Living Life to the Full | Hampshire CTSH

Making friends is really important for everyone. Friends help you feel happy, included, and less lonely. They give you someone to share fun times with and make you feel like you belong. Having friends can also help you learn new social skills and feel more confident. Here are some groups for young people with additional needs to get you started.

NAS online community for autistic adults

We are an online autism support forum with over 3,500 active users. Support is available 24 hours a day, in a safe and welcoming environment.

Mencap's Online Community

Meet other people, share triumphs and challenges, find support.

Mencap’s community is part of HealthUnlocked and is moderated by both Mencap’s community administrators and HealthUnlocked.

Serendipity Community Groups - Autism Hampshire

Our Serendipity Community Groups are small, social groups led by members and facilitated by volunteers. They are created and designed especially for autistic adults.

Outsiders Trust – Living life to the full

The Outsiders Club is a private membership, friendship, peer support and dating club, run by and for socially and physically disabled people. Our members have a wide range of physical impairments, including visual and hearing impairment.

Our aim has always been to provide a supportive and respectful place for our members to come and find friendship, guidance and fun.

Clubs – Phab

Phab Clubs are places to belong, places to thrive where disabled and non-disabled people come together to socialise, have fun and build lifelong friendships.

Luv2meetU

Luv2meetU is a friendship service for learning disabled and autistic adults. They can help you get out and about and try new things and visit different places. It’ll give you the chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop relationships if you choose.

Making friends is really important for everyone. Friends help you feel happy, included, and less lonely. They give you someone to share fun times with and make you feel like you belong. Having friends can also help you learn new social skills and feel more confident. Here are some groups for young people with additional needs to get you started.

NAS online community for autistic adults

We are an online autism support forum with over 3,500 active users. Support is available 24 hours a day, in a safe and welcoming environment.

Mencap's Online Community

Meet other people, share triumphs and challenges, find support.

Mencap’s community is part of HealthUnlocked and is moderated by both Mencap’s community administrators and HealthUnlocked.

Serendipity Community Groups - Autism Hampshire

Our Serendipity Community Groups are small, social groups led by members and facilitated by volunteers. They are created and designed especially for autistic adults.

Outsiders Trust – Living life to the full

The Outsiders Club is a private membership, friendship, peer support and dating club, run by and for socially and physically disabled people. Our members have a wide range of physical impairments, including visual and hearing impairment.

Our aim has always been to provide a supportive and respectful place for our members to come and find friendship, guidance and fun.

Clubs – Phab

Phab Clubs are places to belong, places to thrive where disabled and non-disabled people come together to socialise, have fun and build lifelong friendships.

Luv2meetU

Luv2meetU is a friendship service for learning disabled and autistic adults. They can help you get out and about and try new things and visit different places. It’ll give you the chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop relationships if you choose.

Fantastic stories, beautiful costumes and brilliantly talented performers. There are lots of reasons to go to the theatre.

Theatres in London and the Mayflower in Southampton have offer reasonable adjustments to help people with additional needs to go see performances there.

You can see what they offer here:

London Theatre & West End

Mayflower Theatre

For blind and partially sighted people, Touch Tours give visually impaired theatre-goers the opportunity to touch the sets, props and costumes to familiarize themselves ahead of the performance.

Theatre Sign let's you find performances that have BSL interpreters if you are Deaf, deafened or hearing impaired.

How do you get free ticket for someone to come with you to the theatre?

Here are 5 easy steps:

Pick a show and date. Choose the play you want to see and write down the date and time. It’s good to have a backup date too.
Think about what you need. Do you need a seat near the aisle? A wheelchair space? Write it down.
Go to the theatre’s website. Look for the “Access” page. It will tell you how to book. Sometimes you call them, sometimes you email.
Call or email the theatre. Tell them you want access tickets and what you need. They will help you choose the best seats.
Get your tickets. They will send you an email with your tickets. Save them or print them so you don’t lose them.

What special things can theatres do?

Wheelchair spaces: Seats for people who use wheelchairs.
Aisle seats: Good for people who need more space or need to get up easily.
Special shows: Some shows have captions, sign language, or relaxed rules so everyone feels comfortable.
Extra help: If you need something special, ask the theatre. They want to help!

What to see if the theatre is for you before you go? Graeae work with talented Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and you ca watch their past performances online on their website.

Fancy being on stage? Blue Apple Theatre gives adults with a disability the opportunity to learn signing, dancing and acting skills and be part of productions. They currently have groups in Winchester, The New Forest and Southampton.

Fantastic stories, beautiful costumes and brilliantly talented performers. There are lots of reasons to go to the theatre.

Theatres in London and the Mayflower in Southampton have offer reasonable adjustments to help people with additional needs to go see performances there.

You can see what they offer here:

London Theatre & West End

Mayflower Theatre

For blind and partially sighted people, Touch Tours give visually impaired theatre-goers the opportunity to touch the sets, props and costumes to familiarize themselves ahead of the performance.

