Lewisham Council Homepage
Login / Register
Skip navigation
Services
Mayor and Council
In my area
Search
navigation-end

Community activities for young people with SEND

Find things to do for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Activities for under-fives

CASPA Tots

  • Contact details: email Miranda at miranda@caspabromely.org.uk
  • Location: The Hawes Down, Children’s Centre, Hawes Lane, West Wickham, BR4 9AE

CASPA TOTS runs weekly during term time. It offers a softplay and sensory room, crèche area, sensory and messy play, toys, books, dressing up, puzzles and lots more for parents and children to enjoy together.

Visit the CASPA website.

Bellingham Green Generation Playclub

Learn more about the Bellingham Green Generation Playclub.

Big Little Fun

  • Contact details: phone 020 8691 3407
  • Location: 137 Creek Rd, Greenwich, London SE8 3BU

Big Little Fun is an indoor softplay cafe in Greenwich. It offers sensory play, educational activities, birthday parties and a SEND and autism-friendly sensory room to explore.

Visit the Big Little Fun website.

Singalong Sally

  • Contact details: phone 07950 558 993

Drop in music and movement class suitable for all ages under 5, including babies. No booking required.

Visit the singalong Sally website.

Lewisham Opportunity Pre-school

Visit the Lewisham Opportunity Pre-school website.

Baby Buzzers

  • Contact details: phone 0203 608 8081 or email buzzers@teachsport.org
  • Location: The Healthy Lifestyle Centre, Abbotshall Road, Catford, London, SE6 1SQ

Baby Buzzers is for boys and girls aged under 5.

Each session will be tailored around the children’s core ABC skills (agility, balance and coordination). Children will be aided throughout every activity by our highly experienced sports tutors.

Visit the Baby Buzzers website.

Sydenham Tennis Club – Tots Tennis

  • Contact details: phone 0208 778 4217 or email: info@sltcc.co.uk
  • Location: Sydenham Tennis Club, Lawrie Park Road, London, SE26 6ET

Tots tennis is for pre-school children aged 3-4 years old and enables them to learn the basics and how to enjoy the game through a variety of fun activities and simple exercises to develop balance, co-ordination, agility, movement, plus racket and ball skills.

Tots Tennis provides all equipment your child will need and classes take place with a maximum of eight children in a group. Classes are run by a qualified, LTA-accredited and DBS-checked coach. Please make contact with provider to ensure they can meet the young person’s needs.

Visit the Sydenham Tennis Club website.

Lewisham Toy Library

  • Contact details: phone 020 8297 2735
  • Location: Lewisham Shopping Centre, Shop 46, Molesworth St, Lewisham, London SE13 7EP

A Toy Library is a place where children or their parents can borrow toys to take home. It is open to all families who live in and around Lewisham.

You can join by either coming to the Toy Library and bringing two proofs of address (gas bill, bank statement etc.) or 1 photo ID (driving licence). You can also join online on the Lewisham Toy Library website.

Water Babies

  • Contact details: phone 020 8858 5242 or email divein@waterbabies.co.uk
  • Inclusive swimming lessons for children with SEND. Contact Water Babies to discuss your child’s requirements.

Visit the Water Babies website.

Deptford Park Generation Play Club

  • Contact details: phone 020 8469 0772

A new stay-and-play venue for children under the age of five years. The club offers a baby sensory room, arts and crafts, messy play, a baby room, outdoor area with ride on-toys and various other activities.

Lewisham Children and Family Centres

Lewisham Children Centre provide support groups for families at:

  • Beecroft Children and Family Centre
  • Bellingham Children and Family Centre
  • Clyde Children and Family Centre
  • Downderry Children and Family Centre
  • Kelvin Grove and Eliot Bank Children and Family Centre
  • Evelyn Children and Family Centre
  • Ladywell Children and Family Centre
  • Marvels Lane Children and Family Centre.

Visit the Lewisham Children and Family Centres website.

Drumbeat School and ASD Service’s Tom Tom Group

  • Contact details: phone The Drumbeat Early Years Outreach Team on 020 7635 9022
  • Location: Beecroft Garden Children’s Centre, Dalyrymple Road, SE4 2BS

A stay, play and learn group for under-fives with social communication difficulties (including those with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Fun pre-school activities to extend your child’s communication and develop interactive play skills.

Visit the Drumbeat website.

Activities at school

Many schools provide services and support throughout the academic year. Each school is different, but lots offer:

  • breakfast clubs
  • after-school clubs
  • summer holiday schemes.

Speak to your child’s school about what activities they offer.

Adventure playgrounds

Learn more about the adventure playgrounds in Lewisham.

Arts

See which venues in the borough provide creative and therapeutic opportunities for children and young people with SEND and their families.

Clubs and groups

CASPA Bromley – Life with Autism

  • Age range: 0–25 years old
  • Dates, times, costs and locations: visit the CASPA Bromley website

    CASPA has a family of clubs for all ages from 0 to 25 Years old. All term- time clubs provide 38 sessions per year, in-line with the school term. Club members also receive discounted rates on CASPA holiday provisions and the annual residential trips.

Buzzers Academies

  • Contact details: email info@techsport.org or phone 020 3608 8081
  • Age range: 5–⁠12 years old

    Buzzers school holiday and half term academies are aimed at children aged 5–12 years old and are tailored to suit all sports interests and abilities. If young people require one to one support, please talk to the Buzzers Academies to ensure that can meet the young person’s needs.

    Visit the Buzzers Academies website    .

Sugarplumz breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs

  • Locations:
  • 79 Moorside Road Downham BR1 5EP within the Good Shepherd upper hall (catering to Good Shepherd primary school and Launcelot primary school)
  • 103 Boundfield Road Catford SE6 1PG within the grounds of The North Downham Training Project (catering to Forster Park primary school and Torridon primary school)

Sugarplumz Ltd provides a range of activities to all children. Please contact Sugarplumz to make sure they can meet your child’s needs.

Visit the Sugar Plumz website.

Legacy Youth Club

Legacy Youth Club run an inclusive session for young people with SEND.  The club is equipped with equipment to meet the needs of wheelchair users.  If one-to-one support is required, the young person’s parent or carer can attend to support.

Phab Youth Club

A fun and safe environment where teenagers with and without a disability can have fun and socialise with each other. Activities include games, art and crafts, boccia and more. There is space for parents and carers to meet.

Splatter Make

Location, date, times and cost: visit the Splatter Make website.

Splatter make hosts creative workshops and parties for all children.

Forries Education

Forries Education offers forest school nursery care as well as activities for pre-school children, after school clubs, school holiday sessions, school curriculum sessions and ‘wild’ Forries birthday parties.

Wildcat Wilderness

  • Location: Gate at no 53 River View Park Road, Catford, London SE6 4PL
  • Age range: All ages

Wild Cat Wilderness is a community green space in Catford coordinated by the Rushey Green Time Bank, a local charity. It is a natural wilderness off Catford Hill, which you can help shape and get involved in by volunteering. It is your community space where you can explore nature and the wildlife, play or relax in its peacefulness, learn new outdoor skills or crafts, share and enjoy the space with other local people of all ages, cultures, faiths and abilities.

Visit the Wild Cat Wilderness website.

Sparks4Kids

  • Contact details: phone 020 8090 1444
  • Location: 144 E Dulwich Grove, Dulwich, London SE22 8TE
  • Age: 5–14 years
  • Date, time and cost: visit the Sparks4Kids website

Spark4Kids teaches children to code in a fun, engaging environment. Please call Sparks4Kids to ensure they can meet your child’s needs.

The Phoenix Youth Group for Deaf Children

  • Location: North Hub @ Castlecombe Youth Centre, Castlecombe Road, Mottingham, SE9 4AT
  • Age: 10–15 years old

A team of qualified, experiences and DBS-checked youth support Workers facilitate a wide-range of fun activities.

Visit the Phoenix Group website.

Roots and Shoots

Visit the Wildlife Garden - as a school group, as a family or as individuals – for learning and for resting. The award-winning wildlife garden is a quiet and secluded haven for all visitors and residents – breeding and migrating birds, amphibians, mammals, a wide range of insects and other invertebrates.

Dance, drama and music

Nzinga Dance

  • Location: Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ
  • Contact details: phone 020 3371 7372; email nzingadance@aol.com
  • Age range: Children, young people, adults and the elderly all welcome.
  • Contact Nzinga Dance for dates and cost of activities.

Nzinga Dance works with under 5s, through to adults. It hosts a wide range of workshops, including those for children with SEND. Nzinga Dance has been in residency at the Horniman Museum in London since 2002, hosting 10-week African dance and drumming courses for adults and children, three times a year.

Available workshops include: African dance; Caribbean dance; Afro hip-life dance; African contemporary dance.

Visit the Nzinga Dance Facebook page.

Magpie Dance

  • Location: St Andrews Church of England Church Hall, Sandhurst Road, Catford
  • SE6 1XD
  • Contact: phone 020 8290 6633
  • Check the Magpie Dance website for age range, dates and costs.

Magpie Minis is a fun dance session for children with learning disabilities aged 4-7 years who take part with a parent/carer.

Magpie Junior aims to enable young people aged 8-15 with learning disabilities, to explore creative movement and related arts in a supportive, safe and stimulating atmosphere.

Please note booking is essential as classes are often full and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis every term.

Visit the Magpie Dance website for more information.

FEEL Theatre Company

  • Location: Brookhill Children's Centre, 130 Brookhill Rd, Woolwich, London, SE18 6UZ
  • Age Range: 0 – 18 Years
  • For dates, times and costs, check the FEEL Theatre website.

FEEL Theatre create sensory stories, shows and experiences for and with children and young people with complex needs and disabilities.

Greenwich and Lewisham Young People Theatre

  • Contact details: phone 0208 854 1316
  • Location: The Tramshed, 51 – 53 Woolwich New Road, London, SE18 6ES
  • Age Range: 5 – 25 years
  • Dates and cost: Contact Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre

Every young person should have the chance to shine whatever they are facing in their lives. Whatever Makes You Happy has been designed to be a fun and supportive group for young people who have emotional, behavioural difficulties, or special educational needs. There are four groups: Whatever Youth Theatre Lewisham; Whatever Youth Theatre Greenwich; SHOUT (SEN); and Reach Theatre Company (SEN).

Working with professional artists and arts therapists, the groups offer a safe and supportive space where young people can gain confidence, find ways to express themselves, improve their social skills and make friends.

Heart N Soul

  • Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG
  • Contact details: Phone 020 8694 1632
  • Age range: 10 – 25 Years
  • Dates, times and cost: visit the Heart N Soul website

Heart N Soul’s Taking Part programme aims to help people gain confidence and live independent lives. Many go on to perform their music and show artwork in mainstream venues, contributing to society and sharing their talents with the world.

Lewisham Youth Theatre

Lewisham Youth Theatre nurtures and inspires young people’s voices through free participatory theatre activities, helping them to develop enduring and transferable skills that lead to increased life chances and long term well-being.

Irie! Dance Theatre

  • Location: Moonshot Centre, Fordham Park, Angus Street, New Cross, London SE14 6LU
  • Contact details: phone 020 8691 6099
  • Dates, age ranges and cost: Visit the Irie! Dance Theatre website.

Irie! promotes diversity through dance and holds a wide variety of dance workshops for people of all abilities.

The Midi Music Company

The Midi Music Company aims to inspire creative minds and help everyone make music, regardless of age and level of experience.

Lewisham ArtHouse

Lewisham Arthouse provides subsidised workspace, event and exhibition facilities to the general public. It offers practical support for a range of different cultural and community activities. 

Spare Tyre

  • Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG
  • Contact details: phone 0208 692 4446 (ext. 273); email info@sparetyre.org
  • Age range, dates and cost: visit the Spare Tyre website.

Spare Tyre produces bold and powerful participatory produces arts with voiceless communities and individuals. It shares and celebrate untold stories, transforming lives and challenging prejudice.

Family activities

Toys Hill

Lying on top of the Greensand Ridge, the hill supports a wide variety of plants and animals. Enjoy the fine views over the Weald of Kent and discover the diverse and abundant wildlife which makes this area a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Crystal Palace Park

  • Location: Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA

Crystal Palace Park has 200 acres of land. It has a model dinosaurs, Skate Park, Maze, Capel Manor – Urban Farm, Crystal Palace Museum, National Sports Centre, Terraces Boating Lakes and Diddy Dinos.

