At the age of 18, health care will typically move from paediatrician to GP but everyone with a Learning Disability and/or Autism aged 14 and over is entitled to an Annual Health check with the GP. They must be on the GP’s Learning Disability register to make sure of this. It is also advisable to create a Health and Care Passport (useful guidelines are here). Ensure that the Reasonable Adjustment flag is in place so that all NHS services are aware (useful information here).
Easy Read (Mencap) Information about the Annual Health Check is here.
Harrogate District Hospital’s Learning Disability Nurse is available to support a hospital stay (before/during) and can be accessed here or on tel 01423 553690. The Community Learning Disability Service for the Harrogate area (for adults) helps people to access mainstream health services as well as supporting the services providing they provide. It is based in Alexander House in Knaresborough.
The Community Dental Service is available for those whose needs are not met by general dental practices eg in need of longer appointments or more support during treatment. This requires a referral from a dentist, doctor or other health professional. For more specialised eye care use the See Ability link here and for help with NHS costs (including prescriptions) visit this website to check eligibility and apply for the NHS Low income scheme (HC2 partial help and HC3 full help).
Promoting positive mental health is a key part of the Annual Health check. The NHS’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) usually requires a referral from a GP, school or other professional. Waiting lists are usually significant but the website has self help information and signposts other useful services. Local Mind Charity in Harrogate provides support for all young people (11-18) via a drop in session on Wednesdays 3-6pm in the first instance, and more services for those outside this age range are explained at their website.
The STOMP campaign is working to prevent the over medication of people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism with specific reference to psychotropic medicines. This link goes to the Easy Read information.
Developing and maintaining friendships and pursuing engaging activities are key to physical and mental wellbeing for all young people. North Yorkshire Active Health Programme is part of the Active North Yorkshire programme and includes opportunities for young people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism to take part in eg specialist swimming and diving lessons, social activities, teen gym, walking groups. Their full programme is below (activities in bold are those targeted to young people in transition years) and for further information contact Dani Mullholland, Active Inclusion Lead for Active North Yorkshire.
Activities for disabled people and those who have special educational needs
| Day and Time | Activity | Who’s it for | Location | Price | Further information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 6.00 – 7.00pm | Teen Gym and sports session | Young people aged 12 – 25 who have SEND Includes cardio machine and free weights | Fairfax Wellbeing Hub, Fairfax Avenue Harrogate HG2 7RU | £6.35 | Contact Danielle on 07525 988145 if it’s your first session |
| Monday 7.00 – 8.30pm | HALO Social/Leisure Club | Young people with SEND aged 13+ Sports, games, arts and crafts, tuck shop | Fairfax Wellbeing Hub, Fairfax Avenue Harrogate HG2 7RU | £3.40 | No booking required but please let Danielle know if you intend to come and haven’t been before. |
| Tuesday 10 – 11am | Accessible Swim | Disabled people and those who have additional needs. | Ripon Leisure and Wellbeing Hub (Jack Laugher Centre) Dallamires Lane, Ripon, HG4 1TT. | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | No booking required |
| Tuesday 11 – 1pm | Cook and Eat session | Anyone who wants to learn basic cookery skills in a social environment. Eat what you make with us or take it home for later. | Stockwell Wellbeing Hub Community Centre, Stockwell Ave, Knaresborough HG5 0LG | Free | Contact Danielle of 07525988145 for further details. |
| Tuesday 12 – 1pm | Accessible Swim | Disabled people and those who have additional needs. | Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre Jenny Field Drive Harrogate HG1 2RP | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | No booking required |
