Overview
Taking part in activities helps children and young people with additional needs grow, feel confident and enjoy time with others. Activities can make a big difference for families too, helping you meet other families and feel less alone.
There is a range of inclusive activities available across Somerset. This includes clubs and groups, family activities, and short breaks to support children with additional needs and their families.
Finding inclusive things to do
There are lots of ways to find activities, clubs, events and days out for children and young people with additional needs in Somerset.
Community Inclusion Activity Team (CIA Team) Activity Calendar
The calendar includes activities funded through CIA Team grants. These activities are reviewed by a panel that includes the Somerset Parent Carer Forum and The Unstoppables to help make sure they meet the needs of local families. Many activities are low cost because they are supported through grant funding.
SEND Events Calendar
The SEND Events Calendar is an open directory of activities, events and opportunities for children and young people with SEND and their families. Providers add their own events, so you may find a wider range of activities from across Somerset. Activities listed here have not been reviewed through the CIA Team funding process and costs will vary.
Other inclusive activities
You can also explore our Leisure section for activities and places that welcome children and young people with additional needs, including:
CIA Team Activity Calendar
You can view the Community Inclusion and Activity Team Club Activities Booklet here:
Our Activity Calendar for the holidays is available here:
You can also view both CIA Team Club and Activity Calendars here on our online events calendar by selecting the filter ‘CIA Team’. You can search these based on date, location or type of activity.
Who can use the activities
The CIA Team Activity Calendar is open to children and young people with disabilities or additional needs who live in Somerset, and their families.
You do not need a referral from a professional to take part. Families can browse the calendar, choose activities that interest them and contact the provider directly to book a place.
Unless stated otherwise, activities on the CIA Team Activity Calendar are for families who live in Somerset, as they are funded through Somerset Council.
If you live outside Somerset, you can find similar activities through your own area’s Local Offer website. For example, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset all provide information about short breaks or local SEND playschemes.
Support accessing activities
The Community Inclusion and Activity Team (CIA Team) supports children and young people with disabilities or additional needs from birth to their 18th birthday. We are part of the Children With Disabilities Team.
The team helps children, young people and their families try new activities, have fun and take part in their local community.
You can keep up to date following @LocalOfferSomerset Facebook page.
Our office phone line is 01823 358117, or you can email ciateam@somerset.gov.uk.
Make a short breaks payment
If you have received confirmation from the Community Inclusion and Activity Team, Transition Workers (formerly CAOT) or Somerset Supporters about an activity day booking with a reference number you can use the form below to complete your payment.