Local Support & Organisations
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Bridging the Gap Together
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Young People, Parents and Carers, working with professionals towards Positive Outcomes - empowering families and individuals with Autism and other neurological conditions
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North Somerset Parent Carers Working Tog
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North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) is the official parent carer forum for North Somerset, representing families of children and young people (0–25) with additional needs or disabilities, offering peer support, training, events, and advocacy.
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SEND Hub
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SEND Hub - leisure activities and short breaks in North Somerset
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SENDIASS
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We provide the information, advice and support service for Children and Young People with SEND and their families in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset (SENDIASS).
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Special Friends Club
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Supporting children with additional needs and their families
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Send A Welcome
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SENDaWelcome is a Bristol-based Community Interest Company led by people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with lived experience of disability. Together, we take the lead in making our local communities more inclusive, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
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Ups and Downs Southwest
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Ups and Downs Southwest is a Down Syndrome support charity serving children and young people, their parents/carers and all linked professionals dealing with the health and education of children and young people who have Down Syndrome.
Inclusive Activities and Social Groups
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Soundabout
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We use music, sound, and silence to create opportunities where Learning Disabled people with complex support needs thrive.
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The Music Man Project Bristol and Bath
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Accessible Music Education and Performance for All
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Bristol Umbrella Music
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Bristol Umbrella Music offers accessible and interactive music sessions, and regularly works for Learning Disabilities and Autistic charities. They also run Bristol Umbrella Singers, an Autistic and Learning Disabilities friendly choir, and offer music lessons.
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The Music Train
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The Music Train is an inclusive live music project that brings people together through relaxed, accessible performances across South Glos, Bristol and beyond
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Dancin’ Friends
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Community safe space disco for people with learning difficulties of any age
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Electric Umbrella
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From sing-alongs to open mics, there’s something for everyone (over 16 yrs) in a vibrant community. Whether you want to perform, connect, or just have fun, you’ll find your place here.
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Flamingo Chicks
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Breaking down barriers to inclusion through dance!
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Exodus Equine
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At Exodus, we offer something unique - a calm, inclusive space where animals and nature gently support personal growth, confidence, and connection. Our peaceful farm setting is home to calm, friendly animals who help visitors of all ages feel more grounded and understood.
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TOF Dance Company
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At TOFDC, we believe dance should be accessible to everyone, and that includes providing a dedicated class for dancers with special educational needs. While we welcome and celebrate all neurodiversities across every class in our timetable, our Street Without Limits SEN class offers an additional safe, supportive, and inclusive space where dancers can express themselves, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement at their own pace. By tailoring our teaching to individual needs, we ensure all dancers have the opportunity to grow, connect, and shine both in and beyond the studio.
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Boost Academy
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Boost Academy is an alternative “all-through” provision which provides educational placements for children and young people who can’t be accommodated in mainstream or special school provisions.
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The Bristol Umbrella Singers
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The Bristol Umbrella Singers is an inclusive choir that meets at the Old Library on Friday mornings (term time only)
Makaton and Communication
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The Makaton Charity
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The official home of Makaton, with resources, training information, and a membership programme.
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Singing Hands
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Award-winning duo who bring Makaton to life through songs, rhymes, and performances for children and adults.
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Something Special on CBeebies
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The BBC’s award-winning Something Special features Mr Tumble (Justin Fletcher) using Makaton signs, symbols, and speech to make TV accessible and inclusive for children with communication needs.
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Who uses Makaton? (Survey)
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Description: A short YouTube video summarising the results of a survey of over 800 people, showing who uses Makaton and in which settings.
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History of Makaton – Margaret Walker
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A YouTube video of Margaret Walker, the speech therapist who created the Makaton Language Programme, explaining its origins and development.
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Asda Happy Little Helpers Shopping List
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A free, printable shopping list with symbols designed to make supermarket trips easier and more inclusive for children and adults with communication or learning needs
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Signing Friends
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Singing Hands Poppy puppet is the star of their book series of Makaton signed stories.
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Makafun
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At MakaFun Kerry and Amanda aim to provide tips, support and lots of fun to model and demonstrate how to enhance activities to promote communication skills and language development.
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Buchan Comics Facebook Page
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Comic creator, parent of a Makaton user, advocating use of Makaton in art & comics. Manga inspired. Purchase comics here: https://creators.krakathoom.com/buchancomics
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David Miles Celebrant
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A warm welcome to my website, where you can find out all you need to know about my work as a funeral celebrant, trainer and consultant, and Makaton Tutor, Also details as to how to contact me if you think I can help you.
National Organisations and Information
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Down syndrome UK
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Down Syndrome UK is a parent-led charity working hard to challenge outdated stereotypes and raise expectations for individuals with Down syndrome.