Preparation for adulthood

Planning for the future
Post-16 education and employment
Independent living
Participating in society (community inclusion)
Health

Participating in society (community inclusion)

Developing friendships

If the young person goes to a mainstream school where there are not many other disabled young people, they may also want to meet with more young people with similar needs to them. There may be opportunities through clubs or through social media groups. Find out about local activities and clubs, whether specifically for disabled young people or inclusive.

If the young person goes to a special school, then find opportunities for them to also mix with non-disabled peers.

If the young person goes to school outside of the local area, look at local activities where they will have a chance to meet and socialise with other young people locally.

Encourage the young person to invite friends home or to visit other friends’ homes. You may need to check accessibility requirements first.

Encourage the young person to keep in touch with friends by telephone or by social media where appropriate.

Leisure and things to do

When preparing for the young person’s transition review with them or talking about the future, discuss with them their hobbies, interests and activities they like or would like to do. These should be built into their plan.

There are opportunities for young people to socialise within their local community, based on their hobbies and interests, through clubs or groups. They can access specialist activities or any other activities relating to their interests.

All leisure organisations should make reasonable adjustments to accommodate a range of needs, and these should enable most young people to access activities. It would be advisable to make contact to discuss needs and adjustments for the young person.

Leisure Centres in West Northants include:

Trilogy Active Northampton Leisure Centres are:

Sporting opportunities

Northamptonshire Sport provides activities and information about sporting opportunities for people with disabilities. This includes football, rugby, archery, fencing, sailing, cricket, Special Olympics and gymnastics.

Northamptonshire has a number of theatres and cinemas to visit with friends for a night out. You can sign up for an Access Card for your young person and a Cinema Exhibitors Association (CEA) card for your young person to visit cinemas with a free carer place.

The Disabled Identification Card can be used as proof that your young person is in receipt of an eligible benefit and are therefore entitled to gain entry at concessionary rate. Many establishments (such as theatres, museums, attractions, leisure facilities, etc.) offer concessionary prices for disabled people, and in some cases offer free entry to another person assisting the disabled person.

Other schemes for young people include:

When your young person is starting to be independent in the community, you may want to sign them up to the Keep Safe Scheme with Northamptonshire Police.

For more information on traveling independent see our travel section above.

Find out more about travelling independently.

National charities such as PHAB and MENCAP provide social activities in West Northants.

Find out about other volunteering opportunities.

The Local Offer website has information on leisure opportunities and other things for your young person to do in the local area.

Find accessible places to visit at Euan's Guide.