We’re pleased to announce that we have arranged for Manchester families to have the use of the Sensory Rooms at Redbank House for the next 8 weeks – for free! Families need to live in the Manchester City Council area and have children and young people with disabilities and additional needs to access this amazing offer.

The rooms are available from Monday 15th February to Friday 9th April. Sessions start on the hour and are for 50 minutes. It’s only for children from the same household or bubble, with a max of 3 children and up to 2 carers in Room 1 and a max of 2 children and up to 2 carers in Room 2. No food allowed. To keep COVID-safe, the rooms are cleaned down after each use.

The vibrant Sensory Rooms offer safe, multisensory spaces in a private environment where senses can be developed and explored. They are available Monday to Friday at the following time slots:

Room 1 -10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm

Room 2 - 11am, 1pm, 3pm

Booking is essential – call 0161 214 5959 or email info@redbankhouse.com. Disabled Living’s Redbank House is in Cheetham Hill, just out of town. You can find directions here. This activity has been made possible through funding from Manchester City Council.

Coming soon...winter sensory bags!

These are being distributed via schools to children with an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP). They have been supplied by 4CT on behalf of Manchester City Council, Manchester Parent Carer Forum and Manchester Parent Champions. The bag contains a range of activities suggested by children and young people, parent groups and schools. 

All Ability cycling sessions are still running at Wythenshawe Park and Longford Park, Stretford. Due to current government guidelines, the activity is only available to families where there is a disability. Sessions have limited numbers and need to be booked in advance online. They start on the hour and are for 45 minutes at £3.00 per person. Simply Cycling also offer one to one rides out at £20 per person. See the website for more information. They are also on Facebook.

Cosmic Kids Yoga has a free yoga quest! In this exciting yoga journey, Jaime guides young yogis through twenty of her favourite yoga adventures, across five different lands. Check off the yoga adventures on the free maps at your own pace and get a certificate when the journey is complete. Sign up here.

Soundabout are around over half term for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families. Here’s their current timetable. All their ‘Hello Songs’ and free access sessions are available to view on their website at any time.

For more ideas to keep the kids entertained over half term and the coming weeks, see the 'Stuff To Do' and 'Young People' sections of our Coronavirus Advice & Information. The Young Manchester hub has also has resources for families.