Welcoming people with additional needs
Getting out in your local community supports your wellbeing. Some places can feel busy or overwhelming for children and young people with SEND. Many places now offer SEND sessions to help.
What to expect
A SEND session is a set time when a place makes changes so people with SEND can use it more easily. These are sometimes called autism friendly, accessible or relaxed sessions.
SEND sessions are usually quieter and calmer. There are fewer people to reduce noise and crowding. Music and lighting are often turned down. Some venues provide calm spaces. Staff are aware and support people in a respectful and understanding way.
You usually need to book. This helps keep numbers low and makes the session more relaxed for families.
Where to find SEND sessions
You may find SEND sessions at soft play or activity centres, cinemas, theatres, museums and some supermarkets. Cinemas and theatres may call these relaxed performances.
You can contact a venue to ask if they run SEND sessions or plan to in the future. You can also check the Local Offer events calendar and use the SEND sessions filter.
Support in Somerset venues
Some venues in Somerset have signed up to Ollie the Flamingo. This means staff have learned about autism and have made changes to support families to have a more relaxed visit.
Somerset Libraries do not run separate SEND sessions because they are already calm spaces with staff who can help if you need it. They also offer virtual tours and social stories to help you plan your visit. And fidget toys to use as needed.