Support for families

Please see below a list of supports that are available for families of children with additional support needs.

Venturing Out

https://www.venturingout.org.uk/asn-activities

To access this provision, your child must live in East Lothian and have an additional support need that prevents access to mainstream activities. For more information, and to register, contact claire@venturingout.org.uk

ELPA - Choose Play

https://elpa.org.uk/nd/

Choose Play are pleased to provide neurodivergent friendly play sessions for the whole family. These sessions are funded by East Lothian Council and are accessible, fun and sensory focussed. We currently run from Wallyford Community Centre which benefits from indoor and outdoor space to play. Parents and carers are welcome to relax, have a hot drink and benefit from peer support. Sessions are supported by friendly Play Workers who have experience in providing accessible play opportunities. 

Play opportunities will include things like den building, hammocks, water play, arts, crafts, and sensory play. Children will be able to help plan activities, themes and include their special interests. Sessions are open to any families with neurodivergent children, formal diagnosis is not required.

Contact nicola@elpa.org.uk for more information or click here to register your family. Once registered you will be sent further details of sessions and a link to book tickets. 

Sunday sessions – From Sunday 15th June we will run fortnightly from 11am-1.30pm with extra sessions during school holidays.

ELPA - Play Can

https://elpa.org.uk/playcan/

PlayCan is an exciting inclusive play project from Can Do and ELPA, funded by the Thrive Outdoors: Outdoor Community Play Fund. If you are looking to read more about the project, CLICK HERE. 

To stay informed about future PlayCan sessions please subscribe to our PlayCan mailing list here.

The Yard

https://theyardscotland.org.uk/get-support/our-centres/edinburgh/

Our Edinburgh centre is a haven for young adventurers. Zoom on go-karts, build sandcastles, splash in the water play area, or unwind on our sensory swing. Need a break? Head to our solar dome—a unique outdoor space! Indoors, get creative in the art room, explore the soft play, or relax in our sensory room. Everything is child-centred, with our staff guiding but letting play be led by your child. This encourages choice, friendship, and, most importantly, fun!

We’re here to support you, too. Connect with other families in a comfortable space, and enjoy a cuppa while your child plays.

The best way to experience what The Yard has to offer is to book a free taster session! Click on the following link to book a taster session: https://theyardscotland.org.uk/book-a-taster/

Branch Out Together

https://www.branchouttogether.org/services

Branch Out Together are the provider of social activities for children and young people with autism throughout Edinburgh and The Lothians. We offer a supportive and understanding learning environment, and weekly events where the children can try new activities that are stimulating and challenging.

Our aim is to provide children and young people a safe, secure and nurturing environment where they can make friends, have fun and be themselves. All of the Branch Out Together team are passionate about delivering services that are holistic and individual, allowing everyone to get the most out of each opportunity.