| Tuesday 4-6pm | Girls’ Social/Leisure Club | Girls aged 8 – 18 who may struggle in social situations due to SEND or anxiety | Stockwell Wellbeing Hub Community Centre, Stockwell Ave, Knaresborough HG5 0LG | £5.50 | Toast, pasta and snacks included. Contact Danielle before attending your first session. |
| Wednesday 10-11.30 | Walking group | Anyone – all ages and abilities | Fairfax Wellbeing Hub, Fairfax Avenue Harrogate HG2 7RU and the STRAY | Free | Contact Danielle for further details |
| Wednesday 10.45-12.15pm | Boccia session | Anyone who would like to try the sport of Boccia | Fairfax Wellbeing Hub, Fairfax Avenue Harrogate HG2 7RU | £3.40 | Contact Danielle for further details |
| Wednesday 5.30 – 6.30pm | Sensory Adventure Seekers | Children up to 11 who have autism or other SEND and their families; stay and play activity – soft play, arts and crafts | Jennyfields Wellbeing Hub Grantley Drive Harrogate HG3 2XU | £2.50 | Refreshments provided. |
| Wednesday 6.30 – 8.30pm (Term time) | Springboard Youth Club | Young people aged 10 – 19 who have/are seeking a diagnosis of Autism in a mainstream setting | Jennyfields Wellbeing Hub Grantley Drive Harrogate HG3 2XU | £2.50 | Contact Danielle initially – 07525988145 |
| Wednesday 5.30 – 8.00pm | Teen Holiday session | Teenagers; social session with cooked meal during the school holidays | Jennyfields Wellbeing Hub Grantley Drive Harrogate HG3 2XU | £10.50 | Booking essential. Dietary requirements are catered for. |
| Thursday 11am – 12noon | Accessible Swim | Disabled people and those who have additional needs. | Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre Jenny Field Drive Harrogate HG1 2RP | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | No booking required |
| Thursday 10 – 11am | Accessible Swim | Disabled people and those who have additional needs. | Ripon Leisure and Wellbeing Hub (Jack Laugher Centre) Dallamires Lane, Ripon, HG4 1TT. | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | No booking required |
| Thursday (evening ?) | Diveability | Diving tuition for young people aged ? with SEND (30 minute classes) | Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre Jenny Field Drive Harrogate HG1 2RP | £31.20 per month via direct debit | Participants must be reasonable swimmers and able to climb onto the diving platforms |
| Friday 10.15 – 11.15am | Accessible Swim | Disabled people and those who have additional needs. | Starbeck Pool Spa Lane Harrogate HG2 7JF | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | No booking required |
| Saturday 10am-1pm | Kids Inclusive Social Saturday | Children in Year one up to 18 years | Stockwell Wellbeing Hub Community Centre, Stockwell Ave, Knaresborough HG5 0LG | £16.50 | Session for children – no need for parents to stay. Lots of fun activities. Toast included but packed lunch required. Contact Danielle of 07525988145 for further details |
| Sunday 10 – 11am | Family SEND swim | Swim session with toys aimed at families | Starbeck Pool Spa Lane Harrogate HG2 7JF | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85 one carer admitted free of charge | Contact SENkind via Facebook for booking. |
| Sunday 1.15 – 2.15pm | SEND swim session | Swim session with toys, swim teacher usually present to support swimming skill development | Jack Laugher, Knaresborough and Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centres, Starbeck Pool. | Adult £5.45, Concession £3.80, Child £2.85. | |
| Various days, times and sites | Star Scheme Swimming lessons Para Swim Squad (formerly Hot Shots) | Swimming lessons for disabled children and those with SEND whose needs are not met in mainstream lessons. Competitive swimming and coaching for young people with SEND. Minimum swimming standard applies. | Jack Laugher, Knaresborough and Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centres, Starbeck Pool. Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre Jenny Field Drive Harrogate HG1 2RP | £31.20 per month via Direct Debit. | Contact details at swimminghkr@northyorks.gov.uk |
Other opportunities for sport and outdoor activities are listed below; the organisations listed have an offer specifically designed for young people with a Learning Disability and/or Autism. Some are outside of the Harrogate and surrounding area but have been included where they have a unique offer.
