BOOKING INFORMATION - UPDATED!
These activities are for SEND families and young people living in the Manchester City Council area.
Some bookings are directly with the organisers. For everything else, it's our Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. Bookings are being staggered across the summer, so don't be put off calling. (But please ring back rather than leave a message for the team.)
SEND Soccer School - NEW INFO!
Have your children been inspired by England's win in the Women' s Euro 2022 final? City in the Community have a SEND Soccer School for Manchester young people aged 8-18:
- Wednesday 10th August 10am-1pm, Manchester Tennis Centre, Etihad Campus, 9 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DU
- Wednesday 17th August,10am-1pm, City Football Academy, Etihad Campus, M114TQ
- Thursday 25th August,10am-1pm, Manchester Tennis Centre, Etihad Campus, 9 Sportcity Way, Manchester M11 3DU
Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Join The Carnival - NEW!
Manchester families are invited to join a SEND float at this year’s Caribbean Carnival! Activities kick off on Wednesday 3rd August, 11-3pm, at Moss Side Powerhouse with a Carnival Workshop - a drop in to create banners and costumes. There will also be some dance practices to get ready for the big day on Saturday 13th August. It’s an early start for the special event, meeting at The Claremont Pub at 8am. If you’d like to get involved - in a way that fits with you and your family - text Manchester Parent Champion Katherine on 07951 699872 or get in touch through the Champions’ Facebook group.
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See 'Youth Centre Trips' for a new trip to the seaside being planned from the Powerhouse!
Wythenshawe Sensory Room
Have you tried the free Sensory Room in Wythenshawe? It's every weekday in August at Benchill Community Centre, on the hour for 45 minutes, 10am–5pm. There’s free parking at the venue and the 103 bus stops just outside. Call the community centre on 0161 946 9520 to book directly.
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Free slots are also available at the Sensory Rooms at Redbank House in Cheetham Hill at various times between 9am-4pm (on the hour for 50 minutes) during weekdays in August. Book directly with Redbank House on 0161 214 5959 or email info@redbankhouse.com.
Grow Your Own Veg
Get a free Food Growing Pack posted directly to your door! Inside you’ll find everything you need to grow wonderful seeds at home - pots, compost pellets and trowel. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Make Your Own Popstars
Venture Arts are back this summer with a free box project that contains everything you need to make your own ceramic popstars. This will be professionally fired at Venture Arts and displayed for collection at a mini music festival celebration. For children aged 3+ with supervision. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Pedal & Picnic - New info!
Join Simply Cycling for a free all-ability guided ride and picnic this August. Each session is for up to 8 Manchester people. Simply Cycling will get in touch to see what accessible bikes you need and gear the route to you and your family, incuding alternative meeting points if preferred:
- Boggart Hole Clough - Mondays 10am-12 noon & 12 noon-2pm
- Wythenshawe Park - Tuesdays 10am-12 noon & 12 noon-2pm, Wednesdays 10am-12 noon, Fridays 10am-12 noon & 12 noon-2pm
Booking essential – call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Forest School In The Market Garden
Manchester Bees Forest School is back in the Community Market Garden at Platt Fields every Sunday and Wednesday in August. SEND Family Forest School is a stay-and-play style drop in 10am-3pm, with lunch at 12pm, and a range of outdoor activities including a mud kitchen, nature crafts and bug hunts. Platt Fields Market Garden is a calm, fenced off community garden and allotment with step-free access and an accessible toilet. Booking essential via this link. For all other queries, please contact Siân Millward on 07506342945.
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Storytelling In The Park
Fun, interactive storytelling aimed at younger primary age children, followed by light refreshments. All the family welcome. Every Tuesday in August, 11am-12 noon:
- Alexandra Park, next to children's playground - 9th August
- Boggart Hole Clough, next to cafe - 16th August
- Wythenshawe Park, Hall Gardens - 23rd August
- Alexandra Park, next to children's playground - 30th August
Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Children's Adventure Farm - New info!
There are free visits to the popular Children's Adventure Farm on Wednesday 10th August 12-2pm, Friday 12th August 2-4pm, Wednesday 24th August 10am-12 noon and Friday 26th August 2-4pm. The farm is at Reddy Lane, Altrincham WA14 3RE. If the only way you can get there is a lift with a non-SEND family, this is okay! Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Summer Feel Good Arts - New age range & info!
A chance for children aged 6-14 to have fun, mindfully exploring the gardens at Whitworth Art Gallery. Sessions are every Tuesday in August, 11am-1pm. Booking essential – call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Fun On The Water
Have fun on the water on Monday 8th and Monday 15th August, 2-4pm, with an introductory kayaking and water-play session. It's for children over 8 who can swim a minimum of 25 meters. The Water Adventure Centre is at The Old Boathouse Fairfield Locks, Off Maddison Road M43 6ES (Sat Nav: M43 6DS). See their website for directions. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Coding & Movie Making
Young people aged 11-19 have the chance to learn block coding (Scratch) and programme mini robots, then create a video of a robot race in iMovie. It's the same day of activity on Friday 19th and Friday 26th August 10am-2.30pm at SENDCode, Holyoake House, Hanover Street, Manchester. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Cycling & Connecting
There's free cycling every Saturday in August for Manchester young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs aged 12+. It’s 11am-3pm, meeting at The Procter Centre in Hulme, 235 Hulme St, Manchester M15 5EF. Young people need to be able to ride a bike for this fun opportunity to develop road safety skills and connect with others. Equipment and meal provided. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Games In The Park
There are free informal games in Crumpsall Park every Thursday in August 4-6pm. For any queries, not bookings, please contact Carlos at carlos.dore@groundwork.org.uk or 07739978798. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Where Is Anne Frank?
