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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
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The half term SEND Community Offer for families living in the Manchester City Council area
More to come next week
THE SPACE GROUP
Monster Mansion
(All ages) Free monster fun at North West Theatre Arts Company, 270 Lightbowne Rd, Manchester M40 5HQ. There are two sessions: Tuesday 28th October, 5pm and Thursday 30th October, 4pm. See 'How to book'.
Ice skating
(3+ yrs) These quieter and calmer sessions with Skate Manchester are at Cathedral Gardens M4 3BG. The first sessions are during half term on Tuesday 28th October at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm. The next are Tuesday November 18th, 5pm and 6pm. SPACE parent carers will be there earlier to meet you. Children need to be at least 3 years old to skate on the ice, and children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) on the rink. This activity is wheelchair accessible and skate aids are available for children under 120cm. Frequently Asked Questions. See 'How to book'.
Bright Futures Friends forest school
(8+ yrs) Free outdoor adventure/forest school sessions with Bright Futures Friends on Wednesday 29th October, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. At the Outdoor learning centre, Classroom 2, Horticultural Centre, near the main car park, Wythenshawe Park, M23 0AB. For age 8+. See 'How to book'.
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Halloween party
(All ages) Spooky free fun Friday 31st October, 12.30-2.30pm (relaxed party) and 3-5pm. The parties are at Proctor Young People’s Centre, 235 Hulme St, Hulme, Manchester M15 5EF. The first party will be quieter and more relaxed. See 'How to book'.
HOW TO BOOK
Each family can pick one ice skating session, plus one other activity
Face to face
There are two face to face booking sessions:
- The Local Offer Drop In on Wednesday 15th October 10-12pm, Moss Side Powerhouse, Raby Street M14 4SL.
- The SPACE Group, Friday 17th October, 11am-1pm at St George’s Community Centre, Bothwell Road M40 7NY
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By text
Send a text to to 07749 116211 between 2pm on Saturday 18th October to 8pm on Sunday 19th October.
Pick one ice skating session, plus one other activity, using these codes in your text:
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- Monster Mansion 28th October 5pm - MM1
- Monster Mansion 30th October 4pm - MM2
- Bright Futures Friends Wednesday 29th October 11am-1pm - BFF1
- Bright Futures Friends Wednesday 29th October 2-4pm - BFF2
- Party 1 Friday 31st October 12.30-2.30pm (relaxed) - PARTY1
- Party 2 Friday 31st October 3-5pm - PARTY2
- Ice skating 28th October 4pm - ICE1
- Ice skating 28th October 5pm - ICE2
- Ice skating 28th October 6pm - ICE3
- Ice skating 18th November 5pm - ICE4
- Ice skating 18th November 6pm - ICE5
What to put in your text
Activities (1 ice skating + 1 other); house number, postcode; number of adults and full names; full names of children with date of birth, SEND Yes/No
Sample text:
ICE 4 + MM2; 25 M22 7AQ; 2 Jane Smith, John Smith; Peter Smith 01/01/2018 Yes, Anne Smith 01/01/2019 No
If places remain, there will be open bookings by text from 7pm on Tuesday 21st October to 11am on Wednesday 22nd October.
Relaxed cinema
(Various ages due to film ratings) The next free relaxed cinema showing with Manchester Parent Carer Forum is Monday 27th October, 11am-1pm at GRUB, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, M4 4HF. The film is yet to be decided. Vote here (closes 12pm on Sunday). Siblings without SEND are welcome to join this SEND-friendly screening where guests get free popcorn. This activity is for SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Book through Eventbrite.
Family forest school
(All ages) Manchester Bees Forest School will host a SEND Family Forest School in Didsbury on Monday 27th October. It’s an outdoor stay and play activity - drop in any time between 11am-3pm, vegetarian lunch around 12.30pm, snacks on the fire from 2.15pm. There’s a warm welcome for all ages, including firelighting and tool use, den building and messy play with pumpkins. It’s at Didsbury Hive, Highmarsh Crescent, Didsbury, nearest postcode M20 2DU. Find location and accessibility information on the Eventbrite booking. Please note, there is no water supply on site, so bring some with you. Let Sian know of any access needs when you book. If you are no longer able to attend, please select 'refund tickets’ so your places can go to families on the reserve list. Any extra enquiries to Sian Millward, hello@manchesterbeesforestschool.co.uk, 07506 342945.