Sport/outdoors
Useful links for organisations supporting sport:
- British Cycling Limitless
- International Mixed Ability Sports
- Learning Disability Super League
- Mencap Sport
- Para Olympic Sport
- Special Olympic Sport
| Activity | Provider | Information and contact | Post code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling | Summat Creative | Sat afternoon inclusive cycling club at Wyke Sports Village aimed at improving technique; affiliated with Special Olympics and British Cycling Limitless programme Contact summatcreative@gmail.com or text Lucy on 07547 799826 | BD21 |
| Open Country | Offers supported Tandem rides 6pm and ride out between April and October, Tuesdays in Harrogate and Thursdays in Ripon. Also provide on line spin classes Monday 6.30-7.30pm Contact via website https://www.opencountry.org.uk/contact-us/ | HG1/HG4 | |
| Dance | SEND Dance Academy | Dance tuition specifically tailored for children with SEND; only 6-16yrs at present Runs at the Time Together Building in Starbeck Contact thesendacademy@gmail.com for details | HG1 |
| Pop Power | Runs at Time Together and is Tuesdays 2-3pm. Combination of disco/dance/keep fit. All ages. No need to book ahead and no charge to attend. | HG1 | |
| Equine/horse riding | Autism Angels | Alternative provision (NY approved) but also leisure activities for families on the farm at weekends and based around equine activiteis including riding Contact info@autismangels.co.uk | HG3 |
| Follifoot RDA group | Horse riding and Carriage driving at Follifoot Riding Centre (45 mins – one hour) and available every day other than Sat – term time only; different groups have a different age/experience focus. Contact Wendy Thorburn (secretary) admin@follifootparkdrg.org.uk | HG3 | |
| Stockeld Park RDA group | Burn Bridge Harrogate Riding Centre Tuesday rides (day time) Contact Julia Hayes juliahayes@talktalk.net | HG3 | |
| Farm based | Bland Close Farm | Near Ripon, working family farm offering day services but also family visits available via SENKIND and OHANA charities at present Contact Grace or Dannie directly at the farm blandclosefarm@gmail.com | HG4 |
| Corn Close Farm | Near Pateley Bridge, some Saturday sessions for children/adults (animal care) Contact Cath at cornclosecarefarm@btinternet.com | HG3 | |
| Living Potential Care Farm | Fortnightly on Saturdays 1.30-3.30 for neurodivergent (no diagnosis necessary) ‘Calm at the farm’ group; max size is 12. A visit is recommended for those who think it might be for them Contact Corrie corrie.livingpotential@outlook.com or 07802 493188 | ||
| Nuzzlets | Green Hammerton, rescue/petting farm focussing on animal therapy and management Contact info@nuzzlet.org.uk for details | YO26 | |
| Football | Harrogate Gateway FC | Club for disabled players, regardless of experience/ability for 16+years; training is at St Aidan’s School on Tuesdays (7-8.30pm indoors or 7-8pm outdoors in summer) with matches on Sundays. Mencap and Special Olympics and plays in the Northern Alliance League. Contact Mark Summers at marksummers@btinternet.com | HG2 |
| Killinghall Nomads J.S.A Sportabiltiy team | Under 16s club for disabled players. Training on Saturdays 11-12.30 at Harrogate High School (summer) and Rossett Sports Centre (winter) Contact Chris Dixon at chrisj.dixon@tiscali.co.uk | HG1 | |
| Gardens | Harlow Carr | RHS Gardens in Harrogate offer discounts for those on UC; currently £1 per visit for them and up to 5 people in their party. Proof of UC must be provided and shown on arrival. They also offer one carer free for those whose disability necessitates a carer. Contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk or 01423 565418 | HG3 |
| Gym session | Active North Yorkshire | Programme (above) includes Teen Gym session (12-25yrs) at Fairfax Wellbeing Hub Contact Danielle.Mulholland@northyorks.gov.uk for details | HG2 |
| Gymnastics | Harrogate Gymnastics | Weekly session for children with SEND and/or disabilities; can bring siblings. Saturdays at 4pm. Contact info@harrogategymnastics.co.uk for more information and to book a place. | HG2 |
| On line active opportunities | DSEngage | Weekly schedule of activities on line eg pilates, dance, disco, workout – specifically for those with Down’s Sydrome; book in via the website, free to access Contact https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/services-projects/dsengage/ for further info and booking | |
| Open Country | Spin class Mon 6.30-7.30 throughout the year, with possibility of borrowing tablet and/or spin bike. Contact the Harrogate Hub 01423 507227 for details. | ||