We have a share of the tickets for the PG film ‘Where is Anne Frank?’, a new animation at a HOME Mcr Relaxed Screening on Sunday 21st August, 11am. Watch the trailer. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Music-making At HOME
A fantastic course is on offer at HOME from Monday 15th to Friday 19th August, 10am-3.30pm each day. It’s for Manchester young people aged 16-25 with SEND and an interest in making and creating music. Includes lunch and additional access costs. Please go to HOME’s website to book directly with them by 7th August.
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There’s also an open day at HOME on Friday 19th August 2-5pm, aimed at 16-25 year olds interested in finding out more about AMP, HOME's inclusive music project. Carers, family and support staff welcome. Get in touch with lucy.follon@homemcr.org if there are are any travel costs or additional access support needs. No need to book, just drop in on the day.
Summer Drama Workshops - New age range!
Odd Arts are running free drama and creative workshops for Manchester 6-10 year olds with SEND from 9th to 12th August, 1-3.30pm each day. It's at The Edge Theatre, Chorlton, M21 9JG. Book directly with Esther at esther@dsmanchester.org.uk or 07593 542107.
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Skateboarding & Scootering - New age range!
There are fantastic free coached skateboarding and scootering classes for 8+ year olds every Friday in August 2-4pm. They're at Projekts MCR Skatepark on London Road in Manchester, with drinks and snacks for children and families. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125
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Community Kitchen
Free Community Kitchen sessions are every Wednesday in August 3-7pm for young people with SEND and/or social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). Young people are encouraged to attend with their families and cook (and eat!) together, learning about healthy food and cooking techniques. All food and tuition provided. It’s at Procter Learning Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Manchester SEND families only. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Family Climbing
There are fun family climbing sessions every Wednesday in August, 11am-12 noon, at Parthian Climbing Centre, St Benedicts Church, Ardwick. Sessions are an hour’s climbing with qualified instruction, followed by a snack and drink in the café. It’s for all the family, age 5+. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Family Watersports At Debdale
Try out outdoor water activities for free at Debdale Outdoor Centre on Hyde Road, Gorton this summer. You’ll need to wear clothes and trainers that you don’t mind getting wet and to bring a full set of spare clothes and a towel. The minimum age is 8 years old and children need to be water confident. It's every Monday and Friday evening in August 4.30pm-7.30pm, plus two Sunday Sessions on 14th and 28th August 1pm-4pm. Booking essential – call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Boating At Heaton Park
Manchester SEND families can have fun on Heaton Park lake every Monday morning in August. These free sessions are every half hour from 10am-12 noon with a choice of electric boats, pedalos and rowing boats. Booking essential – call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Family Day Trips
This summer, there are fantastic coach trips setting off from various locations in the city to Formby Beach, St Annes, Lyme Park and the Children's Adventure Farm. Trips are £5 per adult, children 17 and under free, include a packed lunch, and are from 10am to approx 4pm each day. Find out more on the 4CT website and book directly for each trip using the Eventbrite links - https://4ctltd.blogspot.com/p/trips-activity-days.html.
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Family Activity Days
There are free activity days during August with lots of fun stuff, including a bouncy castle, obstacle course, arts and crafts, plus drinks and refreshments:
- Monday 8th August, Ladybarn Community Hub, Fallowfield. M14 6RN, 12-3pm
- Wednesday 31st August, Grange Community Resource Centre, Pilgrim Drive M11 3TQ, 12-3pm
- Friday 12th August & Friday 19th August, St George’s Community Centre, Bothwell Rd M40 7NY, 2-4pm
Book directly through 4CT's website, using the Eventbrite links -https://4ctltd.blogspot.com/p/trips-activity-days.html
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Tree Top Trek
Enjoy tree-riffic bouncy adventure in the high trees at Heaton Park with Tree Top Trek. Play high up on huge bouncy nets with super-fast slides and aerial walkways. These free sessions take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during August,10am-12 noon - age 3 and upwards, including a free packed lunch. Booking essential - call the Specialist Resource Team on 0161 219 2125.
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Youth Centre Trips
These trips are aimed at young people with SEND who live locally to the youth centres.
Moss Side Powerhouse - NEW!
Manchester Youth Zone
Manchester Youth Zone have some spaces on trips for young people not already members of the centre:
* Flip Out Trampoline Park, Tuesday 9th August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 13-25 year olds
* Sea Life, Trafford Centre, Tuesday 23rd August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 8-12 year olds
* Cinema & Pizza Hut, Tuesday 30th August, 10.30am-2.30pm, 13-25 year olds
Once a space is secured, young people are asked to attend a ‘Getting to know you’ session at Manchester Youth Zone on a Sunday prior to the trip, 12-3pm. Book through Corrina the Inclusion Manager, Corrina.aitchison-hayles@manchesteryz.org or 0161 203 5333.
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group’s Youth Involvement team are off to Blackpool Tower Circus on Tuesday 9th August. It's for 13-25 year olds, accompanied by an adult parent/carer as needed. Limited availability for a sibling. Email bronwen.lewis-brooke@wchg.org.uk with the subject ‘Circus trip’ and names.
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Hide Out Youth Zone
There’s a day trip to Chester Zoo with HideOut Youth Zone in East Manchester on Wednesday 31st August. It’s for young people aged 8-25, along with a family member, friend or carer, and includes a year’s free membership to HideOut for those not already a member. To register interest, email enquires@hideoutyouthzone.org.
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