Dulwich Park

  • Location: College Road, SE21

Facilities include a boating lake, cycle hire, football pitch, tennis courts and table tennis.

Danson Park

  • Location: Danson House, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

Danson Park has large children's playground, play equipment suitable for children aged 3 to 14, dogs are not permitted in the playground, wet play area, zip wire, large rope climbing frame, and refreshment kiosk. The park has a number of gardens such as Rock Garden, Peace Garden, Bog Garden, Woodlands and Charter Oak.

Oxleas Wood

  • Location: Shooters Hill, Eltham SE9

The Green Chain Walk runs through the site. The cafe at the top of the hill in the meadow is a popular meeting place. You can visit Severndroog Castle and Jack Wood, next to Castle Wood, has a terrace garden, from which visitors may enjoy spectacular views across London.

Charlton Park

  • Location: Charlton Park Road, Charlton SE7

The park has a sensory garden, with plants that can be appreciated by people with visual or physical disabilities. The east side of the park caters for sports and fitness. There are football pitches and a floodlit grass training area with changing facilities for hire. There is also a cricket pitch which is used by Blackheath Cricket Club. Wheelchair access is available.

Maryon Wilson Park

  • Contact details: phone 020 8856 0100
  • Location: Thorntree Road, Charlton SE7

Part of the former Maryon Wilson family estate, this beautifully landscaped park contains both grassland and woodlands - all in a valley setting. Maryon Wilson Park also has an animal park with ducks, geese, chickens, goats, pigs, and even a deer enclosure. The Green Chain Walk runs through the site.

Woodlands Farm

Woodlands Farm provides an opportunity to find out about farming life and farm animals as well as a chance to experience the countryside including native bird species, butterflies, wild flowers and ancient woodlands.

Christmas Tree Farm

Contact details: 01689 861603 - info@xmastreefarm.co.uk

Location: Christmas Tree Farm, Cudham Road, Down Village, Kent BR6 7LF

Visit the Christmas Tree Farm website.

Christmas Tree Farm is situated in the Village of Downe former home of Charles Darwin. On the farm they have a wide selection of farm animals all of which can be fed and stroked. During the winter months the farm is still open weather permitting. The animals are put into winter houses off the wet ground, you are still able to see and feed the animals.

London City Farm Mudchute Park and Farm

These 32 acres on the Isle of Dogs make up one of London’s biggest farms. The park and farm has an equestrian centre, riding school, a range of farm animals, petting zoo and duck pond.

Rare Breed Centre

A perfect family day out within 100 acres of beautiful unspoilt Kent countryside. Rare Breed Centre has farm animals, trailer rides, bird of prey displays and experiences, a discovery garden, a butterfly tunnel, play parks and much more.

Battersea Zoo

  • Contact details: phone 0207 924 5826 or email info@batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
  • Location: Battersea Park, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea, London SW11 4NJ
  • Visit the Battersea Zoo website.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo welcomes disabled visitors and those with limited mobility, including wheelchair and mobility scooter users. The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible and there are disabled toilet facilities.

The Zoo offers discounted entry to people with disabilities and their carers – see website for entry prices. Phone prior to your visit if you have any special requirements.

Baby facilities include a baby changing room and a mother and baby feeding room with baby changing facilities.

Please note: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the zoo.

London Zoo

Special Children's Day is a unique annual event at ZSL London Zoo, welcoming children with special needs and their families and friends.

With increased specialist facilities and staff presence, as well as interactive events and discounted entry, Special Children's Day is an exciting and exceptional event not to be missed. All Special Children's Day activities are free and all Zoo visitors are welcome to join in the fun.

London Recumbent Bike Hire

London Recumbent Bike Hire offers a wide range of specialist bikes for families and cyclists with special needs.

Oxygen Freejumping

Oxygen Freejumping holds weekly Peaceful Play sessions for children on the autistic spectrum, or with sensory or learning disabilities. The sessions offer plenty of space due to limited capacity; the music is turned down; and strobe lighting is turned off.

