The latest news and updates for parents/carers 

and children and young people 0-25 years with special educational needs 

and disabilities (SEND) in the Manchester City Council area

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Summer holidays offer

More of the Summer SEND Community Offer for families living in the Manchester City Council area

PLUS - Even MORE to come next week! 

THE SPACE GROUP AND 4CT

Coach trips

Online bookings open at 5pm on Thursday 10th July for families who HAVEN'T BEEN to face to face bookings

Open booking for any remaining places is 12 noon on Friday 11th July until all places are gone

Please read all this information before booking:

Book onto ONE A coach trip only (£5 per adult, free for children) Book onto ONE B coach trip only (£10 per adult, free for children) Families must live in the Manchester City Council area

EVENTBRITE BOOKING LINK FOR ALL COACH TRIPS

Downloadable pdf with Eventbrite booking links for each trip

Treetops

The SPACE Group and 4CT return to the tree tops this summer at Zip World, Heaton Park, M25 2QB with two free activities for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area:

Treetop nets - A huge space tied throughout the treetops with a range of trampolines, slides, ladders and more for children aged 3+. There are numerous dates throughout the holidays. Booking is by text and takes place in three waves: 6pm on Wednesday 16th July, Wednesday 23rd July and Wednesday 6th August.

Treetop trek - High wire, ziplines, and climbing - mini trek is for 5+, full trek for 7+. Booking is by telephone on Wednesday 16th July at 10am. Lines will close at 7pm then reopen on Thursday 17th July at 10am until 3pm.

Here are the dates and times of sessions, how to book, and rules - please read ALL the information before booking:

Simply Cycling

SEND family living in the Manchester City Council area? Have fun for free on a range of adapted bikes with Simply Cycling.

Wythenshawe Park

• Wednesday 23rd July, 12-2pm - Athletics track, Wythenshawe Rd, Manchester M23 0PH. Parking at the track.

To book onto Simply cycling at Wythenshawe Park send ONE text to 07351 498755 between Friday 11th July at 5pm and Friday 18th July at 5pm, including the following information: WYTHENSHAWE + FULL Names, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity.

Boggart Hole Clough

• Monday 4th August, 2-4pm - Athletics track, Charlestown Road entrance, Manchester, Greater Manchester M9 7BR. Running track to your left as you drive in, parking at the track.

To book onto Simply cycling at Boggart Hole Clough send ONE text to 07351 498755 between Friday 11th July at 5pm and Friday 18th July at 5pm, including the following information: BOGGART + Full Names, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity

Debdale watersports

Free outdoor water activities for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area at Debdale Outdoor Centre at 1073 Hyde Road, Gorton. Snacks provided. 6+ only and children need to be water confident. Clothes likely to get wet so bring spare set and a towel.

• Sundays 1-4pm: 27th July, 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st August

To book onto Debdale water sports please send ONE text to 07351 498755 between Friday 11th July at 5pm and Friday 18th July at 5pm, including the following information: DEBDALE + Preferred date + Full Names of PARTICIPANTS, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity

Bright Future Friends sessions

Free outdoor adventure/forest school sessions with Bright Future Friends at the Outdoor learning centre, Classroom 2, Horticultural Centre, near the main car park, Wythenshawe Park, M23 0AB, aged 8+. For Manchester City Council SEND families. Dates:

• Wednesday 30th July, 3-5pm
• Tuesday 5th August, 3-5pm
• Thursday 7th August, 4-7 pm
• Sunday 17th August, 11-1pm or 2-4 pm
• Thursday 21th August, 4-7pm

To book on Bright Futures Friends sessions send ONE text to 07789 525738 between Saturday 12th July at 9am and Monday 14th July at 12 noon, including the following information: BFF + Full Names, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity and preferred date

Roller skating

Free, exclusive hire roller skating session for Manchester City Council SEND families at Ardwick Sports Hall, 225 Stockport Rd, M12 4DY:

• Sundays 12-2pm: 3rd, 10th and 24th August

To book onto roller skating please send ONE text to 07351 498755 between Wednesday 16th July at 5pm to Wednesday 23rd July at 5pm, including the following information: ROLLER + Preferred date + Full Names of PARTICIPANTS, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity

Swimming

Free inclusive swims for Manchester City Council SEND families at the Abraham Moss Leisure Centre, Crescent Road, Crumpsall, M8 5UF:

• Saturdays, 12-1pm OR 1-2pm: 26th July, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd or 30th August

This overrides the usual booking system for the weekly swimming. To book, send ONE text to 07749 116211 between Monday 21st July 9am to Wednesday 23rd July 6pm, including the following information: SWIM + Preferred date & time + Full Names of PARTICIPANTS, Date of births, postcode, house number, SEND Yes/No, Ethnicity

If the Space Group/4CT activities are not accessible because of cost, physical access or any other reason, please email spacegroup@manchesterparentcarerforum.org.uk or call 07749 116211.