Theatre Sign let's you find performances that have BSL interpreters if you are Deaf, deafened or hearing impaired.

How do you get free ticket for someone to come with you to the theatre?

Here are 5 easy steps:

Pick a show and date. Choose the play you want to see and write down the date and time. It’s good to have a backup date too.
Think about what you need. Do you need a seat near the aisle? A wheelchair space? Write it down.
Go to the theatre’s website. Look for the “Access” page. It will tell you how to book. Sometimes you call them, sometimes you email.
Call or email the theatre. Tell them you want access tickets and what you need. They will help you choose the best seats.
Get your tickets. They will send you an email with your tickets. Save them or print them so you don’t lose them.

What special things can theatres do?

Wheelchair spaces: Seats for people who use wheelchairs.
Aisle seats: Good for people who need more space or need to get up easily.
Special shows: Some shows have captions, sign language, or relaxed rules so everyone feels comfortable.
Extra help: If you need something special, ask the theatre. They want to help!

What to see if the theatre is for you before you go? Graeae work with talented Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and you ca watch their past performances online on their website.

Fancy being on stage? Blue Apple Theatre gives adults with a disability the opportunity to learn signing, dancing and acting skills and be part of productions. They currently have groups in Winchester, The New Forest and Southampton.

How about going to see the latest blockbuster at the cinema?

Many of the best known cinema chains offer relaxed showings of films allowing you to moving around, have the lights up and take a carer or friend in free. To find these go to Dimensions – Autism Friendly Cinema screenings

You can apply for a CEA card to help make this easier as you provide proof of your disability, get a card with your photo on and then can just show this every time you visit the cinema to get your free ticket.

How about going to see the latest blockbuster at the cinema?

Many of the best known cinema chains offer relaxed showings of films allowing you to moving around, have the lights up and take a carer or friend in free. To find these go to Dimensions – Autism Friendly Cinema screenings

You can apply for a CEA card to help make this easier as you provide proof of your disability, get a card with your photo on and then can just show this every time you visit the cinema to get your free ticket.

Going to a Festival – Top Tips

The Nimbus Access Card can help you to get reasonable adjustments to allow you to go to a festival with the things you need in place.

Watch near the stage

Some places have special spots where people in wheelchairs or those who don't like crowds can see the stage better. These are called Accessible viewing platforms. Contact the people arranging the festival to let them know you need this before you go so it is all arranged when you get there.

Camping and parking close by

If you are camping there are extra room spots for people who need help, with toilets and places to charge gadgets. They may also have power points where people can charge wheelchairs or assisted technology. There are also special parking spaces that let you park closer to the festival gate, so you don’t have to walk far.

Free helper tickets

If someone needs a helper, some festivals give a free ticket for the helper. Just ask the festival team.

Find doctors and helpers

Look on the festival map to see where the first-aid and help tents are. They can help with medicines or charging wheelchairs.

Mud and wheels

Festivals can get very muddy! Some wheelchairs have special wheels for mud, or you can use plastic sheets to keep the car clean.

6. Read others' advice
Read blogs or watch videos from people who’ve been to the festival. They give good tips and ideas.

Bring wipes and gloves

Festival toilets can be messy. Bring wet wipes and gloves so you can stay clean.

Quiet space help

If it's too loud or bright, bring earplugs or sunglasses. Look for quiet areas to rest if you feel upset or tired.

Stay warm at night

It gets cold at night, so bring blankets or warm clothes. Heated clothes can help too.

Wear a small bag

Use a fanny pack (small bag you wear around your waist) instead of a big backpack. That way your back won’t hurt.

Use a waterproof hat

A waterproof bucket hat can keep you dry and protect hearing aids in the rain.

Shoes with good grip

Wear sturdy shoes so you don’t slip in the mud. Bring thick socks and plasters if your shoes rub.

Tell them what you liked

After the festival, tell the festival team what was good or what could be better. That helps everyone have more fun next time!

You can search for festivals here.

Going to a Festival – Top Tips

The Nimbus Access Card can help you to get reasonable adjustments to allow you to go to a festival with the things you need in place.

Watch near the stage

Some places have special spots where people in wheelchairs or those who don't like crowds can see the stage better. These are called Accessible viewing platforms. Contact the people arranging the festival to let them know you need this before you go so it is all arranged when you get there.

Camping and parking close by

If you are camping there are extra room spots for people who need help, with toilets and places to charge gadgets. They may also have power points where people can charge wheelchairs or assisted technology. There are also special parking spaces that let you park closer to the festival gate, so you don’t have to walk far.

Free helper tickets

If someone needs a helper, some festivals give a free ticket for the helper. Just ask the festival team.

Find doctors and helpers

Look on the festival map to see where the first-aid and help tents are. They can help with medicines or charging wheelchairs.

Mud and wheels

Festivals can get very muddy! Some wheelchairs have special wheels for mud, or you can use plastic sheets to keep the car clean.