Sensory rooms
(All ages) Spend time in the Sensory Rooms at Redbank House, 4 St.Chad’s Street, Cheetham Hill, M8 8QA, over the half term. There are slots available at various times between 9am-4pm (on the hour for 50 minutes) during weekdays from Monday 27th to Friday 31st October. This includes the additional bigger room, bringing all the sensory equipment together with some soft play. For SEND families living in the Manchester City Council area. Book directly with Redbank House on 0161 214 5959.
Community Kitchen
(All ages) There’s a free Community Kitchen session on Wednesday 29th October, 2.30-5.30pm. It’s an invitation for children with SEND and/or social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), living in the Manchester City Council area, to come with the family and cook (and eat!) together. Learn about healthy food and cooking, including BBQ skills in an alfresco style. The theme is based on traditional Caribbean foods and drinks, with ackee and saltfish, gunga peas and rice, BBQ chicken and Dutch pot lamb, steam fish and vegetarian/vegan options on the menu. All food and tuition provided. It's at Proctor Young People's Centre, Hulme Street, Off Jackson Crescent M15 5EF. Please arrive on time. Parking available. Booking essential - call Roger on 07970 922132.
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Open play taster
(Aimed at 8-18) Manchester Youth Zone have a free Inclusive Open Play session on Sunday 19th October, 10.30am-1pm, at 931 Rochdale Rd M9 8AE. Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent children and young people can enjoy arts and crafts, baking and various sports activities. Siblings can join in too. No need to book, just drop in. Manchester Parent Carer Forum will be there to chat to parents/carers and signpost to services. Any questions, contact Tyler, the Inclusion Manager - Tyler.Oliver@Manchesteryz.org.
The Open Play session is a taster of Manchester Youth Zone's regular Sunday Inclusion Sessions – 10.30am-1pm for children aged 8 to 14 and 12.30-3pm for young people aged 15-25.
SEND activity day
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(All ages) Manchester Active are hosting a free activity day for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. It’s on Friday 31st October, 11am-2pm, at Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Gorton, M12 4TF. There will be several sports on offer – likely to include rugby, basketball, athletics and cycling – along with giant garden games and crafts. This activity day is suitable for all abilities, including wheelchair users, and is an opportunity to try out different activities in a safe and inclusive environment. It will mainly be indoors, with a few sports being outside weather permitting. No booking required, just turn up and join in the fun. Any questions, please contact Rebecca Kemp at r.kemp@mcractive.com, 07736 918676.
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Cricket taster
(5-10 yrs) Lancashire Cricket Foundation will be hosting a SEND primary age cricket taster session on Wednesday 29th October, 10am-12.30pm at Parrs Wood High School, Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury M20 5PG. This free session for 5 to 10 year olds will be basic and adapted to the needs of the children taking part. Enter the school by the main entrance, where there’s parking, and make your way to the sports centre. Please book using the online form. If you have any questions, get in touch with Amlyn at alayton@lancashirecricket.co.uk, 07799 639838.
Quiet mornings
(All ages) Quiet Mornings are free creative play sessions at Whitworth Art Gallery, running from 10.30am to 12.30pm. No need to book, just drop in. Upcoming sessions: Sunday 26th October and Sunday 30th November. They are specially designed by The Sensory Toolkit for families with additional needs who may prefer a quieter, calmer environment. Children lead the way and move around in their own time and at their own pace. Find out more.
Let's go MAD
(Aimed at 11+ yrs) Manchester Activity Day (MAD) has been created by young people from the Young Carers group, and others, at St Peters High School. It’s on Saturday 18th October, 2-4pm, at Longsight Library, 519 Stockport Road, M12 4NE. There’ll be activities like badge-making, henna hand-painting, graffiti art, crochet and beat-boxing, as well as snacks and free books. While it’s aimed at young people aged 11+, all ages will find something to do.
A monster Halloween
(All ages) Celebrate the arrival of Halloween with a free two-day festival of frightful fun in the city centre from Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th October. There’ll be live performances and fancy-dress fun, plus spooky DJs, storytelling and the spectacular Walk the Plank Monster Party Procession. There's also MCR Monsters which will be around the city until Friday 31st October. See Visit Manchester’s Halloween in the city.
Spooky Library
(Aimed at 7-13 yrs) Central Library is getting ready to welcome little spooks and ghouls to a fun-filled family Halloween. Spooky Library on Friday 31st October, 1-4pm, has creepy crafts, torturous treats and sinister surprise. Free entry, suitable for children aged 7-13. Fancy dress encouraged.
Dia de Muertos celebration
(All ages) Join Central Library for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and ancient Mexican celebration. This exciting free event on Saturday 1st November, 1-4pm, in the Performance Space will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed activities and craft workshops, and a typical Mexican altar. Free drop-in, suitable for all ages.