MANCHESTER PARENT CHAMPIONS

Coach trips

Trips for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area

Morecambe, Monday 4th August - Free

Happy Mount Park is a lovely green space not far from the beach with play parks, trampolines, mini train, and sole use of Splash park for an hour. Free entry, coach transport and lunch. Pick up from FC United Football Ground, 310 Lightbowne Rd, Moston, M40 0FJ. Booking link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1472494112529?aff=oddtdtcreator

Stamford Park, Wednesday 6th August - Free

Stamford Park in Ashton is a great green space for a stroll and a picnic, with a play park, sand pit and room to run and play. Free coach transport and lunch. Pick up at Gorton Monastery, 89 Gorton Lane, M12 5WF. Booking link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1472728603899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Diggerland, Monday 11th August - Free

Diggerland in Yorkshire is a theme park for the little ones, themed around diggers, with rides, play parks and lots to do. Free coach transport and lunch. Pick up from FC United Football Ground, 310 Lightbowne Rd, Moston,  M40 0FJ. Booking link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1470877025779?aff=oddtdtcreator

Blackpool, Wednesday 20th August - Free 

An action packed fun and thrills day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach for the whole family. From the tallest roller coaster to Nickelodeon Land, there is something for everyone. Free entry, coach transport and lunch vouchers inside the venue. Pick up at Gorton Monastery, 89 Gorton Lane, M12 5WF. Booking link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1470561512069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Booking for coach trips is online through Eventbrite Links go live on Friday 11th July at 7pm (Listed on Eventbrite under Regen.me.uk)

Flip Out

There are two free sessions for Manchester City Council SEND families at Flip Out, the indoor trampoline and adventure park on Corbett street, M11 4TA, near Manchester Velodrome:

Flip Out Session 1

Sunday 3rd August, 6-8pm, food served afterwards.

To book on this session, please send ONE text to 07464 263439 from Friday 11th July at 7pm, including the following information: FLIPOUT1 + Number and names of adults + Number and names of children and date of birth; SEND Yes/No; house number and postcode; who will be taking part in the activities.

Flip Out Session 2

Tuesday 19th August, 10am-12pm, food served afterwards.

To book on this session, please send ONE text to 07305 064229 from Friday 11th July at 7pm, including the following information: FLIPOUT2 + Number and names of adults + Number and names of children and date of birth; SEND Yes/No; house number and postcode; who will be taking part in the activities.

Sample text: FLIPOUT1; 2 adults Jo Smith, Terry Smith; 2 children Jenny Smith 14/05/2011 Yes, Stanley Smith 05/04/2019 No; 37 M9 7AH; Jenny and Stanley

Farm visit

A free meet up for Manchester City Council SEND families at Lancaster Farm in Chadderton on Saturday 9th August, 10.30am-2.30pm. It’s an inner city farm with rides, petting barn, feeding time and play park. There’s Chadderton Park too, right next door. Lunch is provided, with a choice of ham, cheese, or halal chicken. Please note, some of the tracks may be difficult for wheelchairs or those that struggle with mobility issues.

To book on this session, please send ONE text to 07464 263439 from Friday 11th July at 7pm, including the following information: FARM + Number and names of adults + Number and names of children and date of birth; SEND Yes/No; house number and postcode; food choices.

Sample text: FARM; 2 adults Jo Smith, Terry Smith; 2 children Jenny Smith 14/05/2011 Yes, Stanley Smith 05/04/2019 No; 37 M9 7AH; 2 ham, 2 cheese

For any reasonable adjustments, accessibility needs or dietary requirements etc, please email manchesterparentchampionshaf@gmail.com.

MORE SUMMER ACTIVITY 

Sensory rooms

Cheetham Hill

Manchester City Council SEND families can spend time for free in the Sensory Rooms at Redbank House, 4 St.Chad’s Street, Cheetham Hill, M8 8QA, this summer. There are slots available at various times between 9am-4pm (on the hour for 50 minutes) during weekdays from Wednesday 23rd July to Friday 29th August (except Monday 25th Bank Holiday). This includes the additional bigger room, bringing all the sensory equipment together with some soft play. Book directly with Redbank House on 0161 214 5959.

Wythenshawe

Families also have free use of the Sensory Room at Benchill Community Centre, Benchill Road, Wythenshawe, M22 8EJ, over summer. Each slot is for 45 minutes and on the hour. It's Wednesday 23rd July to Friday 29th August (except Monday 25th Bank Holiday). Drop in to the community centre or call 0161 946 9520 to book. For SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Please note: the sensory room does not currently have a waterbed. 

Relaxed cinema 

The next free relaxed cinema showing with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is Sunday 20th July, 11am to 1pm at GRUB, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF. Film to be announced. Siblings without SEND are welcome to join this SEND-friendly screening where guests can get free popcorn. This activity is for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Look out for the booking link going live on the MPCF webpage. 

