your place is confirmed and applies whether your child attends or not. The name and details of the contact person for each organisation are given at the end of each event’s description in the brochure.

Residential events are usually more expensive. The charge is £300

where the residential event has been identified as meeting an assessed need within a Council funded plan. The charge is lower for those without an assessed need because there are fewer costs to the Council in supporting someone who is self-funding.

We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone who wishes to

attend an event, so if you are not paying from a Personal Budget/Direct Payment and the cost would truly make it impossible to go on the event you would like, please discuss this with the event’s contact person.

If anyone requires 1:1 or 2:1 assistance, there may be additional

costs. The costs of any additional support may also come from their Personal Budget/Direct Payment if anyone is attending as part of their agreed and funded support plan.

Names of participants are shared with the Council so that lead

professionals and social workers can see who benefits from the Council’s investment.

The Of Course We Can programme is financially

supported by Gloucestershire County Council

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What people say about Of Course We Can events:

Parents can understandably be nervous about their children going on Of Course We Can events but once they talk to providers about their fears and their children have been on an event, this is what they say:

Loved it, very comfortable with them, loves the activities they offer, was overjoyed when he heard there was an extra one. Has made friends which is unusual, struggles with peer relationships so this is great for him. (Parent - residential event)

He had major surgery on his legs last year. Up until May he could only manage 5 or 6 steps in his frame. To see him dancing with the group was just amazing. The week has given him the drive to continue with his physio. All in all – Fantastic! (Parent - non-residential event)

Participants want to know if they will have fun, feel safe and feel welcomed. This is exactly what Of Course We Can events are designed to ensure – whether participants are disabled or not.

Please can I come next time? (Participant - residential event)

Cooking food together made it feel like a family thing. I felt safe and relaxed. (Participant - residential event)

What I liked most… everyone was so kind and polite… and I made lots of new friends. (Participant - non-residential event)

Volunteers come on events for all sorts of reasons but everyone comes away feeling stimulated by their experience:

Other people’s lives outside my immediate world – I understand more about them. I feel after that experience my views on people’s lives in the world are expanded. My horizons are broader. (Event Volunteer)

It really opened my eyes as to how disabled people can really take advantage of everything life has to offer and have a great time.

(Event Volunteer)

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