“12-18s has opened the door to be with young people both with and without learning difficulties he gets so excited when a 12-18s session is coming up and is always very animated on his return” – 12-18s Parent

Springboard’s Horsham 12-18 group provides support to disabled young people through sessions, activities, trips and breaks that give independence, new opportunities and social interaction equal to that of their non-disabled peers.

The group also gives parents and carers a break from their caring role, as well as give them the comfort that their child is getting social opportunities with the support they need. 

Sessions focus around developing disabled young people’s friendships and social networks, interactions, learning life skills and building independence by supporting them to take part in a variety of enjoyable, recreational and social activities in an inclusive environment which increases their self-esteem, confidence and social skills as well as encouraging physical exercise, improving motor skills and introducing new opportunities.

Sessions run all year round, both during the school term and school holidays. Activities are tailored to ages and abilities and include sessions in house*, in the local community and where possible trips further afield. Sessions include movie nights, games, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory play as well as going to places of leisure such as the cinema, restaurants, bowling, leisure centres and local parks.

We aim to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to our sessions so that as many families and young people are able to access the sessions as possible.

Outcomes

• Reduce isolation by working with disabled young people to build friendships and lead active social lives and build confidence in accessing their local community.
• To increase life skills and independence by working with disabled young people to make decisions, do things for themselves and try new things. 
• To enhance family wellbeing and relationships by giving disabled young people the same opportunities as their non disabled peers and enable parents/carers to have a break from their caring responsibilities.

You can access our Horsham 12-18 sessions by becoming a member. Once you are a member, we will meet with you to assess any care and support required as well as identify key outcomes that you wish to work towards. We will then send out our programmes so you are able to see what is on offer and request spaces accordingly.

For further information, please contact us:

*Springboard House, 52 Hurst Road, Horsham, RH12 2EP