The Science Museum

Early Birds is a sensory friendly event for families with children who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum. Visitors will be welcomed into the museum from 08.00 to 10am.

This event is suitable for children who benefit from visiting the museum free from the hustle and bustle of the general public (for example, children with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences).

Taking place on selected Saturdays and Sundays across the year, the museum opens exclusively before or after hours, and wherever possible will have adjusted operations and/or lowered volume levels on exhibits.

London Transport Museum

The museum opens outside its regular hours on certain special days for children with SEND. Families can enjoy the Museum at a quieter time, free from the general public, and with many of the gallery sounds turned off.

Advanced booking is essential as places are limited. Children and young people under 18 go free; adults charged general admission rate.

The National History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a world-leading visitor attraction and science research centre. It is the most visited natural history museum in Europe, welcoming more than five million visitors each year. In winter, it has an ice rink outside on its grounds. The museum is accessible for wheelchair users and people with additional needs.

V&A Museum of Childhood

The V&A Museum of Childhood in London's Bethnal Green houses the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection of childhood objects, ranging in date from the 1600s to the present day. The V&A Museum of Childhood houses the UK's national collection of childhood objects, ranging in date from the 1600s to the present day.

As well as toys, dolls and games, the museum has a wealth of objects relating to aspects of childhood including home, childcare, play, learning and clothing.

Rare, hand-crafted objects sit alongside well-loved toys from the 20th century, allowing an insight into how different children might have lived, thought and felt, through the objects they were surrounded by throughout their childhood.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world's greatest, showcasing objects from prehistoric to modern times. Entertain kids at the Digital Discovery Centre and check out the free events for kids of all ages. Free activity backpacks are also available. The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Museum of London

The Museum of London tells the story of the world's greatest city and its people, from prehistoric times to the present day. The Galleries of Modern London let you walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor's Coach. The museum is wheelchair accessible.

National Maritime Museum

Kids will love the National Maritime Museum as there's plenty to engage and entertain young minds. For under-sevens, there's the AHOY! Children’s gallery, while older children can steer a ship into port at All Hands. Look out for family events during the week. The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Bank of England Museum

Teach kids the value of money the fun way at the Bank of England Museum. See gold bars from ancient times – even try to lift one – and hear unexpected tales about the Bank's ghostly nun. Bank of England Museum is wheelchair accessible.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens

  • Contact details: email enquiry@horniman.ac.uk or phone 020 8699 1872
  • Location: Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
  • Visit the Horniman Museum website.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens has a programme of free activities for kids, there's an aquarium, a hands-on centre, a Nature Base, plus beautiful gardens perfect for picnics. Some charges apply.

Museum of London Docklands

Kids can learn the history of the river Thames at Museum of London Docklands. Venture through the 19th-century Sailortown, let them loose in the Mudlarks soft play area, or join the fun at the free family events during the weekend.

The Cartoon Museum

Lover of illustrations? Pencil in a date with The Cartoon Museum which explores and preserves British cartoons, comics and animation. Discover a treasure trove of more than 6,000 original artworks and 8,000 books during your visit.

The museum showcases the finest British cartoons, comics, caricatures and animation. Dip into a dazzling collection of more than 6,000 artworks and 8,000 books and comics.

Kentish Town City Farm

Kentish Town City Farm is a community charity that helps city people connect with animals, nature and the environment. The farm is situated on a four-acre site, alongside two railway lines in the inner London Borough of Camden. We have sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, three horses, two donkeys, two pigs and a cow. There are animal pasture areas, community gardens, a wildlife pond, and a riding arena.

Deen City Farm

Set on part of the National Trust's Morden Hall Park Estate, Deen City Farm provides south Wimbledon with a healthy dose of the countryside. Meet the farmyard residents like Kimby the alpaca and Edna the barn owl, buy grass nuts to feed the animals or squeal over the newly born ducklings, chicks and lambs.

The Hop Farm

The Hop Farm Family Park is packed full of attractions for the children and fabulous places to eat and drink. Attractions include our ever-popular Giant Jumping Pillows, Driving School, Magic Castle, and Outdoor Adventure Play Area, Children’s Rides and live shows and discos from our entertainment team in the Big Red Barn! The Animal Farm features donkeys, horses and plenty of cuddly creatures to get close to.

