Type of service: Play and leisure, Respite and short breaks

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Spurgeons' Chill and Chat project provides clubs for children and young people across the autism spectrum or who are waiting for a diagnosis. Siblings (brothers and sisters) are also able to attend, thereby allowing the family to have regular short breaks. Each child/young person can attend once a fortnight during term-time, and access activities in some of the school holidays. Currently the clubs run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but this may be altered depending on demand. Access to the service is reviewed on a six-monthly basis. Priority will be given to families who do not currently have access to other Short Breaks services. Sessions are partially structured and activities are based around the children/young people's interests and wishes. This may include activities such as arts and crafts, sensory activities, football, computer games and trips out in the community (eg bowling). Groups are tailored to the different ends of the spectrum. The Project is able to support those with challenging behaviours, severe communication difficulties and learning difficulties. Visual resources and alternative methods of communication (eg Makaton signing) are used to support all children to be included..

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Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Child/adolescent sibling, Young person

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability