Stafford

Information on some activities and services for disabled children, young people and their families is available below.   

Aiming High in Staffordshire funds some of these activities.  All Aiming High activities are free unless otherwise stated. 

Please note Staffordshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external web sites linked from this page.

Service/Provider: Action for Children Staffordshire Shared Care - Community Support Service (Aiming High Service)
Description:

Community Support Service – to support children and young people to go out in the community and access leisure activities.

When?

Dates and times will be agreed in consultation with families. 

Where? Various leisure venues across Staffordshire.
Available to: Disabled children and young people aged 0 - 17 years old across Staffordshire. 
Contact details:

Jane Townsend
Telephone: 01543 510143 



  

Service/Provider: Autism West Midlands Helpline
Description: Helpline providing advice and information about Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Asperger Syndrome or Autism related services in the West Midlands. 
When? Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am - 4pm. 
Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30am - 2.30pm. 
Closed evenings, weekends and bank holidays. 
Where?

Helpline. 

Available to: Children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Asperger Syndrome and their families living in Staffordshire.  The service is also available to professionals. 
Contact details: Telephone: 0121 450 7575.
Email: info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk|
Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk|

 

Service/Provider: Cannock and Stafford Athletics Club
Description: Track and field events for children of all abilities. 
When? Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.30 - 8.30pm.
Where? Rowley Park Stadium, Stafford. 
Available to: All children and young people aged 9 years old and above. 
Contact details: Telephone: Dave Crutchley 01922 418645.

 

Service/Provider: Carers Association Southern Staffordshire (CASS) - Young Carers Project
Description: CASS Young Carers Project offers information, advice and emotional support to children and young people under the age of 18 years old who care for somebody with a chronic/terminal illness, disability, mental health problem, alcohol or drug addiction.  Support is provided through a variety of ways including one to one support , group work and youth clubs.
When? Various times. 
Where? All services run from various venues in Tamworth, Lichfield, Stafford, Stone, Cannock, Rugeley, South Staffordshire and Burton. 
Available to: Children and young people up to 18 years old who provide care for somebody. 
Contact details: Telephone: Mandy Rollins 01785 606675.
Email: carers@gn.apc.org|

 

Service/Provider: Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise (CARE) - Countryside activities (Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Activities will include:

  • Meet/feed small animals and collect eggs - chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles
  • Animal care/grooming - rabbits, goats and donkeys.
  • Growing activities in the poly tunnel and wellbeing gardens. Sowing seeds, making flower planters
  • Cooking: healthy eating with ‘fun’ recipes.
  • Arts and Crafts: painting, collage, dream catchers, decorated hay and willow garlands.
  • Wildlife: Scavenger hunts, pond dipping, making bug hotels, wild play
  • Willow craft: Making fish, snails and butterflies.
  • ‘Try It’ Angling sessions with qualified coaches.

 (Provision for wet/cold weather).

When?

(10am -1pm)

2013 dates:

9 May
25 and 31 July
3, 7, 9, 14, 19, 22 and 30 August
2 October
2 November

February 2014 - TBC
Where?

CARE, Carney Pools, Bishton Lane, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST18 0XE.

Available to:

For children/young people and their families/carers from across Staffordshire. 
Age range 5 - 17 years. 

Booking is essential. 

Contact details:

Telephone: Carol Parkes 07772 273033  
or Carol Carney 07814 237211
Email: info@chaseaquaruralenterprise.com|



  

Service/Provider:

Crossroads Care Staffordshire - Variety of activities
(Aiming High Activity)

Description:

Activities for children and young people aged 8-17 years old living in Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle. 

Activities include ten pin bowling, swimming, day trips and holiday playschemes. 
When?

Please see below.

Where?

1. Swimming at Dimensions

Thursday 13th June 2013, 5-7pm.

2. Day trip to Conkers

Sunday 12th May 2013, 10am—3pm. 

3. Playscheme at Heathfield School

Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May 2013, 10am—3pm. 

4. Bowling at Festival Park, Etruria, Stoke on Trent

Monday 20th May, 6-8pm. 

Further dates and venues to be arranged throughout the year. 

Available to:

Children and young people aged 8-17 years old living in Stafford, Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle. 

Please book a month in advance between the 1st and the 20th of each month or if this is not possible please contact Crossroads to see if there are any spaces left. 

Contact details:

Telephone: 01782 207863 for more information.



 

Service/Provider: Disabled Afloat Riverboat's Trust (DART) Holidays
Description: Short breaks and respite care for people with physical or learning disabilities together with their carers, families and friends.
When? Throughout the year.
Where? Nationwide.
Available to: All ages and various types of disabilities are catered for. 
Contact details: Telephone: Heather Hodges 07778 842358.
Email: glosdart@cix.co.uk|

 

Service/Provider: Donna Louise Trust Children's Hospice
Description: Respite and end of life care for children from all over Staffordshire and South Cheshire.  The hospice provides a safe, caring environment for children and young people who have a life threatening illness and their families.  A siblings group which provides fun activities and outings with children in similar circumstances is also available. 
When? The hospice is currently open 4 days a week. 
Where? The Donna Louise Trust Children's Hospice, Trentham, Stoke on Trent. 
Available to: Children and young people aged 0 - 19 years old who have a life threatening illness and their families. 
Contact details: Telephone: Christina Hunter 01782 654444.

 

Service/Provider: Down's Heart Group
Description: Support for people with Down's Syndrome and heart problems as well as their families and professionals working with them.  Support is available via the website, information sheets, newsletters as well as by telephone, email and face to face.  Conferences and family fun events take place throughout the year. 
When? Office hours or 24 hour answer machine.
Where? Nationwide.
Available to: People with Down's Syndrome and heart defects, their families and professionals. 
Contact details: Telephone: 0844 288 4800.
Email: info@dhg.org.uk|
Website: www.dhg.org.uk|

 

Service/Provider: Dyspraxia Support Group
Description: Support group for parents and carers of children with Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
When? For dates and venues of meetings please contact Hilary McFayden on the telephone number below.
Where? Meetings in Tamworth and Stafford.
Available to: Parents and carers of children with Dyspraxia or DCD. 
Contact details: Telephone: Hilary McFayden 01785 356930
Email: hilary.mcfayden@staffordshire.gov.uk|

  

Service/Provider: Helping Hands
Description:

A support group for families with children who have additional needs.  This is an informal group where parents and carers can meet and children can play in a relaxed environment. 

When? Tuesday mornings at 10am. 
Where?

Manor Hill Children's Centre, Manor Hill First School, Manor Rise, Walton, Stone, ST15 0EG. 

Available to: Children from birth to school age who have additional needs or a disability. 
Contact details: Telephone: Amy Luke 07581 212678 or Sarah Clewlow on 07791 633415


    

Service/Provider: Multi Sensory Room - Shire Hall Gallery 
Description:

The room is equipped with an interactive bubble tube, music wall, a fibre optic seat, aroma boxes filled with herbs and spices and much more.  There are also a small selection of books and CDs.  Entry is free of charge. 

When?

Drop in sessions are available for 30 minute or 1 hour slots during opening hours:
9.30am - 5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
10am - 5pm Tuesday.
1 - 4pm Sunday.
It is always better to book in advance as weekends and school holidays are particularly busy.  You can book a place by contacting the number below or by visiting the Gallery's front desk. 

Where? Shire Hall Gallery, Market Square, Stafford, ST16 2LD.
Available to: All.
Contact details:

Telephone: 01785 278345.
Website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/shirehallgallery| 

  

Service/Provider: National Autistic Society, Stafford Branch - Stay and Play Club (Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Stay and Play Club for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder’s and their families.  Play is supported by staff and volunteers. Activities include indoor and outdoor activities, sensory room, arts and crafts, and bouncy play, climbing and activity toys. Parents/carers have access to a resource box with books and magazines on Autism.  

When?

Two Saturdays a month all year round at 10.30am – 12.30pm. 

4 and 18 May 2013
1 and 15 June 2013 

Further dates TBC. 

Where?

Littleworth Community Centre, St Thomas Street, Stafford, ST16 3UU.

Available to:

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder’s aged 3-11 years old, their siblings and families from across Staffordshire.

A voluntary contribution of £1 per child is requested. 

 

Contact details:

Mandy Binns - 07789 032153

Sarah Binks - 07760 891699

Email: stafford@nas.org.uk| 

Facebook - NAS Stafford Branch

 

Service/Provider:

National Autistic Society, Stafford Branch - Youth Club (Aiming High Activity)

Description:

Youth Club for children and young people aged 11 – 16 years old who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The club is supported by staff and volunteers. A range of activities are available within the centre including cooking, arts and crafts, social skills and group activities. Activities will focus on developing everyday life skills e.g. independent shopping, cooking, using public transport. Sessions also take place in the community and are chosen by the young people e.g. bowling, swimming, cinema.

When?

Two Saturdays a month all year round. Community Centre activities take place 1.30-3.30pm. Times for external activities can vary. 

4 and 18 May 2013

1 and 15 June 2013 

Further dates TBC. 

Where?

Littleworth Community Centre, St Thomas Street, Stafford, ST16 3UU.

Activities also take place in the community in various locations in Stafford and surrounding areas. 

Available to:

Young people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder aged 11 – 16 years old from across Staffordshire.

A voluntary contribution of £1 per child is requested. 

Contact details:

Mandy Binns - 07789 032153

Sarah Binks - 07760 891699

Email: stafford@nas.org.uk|

 Facebook - NAS Stafford Branch

 



 

Service/Provider: National Autistic Society, Stafford Branch - Lego Club
(Aiming High Activity)
Description:

LEGO Club. The activity aims to increase social interaction, communication and fine motor skills. The club is supported by staff but parents/carers remain at the centre for the session.LEGO sessions are run in a block of 3 sessions. Level One and Level Two sessions will be run.

When?

 To be arranged.  To be added to the waiting list please contact Mandy Binns or Sarah Binks. 

Where?

Littleworth Community Centre, St Thomas Street, Stafford, ST16 3UU.

Available to:

Children and young people with autism from across Staffordshire. For more details contact the NAS as below.

A voluntary contribution of £1 per child is requested. 

Contact details:

Mandy Binns - 07789 032153

Sarah Binks - 07760 891699

Email: stafford@nas.org.uk|  

Facebook - NAS Stafford Branch



 

Service/Provider: National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
Description:

NDCS is a national charity which aims to create a world without barriers for deaf children and young people.  NDCS is made up of families, parents and carers who provide emotional and practical support through a freephone helpline and other support services.  Free membership is available to parents, carers and professionals who support deaf children and young people.  NDCS can also help with welfare rights, benefit claims and with making educational choices.  Events and activities are free to members. 

When? Freephone helpline is open Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm and Saturday 9.30am - 12pm.
Where? Nationwide.
Available to: Parents and carers of deaf children aged 0 - 18 years.
Contact details:

Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 8880.
Email: helpline@ndcs.org.uk|

 

Service/Provider: Progressive Sports
Description: Football and other sports courses in the school holidays. 
When? Various dates and times. 
Where? Various locations in Staffordshire.
Available to: All children and young people aged 5 - 13 years old including those with disabilities.
Contact details: Telephone: 0845 0941827.
Email: info@progressive-sports.co.uk|


 

Service/Provider: Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
Description: RDA supports people with disabilities to horse ride to benefit their health and wellbeing and to achieve their goals. 
When? Variety of times - please contact Susie Guild on the number below for more information. 
Where? RDA centres are based in various parts of Staffordshire.  For details on venues please contact Susie Guild on the number below. 
Available to: Disabled people aged 4 years old and above. 
Contact details: Telephone: Susie Guild 01785 850473. 


  

Service/Provider: Sibs
Description: Sibs is the UK organisation for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults.  Support and information is available for siblings who are growing up with or who have grown up with a brother or sister with any disability, long term chronic illness, or life limiting condition. 
When? Various times. 
Where? Please see contact details below.
Available to: Siblings who are growing up with or who have grown up with a brother or sister with any disability, long term chronic illness, or life limiting condition. 
Contact details: Telephone: 01535 645453.
Email: info@sibs.org.uk|
Website: www.sibs.org.uk|


 

Service/Provider: Socatots
Description: Football lessons for children aged 2 - 5 years old.
When? Various dates throughout the year.
Where? Various locations in Staffordshire. 
Available to: All children aged 2 - 5 years old including those with disabilities.
Contact details: Telephone: Eddie Wray 07970 100705.
Email: e.ray@socatots.com|

  

Service/Provider: Special Friends Online
Description: Social networking website for children and young people with learning difficulties and their families as well as professionals.  The What's On Guide section of the website has information about local events and activities. 
When? Ongoing.
Where? www.specialfriendsonline.com| 
Available to: Children and young people of all ages with learning difficulties as well as their families and professionals.  Membership is free and available to everyone who has access to an email address.  There is a facility on the site for people who find it difficult to use a keyboard. 
Contact details: Email: info@specialfriendsonline.com|

 

Service/Provider:

Specialist Support Service (Hearing Impairment) - Residential Weekend
(Aiming High Activity) 

Description:

Residential weekend in July 2013 for children with a hearing impairment to attend an outdoor education centre. Activities will include: introduction to caving, abseiling, night walk, archery and team building activities.

When?

Friday 5 July-Sunday 7 July 2013.

Where? Outdoor education centre.
Available to:

Children with a hearing impairment aged 8-16 years old from across Staffordshire. 

Contact details:

For more information contact Sarah Vaughan, Specialist Teacher of HI
Telephone: 01785 356830.
Email: sarah.vaughan@staffordshire.gov.uk|



 

Service/Provider:

Special Support Service (Visual Impairment) - Various activities
(Aiming High Activity) 

 

Description:

Monthly after school activity for children and young people with visual impairments.

When?

1. Kilnworx Climbing Wall, Burslem, Stoke on Trent - Monday 13 May 2013, 4-6pm. 

2. Drama Workshop at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle - Thursday 13 June 2013, 4-6pm. 

3. Audio described performance of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ at the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle - Saturday 11 May 2013. Performance starts at 2.15pm. 

4. African Drumming session atSt Luke’s Primary School, Silverdale, Newcastle - Monday 29 April 2013, 4-6pm.

Further venues/dates to be arranged.

Where? Please see above. 
Available to:

Children and young people with a visual impairment aged 5-17 years old and their siblings who live in Staffordshire. 

Booking is essential. 

 

Contact details:

Alison Smith
Telephone: 01785 356830
Email: alison.r.smith@staffordshire.gov.uk|



   

Service/Provider:

Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent (SASSOT) - Inspire Sports Clubs
(Aiming High Activity)

Description:

Inspire Multi Sports Clubs offering a range of sports.  

When?

Various times and venues.  For more information please follow this link to the Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent website|.   

Where? Please see above. 
Available to:

Children/young people with a disability or additional need aged 5-17, siblings and parents from across Staffordshire.

Contact details:

Telephone: 01785 619585
Email: disabilitysport@staffordbc.gov.uk|

For more information or to register for any of the clubs please contact Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent using the contact details above or visit the website using the link above. 

 

  

Service/Provider: Staffordshire Football Association - After School Football(Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Free after school football sessions for disabled children and young people.

Courses will last 10 weeks and will be run at a range of educational establishments and community venues including mainstream schools, colleges, special schools and Short Stay Schools.

Schools, colleges and community groups interested in offering this activity should contact Staffordshire FA on the contact details below.

When?

Times vary at each individual venue. 

Where?

At various schools/colleges/venues across Staffordshire. 

Available to:

Disabled children and young people from Staffordshire aged 5-17 years. Parents, carers and siblings are also welcome to attend. 

Contact details:

Jamie Leaning
Telephone: 01785 279831 or 07816536446
Email: jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com |

 

Service/Provider: Staffordshire Football Association - Holiday Clubs
(Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Free multi sport holiday activities. 

Clubs will involve multi-skill movements as well as football skills. Sessions will be adapted to suit the needs of the young people.

The summer holiday sessions will include trips to a football stadium.

When?

Sessions will take place during some half term and school holidays and last for 4 hours. 

Please contact Jamie Leaning for more information on dates.  

Where?

Various venues around Staffordshire. 

Available to:

Disabled children and young people aged 5 – 17 years old and their siblings from across Staffordshire.

Contact details:

Jamie Leaning
Telephone: 01785 279831 or 07816536446
Email: jamie.leaning@staffordshirefa.com |



 

Service/Provider:

Staffordshire Outdoor Education Service - Family Days 
(Aiming High Activity)

Description:

A range of outdoor adventurous and environmental activities.

When?

Standon Bowers - 14 September and 5 October 2013.

Shugborough - 14 September 2013. 

Where?

Standon Bowers Outdoor Education Centre. 

Shugborough Outdoor Education Centre.

Available to:

Disabled children and young people 5-17 years from across the County and their families. 

Contact details:

Janet Buxton/ Sharon Brandwood
Telephone: 01902 790388
Email: janet.buxton@staffordshire.gov.uk|



 

Service/Provider: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - Nature Tots
(
Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Nature themed activities for children with disabilites and their carers. Sessions will include indoor crafts, story time and outdoor exploration.

Each session will have a specific theme, appropriate to the season, such as butterflies, spiders and autumn leaves.

Booking essential.

