FACE - Disabilities

Our definition of 'disabilities'

*On this page, where we use the word ‘disabilities’ we are referring to anyone with (diagnosed or not) learning, social, emotional, behavioural, or physical disabilities, developmental delays, neurodiversity, or sensory issues*

We prefer to look beyond a diagnosis and focus on individuals needs and talents.

If you have any queries about our work with disabled people, would like a home-visit to talk to us about the possibility of you/your child joining us, or if you would like to come and visit us outside of our group session times so you can familiarise yourself with the building, then please just contact the office as we’ll be very happy to arrange this with you.

Our sites and programmes are not always suitable for everyone. We will try to meet needs as best we can, however sometimes we will need to refer people to other organisations if we do not feel we can meet their needs safely and appropriately.

Epic Wednesdays youth club

This group is for young people aged 13-25 years with social or learning disabilities, and meets Wednesdays 7-9pm at the Kingsmeadow Made for Ever Centre on Fisher Road, Kingswood.

This is a small group which is focused on building confidence, social skills, relationship building, trying new activities, and having fun!
This is a great stepping stone into our youth sessions at other sites or our adults' sessions once young people are over the age of 21.

We normally have a 3 week break at Christmas, 2 weeks at the end of August/beginning of September and 2 weeks at Easter. Sometimes we do daytime activities during these breaks though, dependent on staffing & funding.

Some of our members bring support workers with them for personal care reasons and this is fine, just let us know in advance.

We cannot provide personal care or any 1-2-1 level of support for members to engage with our programmes; if you need this we may be able to help point you in the right direction to get support in place to enable you/your child to come along.

Our policy is that members do not come with their parents as this should be a space where members learn to be more independent and develop skills to cope without their family around. Of course its great if family members want to visit for the first couple of times though until you/your child feels more comfortable with us! We also love for family to join us at various community and fundraising events during the year, and at our AGM where our members display what they have been up to!

The Hangout youth club

This group is for young people aged 13-25 years with social or learning disabilities, and meets 7-9pm Mondays in Filton. This is a small group which is focused on building confidence, social skills, relationship building, trying new activities, and having fun!
This is a great stepping stone into our youth sessions at other sites or our adults' sessions once young people are over the age of 20.

Some of our members bring support workers with them for personal care reasons and this is fine, just let us know in advance.

Illuminators - adult social group

Our Illuminators group is for those aged 21+ and meets Thursday nights in Filton 7-9pm.

We do not have an upper age limit for these sessions and encourage people to come throughout their adult life if they wish. This group is more focused on building self-esteem, resilience, having wider opportunities, developing independence skills, being ready for adult life, but also on having fun and making new friends!

Some of our members bring support workers with them for personal care reasons and this is fine, just let us know in advance.

Our policy is that members do not come with their parents or family members as this should be a space where members learn to be more independent and develop skills to cope without their family around. Of course its great if family members want to visit for the first couple of times though until you/your child feels more comfortable with us! We also love for family to join us at various community and fundraising events during the year, and at our AGM where our members display what they have been up to!

Out of School Clubs for neurodiverse young people 8-13s and 13-18s

We have recently taken on the Out of Schools Clubs for neurodiverse young people (formerly run by the National Autistic Society) as part of the out & About consortium in Bristol from April 2023.

These social groups are targeted for young people to learn new social skills and grow in confidence in a supportive environment.

These run on Tuesdays - at the Ranch, Southmead - and Thursdays -at the Felix Road Adventure Playground in Easton.

Referrals for these groups are through the Wecil Out & About service.

For more information and to express interest in receiving a referral form, please see the Out & About website: NAS - WECIL - Supporting Independent Living

Pathways to Short Breaks

We have been commissioned since 2023 to deliver small targeted youth groups as part of the Bristol City Council Pathways to Short Breaks service, working with colleagues at the Bristol Council Autism team, Neon Daisy and Exar.

The service is for young people who are not engaging in education or any other Short Breaks service - with the aim to improve confidence and skills to join in with other activities, it is not meant to be a long-term group.

Referrals are made for this service through the Bristol Pathways service.

Social Club (8-13s)

Social Club is funded by South Glos Council Short Breaks for Disabled Children.

Social Club is a monthly Friday night group 6-8pm for disabled young people aged 8-13 years old; held on the third Friday of each month at our youth centre site in Filton.

It is a great starting activity for those who have never been to a social group or youth club before. We have a programme of social activities, workshops, and trips for young people to have new experiences, develop their social skills, and make friends!