6. Read others' advice
Read blogs or watch videos from people who’ve been to the festival. They give good tips and ideas.

Bring wipes and gloves

Festival toilets can be messy. Bring wet wipes and gloves so you can stay clean.

Quiet space help

If it's too loud or bright, bring earplugs or sunglasses. Look for quiet areas to rest if you feel upset or tired.

Stay warm at night

It gets cold at night, so bring blankets or warm clothes. Heated clothes can help too.

Wear a small bag

Use a fanny pack (small bag you wear around your waist) instead of a big backpack. That way your back won’t hurt.

Use a waterproof hat

A waterproof bucket hat can keep you dry and protect hearing aids in the rain.

Shoes with good grip

Wear sturdy shoes so you don’t slip in the mud. Bring thick socks and plasters if your shoes rub.

Tell them what you liked

After the festival, tell the festival team what was good or what could be better. That helps everyone have more fun next time!

You can search for festivals here.

The government recommends that we should be doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

Mencap have an easy read guide to physical activity and sport for people with a learning disability.

BBC Sport have a helpful guide for people with special needs or a disability to help you get into accessible sports. You can access this here.

The government recommends that we should be doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

Mencap have an easy read guide to physical activity and sport for people with a learning disability.

BBC Sport have a helpful guide for people with special needs or a disability to help you get into accessible sports. You can access this here.

Gig Buddies

Gig Buddies projects are all about supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live the lives they choose.

They match people with volunteers who share their interests, so they can go to gigs, evening events, or simply hang out - as equals and as friends.

Gig Buddies

Gig Buddies projects are all about supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live the lives they choose.

They match people with volunteers who share their interests, so they can go to gigs, evening events, or simply hang out - as equals and as friends.

The world of dating can be difficult to navigate for anyone. It's fine to take it slowly, get out there, make friends and just see what happens.

Tell people you meet online up front about your disability - there is nothing to be ashamed of. People may want to ask you questions so they understand how your disability effects you. Be patient, lots of people have never spent time with someone with additional needs or a disability and may need to learn how to interact with you.

If you do decide to use online dating platforms, Click uses group video chat (Zoom) to deliver interesting and stimulating sessions that offer structure, meaningful activity and connection for people who experience social isolation. The service is for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, who are over the age of 16.

Click community for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults

Be careful with online dating. People are not always who they say they are online. Never meet up with anyone you have met online alone.

The world of dating can be difficult to navigate for anyone. It's fine to take it slowly, get out there, make friends and just see what happens.

Tell people you meet online up front about your disability - there is nothing to be ashamed of. People may want to ask you questions so they understand how your disability effects you. Be patient, lots of people have never spent time with someone with additional needs or a disability and may need to learn how to interact with you.

If you do decide to use online dating platforms, Click uses group video chat (Zoom) to deliver interesting and stimulating sessions that offer structure, meaningful activity and connection for people who experience social isolation. The service is for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, who are over the age of 16.

Click community for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults

Be careful with online dating. People are not always who they say they are online. Never meet up with anyone you have met online alone.

Planning for an Accessible Day Out

Find Access Information:

There are tools you can use to help you plan for getting out into the community.

Access Able give you the accessibility information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you. They have surveyed 10,000s of venues across the UK and Ireland, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, colleges, universities, hospitals and more. You can use Access Able to find wheelchair friendly venues or check out disabled access and facilities.

Use websites like AccessAble or Euan's Guide to check if places like restaurants, cinemas, or shops are easy to get into. You can also look on Google Street View to see what the path or entrance looks like.

If you are still concerned or can't find the right information don't be afraid to phone the place first and talk to them about your needs.

Plan Your Travel

Using Public Transport:
Check if the bus stop or train station has ramps or lifts. If you need help getting on a train, you can book staff support through the Passenger Assistance service.

If You Are Driving:
Check if there is Blue Badge parking and how close it is to the entrance.

Get Your Items Ready

Medication:
Bring enough medicine for the whole day, plus a little extra. Carry a doctor’s letter that lists your medicines and your GP’s contact number.

Equipment:
Make sure your wheelchair or mobility aid is working well and is fully charged. Bring any spare parts you might need. Some places let you borrow equipment, like wheelchairs if you can't bring yours or don't have one but think you might need to use one.

Essentials:
Pack a bag with things like snacks, a small first aid kit, and anything that helps you stay calm and happy like fidget toys, headphones or hand wipes.

Look for Discounts:

Some places give cheaper tickets to disabled people and their carers. Bring proof, like a Blue Badge, disability benefit letter, or an Access Card. A good tip is to take a photo of your disability benefit letter with your phone so you always have it with you if you need to show it.

Manage Your Routine:

Going out may change your normal routine. Plan when you will take your medicine and do other important tasks. Talk with friends or family if you need help.

Be Realistic and Flexible:

Choose a plan you can manage. Have a backup plan if you get tired. It’s OK to change plans or go home early. Don't feel like you have failed if things don't go right. It happens to everyone at times and you are doing great.