| Sensory | Zen Sensory | Fully accessible sensory rooms, offering play therapy and holistic treatments, exclusive booking and events eg Christmas and Halloween. Opening Sept 2025 in Wath, nr Ripon Contact Stef or Beckieat contact@zensbsensory.co.uk | HG4 |
| Sensory Days | A sensory space in Harrogate Community House offering a calming social and private sensory space for adults, children and babies, including those with additional needs. £15 for 45 min session, recommended for up to 5 people. Contact sensorydays@outlook.com to book the space. | HG1 | |
| Skiing and snowboarding | Disability Snowsport UK | Local group of the national organisation meets last Sunday of each month at Castleford Snozone Xscape, 3.30-5.30 to ski and socialise Contact Judy Ekins via the contact button at the website link (lessons are separate and can be booked separately) | WF10 |
| Swimming and diving | Active North Yorkshire | Programme (above) includes swimming and diving lessons at Active North Yorkshire leisure centres and para swim performance squad at the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness hub. Contact Danielle.Mulholland@northyorks.gov.uk for details | HG1 |
| Swim England North East (Catterick) | Para swim regional training camps periodically, full day Sunday at Catterick pool Contact Keith Hall (Admin@rdasc.org.uk) or Louise Graham (louise.graham@swimnortheast.org) for further information. | DL9 | |
| Tadcaster Stingrays | Swimming session for 11-25yrs with physical or learning difficulties, coached session. Wed 6.30-7.30 Contact info@tadcasterpool.org.uk for further information | LS24 | |
| Walking and wildlife | Open Country | Supported outdoor/countryside activities for adults (18+) including walking/wildlife outings; website has full programme details. For the June – Sept 2025 complete programme click here Excellent outdoor accessible ‘breakfree’ walking guides here Contact David Shaftoe info@opencountry.org.uk | |
| Watersports | Access Adventures | Opportunities for waterskiing and wakeboarding during the summer months at Calmwater Bay Waterski & Wakeboard Club, Knaresborough Contact Danielle.Mulholland@northyorks.gov.uk for details and see dates on Access Adventures website | HG5 |
Cultural
An Access Card is useful for many cultural attractions and venues; it is a photo ID communicating access requirements so that a venue can meet the needs of individual visitors. Currently £15 for 3 years.
| Activity | Provider | Information and contact | Post code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre | Harrogate Theatre | A concession ticket is available for disabled adults plus a free carer ticket; for other accessibility details see https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/access-for-all/ Contact phone box office 01423 502116 or email bookings@harrogatetheatre.co.uk Down Syndrome Association North Yorkshire offers discounted tickets for members and their families to the annual Harrogate Panto. Contact Paul at downssyndromenorthyorks@btinternet.com | HG1 |
| Leeds Playhouse | Buzz creative weekend workshops; drop in Saturdays; 14-25yrs approx; pay if able £2 per session -parent and carers support forum runs alongside; held at St Peter’s Square (Playhouse 2) Beautiful Octopus Festival in July (includes accessible rave night- adults only), lunch clubs and interaction days (5 per year); advisable to go onto mailing list Contact Natalie Kyros at natalie.kyrkos@leedsplayhouse.org.uk and 0113 213 7236 | LS9/LS2 | |
| Cinema | CEA Card | The CEA scheme allows a cardholder to be accompanied to the cinema by someone free of charge when they purchase a ticket to a participating cinema with that person. Min age is 5 and the applicant must have proof of their need to be accompanied. £6 per year (card has to be renewed yearly) Contact info@ceacard.co.uk | |
| Accessible screenings | Odeon and Everyman in Harrogate offer relaxed screenings as do others in the area, listed at the Accessible screenings website | HG1 | |
| Music | ABRSM | Offering prep tests and music medals as early recognition of musical achievement. Access arrangements available for all music exams. Contact specificneeds@abrsm.ac.uk | |
| Trinity Sounds of Intent | Inclusive Music curriculum, with teacher assessed qualifications and resources. Started in 2022. Contact via the main website of Trinity College | ||
| Inclusive music lessons | Frances Bryant provides accessible and inclusive piano lessons, working towards exams and/or developing musicality and enjoyment of music. Contact Franceson07768098579 | HG2 | |