Warwick Castle

Immerse yourself in more than 1,100 years of jaw-dropping history. Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spellbinding storytelling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is an action-packed and unforgettable day out for everyone.

The Legoland – Windsor Resort

Explore a wide range of family-friendly attractions, play areas and interactive activities.

The London Eye

The London Eye is the most popular paid attraction in the whole of the UK. And no wonder – it’s the only view of the city that moves. Set in the heart of the London you can get up close to Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace and see as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day.

Thorpe Park Resort

Home to over 30 thrilling rides, attractions & live events. Thorpe Park Resort is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers featuring some of the UK's most popular roller coasters. Reach new heights with Stealth the UK's fastest roller coaster launching riders to 205ft at 80mph in just 2.5 seconds.

Alton Towers

Alton Towers Resort is Britain’s offers over 50 amazing rides and attractions for thrill-seekers, families and kids of all ages.

The Blackpool Tower

The Blackpool Tower was built in 1894, stands 518ft tall and is home to five attractions: The Blackpool Tower Eye, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, The Blackpool Tower Circus and The Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

Madame Tussauds

Discover more than 300 wax figures, watch the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie experience and meet the heroes and villains of Star Wars.

SEA LIFE London

SEA LIFE London boasts the UK’s largest living coral reef. Visitors can also expect to see regal tangs, cardinalfish, clownfish swim through a 40ft long tank.

Shrek’s Adventure

A CGI-animated adventure featuring Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey and a cast of other characters from the beloved films.

The Diggerland Parks

  • Contact details: phone 0871 22 77 007 or email mail@diggerland.com
  • Location: Diggerland Kent, Medway Valley Leisure Park, Roman Way, Strood, Kent, ME2 2NU
  • Visit the Diggerland website.

The Diggerland Parks boast 20 different rides and drives and an array of additional activities for all ages. Digger fans can get to grips with real JCBs and 180/360 excavators, take a head-reeling turn or two on the Spindizzy, rise to lofty heights and enjoy the views on the Skyshuttle, enjoy an off-road ride on the Groundshuttle, or have a go on the dodgems and go-karts.

Lewisham Parks

Lewisham Park

Lewisham Park is located between Lewisham Town and Catford. Learn more about Lewisham Park.

Scouts

20th Forest Hill Scoutlink

Specialist activities

DS Lions Down’s Syndrome Football Sessions

These sessions provide an opportunity for those with Down’s syndrome to take part in fun, sporting activities with the DS Lion Cubs.

Palace for Life Foundation Football Club

The emphasis is on providing a platform for children with Down’s syndrome to engage with similar children in a fun and safe environment, while enjoying some football. It provides young footballers with Down’s syndrome the opportunity to participate in weekly coaching sessions with like-minded young people of similar abilities.

Shooters Hill Lawn Tennis Club

The club aims to provide a tennis and social centre for club members, local people and their families regardless of age, ability, gender, religion and ethnicity. The club also provides opportunities for people to participate in competitive and social tennis, coaching and social events.

South East London Tennis Club

South East London Tennis club believes in ‘tennis for all’ and have a passion offering everyone an opportunity to play the sport we love. The aims for the session is to allow individuals the space to grow, learn, make new friends and more importunity have fun.

Downs Friendship and Creativity Group for families of children with Downs Syndrome

Down’s Friendship & Creativity Group is a support group that focuses on the ability of children with Downs Syndrome and creates a network of friendships and support for all families.

Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC)

  • Location: 52-58 Arcola Street, Hackney Downs, London E8 2DJ
  • Contact: phone 020 3198 0225

Royal Society for the Blind provide the following services:

  • School holiday activities RSBC
  • Family support services
  • 11-17 year olds social and independence groups
  • Health and wellbeing clubs
  • Creative groups

Visit the RSBC website.

Metro Blind Sport

  • Contact details: phone Charlie Raven, Sport Development Officer, on 07956 292 046 or email charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org

Metro Blind Sport is a registered charity creating fun, sporting opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals. 

Visit the Metro Blind Sport website.

Greenwich Power Chair FC

  • Location: London Marathon Playing Fields, 304 Shooters Hill Road
  • Contact details: phone Sharon Broenshire on 02083 198 111 or email specialleague@aol.com
  • Dates, times and cost: cost for more information

















Sports and exercise

SEND play sessions at AirThrill

  • Held at AirThrill, Unit 4, Catford Island, Plassy Road, Catford, London SE6 2DD
  • To book or for more details, please email kayleigh.stenning@activeuniverse.co.uk
  • Please note that these sessions are closed to the general public.

Saxon Crown Swimming Club

  • Locations:
    • Glass Mill Leisure Centre
    • Downham Health and Leisure Centre
    • Wavelengths Leisure Centre
    • Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
  • Dates, times, age range and cost: visit the Saxon Crown Swimming Club website.

Tiger Sharks by Saxon Crown Swimming Club is for children and adults with physical and/or learning disabilities. This includes (but is not limited to) autism spectrum conditions (including non- or minimally verbal children), Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy. The club teaches in small groups, with swimming teachers who are experienced in teaching people with additional needs.

Tideway Sailability

Children can learn the basics of sailing individually, with their family or in groups.

The AHOY Centre

  • Contact details: phone 020 8691 7502
  • Location: Borthwick Street, Deptford, London, SE8 3JY
  • Age range, dates and cost: visit the AHOY Centre website.

The AHOY is an RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Sailability Centre and the facilities are viewed as a centre of excellence. The AHOY has complete wheelchair access and offers the full range of RYA Sailability courses and qualifications.

Flip and Turn Swim School

  • Contact details: email flipandturn@hotmail.co.uk
  • Locations:
    • St Dunstan’s College, Stanstead Road, London, SE6 4TY
    • Bromley High School, Blackbrook Lane, Bickley, BR1 2TW
  • Age Range: 3 years and over
  • Dates, times and cost: visit the Flip and Turn website.

Flip and Turn is suitable for all abilities. Nervous swimmers are welcome. The business teaches diving to all ages.

Francis Hazleton, disability swimming instructor

Francis offers:

  • 1-2-1 lessons/group lessons for swimmers of all stages and abilities
  • Visually impaired-friendly swimming
  • Deaf friendly swimming
  • Autism friendly swimming

Greenwich Bouncers Trampoline Academy

  • Contact details: email mail@greenwichbouncers.co.uk
  • Location: Plumstead Manor School, Old Mill Road, London, SE18 1QF
  • Age Range: Children aged two and above; young adults
  • Dates, times and cost: visit the Greenwich Bouncers Website.

All classes are fully inclusive for children, young people and adults with a physical and/or learning disability.

SIGNAL Family Support Trampolining

SIGNAL provides two trampolining classes at the Bridge Leisure Centre in Sydenham on Tuesday evenings during term time. It offers two trampolines per session with four children and one ASD-trained instructor per trampoline.

Blackheath Fencing Club

  • Contact details: phone James on 07766757315
  • Location: Blackheath High School for Girls, 27 Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath, SE3 7AG
  • Age Range: 10–16 Years old
  • Dates, times and cost: visit the Blackheath Fencing Club website.

Blackheath Fencing Club’s Musketeers sessions are suitable for all abilities and levels of experience.

Woodcraft Folk

In weekly groups, children can sing, take part in drama, discussions, projects and crafts, and learn about local and global issues in a fun, entertaining way.

Fusion Table Tennis Club

A community based table tennis club providing a playing environment that encourages growth and well-being and welcomes players of all ages and abilities.

Sydenham Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Juniors (4-7 year olds) can learn movement patterns, racket swing shapes, balance, and speed work in a fun, games-based environment. From 10 years old, children can learn to develop power and use of spin, play offensively and defensively, and learn to use match play routines.

First Saturday Family Bike Ride

Short local rides on traffic free paths or quiet rides. Cargo trike available which can carry children who can’t ride independently.

Safe Haven Basketball

Safe Haven is a disability inclusive basketball club for 14-25 year olds. All abilities are welcomed.