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Our next drop in is on Wednesday 15th October, 10am-12pm at Moss Side Powerhouse, 140 Raby Street, M14 4SL. These monthly free events are for parents/carers and young people with SEND up to 25 in the Manchester City Council area. All welcome!
FUTURE DROP INS 2025, 10am-12pm
Wednesday 12th November - Manchester Youth Zone, Harpurhey
Wednesday 10th December - Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre, Wythenshawe
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SPACE Group success
Congratulations to The SPACE Group Manchester for winning the Volunteering Team category in the Spirit of Manchester Awards. Now in its 13th year, the awards recognise examples of great community spirit and all that's best about the city’s voluntary sector. Thank you to all The SPACE Group volunteers for the difference you make to families and for contributing so much to Manchester Local Offer.
Council SEN survey - last chance!
Parents and carers and practitioners are encouraged to do the short Council survey on Ordinarily Available Provision before it closes tomorrow (15/10/25). It's time to update the guidance. Find out more and do the survey.
Schools workshop - new session!
Would you like to learn more about the different types of school and education support available to pupils with SEND in Manchester? There's a free parents/carers workshop with Manchester Parent Carer Forum on Thursday 16th October, 10am-12pm at Al-Hilal Hubb, 80 Heywood St, Cheetham Hill, M8 0DT. Book your place.
There are still a few places on the Tuesday 21st October session, 10am-12pm at Crossacres Family Hub, Poundswick Lane, Wythenshawe, M22 9TA. Book here.
Autism isn't an illness
Some local authorities, schools and Parent Carer Forums have reported that parents in their areas are considering going abroad for ‘treatment’ for autism – including with stem cells. Sadly, this includes Manchester Parent Carer Forum (MPCF) who encourage everyone to be cautious about looking for ‘cures’ or treatments. Autism doesn’t need to be cured because it is not an illness. Read more in this MPCF blog.
Free carers coaching
Are you an unpaid carer thinking about getting into work or training? Carers Manchester can help with free one-to-one employment coaching. Sign up to Employcare and get:
- one-to-one coaching in person, online or over the phone
- assistance with CVs, cover letters, job-searching, interviews and more
- tailored support to help you get closer to training or employment
- advice on achieving your unique goals
- a £40 voucher upon completion of coaching
Here is more information. To sign up, contact admin@carersmanchester.org.uk, 0161 834 6069 [ext. 1133]. They are taking applications until 1st November on a first come first served basis.
Help shape strategy
Do you look after an adult child, partner, relative or friend due to their physical or mental illness, frailty or addiction? Do you or the person you care for live in the Manchester City Council area? Please help shape Manchester’s Adult Carers Strategy by sharing your experience and views in this form. Your feedback will be crucial in shaping strategy and priorities in the coming years.
Flu and COVID-19
Carers and older adults are now receiving their annual flu vaccinations. To qualify, carers need to get carer’s allowance or be the main carer of a disabled or elderly person. Find out more.
Carers are no longer offered the COVID-19 vaccine or boosters. Immunocompromised children aged six months and over in the UK continue to be eligible.
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Stand for Youth Parliament
(11-18 yrs) Disabled and neurodivergent young people are encouraged to stand in Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) Elections. It’s a fantastic chance to represent the city and become advocates for youth voice. Manchester has four places – called seats – with applications open from 31st October until 30th November. Voting takes place in February with the results coming out on 4th March 2026. MYPs will be in office for a two-year term from April 2026 until March 2028.
This booklet tells you all about it. There are three sessions during half term to ask questions and find out more. Click on the links to book tickets:
Here is the link to the online form to express interest. This will open on 31st October. In the meantime, if additional support is needed, email youthengagement@manchester.gov.uk. They will be happy to hear from you.
Free tech course
(16-30 yrs) If you're aged 16 to 30 and not currently in education, there's a free King’s Trust course happening in Greater Manchester. The 'Get into Tech – IT Channel' is a 2-week intensive program designed to introduce young people to the wide range of careers available within the IT Channel. Unlike traditional tech programs that focus purely on coding or IT support, this looks at the commercial side of the technology industry — including Sales Support, Account Management and Marketing — offering a real-world understanding of how technology reaches businesses and consumers. It starts with a session on Tuesday 28th October, and the main course runs from 3rd to 14th November. If you're interested, make sure to sign up by 20th October by emailing greatermanchesteroutreach@kingstrust.org.uk.
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