| Interact | Weekly musical theatre group for adults with learning difficulties, working towards two performances per year. Meeting at the Methodist Church, Wetherby Road, Mondays 6.30-8pm. An enthusiasm for music/dance/drama is the requirement. All members attend with their own support. £10 per session. Contact Mary Scurr mary@interactperformancegroup.org.uk or 07940873217 | HG2 | |
| Made with Music | Provides accessible live music for families of all ages and abilities, including: 10 week blocks of workshops at Leeds Conservatoire Mini gigs at Brudenell Social Club Saturday music making for teens with Down Syndrome with Leeds Charity Sunshine and Smiles The group welcome participants from out of area. Contact Hannah or Kathryn at hello@madewithmusic.co.uk | LS2 LS6 LS16 | |
| This is me | Annual inclusive festival for children and young people in June, at Ripon Rugby Club, organised by Nidderdale and Morton on Swale Children’s Resource Centres Contact Facebook page for details | HG4 | |
| Yamsen:SpeciallyMusic | Yorkshire Association for Music and Special Educational Needs, offers choirs and workshops. Taster sessions are encouraged. Musical communication classes for children/parents are on Mon mornings Contact Ros Huntley, huntleyros73@gmail.com YAM adult choir meets Fri mornings Contact Sue Siddall, sue@lelonzac.co.uk, 0113 275 8991 | LS16/18 | |
| Art/craft | Artizan International | Crafty Llamas runs every Monday in term time we provide a free after school club for children aged 11-15 Llama Lounge runs every other Thursday (6.30-8.30pm) we run a youth club for 16-25yrs Disco, Nintendo DS games, Lego, jewellery making, games night and more create a safe space for young people to hang out together. £5 to attend and includes refreshments Creative Salon is running every final Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30! It’s a relaxed social evening for adults with snacks, music and art making! Contact Georgia Stockburn via inclusion@artizaninternational.org | HG1 |
Social
| Activity | Provider | Information and contact | Post code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Clubs/Social events | Active North Yorkshire | Programme (above) includes Halo Club (Fairfax wellbeing Hub, Monday 7-8.30pm) Girls’ group (Stockwell Wellbeing Hub,Tuesdays 4-6pm) Springboard Club (Jennyfields Wellbeing Hub, Wed 6.30-8.30pm Contact Danielle.Mulholland@northyorks.gov.uk for details | HG2 HG5 HG3 |
| Artizan/HS4L | Every Thursday evening Artizan (Llama Lounge 6.30-8.30) or HS4L (Chocolate Café 5.30-7.30) offers a social/youth club with eg karaoke, quizzes, films, smoothie making bike, hot dogs, pub night. Bookable in advance. 16-25yrs Contact Georgia Stockburn at inclusion@artizaninternational.org for Artizan Contact Katie Arrowsmith at cafe@hs4lc.org.uk for HS4L | ||
| DSA Disco | Monthly disco for all adults 18+ with SEND at the Ivory Bar in Harrogate 16:30-21:30, exclusive use, second Wed of every month Contact Paul at downssyndromenorthyorks@btinternet.com or book via Eventbrite | ||
| Learning Sanctuary | Monthly Saturday social opportunity for young adults eg retro gaming, visit to coast, laser quest Contact Jenny at Jenny.mills@thelearningsanctuary.co.uk or tel:07939506345/07841206217 | ||
| Mencap Gateway Club | Harrogate Gateway Club for adults meets Mondays 7-9pm at the Welsey Chapel in Harrogate eg disco, quizzes, raffles, trips Contact harrogategatewayclub@outlook.com | HG1 | |
| Ohana Teen Club | Saturday 2-4pm for teens (11-17yrs) located at The Bungalow, Outwood Academy, Greystones in Ripon. £4 per session. Parents/carers welcome to stay and connect in a separate space. Contact https://ohanacharity.co.uk/contact-us/Hello@ohanacharity.co.uk |
Holiday providers which support teens/younger adults to go on holiday independently in the UK and overseas are many; those listed below and ones which have been recommended and which have been contacted directly for information. There are many more and they do not need to be local as their pick up points tend to be all around the country.
PHAB have Phab Adventure holidays and static caravans at holiday parks eg in Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland for the whole family.
Wilf Ward Trust offer Bempton Villa and Bempton Beach House in Filey
Short break funding
Short breaks funding is currently available via the Short Breaks Innovation Fund (2022-2025) in England. North Yorkshire Council is currently reviewing its unassessed short breaks grant for families with disabled children.