Fun Fizzical

  • Location: Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Rd, London SE6 3BT
  • Contact details: call Sarah Thorn 07960 898764
  • Age range: 3–11 years
  • Dates, times and cost: Sessions run between 4.15pm and 5.45pm every Wednesday. Cost: £4 per child (paid by card)

Fun Fizzical is 90 minutes of fun and games lead by fully qualified instructors. Parents are welcome to stay in the gym or relax in the café area.

Beckenham Place Parkrun

  • Location: Beckenham Place Park, Beckenham Hill Rd, Beckenham BR3 5BS
  • Age range: All ages
  • Cost: free
  • Date and time: every Saturday at 9am

The run starts at the Ravensbourne Avenue entrance of the park. There’s no specific end time, the park run finishes when all the runners cross the line.

Please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (you can request a reminder). If you forget it, you won't get a time.

Visit the Parkrun website for more information.

The Reach (wall climbing)

The Reach encourages committed young climbers to have fun while developing their expertise and evolving as climbers.

Peckham BMX Club inclusive session

  • Contact details: phone 020 7993 9883 (Monday to Friday)
  • Location: Burgess Park, Albany Road, London, SE5 0AN
  • Age Range: five to 18 years
  • Dates, times and cost: visit the Peckham BMX club website.

Peckham BMX is inclusive to anyone with any form of disability.

Boxing Specific Body Conditioning

  • Contact details: phone Roger on 07956 319 660 or Sarah on 07960 898 764
  • Location: The Bridge Leisure Centre, Kangley Bridge Road, Lower Sydenham SE26 5AQ

BSBC runs a weekly body conditioning session for children and families who have special educational needs.

Double Jab Boxing

  • Contact details: 020 3719 3393
  • Location: Moonshot Centre, Fordham Park, New Cross, London, SE14 6LU
  • Age Range: from five years to adults
  • Dates, times and costs: visit the Double Jab website.

Double Jab aims to go beyond boxing and teaches discipline, respect and commitment to all our members, giving them the moral foundations to tackle all that life will throw their way. It welcomes all ages and abilities, with the promise of equal opportunity and support.

London Thunder Basketball

The sessions are for those who are just starting out in basketball, or currently play at their school and want to develop their skills. All sessions are inclusive. Please contact if you have specific requirements.

Wheels for Wellbeing

Wheels for Wellbeing runs drop-in inclusive cycling sessions for disabled people and their families, carers or friends, from three bases in south London. Qualified instructors, supported by fantastic volunteers, help participants try cycles or get comfortable on the one that suits them, and offer ongoing support.

Pan Disability Football – Millwall Community Trust

The Pan Disability programme is open to anyone with a disability and allows them to get involved with sport and become part of the Millwall Lion Hearts and Millwall Pan FC.

Ability Counts Football - Charlton Athletic

  • Contact details: email Terry Peart at terry.peart@cact.org.uk or phone 020 8850 2866 or 07837 401597
  • Location: Crook Log Leisure Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4HH
  • Age range: 7-16 years
  • Dates, times and cost: contact Terry Peart

The Ability Counts programme seeks to enhance the lives of young people with disabilities and improve their physical well-being using football.

Other sports and exercise activities

Check the activity alliance events listings to find sports activities in London for people with disabilities.

Swimming

Children with disabilities can swim in the borough. Find out about swimming lessons, clubs and hydrotherapy pools.

Football

Check the disability football directory to find out about footballing opportunities for people with disabilities.

Multi-sports

S-Factor pan disability athletics sessions.

Facilities

Find out what sports facilities are available in the borough.

Things to do at home
Youth clubs

Learn more about youth clubs in Lewisham.

Check if a venue is accessible

AccessAble helps people with disabilities make informed choices about visiting venues in the borough. You can check which services, businesses and leisure facilities are best suited to your access needs.

Contact

Children with Complex Needs Service - Short Breaks

Telephone: 07468 709362 / 07468 709083 / 07468 709273 / 07468 709303 / 07920 045899 / 07468 709247 / 07827 305591

Email: shortbreaks@lewisham.gov.uk

Services for children and young people with SEND

This page is part of the 'local offer' for children and young people with special educational needs

Explore the local offer