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Support groups and services

Information about ongoing support groups and services for children and young people with SEND, including autism.

Image shows two young people's legs dangling from a skate park ramp whilst they hang out together.

There are a variety of groups and services that offer activities and sessions specifically tailored to autistic young people, aswell as those inclusive groups that offer sessions to all young people. 

Explore the Social, Leisure and Community directory to find out about the variety of groups running in your local area. You may wish to explore some of the following groups who run regular sessions for autistic young people and their families:

For inclusive groups that welcome all young people along, explore our Young People's groups, activities and support services pages to find something that interests you. 

For groups in the schools holidays, find out more about BAPP's Holiday Playscheme running sessions at various locations across Bath & North East Somerset catering to individuals with additional needs. 

You can also explore the Holiday, Activities and Food (HAF) program offering inclusive sessions for eligible young people, sessions are run by individual organisations so there is sure to one that interests you. 

Within our Children and Families section of Live Well B&NES we maintain a directory of regularly operating holiday clubs and camps available for all young people to access. 

Follow our Youth Info B&NES Instagram to find out about activities, events and opportunities running for young people in your local area. 

Specialist Autism Support Service (SASS)

SASS work to support autistic children and young people, their parent carers and any professionals working to support them. Find out more about SASS and the support they can offer you and your family. 

SASS have compiled valuable resources relating to raising awareness and acceptance of autism both for families, young children and professionals supporting young people (including school staff). Explore their Autism Acceptance padlet to find these resources. 

Short Breaks

Short Breaks provide opportunities for children and young people who are disabled, have a SEND, or have an Educational Health and care plan (EHCP) where the plan has been issued in recognition of the child’s disability. Short Breaks provides opportunities for child/young person to spend time away from their primary carers (parents/carers). These include day, evening, overnight or weekend activities and holiday playschemes. 

Preparation for Adulthood

As your child/young person gets older you will begin to think about preparing them for their next steps into adulthood. This usually starts when your child is around 14 years of age; find out more on our preparing for adulthood pages. 

Rainbow Resource Scheme

Bath and North East Somerset Local Authority offer a free Rainbow Resource card for all children and young people with a Special Educational Need and/or Disability. This can sometimes offer discounted entry into venues across the South West, it may confirm you are able to attend specialist SEND sessions, and above all else it offers discreet confirmation of your additional need, should you need support whilst out and about.