More of the Summer SEND Community Offer to come next week! 

Summer with MCR Social - 14-17s

Part of the Summer SEND Community Offer for disabled and neurodivergent young people living in the Manchester City Council area

MCR Social at Greater Manchester Youth Network has a fantastic line up of FREE holiday activities as part of the SEND Community Offer for neurodivergent and disabled young people aged 14-17 years old living in the Manchester City Council area.

The activities have been chosen by young people, for young people, and there is something for everyone! The fun includes bowling, basketball, art sessions, craft club, museum visits, movie nights, video game sessions, nature workshops and beauty workshops – plus, other one off events!

To get registered, a supporting adult, such as a parent, carer or social worker, needs to fill in the online form. GMYN will then be in touch to go through the opportunities and share the full calendar of activities. Siblings who are 14-17 but don't identify as disabled or neurodivergent can join in too. 

Want to find out more about MCR Social or have questions? Get in touch with Trystan Kent at trystan.kent@gmyn.co.uk, 07708 022320 from Monday 14th July.  

Slide Social

Slide Social Inclusive Summer Club is designed for disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14 to 17 living in the Manchester City Council area. The free holiday skateboarding club runs every Tuesday from July 22nd until the last week in August,1.30-3.00pm, at Projekts Skatepark, 41 Baring Street, Manchester, M1 2PY. Register with MCR Social or get in touch with Trystan to find out more. 

Noise Lab - places!

There are places up for grabs on Noise Lab, a free weekly workshop for disabled and neurodivergent teens who want to learn to make music - from learning an instrument and the basics of music theory to creative song writing and performing - in a fun inclusive environment. It’s on Thursdays 6-8pm at Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN), Greenfish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham Street, M4 1LE and is for neurodivergent and disabled 14-17 year olds living in the Manchester City Council area. Sign up using the Noise Lab form. Runs until September. 

MCR Social sports - places!

There are still places on the new inclusive football and basketball sessions every Monday at Platt Lane Sports Complex, M14 7UU for disabled and neurodivergent young people aged 14 to 17 living in the Manchester City Council area. Football runs from 5-6pm, followed by basketball from 6-7pm. The MCR Social sessions are free and designed to help young people improve their skills, meet new people, and have fun. To sign up, use the MCR Social form. 

Want to find out more about MCR Social or have questions? Get in touch with Trystan Kent at trystan.kent@gmyn.co.uk, 07708 022320 from Monday 14th July.  

Other stuff to do

E-bike and e-scooter training

Cycling UK is running a new programme with CoMo UK to support disabled people or those with long-term health conditions in Greater Manchester aged 16+. Gain confidence using shared e-bikes and e-scooters. There are sessions at 11am on Wednesday 9th July, Thursday 17th July and Tuesday 22nd July at Salford University, Chapman Building, M5 4QW, but alternative sessions can be arranged for groups and individuals. Find out more.

Summer with HAF

Did you know there are thousands of free places for children's activities over the school holidays? Each booked session will include a free meal. If eligible, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to get involved:

1. Register for FREE benefits-related school meals
2. Create a family 'MCRactive Go' account
3. Find and book your sessions on the Activity Finder.

The activities are funded through the Holiday Activity and Food fund. To find out whether your child is eligible or to book activities, visit https://www.mcractive.com/haf.

HAF in libraries: This summer’s HAF library sessions are fun and interactive. Aimed at 10 to 16 year olds, a free lunch is provided to every young person attending the activities. Find out more in the Manchester Libraries blog.

Fun with science

Join CHaOS (Cambridge Hands-On Science) for an afternoon of science-based fun on Saturday 19th July, 11am-3.45pm in the Central Library Performance Space (Ground Floor). The CHaOS team will bring a selection of their favourite experiments from across the sciences for you and your family to get involved with. Free entry, just drop in. 

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge is a firm favourite in Manchester Libraries’ calendar. This year, it's on the theme of Story Garden, and the challenge is to read 6 books of choice before 13th September and earn a medal, winners bookmark and certificate. There are also prizes in book review writing and drawing competitions. 

Summer of Stories

Join Z-arts in Hulme for Summer of Stories, running from Tuesday 29th July to Saturday 23rd August. Families can enjoy free, themed fun with drop-in arts and crafts sessions from 11am to 2pm, and magical storytelling sessions at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. While arts and crafts are open to all without booking, story sessions require advance booking. The event is inspired by Z-arts’ enchanting Adventures in Wonderland experience. For more details and to book your spot, visit the Z-arts website.

Before the holidays

Our last drop in before the summer holidays is on Wednesday 16th July, 10am-12pm at Manchester Youth Zone, 931 Rochdale Road, Harpurhey M9 8AE.

All welcome. Hope to see you there! 

localoffer@manchester.gov.uk / 0161 219 2125 Welcome to Manchester Local Offer  Local Offer SEND Information Hub

If you would like to get our newsletters, find out how to sign up