When?

Wednesday’s from 10am-12 noon on:

4 September
18 September
2 October
16 October
6 November
20 November
4 December
18 December
15 January 2014
5 February 2014
5 March 2014
19 March 2014

Where?

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Bridge, near Stafford, ST17 0WT.

Available to:

Disabled children and young people aged 0-4 years old from across Staffordshire, with their parents and carers and siblings aged 0-4 years.

Booking is essential.
Contact details:

To book a place: 
Telephone: 01889 880100
Email: community@staffs-wildlife.org.u|



 

Service/Provider: Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - Wild Play
(
Aiming High Activity)
Description:

Wildplay sessions in the school holidays which include exploring the environment and active play. Activities will include shelter building, pond dipping, bug hunts, a range of active games, outdoor cooking and orienteering. Children and young people will learn about nature and use arts and crafts to explore the environment. 

When?

4 April
8 April
25 July
1 August
15 August
19 August 
22 August
29 August
31 October
20 February (2014)

Days will run from 10am-3pm.

Booking is essential.

Where?

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Bridge, near Stafford, ST17 0WT.

Available to: Disabled children and young people aged 8-14 years old from across Staffordshire.
Contact details:

To book a place at Wolseley: 
Telephone: 01889 880105
Email: l.eastwood@staffs-wildlife.org.uk|



 

Service/Provider:

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust - Family Day 
(Aiming High Activity)

Description:

Family events - activities will include face painting, willow weaving, bouncy castle as well as demonstrating the activities completed on the Wildplay days.

When?

14 September 2013

15 March 2014

Where?

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Bridge, near Stafford, ST17 0WT.

Available to:

All the family are welcome. 

No need to book, just drop in. 
Contact details:

Telephone: 01889 880105.  
Email l.eastwood@staffs-wildlife.org.u|



  

Service/Provider:

Staffordshire Umbrella Network (SUN Groups)

 

Description: A network of parent representatives and professionals who are interested in looking at issues affecting children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.
When?

Various times.

Where?

Various venues.

Available to:

Parents of children with special education needs or disabilities and professionals. 

Contact details:

For more information please contact Marie Wood from the Parent Partnership Service at spps@staffordshire.gov.uk|



  

Service/Provider: Staffordshire Young People's Service
Description: Activities for disabled children and young people. 
When?

Monday 6.30 - 8.30pm at Burntwood Youth Centre.
Wednesday 6.30 - 8.30pm Nether Stowe Youth Centre.
Saturday (starting in the summer holidays) 1 - 3pm at Nether Stowe Youth Centre.

Where? Please see above.
Available to: Young people in year 7 and above on Monday and Wednesday and young people aged 16 and above on Saturdays.  Activities are suitable for children with a variety of disabilities.
Contact details:

Burntwood - Nicky Johnson 01543 510495
Nether Stowe - Jon Harris 01543 512125

 

Service/Provider: steps
Description: Helpline for parents and carers of children with lower limb conditions. 
When? Various times.
Where? Helpline.
Available to: Parents and carers of children with lower limb conditions. 
Contact details: Telephone: Joanne Thompson 01827 737874. 
Helpline:  01925 750271

 

Service/Provider: Steps Charity - Toy Library
Description:

A toy library offering specialised and mainstream toys which have been specially adapted for use by disabled children.  Steps offers a postal library membership scheme, where for a fee, families can access over 4,000 toys.  For more information please see the poster and booklet below:

PDF Document Steps Toy Library Poster|

PDF Document Steps Membership Scheme Booklet|

 

When? Please see above. 
Where? Toys are delivered directly to families. 
Available to: Children and young people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or developmental delay. 
Contact details:

Steps Charity:
Telephone: 01803 214124.
Website: www.stepscharity.org|

 



  

Service/Provider: The Lighthouse Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Support Group
Description:

Support group run by parents and carers of young people with ADHD and associated behavioural problems.  Information and resources are available to borrow and family events take place throughout the year. 

When? Support meetings take place once a month starting at 7.30pm.  Family events take place at various times throughout the year.  Please visit the website or contact the helpline below for more information. 
Where?

Support meeting held at the Barley Mow, Milford, Stafford, ST17 0UW.

Available to: Parents and carers of young people with ADHD and associated behavioural problems. 
Contact details: Telephone: 07754 822288.
Email: contact@lighthousegroup.org.uk|
Website: www.lighthousegroup.org.uk| 

 

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