Things to do
This image shows young people at a club with disco lighting.
The things we each enjoy are as varied as we are. You might enjoy a particular hobby, club, pastime, daytrip or specialist interest. It is important to find safe spaces where you can be yourself and have fun. Finding the right things to do will help you make friends, feel included and bring you joy, confidence and reward!
On this page, we've put together some inpsiration about differnt things to do, in Gloucestershire. Look in the dropdowns or at the video gallery. To find more Things to Do, click here for the full directory.
*REVIEWED FEBRUARY 2024*
Get social
Supportive freindships and social connections are crucial to feeling happy. Any activity that connects you with others will be good for your wellbeing. Having mutal interests can help you get to know someone. You might want to seek actiivites where socialising is the key aim, in which case, look for youth clubs and socail groups in your area.
The Cavern in Gloucester is an example of an inclusive youth group. The video below gives you a taste of what a night at The Cavern is like!
Get active
Sports, outdoor recreation and exercise are great ways to meet others and improve your health and wellbeing.
There are so many options, from organised sports clubs to pursuits like cycling, swimming, dance and yoga or even walking in nature. There's something for everyone.
This film from Active Gloucestershire shows just some of the ways you can get active.
If you want to find sports and activities that are inclusive of your needs, use the directory to search for an activity such as 'football' and then use the filters to return results that fit your SEND need (or age, location etc.)
Get creative
Everyone is creative. You may not think that you are creative, but often just having a go can unlock your creativtiy. Before you know it, you'll have discovered a passion that will bring you fun and fulfilment.
Music, drama, art, crafts, dance and creative writing are all pursuits that you can have a go at.
This film introduces drama as an empowring activity!
This film introduces the Music Works in Gloucester
...And relax!
Having quiet time to relax is vital for good health and wellbeing. Everyone finds different things relaxing: it could be yoga or gaming, exercise or wathcing TV. Find what works for you!
If you feel anxious, finding a way to relax can help. For more infomation about anxiety, look at our Health and Wellbeing page. A good way of relaxing if you are overstimulated is to create a 'self-soothe box', which is explained in the video below:
Short Breaks
'Short breaks' are opportunites for young people with disabilites to spend time away from their parents or primary carers. Relaxing, having fun with friends, and trying new activies can all be provided at a 'short break.' To understand if you are eligible for a short break, an inclusion coordinators will assess your needs. Find out more about this here. The video below summarises the short breaks offered by Active Impact, on their Of Course We Can programme:
Inspire me - what's in Gloucestershire?
We are very lucky to have so much to see and do in Gloucestershire! Once you start to gain confidence with travel and transport, you'll be able to start exploring the area, either independently or with support.
Check out this film made by the University of Gloucesrshire, which captures just some of the fun things to do on your doorstep:
You can find out What's On in Gloucershire using a variety of websites. One to look at is You're Welcome, which is is an inclusive online directory and forum. It's the place to find social events, clubs, groups or places to visit. The video below explains how to use You're Welcome:
